Traveling through time as a peasant girl to turn things around

Benefits were distributed three days before the Lunar New Year, and the garment shops were closed. The teachers went home. The children ran out to sell things, while the younger ones played at home. The kitchens slaughtered cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese in preparation for the Lunar New Year. The vegetable shops and hotels were open, but all other businesses were closed for the holidays.

Jiaxing's housekeeper came back exhausted. Old Mrs. Li looked at her son. "Ah, you've suffered so much." Jiaxing, worried his mother would be upset, said, "It's nothing, just dirty and tiring. The food and clothes are fine. Once the initial stage is over, the later stage will be fine."

That evening, Butler Ye reported on Ye Heng's work over the past six months, leaving behind the account books and banknotes before leaving. Jiaxing arrived later and reported on the past six months, handing over the account books. Ye Heng said, "Second Uncle, go back and rest. Leave your things here." The next day, Qin Binbin left the account books behind and reported on the past six months. Ye Heng synthesized what he had heard from the three people and realized that everything was consistent with the intelligence sent by the secret guards. Although there were slight discrepancies, the general direction and results were the same. After reviewing the three people's account books, Butler Ye remembered everything clearly, albeit a bit too verbose.

Jiaxing and Qin Binbin's teaching seems to be simple and clear, as they're both taught by the same person. Each month, they summarize the information on a spreadsheet, making it quick, concise, and clear to review. This method could be adopted nationwide, perhaps even applied to the finance departments of several Ministry of Revenue departments. It seems Guoguo's teaching method is indeed effective; after all, it's the product of thousands of years of cultural accumulation. We plan to pilot it throughout Da Yan, starting with children as young as possible.

Ye Heng kept the three men's account books. He looked at the silver notes they had given him. "It's quite a lot." Steward Ye also gave him silver notes for the salt sales. Jiaxing didn't take any of the silver notes, but they were all with Steward Ye. He looked at the money from the salt sales. After deducting Chai Xin's 10%, this was 90% profit. He gave Guoguo 20% and the emperor 70%. Guoguo looked at it. In less than half a year, the salt cost 90,000 taels of silver. Ye Heng put 310,000 taels of silver notes on his body. Guoguo gave the money to Ye Heng and said, "Take it. You have a lot of spending money." "Okay. I'll keep it." When Ye Heng gave the emperor the silver notes, the emperor said, "Take it. It's your investment in the early stage. You can give it to me in the future." Ye Heng said, "Okay, I did spend a lot of money. Until now, a large amount of supplies are still being sent. Food, clothing and daily necessities are all sent from the rear. Construction is now underway there, and some people have reclaimed wasteland, but it will take several years to grow more food for ourselves." The emperor smiled and said, "I understand. When I was in Taohua Village, I often went to the fields with my grandpa and great-grandfather. It took several years to cultivate fertile land from wasteland." "Yes. There is a caravan now. You know the ones in the past. It was Li Biaotou and his men who were transporting goods back and forth." Well, I know they're loyal, reliable, and hardworking. They even risked their lives to protect me when I was little." "Those people are really good, so I use them." "You could pay them more. They support their families and are away all year round, so it's not easy for them to have elderly and children at home." Ye Heng: "Okay, I get it. They're really good. They can't even go home for the New Year this year."

The emperor said again: "Let's go to Chai Mansion to celebrate New Year's Eve tomorrow." "Okay. Go early."

Countless princes arrived at the Chai residence that day to deliver gifts. The regent's gifts were all delivered here. The night butler, Jiaxing, was bustling with activity. The two second-in-commands also came to work. The storeroom was overflowing, and eventually, all was moved to a spot in the garden, guarded. The gifts continued until dark. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager had arrived, and the Imperial Guards and Imperial Guards stood guard outside the residence. They surrounded the Chai residence to protect the Emperor.

Several dukes and Li Dong's family were in attendance. Zuo Feng had returned, and his wife had also arrived. The Chai Mansion was bustling with activity. The nation's political leaders were all there. Several families presented performances. The main hall was packed with people. Guoguo brought out a large light bulb, and the Chai Mansion was ablaze with lights, including colored lanterns, illuminating it like daylight. After dinner, the Emperor and several dukes and high officials sat on the high platform in the main hall to watch the performances. Lu Xi was inside with the baby, and so was the retired Emperor. Five months old, the little ones had taken on a new look: fair, tender, and chubby. Dressed in a bright red cotton-padded jacket and a red hat, they looked like dolls from New Year's pictures. And the key was, there were four adorable babies! Who has that?! The emperor's baby was slightly different, wearing a black mink hat, exuding an air of nobility! He was a little taller than his brothers and sisters. Guoguo carried the emperor's baby outside to watch the performances. Guoguo and her son Ye Heng had another performance to perform later.

Gongs and drums roared as Guoguo led a group of children to sing, "Unity is strength." Zhenhan encouraged everyone.

The entrance to the main hall was packed with people, watching the trio perform. Guoguo played the piano, Yeheng the flute, and Huangbao sang. The first piece was "Unforgettable Tonight," a piano piece from "Autumn Yearning," and "Where is Spring?" Where is spring? Where is spring? Spring is reflected in the lake... The family sang three songs. Then the curtain fell.

Let others perform. The emperor repeatedly praised it! Good! Even the guards outside the palace thought it was beautiful and interesting! Someone shouted, "One more." Guo Guo said, "Let everyone perform. Let's have fun together."

It wasn't until midnight that everyone dispersed. The emperor returned to the palace, and the entire group of people left. The Chai Mansion closed its gates. The servants cleaned up. The Chai family distributed New Year's red envelopes, each receiving a share. Everyone happily returned to rest. They had to get up early tomorrow. They were at the palace at noon.