Chapter 1164: Silence Is Better
With Chen Jianchou running into trouble, Ke Qingqing had to shoulder the burden. After all, as Qi Xuansu’s former secretary, she was already familiar with many aspects of the work.
Thus, Ke Qingqing was effectively serving two bosses at once, attending to both Zhang Yuelu and Qi Xuansu. Fortunately, Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were not far apart in Thanglong Prefecture, so she could still manage.
Qi Xuansu’s behind-the-scenes maneuvers never ceased, yet on the surface, there was nothing out of the ordinary. He continued to handle various affairs as usual, focusing primarily on the restructuring of the Nanyang United Trading Company. This was no small matter. It required coordination on all fronts and allowed no room for others to seize upon any weak links. It was a true test of Qi Xuansu’s ability to keep everything balanced.
Strictly speaking, managing commerce well and earning money for the Daoist Order was indeed Qi Xuansu’s duty as the Chief Deputy Mansion Master. Investigating cases was the responsibility of the Second Deputy Mansion Master.
Qi Xuansu’s composure undoubtedly dispelled some of the tension and played a role in stabilizing morale.
That day, Qi Xuansu convened and presided over another meeting. The agenda included hearing a joint report from the local branches of Shibo Hall and Duzhi Hall regarding the rectification of the Nanyang United Trading Company, among other matters.
The Chief Superintendent of the Shibo Hall’s local branch had once been severely suppressed by Lin Tianhe, so he had almost no real authority and was little more than a decorative ornament. This time, however, Lin Tianhe’s downfall became his fortune. He successfully rose in rank and now effectively served as Acting Branch Manager of Shibo Hall. Riding high on success, he was deeply grateful to Qi Xuansu and openly expressed his loyalty, working with great enthusiasm and providing Qi Xuansu with considerable assistance.
The meeting ran late. By the time Ke Qingqing entered Qi Xuansu’s office, most of the superintendents had already dispersed, leaving only the Chief Superintendents of the Ziwei Hall and Fengxian Hall branches.
There was still lingering smoke in the room, and many cups of unfinished tea remained on the table.
Ke Qingqing opened the window to let the tobacco smoke drift away, then busied herself with pouring out the leftover tea from the cups.
Qi Xuansu said to Ke Qingqing, “Superintendent Ke, if there’s nothing urgent on Second Deputy Zhang’s side, please have someone prepare some late-night refreshments later.”
Ke Qingqing responded and left with the collected teacups. She then brewed fresh tea and brought it back into Qi Xuansu’s office.