"I think so too..." Kang Xian sighed. "Just this one booklet covers numerous categories—how to manage, guide, and influence, making disaster victims achieve proper efficiency rather than blind suppression. This is truly the kingly way of governance. His statements about sanitation aren't just idle talk either. When he previously mentioned investigation of things, he said the study requires first confirming that all facts have patterns, using systematic methods to record various similar events, comparing and analyzing to find internal causes, identifying objective cause and effect. Can't make assumptions, can't accept supernatural explanations. Today when discussing sanitation he gave many examples—perhaps these are conclusions he reached through investigation of things..."

He thought for a moment. "Tonight I still need to consider how to present this booklet. I'll discuss with Old Qin tomorrow... Disaster relief is now urgent, but once things calm down, Agui, I want you to gather all the doctors and medical officials you can. Do a detailed compilation comparing various disease occurrences with surrounding conditions, as Liheng described, understanding sanitation and other factors' influence on illness. Record seriously—everything must be based on facts, no idle speculation."

"Yes."

"After the floods, disasters will arise. Some things can be done now—wherever our family businesses can allocate personnel, arrange people to observe and record. This year disasters are everywhere. Old Qin will distribute that booklet, I'll also submit it to court. Some will use it, some won't, some will just go through the motions. Have them record implementation status, epidemic outbreak details, specific days, post-outbreak conditions. Create this... what did Liheng call it... ratio. If we can truly confirm these methods prevent epidemics, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people... that's accumulating merit with the Bodhisattva¹..."

"Yes."

"Such a pity he won't truly act." Kang Xian shook his head. "Armchair strategizing—I don't quite believe it. As for presenting this booklet merely to have Old Qin adopt Nie Yunzhu as a daughter, giving her some backing—heh, both scholarly and naive. But Agui, do you believe it?"

"This subordinate... doesn't believe it." Lu Agui thought carefully. "Though Master Ning spoke somewhat pragmatically, actually, the significance of these regulations far exceeds what a merchant could compare to. With his current friendship with Old Qin and you, even for small matters, asking you to look after things would be effortless. For ordinary business matters, even mentioning it to someone like me could probably solve it. Master Ning himself isn't incompetent either. Given this booklet's weight... This subordinate feels though he's considered these things, they're probably just excuses to indicate he won't serve in government."

Kang Xian laughed. "Haha, perhaps he doesn't value this small booklet too highly?"

"There are those with open minds and humble hearts. Master Ning is originally modest but sees matters clearly. To say he views these two things as equivalent would be truly puzzling. Even if he owes Old Qin a favor, he should understand this booklet's usefulness. Otherwise, this subordinate feels he wouldn't have so solemnly insisted on not revealing his name."

"That's exactly the point. But regardless, he still only wishes to remain a live-in son-in-law in Jiangning. In the Analects' Weizi chapter², Zilu said 'The gentleman serves to carry out righteousness'... He has reclusive inclinations, yet usually does many things. His words may be extreme but aren't bitter. Presenting this booklet now also proves he cares about the common people. This thinking is truly puzzling."

"Caring for the people yet unwilling to enter court. My lord, could he have previously offended some superior, been treated unfairly, thus becoming disillusioned with officialdom? From what this subordinate hears, though Master Ning isn't old, when he speaks of scheming and calculating flattery, he indeed seems to have some feelings about it."

Kang Xian nodded. "We haven't investigated carefully before. This time have people look into it thoroughly. If he truly offended someone... we'll discuss it then."

"Yes."

The sunset had become magnificent in the distance. The sedan chair returned to the Prince Consort's mansion. As they entered, servants reported that Prince Kang's two children had come and were playing at the Princess's quarters. Kang Xian smiled and went in.

The term "princess" always makes one think of youth when spoken or heard, but as Kang Xian's wife, Princess Cheng Zhou Xuan was actually fifty-four years old this year. This princess was the current emperor's own aunt, quite talented when young. After marrying Kang Xian, their relationship was excellent—truly respectful and loving. Though this princess now kept a low profile, because she and Kang Xian managed extensive businesses together, while not involved in politics, her influence within the imperial family was actually considerable.

This couple had neutral status and wealth, so several nearby imperial family members living as wealthy idlers liked associating with them. For instance, Zhou Yong's children Zhou Pei and Zhou Junwu had come to the mansion today, leading a group of grandchildren running around the garden. His graceful and noble wife Zhou Xuan sat in the pavilion watching with a smile. Seeing him arrive, she said, "Husband has returned," then reached to pour him tea. Soon those children came over noisily.

