A Tale of Golden Heiress: Lady Wanjin - Chapter 29

Young Master Wen swiftly drew vertical and horizontal lines to form a table, then wrote headings such as “Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches,” “Recipient,” “Matter,” and “Signature” in the top row. Manager Zhu finally caught on—this was meant to be a withdrawal record.

Since Young Master Wen was creating the table, the repayment matter was clearly set in stone.

Soon, Aunt Liu brought the account books and, following Wen Wan’s instructions, stacked plump, round silver ingots into a small mountain on a tray. The managers’ eyes nearly popped out at the sight.

Everyone suddenly found Young Master Wen’s face… unprecedentedly… pleasing to the eye.

Perhaps Wen Weiming handing over this business to Wen Wan wasn’t such a bad choice after all.

Wen Wan gently set down the reed pen, her expression calm, though a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Everyone, why are you just standing there? Bring out your proof of claim.”

Soon enough.

The manager of the restaurant hesitantly stepped forward with the credit bills owed by Shi Jinquan.

“Every time Shi Jinquan hosted banquets, he charged them to Manager Wen’s account. Last year, I sent someone to the Wen residence to verify, and Manager Wen agreed to it. This year, Shi Jinquan has dined at our establishment fifty-eight times, totaling sixty-three taels and six mace of silver.”

Wen Wan was stunned.

“I remember, the seventh day of the second month was his birthday,” Aunt Liu pointed to a date on the bill and explained to Wen Wan. “His birthday is just one day apart from Wen Jing’s.”

On special occasions like the seventh day of the second month, Lantern Festival, Cold Food Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival—days when one should ideally return home to reunite with family—Shi Jinquan’s signature invariably appeared on the bills.

The manager seemed somewhat guilty. “I didn’t falsify the accounts. That Shi Jinquan always gathered friends and relatives for feasts, signing and stamping every time. If I hadn’t thought he was backed by the Wen family, why would I have allowed him to charge every meal on credit? Young Master Wen, you can’t welch on this.”

Wen Wan clenched her jaw and said coldly, “Hongmei, fetch sixty-three taels and six mace!”

The restaurant manager beamed, bowing repeatedly to her. “Young Master Wen is magnanimous—bound to make a great fortune.”

Forget making a fortune for now; someone save this child’s sanity.

Some came forward with proof to collect their money, but others noticed the line of text beside the signature and stamp, “I attest to the authenticity of this proof. If violated, tenfold compensation.” Someone asked, “Young Miss Wen, what… what does this mean?”

Wen Wan responded with a smile, “Naturally, it’s to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage by forging Shi Jinquan’s signature to swindle our family’s money. After all, Shi Jinquan will soon be apprehended. When that happens, I’ll take this list to track down those who kick us when we’re down.”

Her smile grew even more sincere. “Of course, this measure is only to guard against villains. Manager Zhu… you… would never deceive me.”

Manager Zhu wiped the sweat from his brow. “This is absolutely genuine proof—I stake my life on it.”

Wen Wan smiled wryly.

She watched helplessly as Manager Zhu took half of the silver from the tray.

Of the five hundred taels in assets—including the three hundred taels supported by Old Master Wen—more than half had already been spent.

Wen Wan finally understood the meaning of “heart-wrenching pain.”

The village chief of Hexiang Village also came to collect wages.

Before leaving, he clutched the silver, looking ashamed, and said in a half-concealed tone, “Since Young Master Wen is so forthright, I, Old Li, will be straightforward too. Today’s incident… sigh… was never my intention. I just couldn’t resist those who kept fanning the flames.”

The young lady looked up from the accounts, squinting with a smile. “Thank you for the reminder, Village Chief Li.”

Village Chief Li paused. Seeing no surprise on Wen Wan’s face and that she did not press further, he realized this young lady likely had her own understanding of the situation. “Since Manager Wen is aware of the circumstances, I won’t say more. I’ve disturbed your happy occasion today—my apologies. Another day, when you come to Hexiang Village, I’ll host a meal to make amends.”

