Chapter 85: Calculation

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Chapter Eighty-Five: Calculation

“Agui, what do you think now of this booklet, and of Ning Liheng?”

Dusk was falling as the sedan chair from the Prince Consort’s residence passed through the streets of Jiangning. After Kang Xian posed this question, Lu Agui pondered for a long while.

“In the past, I would have found it hard to make a decision, but after reading this booklet today, I believe Ning Liheng may indeed be a man of rare talent, one fit to manage the affairs of the world...”

“I think so as well,” Kang Xian sighed. “With just this one booklet, he touches on so many disciplines, showing how to manage, guide, and subtly influence people, so that the victims themselves can achieve effective results rather than being blindly suppressed. This is truly the learning of a true king. As for the theories on sanitation, they are not idle talk. When he spoke before of the study of things, he said one must first confirm that all facts have patterns, record similar incidents in an organized manner, compare and analyze the underlying reasons, and discover the objective causes and effects. One must not presume or accept the supernatural. Today, as he discussed sanitation, he gave many examples; perhaps these are conclusions drawn from his study of things...”

He thought for a moment. “Tonight, I must ponder further on how to present this booklet, and tomorrow I’ll discuss it with Lord Qin... Disaster relief is urgent now. Once things ease, Agui, I want you to gather all the doctors and medical officials you can, conduct a thorough integration, and compare the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of various illnesses. Do as Liheng suggests: understand how sanitation and other conditions affect disease, record everything seriously, and let all be based on facts. No idle speculation.”

“Yes, sir.”

“After the floods, disaster will follow, and some things can already be done. At each of our business locations, assign people to observe and keep records. This year, disasters are widespread. Lord Qin will distribute that booklet, and I’ll submit it to the court as well. Some will use it, some will not, and some will be perfunctory. Demand that they record the execution, the start and end of outbreaks, the number of days, circumstances after the outbreak. Make... what did Liheng call it... a ratio. If we can truly confirm that this method can stem epidemics, tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of lives will be saved... That is truly accumulating merit before the Buddha...”

“Yes, sir.”

“It’s a pity he’s unwilling to truly step forward and serve,” Kang Xian shook his head. “I’ve never trusted those who only theorize on paper. And as for the idea that he presented this booklet simply so that Lord Qin would adopt Nie Yunzhu as his sworn daughter and give her some protection—well, he has both the air of a scholar and the naiveté of a romantic. But Agui, do you believe it?”

“I do not,” Lu Agui considered. “Though Master Ning did have some utilitarian motives, the significance of this system is far beyond what a merchant could possibly need. With his current relationships with Lord Qin and yourself, if he needed a favor or two, it would be no trouble for you to render assistance. For ordinary business, even asking me would suffice. And Master Ning is hardly incompetent. Given the weight of this booklet, I think that, though these things may have crossed his mind, he likely presented it as an excuse to decline office.”

Kang Xian laughed. “Ha! Could it be that he himself does not think much of this little booklet?”

“Those who are truly modest do exist. Master Ning is naturally humble, but his judgment is always precise. If he really regarded these two matters as equivalent, it would be incomprehensible. Even if he owes Lord Qin a favor, he should recognize the value of this booklet—otherwise, he would not have so gravely instructed us not to mention his name.”

“Just so. But in any case, he only wishes to remain a son-in-law in Jiangning. In the Analects, the chapter ‘Wei Zi’, Zilu said: ‘A gentleman serves when he can practice what is right...’ He has a heart for seclusion, but is always busy with many affairs. His words can be extreme, but never angry. By presenting this booklet now, he shows concern for the common people; it is a thought hard to understand.”

“He worries for the people, yet is unwilling to enter government. Sir, could it be that he once offended some superior, was treated unjustly, and has become disillusioned with officialdom? To my ear, though Master Ning is young, when he talks about intrigue and scheming, he seems to speak from experience.”

Kang Xian nodded. “We haven’t looked closely before; have someone investigate this time. If he truly has offended someone... we’ll see when the time comes.”

“Yes, sir.”

The setting sun had grown magnificent in the distance. The sedan returned to the Prince Consort’s mansion. As they entered, a servant reported that the children of the Kang royal family were visiting and playing with the princess in the rear quarters. Kang Xian smiled and went in.

