Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

Manager Zhou was getting restless.

Liu Wenying examined the accounts extremely quickly and with precise eyesight.

Several vague points that he thought he had made were pointed out and questioned by her.

"On the eighth day of the fifth month, one hundred shi of top-quality japonica rice were purchased, with the market price recorded at one tael and two mace per shi. However, the same quality japonica rice at Taifeng Store in the East Market was listed at only one tael and one mace and five fen at the same time. What is the reason for the price difference?"

On June 12th, fifty shi of aged rice were sold to Liu's wine shop, and the price was recorded as second-grade rice, seven qian per shi.

However, the warehouse inventory records show no corresponding outflow of inferior rice for the same period, and Liu's family only uses new rice for brewing. This account seems inconsistent.

He asked questions one after another, speaking calmly and hitting the nail on the head with every sentence.

Furthermore, there is corroborating evidence or doubts to support this claim; it is not just empty talk.

Shopkeeper Zhou's forehead began to sweat. He put down his teacup and tried to explain.

"My lady, you may not know this, but rice prices fluctuate. Taifeng Company may have just happened to be having a promotion that day."

As for Liu's entry, perhaps the clerk misrecorded the warehouse batch number.

"Market price fluctuations should be supported by comparison records with competitors, and promotions should also be documented."

Liu Wenying interrupted him, her clear gaze sweeping over him.

"As for the warehouse batches, how could the clerk have made a mistake with a large shipment of fifty shi (a unit of dry measure)? And how could the manager have missed it during the verification process?"

Manager Zhou felt a chill run down his spine under her gaze, realizing he had met a tough opponent.

She is not only knowledgeable about accounts, but also extremely meticulous, and she cannot tolerate any wrongdoing.

"Look at doing business, how can every account be so clear and without any mistakes?"

Sometimes, it's for the sake of the shop's cash flow or to manage personal relationships; there's bound to be some...flexibility involved.

He forced a smile, softened his tone, and began to plead.

"We're all just working for the master, making a living isn't easy, why be so serious? Go back and say a few good words to the madam, tell her everything is normal, we'll remember your kindness and repay you in the future."

He was practically implying that he wanted Liu Wenying to be lenient and do him a favor.

Liu Wenying closed the ledger, her eyes turning cold.

"The First Madam entrusted me with the task of auditing the accounts, which means she trusts me to clarify the accounts. Unclear accounts are tantamount to deceiving the master, and unclear losses are suspected of embezzlement."

I'm here to audit the accounts, so I must live up to the Madam's trust. The word "flexible" shouldn't be used to describe muddled accounts.

With his attempts to offer favors and conveniences blocked, Manager Zhou's fake smile crumbled, replaced by anger and embarrassment.

"You're so young, yet you speak so arrogantly! I've been the manager of Fengyu for over a decade, handling tens of thousands of taels of silver and grain. Do you think I know less about business than a mere girl like you?"

"Minor discrepancies are perfectly normal in business; why are you making such a fuss? To put it bluntly, you're just a servant girl, worrying about things that belong to your master. You're meddling way too much!"

So be it. Without any evidence, even if the matter is brought to the master's door, he doesn't believe that the first wife would abandon him, an old man of more than ten years, and instead favor a newcomer.

The two were on the verge of exchanging blows, and several of the workers stopped what they were doing and secretly watched them.

Liu Wenying was also angered by his repeated disrespect and was about to retort.

"Oh."

A casual, light snort suddenly cut in.

Pei Yaojun, who had been leaning against the door as if watching the commotion from the sidelines, strolled over to the counter.

He glanced sideways at the shopkeeper behind the counter; such a person didn't deserve his attention.

"Manager Zhou, right? You think she's just a young maid, inexperienced and can't boss you around, right?"

Manager Zhou felt a chill run down his spine from his gaze, and cold sweat poured down his back.

It dawned on me then that he had come in with Liu Wenying, so could he also be from the Duke's mansion?

"That……"

Pei Yaojun leaned forward, his eyes cold.

"Does my word carry enough weight? Can I command you?"

The words fell like ice beads hitting the ground.

Manager Zhou was intimidated by Pei Yaojun's arrogant yet authoritative aura, and his heart was filled with doubt and uncertainty.

He had worked in the Pei family's shops for many years and only knew that the shops were managed by the First Madam, Wen Jingshu.

Inspecting and reconciling accounts is something that has always been done by the mistress or the head maid; there has never been a precedent of the male master getting involved.

But the young man before them was dressed in fine clothes, had an extraordinary bearing, and spoke with an innate air of nobility.

Just as he was secretly wondering, he heard Liu Wenying turn to the side and respectfully call out, "Third Master."

Third Master!

Manager Zhou's mind went blank, his legs went weak, and he almost knelt down on the spot.

Although he had never met the third master of the Duke's mansion in person, his reputation was well-known throughout the capital.

The third master of the Pei family is willful, capricious, and comes from a prominent family, making him someone you absolutely cannot afford to offend!

"Oh, so it's Third Master! This old man was blind and failed to greet you properly. My apologies! My apologies!"

The arrogance and embarrassment he had shown when challenging Liu Wenying vanished instantly. Manager Zhou ran out from behind the counter, bowing deeply, almost bending over to the ground.

"Third Master, please forgive me! I was just confused and spoke without thinking! I deserve a beating! I deserve a beating!"

As he spoke, he made a gesture as if he were about to slap himself.

Pei Yaojun, however, had lost interest in watching his performance.

"Alright, enough with the pretense. She's here on the orders of the First Madam to audit the accounts. Just cooperate. If you try anything funny again..."

He didn't finish speaking, but how could Manager Zhou not understand the threat implied in his words?

"Yes, yes, yes! This old man will cooperate fully! Without a second thought!"

With Pei Yaojun, this formidable figure, in charge, the subsequent auditing process became exceptionally smooth.

Manager Zhou dared not play any tricks again, and answered whatever Liu Wenying asked.

If any documents or vouchers are needed, he will immediately do so himself or urge his staff to do so.

The necessary vouchers were provided, and the accounts were adjusted accordingly; the attitude was impeccably sincere.

Liu Wenying understood, but said nothing more and focused on doing her job well.

About half an hour later, the accounts were basically cleared up.

Liu Wenying said, "Let's stop here for today. I will truthfully report the previous doubts and remedies to the Madam. I hope Manager Zhou will keep clear accounts in the future."

"My wife is right. This old man will certainly remember this and never do it again!"

Manager Zhou repeatedly assured them and personally escorted Liu Wenying and Pei Yaojun to the shop entrance, bowing deeply as he saw them off, his posture extremely humble.

Stepping out of the Fengyu, the sun outside was still blazing.

Having finished her errand, Liu Wenying felt a little relieved. She was just thinking about how to part ways with the uninvited Third Master, whether to go straight back to the manor or what.

Pei Yaojun spoke first: "Is the matter settled?"

To be honest, he helped her a lot. If he hadn't intervened, Liu Wenying would probably have had to deal with the shopkeeper for a long time.

Having received the favor, Liu Wenying's attitude became even more respectful. "Yes, thank you, Third Master."

Pei Yaojun wanted to say something more, but his attention was drawn to the bustling scene in the market.

…………