Honestly, among these children, Kang Xian liked the little adult-like Zhou Pei most. This girl was truly clever—his own grandchildren couldn't compare. As for Zhou Junwu, often bullied by his sister, he was more popular with Kang Xian's grandchildren. Zhou Yong's family truly had a pair of good children. He'd just sat down when Zhou Pei ran over first.

"Grandpa Prince Consort, Grandpa Prince Consort!"

Calling so sweetly meant she wanted something—of course Kang Xian knew what she wanted. This girl was formidable. A few days ago she'd created a method for calculating grain distribution and disaster relief allocation, quite thought-provoking. She knew Kang Xian had capable people, so brought it for him to review. She confidently wanted to present it to "Uncle Emperor."

"Grandpa Prince Consort, that thing... how is it?"

The little girl smiled brilliantly. Kang Xian smiled here and praised her.

"...This allocation method is truly thought-provoking, balancing both increasing sources and reducing expenditure for distribution efficiency. Several accountants in the mansion greatly praised Pei'er as a true prodigy. They only made a few small modifications regarding distribution between provinces and counties—there are some small details Pei'er might not be clear about..."

Kang Xian took out a booklet to explain carefully. Indeed they were just small details. After finishing, he took out another booklet: "However, Grandpa obtained another calculation and recording method today with a different perspective from Pei'er's. Since Pei'er is skilled in this field, please look at whether this could work and give Grandpa your opinion."

"Uh..." The beautifully dressed little commandery princess looked slightly puzzled. After a moment, she tilted her head. "Alright!"

She took the booklet and began reading. "Further back," Kang Xian pointed, then smiled and quietly chatted with his wife and grandchildren. Zhou Pei sat at the pavilion's edge, frowning as she flipped several pages, then frowned deeper. She ran pattering to the nearby study. Through the window one could see the young girl inside finding paper and brush to write and calculate, completely focused. Zhou Xuan looked over and turned to ask Kang Xian: "Husband, what did you show Pei'er?"

"No matter, we'll discuss after she comes out." Kang Xian smiled, returning to chat and play with his grandchildren. Zhou Junwu also looked somewhat puzzled toward the study. When the girl emerged from the study, she held the booklet looking somewhat dejected. She'd already started from the beginning, flipping through once, thinking, then flipping again. After a long while, she finally closed the booklet and placed it beside Kang Xian: "Grandpa Prince Consort, who wrote this?"

Kang Xian looked at her, thinking in his heart for quite a while before saying: "Originally I shouldn't say, but... if Pei'er swears to keep it secret, I'll tell you. This isn't a joke—Pei'er must think clearly. Only if you feel you can keep the secret can I tell you."

Zhou Pei thought for quite a while. Soon after, she raised her right hand with a somewhat solemn expression.

The sunset slanted across the eastern city wall, spreading warm yellow light throughout the courtyard. Soon after, a low cry suddenly came from the pavilion: "What? That barbarian?"

Little Junwu was just approaching. Hearing his sister speak thus, he couldn't help asking puzzledly: "Barbarian? Sister, what did that Ning Liheng do now?" Since Dragon Boat Festival, his sister had taken a strong dislike to that top talent, calling him a barbarian.

Zhou Pei glared: "Go away!"

"I'm still a little prince after all, you can't just..." A group of younger siblings watched from nearby. Little Junwu decided to resist. Before finishing his words, seeing his sister's eyes, he turned and ran dejectedly.

"Oh..."

For Ning Yi, these two gifts given to Old Qin and Old Kang naturally weren't as simple as they appeared. Having compassion for disaster victims' hearts and conveniently doing good was certainly one reason. Having Old Qin adopt Nie Yunzhu as a daughter was the main purpose. Though to Kang Xian and Lu Agui this effort and reward might seem unbalanced, for Ning Yi there were actually more considerations.

Since the Gu Yanzhen incident occurred, all the way back, he'd been watching various changes. Finding Nie Yunzhu a patron wasn't just to help her avoid encountering people like Gu Yanzhen in the future or give her business advantages—these considerations were only part of it. The other part was because Ning Yi discovered constables had already questioned Li Pin and Nie Yunzhu about matters concerning Gu Yanzhen.

