The servants brought up two large half-meter-long redwood boxes.
When opened, they were remarkably filled with neatly arranged gold bars.
The dazzling sight nearly blinded Bai Zhi’er.
The little one waved his tiny hand: "Oh, no! I can’t take Fourth Brother’s money. Zhi’er wants to earn silver on my own. It’s useful!"
The Princely Heir Bai Daoyan had a graceful smile, his presence distinguished.
He wore a ruby of excellent quality on his index finger and, hearing this, lightly tapped the table.
"I understand my sister’s meaning. Two boxes aren’t enough, correct? Bring another two boxes over!"
Bai Zhi’er’s eyes widened as she quickly jumped off the stool, spreading her arms to block the doorway, not allowing the servants to leave.
"Fourth Brother!" The little one stomped her foot anxiously.
Helplessly, she simply explained the reason.
Bai Daoyan initially wore a spoiling smile.
Until he heard that Marquis Wan had contributed money to buy the Wang Family’s Hundred years old ginseng for his sister, a cold and somewhat astonished expression appeared on Bai Daoyan’s face.
"Would Marquis Wan be so kind?"
Bai Zhi nodded her small head: "Brother Fu Ce only seems fierce, but he’s actually very nice."
"And also, he surely doesn’t have much money. He fronted so much silver at once. If Zhi’er doesn’t repay him, he might end up eating gruel and wild greens!"
Bai Daoyan forced a smile.
Would Marquis Wan be poor?
As far as Bai Daoyan knew, Bai Xilie had rewarded Feng Fuce with plenty.
It was said that in just the Capital, Feng Fuce owned six large estates.
The Brocade Armor Shura Guard engaged in the grim business of assassinations, licking blood off their blades, yet they also made money.
They regularly confiscated the homes of traitors and villains. Even the ordinary Xiuluo Guard received a monthly salary comparable to a fifth rank official, about fifty taels of silver a month, not including the bribes and conciliations from subordinates.
The personal wealth amassed by Marquis Wan certainly wouldn’t be little.
A mere two thousand taels might just be the surplus from confiscating a single household for him.
After thoughtful consideration, Bai Daoyan seriously nodded.
"What my sister said is indeed correct. Marquis Wan is not related to us, so we really shouldn’t owe him anything."
Seeing Bai Zhi’er insist on making her own money, he agreed to handle the matter of the formula.
"Rest assured, Zhi’er. This medicine formula can cure the ailments of many, and Fourth Brother will definitely help you sell all of it."
"But isn’t selling each formula for one tael a bit too cheap?"
After all, if it truly is efficacious, it could save many lives.
Bai Zhi’er shook her head, her face rosy and expression obedient.
"Selling a hundred sheets gets a hundred taels, which is enough. One shouldn’t be overly greedy. Mother once said that if you eat too much in one go, you’ll just end up vomiting it all and gain nothing."
Her voice was sweetly soft: "Making money is about steady and continuous flow, you know."
Bai Daoyan was taken aback, not expecting to hear such profound business logic from his three-and-a-half-year-old sister that many merchants fail to grasp.
Greed is the greatest folly for a person!
Bai Daoyan was full of admiration as he walked over to brush away the stray hairs from his sister’s forehead.
He bent down, his smile warm: "Zhi’er, I’ve earned so much money, but only now have I realized that you are my true treasure."
Bai Zhi immediately leaped over, hugging Bai Daoyan’s arm.
Her voice was soft and warm: "Fourth Brother, then I’ll trouble you! Oh, right, last time when I went out, I heard someone impersonating our secret roasted potato recipe! That person even claimed to be some... Kunshan something?"
The little one puffed her pink cheeks, trying hard to recall.
Bai Daoyan chuckled and finished her sentence: "Kunshan Goddess Fairy?"