The word “princess” always evokes youth, but as Kang Xian’s wife, Princess Zhou Xuan was in fact already fifty-four this year. She was the emperor’s own aunt, once known for her talent, and after marrying Kang Xian, their relationship was harmonious and respectful. Though she now kept a low profile, because she and Kang Xian managed many businesses together—though not involved in politics—their influence within the royal family was considerable.

This couple, both neutral in politics and wealthy, were close to several other privileged royal family members nearby. For example, Zhou Yong’s children, Zhou Pei and Zhou Junwu, had come to play at the mansion today, bringing their own grandchildren to run about the gardens. His dignified and noble wife, Zhou Xuan, watched them with a smile from the pavilion. When she saw Kang Xian arrive, she said, “Husband, you’re home.” She poured him a cup of tea, and soon, the children came noisily running over.

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To be honest, among all these children, Kang Xian was most fond of Zhou Pei, who seemed like a little adult. The girl was indeed clever, far outshining his own grandchildren. As for Zhou Junwu, who was often bullied by his elder sister, he was more popular among Kang Xian’s own grandsons and granddaughters. Zhou Yong’s family truly had a fine pair of children. As soon as Kang Xian sat down, Zhou Pei came running over first.

“Grandfather Consort, Grandfather Consort!”

Her voice was sweet—a sure sign she was about to ask for something, and Kang Xian knew exactly what it was. This girl was remarkably capable; just days ago she had devised a method for calculating and distributing relief grain, which was thought-provoking. Knowing Kang Xian had talented people under him, she had brought it for his review, confident she could present it to her “Uncle Emperor.”

“Grandfather Consort, how did that thing turn out?”

The young lady smiled brightly. Kang Xian smiled back and praised her.

“...This method of allocation is quite thought-provoking, balancing efficiency in both increasing sources and saving costs. Several of the house accountants praised you as a prodigy. They made only a few small corrections. There are some details in the distribution between prefectures and counties that you may not know fully...”

He took out a booklet and explained the details. Indeed, they were only minor issues. When he finished, he produced another booklet. “But today, Grandfather also received another set of calculations and procedures. Its perspective is different from yours. Since you are so skilled, see if this one is feasible too, and give Grandfather your opinion.”

“Uh...” The prettily dressed young princess looked puzzled, then tilted her head. “All right!”

She picked up the booklet and began to read. “Towards the back,” Kang Xian guided her, then smiled and chatted quietly with his wife and grandchildren. Zhou Pei sat at the edge of the pavilion, frowning as she turned the pages, her brow furrowing even more as she read. Suddenly, she dashed to the study. Through the window, one could see the young girl searching for paper and pen, writing and drawing in deep concentration. Zhou Xuan noticed and turned to ask Kang Xian, “Husband, what did you show Pei’er?”

“It’s nothing, we’ll talk when she comes out,” Kang Xian replied cheerfully, then returned to playing with his grandsons. Zhou Junwu glanced at the study, a little puzzled. When the young girl finally emerged, she held the booklet with a somewhat dejected expression. She had already started from the beginning, read through it once, then went through it a second time before finally closing it and placing it beside Kang Xian. “Grandfather Consort, who wrote this?”

Kang Xian looked at her and thought for a moment before replying, “I shouldn’t say, but... Pei’er, if you swear to keep it secret, I’ll tell you. This is no joke. Think carefully—if you are sure you can keep this secret, I’ll tell you.”

Zhou Pei considered for some time, then solemnly raised her right hand.

The slanting sun cast its golden light on the eastern city wall, filling the courtyard with warmth. Soon, a low cry rose from the pavilion: “What? That barbarian?”

Little Junwu, who had come over, heard his sister and asked in confusion, “Barbarian? Sister, what has Ning Liheng done now?” Since the Dragon Boat Festival, his sister had taken a dislike to the top scholar and called him “the barbarian.”

Zhou Pei glared at him. “Go away.”

“I’m a young prince too, you know. You can’t just...” Some siblings watched from a distance. Junwu decided to protest, but when he saw his sister’s eyes, he turned tail and ran off.

“Oh...”

As for Ning Yi, the gifts he sent to Elder Qin and Elder Kang were, of course, far from simple. He was moved by compassion for the disaster victims, and helping them was part of it, but the primary motive was to help Elder Qin adopt Nie Yunzhu as his sworn daughter. Though Kang Xian and Lu Agui might have thought the effort and reward were not balanced, Ning Yi saw things differently—he had many more reasons.