His connection with Nie Yunzhu was just their daily pre-dawn meeting. Besides that they hadn't met much, but investigative methods shouldn't be underestimated. The possibility of them tracing back to him through Nie Yunzhu wasn't small. Taking a step back, Gu Yanzhen had planned to kidnap Nie Yunzhu—he might have prepared some things. Constables might find some clues and focus on Nie Yunzhu. Since he wanted to take precautions, he might as well straightforwardly elevate her status, directly cutting off the constables' investigation at this level. This matter benefited not just Nie Yunzhu but himself too.

He was deeply calculating by nature—it had become habit. When danger appeared, kill it first then take another step forward. Even if the worst happened—for instance, Gu Yanzhen hadn't told the truth before dying and someone else knew Gu Yanzhen hired people to kidnap him—under the premise that killing him was self-defense, plus the weight of this disaster relief booklet, it was sufficient insurance regardless.

With insurance added, satisfying Old Qin and Old Kang's desire to save the country and people, opening a path for Nie Yunzhu's future, while he could continue living leisurely—this was naturally the best result. He was a businessman believing in equivalent exchange. In this move, everyone benefited, no one owed anyone. Quite good—the life-saving aspect also satisfied his sense of compassion. This year perhaps fewer people would die from disease or starvation. Plucking one hair to benefit the world—why not do it?

The matter of finding Nie Yunzhu an adoptive father hadn't been mentioned to her yet. He didn't know her thoughts—probably would need to chat with her tomorrow morning. He'd only known before that she came from an official family with good conditions when young. Qin Siyuan had good character and wouldn't mistreat her. Of course, if she had psychological shadows, he'd still need to help decline Qin Siyuan's offer.

Still calculating this matter in his heart, returning in the evening, he inadvertently saw Xiao Chan talking with a man in a small courtyard by the main gate, seeming somewhat anxious. At dinner he noticed her hurrying about but didn't think much of it at the time. Xiao Chan had to handle some courtyard matters, sometimes perhaps anxious, but always handled them well. Not until night when the family sat in the living room chatting and playing chess did he notice something wrong. The little girl sat in the corner with her head down working on a shoe sole, occasionally making muffled sounds. Ning Yi observed for a while and called: "Xiao Chan, come here."

"Mm, does Young Master need something?" Xiao Chan made a cheerful voice, coming over with her head down. Ning Yi reached out to wipe her face, only then discovering the corners of her eyes were already wet. He exchanged glances with Su Tan'er. Su Tan'er put down her account book, came over to look, and pulled her to sit down: "Chan'er, what's wrong? What happened?"

"Someone from home came this afternoon saying Father passed away two days ago..." Xiao Chan bit her lip and finally cried out. "I want... I want to ask Young Miss for leave to go back, but Young Miss has been so busy recently..."

The room fell silent.

"You actually kept quiet about this? I'll have... uh, Chief Steward Chang accompany you back. What's a maid like you worrying about household matters for..." Su Tan'er hugged her with both arms, then glared with a somewhat harsh tone.

"But Chief Steward Chang is also very busy. If the city gates close and we can't return..."

That Chief Steward Chang was the highest-ranking manager in the First Branch. Having him accompany showed the Su family's regard for Chan'er. Of course such formality wasn't originally necessary, but Su Tan'er and the several maids had grown up together like sisters. Chan'er actually managed matters quite well in the household. At this point Su Tan'er shook her head.

"I said don't think about these things. Chan'er, go back peacefully, bury your uncle, finish handling matters then return. We're like sisters after so many years. If I weren't busy with matters, I should accompany you back."

"Young Miss..." Chan'er was already crying. Juan'er and Xing'er had also gathered with red eyes.

Ning Yi thought for a moment: "Then... I'll accompany Xiao Chan back."

Xiao Chan turned around, wiping tears: "Young Master..."

"Xiao Chan has taken care of me for so long too. Chief Steward Chang is busy, Tan'er can't go, but I'm idle. Going once also shows our attitude. How about it?"

There was slight silence. Xiao Chan wiped her tears—seeming endless, quite moved: "Young Master, Young Master can't go... Young Master's hand isn't healed yet..."

Su Tan'er held Chan'er, smiling as she gazed at Ning Yi for a while, then nodded slightly, touching Chan'er's cheek: "This is good too. Then I'll have to trouble Husband to make the trip. Also bring Guard Geng along. Now with disaster victims gradually arriving, Husband and Xiao Chan must be careful on the road..."