Chapter 363: Chapter 364: Descendants of the Cao Family

Ancient Wen Heng continued, "I imagine Mr. Cao knows that my wife runs a small business. She has cultivated some rather capable shopkeepers."

Cao Xiangqian was speechless. ’Does he really take me for an uncultured brute? She’s an Imperial Merchant, and he calls it a "small business"?’

Ancient Wen Heng added, "When it comes to arithmetic, my wife is my equal. She also personally trained all those shopkeepers. If the young masters of your house are willing, they could go and learn from the shopkeepers for a time."

This Minister Cao before him meant no harm, but if word got out that he was personally teaching arithmetic to the young masters of the Minister’s Mansion, it would surely lead to malicious speculation.

"That’s wonderful!" Cao Xiangqian stood up in excitement. In his view, there was no distinction between scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Being able to feed and support your family—that was real skill.

Everyone in Shangjing knew that the useful soaps and scented bars that were sweeping the nation all came from the hands of the Champion Scholar’s Wife.

Her ability to build an entire industry so quickly and make it thrive was not to be underestimated.

’If those little rascals of mine can learn a thing or two, it’ll benefit them for the rest of their lives.’

"Tomorrow, I’ll have them bring apprenticeship gifts and pay you a visit." Cao Xiangqian was eager to settle the matter. "And don’t limit them to arithmetic. They can even work as waiters."

Ancient Wen Heng heard the word "waiter" several times and couldn’t understand why Mr. Cao was so fixated on it.

Only after meeting the Cao Family’s children did he learn that when Cao Xiangqian was young, his greatest dream had been to become a waiter.

But by a twist of fate, he had ended up following the late Emperor around, helped establish the new dynasty, and somehow landed the position of First-Grade Minister.

Yet deep down, he still stubbornly believed that being a waiter was a reliable way to support a family.

＆

"This many people came?" Jin Qianqian asked in surprise, looking to Housekeeper Fu for confirmation. "Didn’t the Master say it would just be some of Mr. Cao’s children? How are there more than twenty of them?"

Housekeeper Fu lowered his head, doing his best to stifle a laugh. "Some of them came with their fathers."

Thinking of the masters and young masters waiting obediently in the side hall, Housekeeper Fu was beginning to understand why the Minister was so keen on finding them a different path in life.

When Jin Qianqian met them, a single impression flashed through her mind: simple and honest.

The leader of the group, Cao Lijia, bowed to Jin Qianqian along with his younger brothers and nephews, then introduced them one by one.

Only then did Jin Qianqian realize that Mr. Cao had herded all of his grandsons and great-grandsons over to her.

’Luckily, he had the sense not to send the children under ten. Otherwise, I’d think I was being asked to open a nursery.’

Jin Qianqian turned to look at Hu Dong, who was standing off to the side enjoying the show. ’This guy spends all his time wandering from shop to shop. He seems to have too much free time. Maybe I should find something for him to do?’

Hu Dong froze. ’...Something feels off. Maybe I should make a run for it?’

Jin Qianqian spoke up before he could move a muscle. "Manager Hu, how about you take on a few more disciples and grand-disciples?"

Hu Dong waved his hands frantically. "Have you forgotten, Madam? I’m currently taking medicine to recover my health. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be up to the task."

Jin Qianqian replied, "In that case, don’t trouble yourself with the shops anymore. Just focus on recuperating peacefully here at the residence."

Hu Dong’s eyes darted, and his expression immediately changed to a wide smile. "Actually, I just need to take my medicine on time. I can definitely still spare some time to guide them.

But are all these people really planning to study arithmetic??"

Cao Lijia gave an honest smile. "Not at all. We’re willing to learn anything. My grandfather said as long as we can learn to support ourselves and not starve to death, he’ll be happy."

The bar seemed low, but it was actually a difficult request. Of the countless trades in the world, who could possibly make such a guarantee?

Jin Qianqian didn’t think it was wise to have so many people crammed together learning the same thing. She said to Hu Dong, "For now, assign them to the different shops. A few of the new locations are very busy, so they can go lend a hand. Let the shopkeepers and staff guide them."

Then she turned to Cao Lijia and the others. "You all can read and write, correct?"

Cao Lijia hesitated for a moment before nodding, his face flushing. "We can read and write, but we can’t compose essays."

"...That’s perfectly fine," Jin Qianqian said. "From now on, come here early in the morning, and I’ll have Manager Hu make time to teach you arithmetic. In the afternoons, you’ll go to the shops to help out. Of course, you won’t be working for free. I will pay you a wage according to your work."

"We couldn’t possibly accept that! We don’t need wages. Just having a place to be is enough." Cao Lijia waved his hands in refusal. Regardless of whether they succeeded in learning anything, at least they wouldn’t have to spend all day at home getting scolded.

Jin Qianqian was starting to understand why Minister Cao wanted to make arrangements for these men in advance. ’If they were my relatives,’ she thought, ’I’d probably have an even bigger headache.’

After Hu Dong led the men away, Jin Qianqian hurried over to review her dossier on Minister Cao.

Previously, she had only focused on the officials’ dispositions and connections, never delving too deeply into the state of their families and descendants.

Cao Xiangqian had married two wives and fathered eleven sons. Then came the endless tide of children and grandchildren. How could the clan not be massive?

Jin Qianqian couldn’t help but be impressed by the fertility of people from this era. ’Talk about having many children and grandchildren.’

’Poor Minister Cao,’ Jin Qianqian thought, sympathizing with him for a brief moment. ’Other than him, the entire family hasn’t produced a single other prominent figure. Just a few of them hold minor posts in the military. It’s a wonder he can even hold this massive clan together.’

What she found even more astonishing was that they were all crammed into the Minister’s Mansion. ’They must have several people sharing a single room,’ she mused.

She instructed Qingzhu, who was standing nearby, "In a moment, have Housekeeper Fu speak with the shopkeepers. Tell them to observe these men and see what they might be suited for. They shouldn’t be restricted from any tasks in the shop, big or small.

Whatever it is, let them try it. If they happen to find something they’re interested in, then half the battle is won."

"Madam, Third Young Madam Huang is here to see you," Lichun reported, walking over.

’Lost her patience this quickly?’ Jin Qianqian had expected them to visit, but she hadn’t thought it would be so soon.

"Tell her I’m busy." Jin Qianqian stood and walked into the courtyard; looking at the flowers and plants in the rear garden was a much more pleasant prospect.

When she heard that Jin Qianqian was busy, Xiao Shi Yu’s expression turned grim for a moment. She still had her maidservant press a small pouch into the attendant’s hand. "Please, announce me again. Just say I have urgent business with her."

The gatekeeper pushed the pouch back. "I cannot enter the rear courtyards. I must ask you to leave, Madam."

"Then please deliver this calling card for me. I will return tomorrow." Xiao Shi Yu had no choice but to take the card from her maid’s hand; it was her backup plan.

The gatekeeper accepted the calling card. Filled with unwilling resentment, Xiao Shi Yu had no choice but to turn and leave.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.