This year, however, starting in the second month, the price of rice began to rise. Compared to previous years, it rose particularly quickly, while the prices of millet, broomcorn millet, and other goods remained unchanged.
Fang Zichen had once taught him how to read account books. After Yang Mingyi finished looking, Fang Zichen said, "What do you see?"
Yang Mingyi was silent for a moment, then said, "The account book figures are correct."
Fang Zichen was astonished: "From such a large, thick account book, that's all you see? Uncle Yang previously took you under his wing for a while, didn't he?"
Yang Mingyi lowered his gaze and didn't speak.
When Yang Mutao checked account books, it was very simple: see if there was profit or loss, and whether his subordinates had falsified records to deceive him.
"Look here!" Fang Zichen flipped to the previous month's profit margin: "The fourth month earned eight hundred thirty-six taels and ninety coppers. The fifth month earned nine hundred ninety-three taels and nineteen coppers. Comparing the two, the fifth month earned over a hundred taels more than the fourth month. Why? Look here, it's because in late fifth month, Chef Pang newly introduced a chicken dish. Just two days after its introduction, it earned over a hundred taels, showing this dish is very popular with guests. Next month we can continue promoting it. And also here..." He chattered on a great deal: "As the person in charge, we must be able to discern some most basic things from the account books."
As the 'boss', an account book was not just an account book. One must be good at discerning other things from the data within the accounts.
Properly analyzed, this data revealed the restaurant's true condition—whether revenue was rising or falling and why, whether costs were shifting and for what reasons.
As the proprietor of Zuixiao Restaurant, one must know how to use the account books to summarize the current situation, identify causes, summarize reasons, make predictions, and then formulate decisions.
Fang Zichen had taught him a great deal. The unusual rise in rice prices, unlike previous years, was mostly due to supply falling short of demand.
After much consideration, Yang Mingyi discussed with Yang Mutao and decided to purchase and store some rice.
Yang Mutao, intending to train him, relented.
If his prediction was wrong, rice was not a perishable commodity. Properly stored, it could remain edible for years, ensuring they would not suffer losses.
If his prediction was accurate, they would save a great deal of money.
After Old Master Wu received the reply, he thought it over and still sent people to stockpile a batch.
Just after stockpiling, news of the great drought in Southern Province arrived.
Old Master Wu sighed: "This kid really has some skill. It's just a pity he's too prone to causing trouble. The day after tomorrow, I will make a trip to Fu'an Town to ask about his intentions. If he is willing, I naturally welcome him. If he does not wish to, I cannot force him."
After all, Fang Zichen was his own lifesaver.
Although he had vouched for Fang Zichen, that was for Yang Mingyi's sake and didn't count as a major favor. Compared to the lifesaving grace, it was truly insignificant.
After parting last time, he hadn't had time to express his thanks, which was very impolite.
The Prefect smiled, calm and confident, looking completely sure of success.
"He won't refuse." Qinghe Academy is a place literary scholars and students flock to. No one can refuse it.
But Old Master Wu shook his head: "That kid's brain is not ordinary. If you use ordinary thinking to predict him, I'm afraid you will be disappointed."
...
The official results reached Fu'an Town around noon, delivered by post-horse. The messenger from the Board of Rites held a seventh-rank position, while County Magistrate Jiang was sixth-rank. Though technically superior, the magistrate showed full respect to the prefect's envoy by personally greeting him.
"Magistrate Jiang, long time no see!"
Magistrate Jiang came out, looked, paused for a moment, not expecting it was an acquaintance.
"Lao Jia? I didn't expect it to be you. How come you personally made this trip?"
"Came out to take a look. Sitting around every day is boring." Lao Jia cupped his hands towards Magistrate Jiang: "Magistrate Jiang, this time Lao Jia must congratulate you."
Magistrate Jiang smiled, his gaze falling on the red results list in the minor clerk's hand behind Lao Jia. He quickly understood: "What, this time someone from my Fu'an Town made the list?"
He didn't appear particularly excited.
There had been some in previous years, but their rankings were low, all not very good, just a few.
Those who barely passed the qualifying exam faced uncertain prospects in the Provincial Examination.
"They've passed," Lao Jia laughed: "The top scorer is also from a village under your jurisdiction."
Magistrate Jiang: "..."
Magistrate Jiang gave a wry smile: "Lao Jia, you sure know how to joke. I wouldn't dare dream so boldly."
With Qinghe Academy present, how could the top spot belong to anyone else?
Lao Jia waved his hand, signaling the minor clerk to hand the red list to Magistrate Jiang: "The Magistrate can verify it himself, see if Lao Jia is joking or not."
Magistrate Jiang suppressed his smile and became serious. He took the red list, opened it, looked, then froze, and subsequently clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
This Fang Zichen was no stranger to him.
Good, truly excellent!
The young man had brought him tremendous honor.
As the top candidate, barring unforeseen circumstances, Fu'an Town would likely produce another Xiucai scholar within three years.
Fang Zichen had truly made Qinghe Academy lose a great deal of face. He felt he hadn't looked enough, scrutinizing the red list back and forth.
Lao Jia found it hard to watch and reminded him: "At that time, I rode my horse through the street, the common people outside all saw. They are probably gathered outside by now. Hurry and post the list! Don't keep everyone waiting anxiously."
"Right, right, right. Look at me, I was just focused on being happy."
The Village Chief and Uncle Liu had experience. By now, they were stuck to the wall like geckos waiting.
Previously, no one in the village studied, so they hadn't paid much attention. But today they had arrived at dawn, and by now they were thoroughly hungry.
The Village Chief from the neighboring Xiaorong Village, Old Man Lin, was also there.
In the past, whenever the two met, they always ended up bickering. Previously, Xiaohe Village had no scholars, the only one they could boast of was Ma Wen.
But Ma Wen was completely outmatched by Scholar Wang.
There was no comparison.
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