Volume One, Chapter 19: The Person Who Hollowed Out the Qin Family
When Princess Caiwei saw her mother inquire about Qin Bao, she immediately understood—the Empress had come to see Qin Bao. Otherwise, why would she make the trip? A sense of unease stirred in Caiwei’s heart, but she feigned composure and introduced, “This is Qin Bao, the novelist who signed a contract with Jade Sea Pavilion, and also the representative of Liang at the Four Nations Literary Conference. Lastly, he is my business partner.”
“A business partner?” Empress Sun asked with a gentle smile.
Caiwei’s heart tightened; she hurried to reply, “Of course, just a business partner.”
Empress Sun nodded, her gaze settling on Qin Bao. She spoke seriously, “The Empress cares deeply for the princess but is too occupied with affairs to come herself, so she entrusted me to look in on you.”
“The princess is a woman, yet she does not learn embroidery, feminine crafts, etiquette, or the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Instead, she devotes herself to commerce, thinking only of profit.”
“Master Qin, do you think this is proper?”
Caiwei furrowed her brow, anxiety gripping her. She dared not let anything go wrong. If Qin Bao’s answer displeased her mother, she would surely be subjected to stricter control.
Qin Bao replied in an unhurried manner, “Your Grace, I do not believe that a woman who learns embroidery and etiquette is necessarily good.”
“Your Grace’s status is noble, your vision broad, and your experience vast. You surely know that among noble families, there are matriarchs proficient in the arts, whose words are honeyed but hearts venomous.”
“There are also concubines skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and embroidery, yet with cruel dispositions.”
“A woman’s worth should not be measured by her mastery of crafts or arts, but by her heart.”
“If she is filial, that is enough.”
“The princess is devoted to her parents, striving always to share the Emperor’s burdens. Of the many filial children in the realm, few can compare to her.”
“In managing her enterprises, though she pursues profit, she employs the common people, ensuring they are fed and clothed. This shows her compassion.”
Qin Bao sighed with admiration, “In my view, the princess is a heroine, no less capable than any man.”
Caiwei’s eyes instantly brightened.
Young Master Qin, you understand me!
For a moment, joy bloomed in her heart; it was as though she had found a kindred spirit.
Empress Sun was somewhat surprised, not expecting Qin Bao to speak so eloquently. She had judged many people and could discern the truth in his words. Her appreciation for Qin Bao grew, and she laughed softly, “You certainly know how to speak.”
Qin Bao replied earnestly, “Your Grace, I speak only the truth.”
“Forgive me for any boldness, but you come from a noble lineage, with two sons and a daughter. The Crown Prince is benevolent and steady, Prince Kang is loyal and brave, and the princess is filial. Your Grace is skilled in raising children.”
“Children raised by such a mother could not possibly go astray.”
“It is because you love your children that you worry so much and have come to see for yourself. In truth, the princess is wise and capable; there is no need for concern.”
Qin Bao cupped his hands respectfully, “If I have spoken out of turn, I beg your Grace’s pardon.”
A smile finally softened the Empress’s well-maintained features.
Her greatest pride in life was having raised two sons and a daughter.
Her eldest was the Crown Prince—benevolent and steady, but not pedantic. Her second son, Prince Kang, was devoted to martial pursuits, fighting bravely for the nation on the battlefield—a true man of valor. Her daughter, though yet unmarried, was never arrogant or lavish.
She nodded slightly and said, “Your words are true. I will report them to the Empress. You two may continue discussing your business matters; I shall return to the palace to give my account.”
Caiwei breathed a sigh of relief. “Farewell, Your Grace.”
Qin Bao said, “I respectfully send Your Grace off.”
Only after Empress Sun departed did Caiwei exhale deeply.
Qin Bao watched her anxious demeanor and smiled, “Princess, why are you so nervous? She’s merely an empress, not the Empress herself.”
Caiwei chuckled, “You’re right.”
She was grateful indeed.
Thankfully, Qin Bao hadn’t recognized her mother’s true identity—it would have been far too awkward otherwise.
Returning to the main topic, Caiwei continued, “Let’s proceed. According to your strategy, I’ll invite the noble ladies of Xianyang to a banquet and use the opportunity to promote cloud brocade. This involves designing dress styles, so we’ll need someone for that.”