Since the incident with Gu Yanzhen, as he made his way back, he paid close attention to every change. Finding Nie Yunzhu a protector was not just to keep her from future trouble with men like Gu Yanzhen, nor simply to aid her in business, though those were part of it. Another reason was that he noticed the constables had started questioning Li Pin and Nie Yunzhu about Gu Yanzhen.

He met with Nie Yunzhu only briefly before dawn each day, and otherwise rarely saw her, but police methods could not be underestimated. There was a real chance they might trace things to him through Nie Yunzhu. Even if Gu Yanzhen died without revealing the truth, if anyone knew Gu Yanzhen had hired men to kidnap him, then, having killed Gu Yanzhen in self-defense, with the importance of this disaster relief booklet, he now had a solid insurance policy.

Securing that insurance, satisfying the patriotic aims of Elder Qin and Elder Kang, paving the way for Nie Yunzhu’s future, and ensuring his own peaceful life—this was the best outcome. As a businessman, he believed in equivalent exchange; in this move, everyone benefited, and no one owed anyone else. It was good—helping others also appeased his conscience. If this year fewer people died of disease or hunger, what harm was there in offering a little to benefit the world?

He had not yet mentioned to Nie Yunzhu the matter of finding her a godfather and was unsure what she would think. He supposed he would discuss it with her in the morning. He had only known she was born to a well-off official family, and with Qin Siyuan’s good nature, she would not be mistreated. Of course, if she were unwilling, he would help her refuse Qin Siyuan.

He was still turning over these matters in his mind. As he returned home at dusk, he happened to glimpse Xiao Chan talking anxiously with a man in a small courtyard by the gate. She seemed worried, but at dinner, though she was busy, he thought little of it. Xiao Chan often had things to manage around the house, sometimes urgently, but she always handled them well. It was only later, when the family gathered in the sitting room to chat and play chess, that he noticed something amiss. The young girl sat in a corner, head down, stitching soles, her muffled voice drifting over occasionally. Ning Yi watched her for a while, then called, “Xiao Chan, come here a moment.”

“Yes, Young Master, what is it?” Xiao Chan replied cheerfully, head bowed as she approached. Ning Yi reached out and wiped her face, realizing her eyes were damp. He exchanged a glance with Su Tan’er. She put down her ledger, came over to look, and gently pulled Xiao Chan over to sit beside her. “Chan’er, what’s wrong? What’s happened?”

“Someone from my family came this afternoon... my father passed away two days ago...” Xiao Chan bit her lip and finally burst into tears. “I... I wanted to ask for time off to go back, but Miss has been so busy lately...”

The room fell into silence.

“You kept this to yourself? I’ll... oh, I’ll send Chief Steward Chang with you. Why should a maid worry about the household’s affairs?” Su Tan’er hugged her, then glared, her voice a little sharp.

“But Chief Steward Chang is busy too. If the city gates close, neither of us would be able to get back...”

Chief Steward Chang was the highest-ranked manager in the main house, so sending him along showed how much the Su family valued Chan’er. Of course, such formality was not strictly necessary, but Su Tan’er and the maids had grown up together, as close as sisters, and Chan’er managed the household well. Su Tan’er shook her head.

“I told you not to worry about these things. Chan’er, just go home in peace, bury Uncle, and take care of everything before returning. We’re as close as sisters—if not for recent events, I would go back with you myself.”

“Miss...” Chan’er was now sobbing, and Juan’er and Xing’er, with reddened eyes, came over to comfort her.

Ning Yi thought for a moment. “Then... let me accompany Xiao Chan back.”

Xiao Chan turned, wiping her tears. “Young Master...”

“Xiao Chan has taken care of me for so long. Chief Steward Chang is busy, and Tan’er can’t go. I’m idle enough. Let me go with you—it’s only right, don’t you think?”

There was a brief silence. Xiao Chan kept wiping her tears, but they would not stop; she was deeply moved. “Young Master... you can’t go, your hand isn’t healed yet...”

Su Tan’er, still holding Chan’er, exchanged a smile with Ning Yi, then nodded slightly, touching her cheek to Chan’er’s. “That’s fine—then I’ll have to trouble my husband to make the trip. Take Guard Geng along. With refugees still coming, both of you must be careful on the road...”

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