Soon, the managers came one after another to settle accounts. Wen Wan watched as the small pile of silver dwindled to almost nothing.

Fortunately, after all the managers had finished exchanging their dues, a small amount of scattered silver remained. Hongmei weighed it on a small scale, her face filled with worry. “Miss, the total payout was seven hundred sixty-five taels and three mace. Only thirty-two taels are left.”

Aunt Liu quickly whispered a reminder, “The three hundred taels I have haven’t been touched yet.”

Seven hundred sixty taels—along with completely depleting Old Master Wen’s reserves.

Aside from Shi Jinquan of the tavern who had freeloaded without paying, the accounts from the other managers were clear and all related to the winery’s specific needs. This expenditure wasn’t entirely unjustified.

But three hundred thirty-two taels was far from enough.

With autumn harvest approaching, the millet would soon be at the late wax-ripening stage. Purchasing raw materials for Bifang Wine was urgent—this was the winery’s largest annual expense.

If they missed the autumn harvest, they would have to wait another six months, meaning the Wen Family Winery would have no wine to brew for the latter half of the year.

Wen Wan calculated that they would need at least a thousand taels or more.

Seeing everyone’s worried expressions, Wen Wan smiled reassuringly. “As long as the green hills remain, we’ll never lack firewood. Tomorrow, I’ll go up the mountain to gather some.”

Just then, Old Master Wen managed to break away from the front courtyard and entered the room. His eyes fell on the few scattered silver ingots left on the tray, and a last flicker of hope rose in his heart. “How much is left?”

Wen Wan gestured with her chin toward the tray.

Old Master Wen clutched his chest, his face crestfallen. Aunt Liu, alarmed, helped him sit down. “Don’t worry, Master. I still have three hundred taels.”

Old Master Wen knew three hundred taels was a drop in the bucket, but he forced a weak smile. “It’s alright. It’s just that today’s wedding banquet didn’t turn out as beautifully as hoped. The most important event in one’s life—” He glanced guiltily at Wen Wan. “I’ve burdened you.”

Wen Wan smiled. “Father, leaving me with this much silver is no burden. Money is merely external. As long as you’re healthy, we’ll earn it all back sooner or later!”

Aunt Liu also comforted him, “At worst, we still have two houses. As long as we get through this difficult period, things will improve.”

Old Master Wen’s expression eased. Seeing no worry on Wen Wan’s face and that she was unbothered by gossip, he reflected that he, despite his age, was less resilient and steady than his daughter. He straightened his back slightly and shared the news he had gathered with Wen Wan. “What happened today… was no accident.”

Wen Weiming, after all his years in business, was sharp-minded. “I just pulled Manager Li aside and plied him with two cups of wine. Though he was vague, he revealed that someone masterminded today’s incident.”

Wen Wan added, “Shi Jinquan hasn’t been gone for more than a couple of days. They acted quickly.”

Wen Weiming chided her gently, “If you knew Shi Jinquan had run away, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Father, I only found out last night. I thought we could at least get through the wedding banquet peacefully today. Besides, I’ve already asked Second Master Tu to look into this matter. I just didn’t expect them to cause trouble at the wedding banquet. It’s clear the person behind this holds a deep grudge against our family. Do you have any suspects in mind?”

Wen Weiming understood that his daughter had kept it from him out of concern for his health. Seeing how calmly and methodically Wen Wan handled the situation, he felt deeply comforted. But as for who held a grudge against the Wen family—

“There have been minor disputes, but never any personal enmity of this sort.”

Wen Wan wondered if it could be the Qi family.

But if it were the Qi family, the managers wouldn’t have helped cover it up. This suggested the opponent held considerable influence in Ping County at the very least.

Never mind, no use overthinking it.

At least they still had over three hundred taels—it wasn’t plenty, but it was better than nothing. With this money, making a comeback wasn’t an impossible task.

Besides, today was her wedding day!

She still had to get married first!

(End of Chapter)