Chapter 1403 - 1410: Father-in-law and Father-in-law (2)
"Rise."
Cai Wei lifted her head and said indifferently.
"Thank you, Empress Dowager."
Ning Huaixiu got up, stood with her head bowed low to the floor, daring not to look up nor speak another word.
Cai Wei said, "I’ve heard that you are the most talented woman in the Great Jin Nation, well-versed in various knowledge since an early age, experienced in both ancient and contemporary studies. Calculations should be a trivial matter for you. The new year is approaching. The rewards for each prince, the Royal Palace, High Concubines, Princesses, and Ministers Above the Third Rank have not yet been distributed. There are so many people, and the rewards vary. It gives me a headache thinking about it. Come help me calculate them."
Only then did Ning Huaixiu notice that in front of Empress Mu, the kang table was piled up with four or five ledgers; also laid out were paper, pens, teacups, and an abacus among other items.
Back home, she often helped her mother manage the Chancellor’s Mansion’s Central Distributions, so she was very familiar with accounting. Therefore, she bowed and replied, "Yes, at your command!"
Cai Wei pointed to the edge of the Kang, "Sit here. Of these five ledgers, you take two and I’ll take three. Let’s strive to finish them today, and then distribute the rewards tomorrow!"
Ning Huaixiu thanked her, sat sideways on the edge of the Kang, picked two ledgers, grasped the abacus, paper, and pen, and began to work.
Calculating two thick ledgers in one afternoon, though challenging and immense in volume, she took the task very seriously, eager to make a good impression on the Empress Dowager. By now, she was no longer hoping for the Emperor’s pity; her main hope was to serve the Empress Dowager well, perhaps earning her mercy to be sent home.