Qin Bao replied, “Princess, gather some styles, and I’ll brainstorm as well. For now, the key is recruiting talent. Without enough master craftsmen and apprentices, we can’t expand production. I’ll try to bring some people from the Qin family over.”
Caiwei nodded, “Rest assured, I’ll recruit more skilled weavers.”
With matters settled, they each went their separate ways.
Qin Bao returned to Emerald Grove. He had barely caught his breath when Wang Shisan arrived to report, “Master, a manager from the Qin family seeks an audience. His name is He Qingsong. I’ve arranged for him to wait in the side hall.”
Qin Bao’s eyes lit up.
He Qingsong was the chief manager of the Qin family, responsible for the dye and weaving workshops, and highly capable. When Qin Bao was still at the Qin family, He Qingsong handled sales and personnel, while Qin Bao oversaw craftsmanship and weaving—they cooperated seamlessly.
He Qingsong was the pillar of the Qin family’s business.
Why had he come?
Could it be that Qin Youde had caused more trouble?
Anticipation stirred in Qin Bao’s heart; he smiled, “I understand. I’ll go at once.”
He made his way to the side hall where He Qingsong waited. As soon as he entered, he greeted warmly, “I was out on business and only just returned. Thank you for waiting, Manager He.”
He Qingsong, nearly forty, was slightly overweight, his eyes red-rimmed and circled with heavy shadows—a clear sign of worry and sleepless nights.
He rose to salute, “Young Master.”
“Sit, let’s talk.”
Qin Bao motioned him to sit and spoke calmly, “It’s been a while, Manager He. You look worn. Is something troubling you?”
“Alas…”
He Qingsong sighed, his expression resigned. “When you managed the Qin family’s affairs, the weaving and dye workshops ran smoothly, and the shop’s business prospered.”
“After you left, Qin Youde took over the family’s business.”
“He first cut the raw materials for Rain Silk brocade and dyes, making the fabric inferior and the colors dull.”
“Then, he reduced everyone’s monthly wages—three tenths for ordinary apprentices, two tenths for shop managers.”
“And for me, four tenths.”
He Qingsong’s face was filled with indignation. “Qin Youde’s reckless actions have turned the Qin family into a den of complaints; morale is shattered, and no one wants to work.”
Qin Bao was even more amused.
He feared not a strong enemy, but a foolish ally. His unreliable father had found himself just such an ally.
Qin Youde was doing splendidly.
Qin Bao pondered He Qingsong’s purpose and probed, “Have you come today hoping I’ll return to the Qin family?”
“No!” He Qingsong shook his head and explained, “I heard that Master Chen and Hu Ankang have joined you and started working.”
“You’re running dye and weaving workshops again. Would you be willing to take me in?”
“I don’t ask for a high wage—even if it’s reduced by four tenths, I’d still gladly work for you.”
“Working with you is simply more comfortable.”
Qin Bao smiled, “I’d be delighted for you to join me, Manager He. Your monthly wage will remain as before, unchanged. If you do well, I’ll give your son an opportunity. I’m currently working for Princess Changle—if the business prospers, arranging a light post for your son will be easy.”
He Qingsong’s breathing quickened.
To work for the princess—what a tremendous opportunity! Even the ancestors would rejoice.
He Qingsong declared loudly, “Rest assured, Master, I’ll work diligently. I’ll return at once, pack my things, and leave the Qin family. I’ve long wanted to escape its chaos.”
Qin Bao held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t rush, listen to me first.”
He Qingsong replied, “Please, Master, go ahead.”
Qin Bao continued, “Because of Qin Youde’s reckless actions, morale at the Qin family is low—many are ready to leave.”
“Coincidentally, the princess’s dye and weaving workshops need many skilled hands.”
“Manager He, reach out to them. Anyone willing to come, I’ll take in.”
“I can’t promise lavish pay, but I can guarantee a comfortable working environment—no arbitrary wage cuts, no random beatings.”
He Qingsong rejoiced, “Without you, we’d all be bullied. With you, we have justice. You are truly righteous, Master!”
Qin Bao said, “Go ahead.”
He Qingsong saluted and left in high spirits, ready to start recruiting.
If Qin Youde is unjust, he cannot blame others for their disloyalty.
Qin Bao watched He Qingsong’s departing figure, full of anticipation. Now that Qin Youde had ruined the Qin family’s weaving and dye workshops, how furious would Qin Sheng be?
If the Seven Wolves aren’t involved, it would be a waste of all his efforts to stir things up.