Qin Yining had never met Manager Xia, but Manager Zhong had encountered him before and was quite familiar with him.

If not for his acquaintance with Manager Xia and his presumption of understanding Manager Xia’s character, he wouldn’t have entrusted Qin Yining’s various estates and businesses in this area to his management when he left the old capital.

Unfortunately, despite Manager Zhong’s lifetime of judging people, even he could misjudge sometimes. How could he have imagined that Manager Xia was this kind of person?

The voices from next door remained loud. Manager Xia’s unhurried tone spoke words that were utterly arrogant.

“It’s not that I, Old Xia, don’t understand modesty, but compared to a mere woman, I still don’t lose to anyone when it comes to business sense. Back when the Yan Dynasty still existed, I too traveled north and south following my elders. Ask around in the southern regions—outsiders might not know, but those in the same trade are all aware. Back then, I only agreed to manage business for a woman out of consideration for Old Zhong’s face. Times were difficult then too, what with the war going on.”

“Yes, yes. Manager Xia’s reputation has long been established. We’ve heard of it before and have admired it for a long time,” someone chimed in accordingly.

Others followed Manager Xia’s lead, saying, “If you ask me, that person should really be more prudent. She could still throw her weight around before, relying on her husband being a prince with威名在外 an intimidating reputation, and people had to be careful around her. But now her husband can barely protect himself.”

“Ha! Exactly! I heard that debt isn’t a small amount. He says he’ll have the governor repay it, but if the governor can’t come up with the money in the end, won’t it still fall to him?”

“I think so too. Don’t look at how he’s boasting now—only those ignorant, foolish commoners would believe him.”

“That woman doesn’t even look at how her husband is already in dire straits. Military affairs—if handled poorly, there could even be a mutiny. When angry troops charge in, even if her husband’s martial arts are superb, he can’t protect her. Her life would be forfeit. A mere woman still clinging to power—truly long hair but short on sense.”

…

Every mocking word reached the ears of everyone next door without fail.

Lu Dashun kept his head down, using his peripheral vision to observe Qin Yining’s expression while occasionally stealing glances at Manager Zhong’s face.

Manager Zhong was already drenched in sweat, perspiration covering his temples and the sides of his nose.

Ji Yun and the others behind Qin Yining were gnashing their teeth in anger. If not for Qin Yining’s lack of orders, they would have rushed over long ago to deal with those shameless old fools. A group of men with mouths more gossipy than women’s, speaking nonsensically and daring to spread baseless rumors—absolutely shameless!

Perhaps in this entire room, only Qin Yining remained the most composed.

The corners of her mouth even had the leisure to curve into a faint smile. She raised her hand to suppress everyone’s furious emotions, making a hushing gesture, clearly still interested in continuing to listen.

Seeing that Qin Yining didn’t angrily get up to leave, nor directly confront those next door, but actually wanted to continue listening to those foul words, Lu Dashun’s expression became quite surprised.

This princess consort was more patient and rational than he had anticipated.

He couldn’t help but inwardly mock Manager Xia next door. What good was being old and experienced? He still couldn’t judge people properly. After doing business for so many years, instead of developing a modest nature, he had become even more arrogant—truly worthless.

Manager Xia was now in high spirits from the wine. A proud man becomes even prouder when drunk, especially when lifted to the heavens by several people. At this moment, he felt himself unrivaled under heaven, speaking without the slightest restraint.

“Actually, you and I aren’t heartless people either. I, Old Xia, have never shortchanged that woman anywhere. In my opinion, a little woman should just sit quietly and wait to receive her dividends. If she treated me with courtesy, I naturally wouldn’t leave her in dire straits.

“But she’s the type who won’t move when led and backs up when beaten. These past days, she’s consecutively refused me several times. The invitations I sent were all rejected. Clearly, she’s still putting on airs!”

“Truly ungrateful.”

“Exactly. With a woman’s limited perspective, she probably can only see the petty gains before her eyes. Doesn’t she think about whether her estates and businesses profit or lose—isn’t that all up to me with just one word?”

“Hmph! This is me being generous, not doing anything to her. If she continues to remain obstinate, I’ll make her lose everything! She won’t see me now—in the future, I’ll make her come crying to beg me!”

“Exactly! We’ve long known of Manager Xia’s capabilities. If she doesn’t know what’s good for her, the brothers will be waiting to see you display your skills.”

…

The banquet next door continued, though the topic had shifted elsewhere. The men began discussing which pleasure house had acquired what remarkable woman, clearly planning to indulge themselves after eating and drinking their fill.

Qin Yining beckoned to several people and rose to walk toward the door first.

Ji Yun and several guards followed closely behind.

Lu Dashun and Manager Zhong walked silently at the back. Meeting the guiding servant, both Manager Zhong and Lu Dashun quietly instructed him for a few moments. Seeing the servant nod fearfully and make promises, the two men caught up with Qin Yining’s pace.

Returning to the Qin mansion, Qin Yining invited both Lu Dashun and Manager Zhong to the front hall.

As soon as Qin Yining sat down, Manager Zhong dropped to his knees with a thud, prostrating himself straight before Qin Yining.

“Princess Consort, this is my dereliction of duty, actually assigning the old capital’s business to such a person of poor character. If not for this, the properties and influence here wouldn’t still be outside your complete control even now. This old fool is incompetent and truly unsuitable to remain by your side. I should return home to retire!”

Qin Yining stood up and personally helped Manager Zhong to his feet, laughing, “How can this be blamed on you? You were also deceived and are equally a victim. We’ve known each other for so long—I know Manager Zhong’s loyalty and capability. Don’t say such dispiriting words, and don’t think about retirement. If I didn’t have your assistance, who would I rely on when facing future troubles?”

Speaking thus, she feigned anger and said sternly, “You’re not allowed to say such things anymore. Do you understand?”

Manager Zhong was so moved that tears nearly fell: “This old fool is ashamed!”

Lu Dashun watched from the side, feeling somewhat disappointed in his heart, but more than that, he felt amazement and envy. It seemed this princess consort truly was a generous person.

After Qin Yining sat down again, her gaze fell upon Lu Dashun.

Lu Dashun immediately lowered his head, adopting a posture of awaiting orders.

But after waiting with his head bowed for a while, Qin Yining still didn’t speak.

Sometimes silence is the most powerful weapon. Lu Dashun desperately wanted to know what Qin Yining was thinking, whether she already knew his intentions, but he didn’t dare ask. Soon sweat appeared on his forehead.

“Third Manager Lu, if you have something to say, can’t you speak directly to me? Why must you create all these roundabout schemes?”