Chapter 58: Asset Transfer
Strictly speaking, Wu Ning’s previous life wasn’t spent professionally cooking the books, but rather in uncovering them. He studied accounting, but worked as an auditor—one of the world’s top accountants, certified at the highest level by the Royal Institute of Chartered Accountants in England.
As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you’ll never be defeated. If you don’t know how to falsify accounts, how can you detect them?
In his line of work, it wasn’t enough to be skilled at auditing; you had to be adept at accounting as well. Not only must you be able to tally assets, but you also needed to understand every nuance of business operations and clandestine dealings.
It was a stroke of luck, Wu Ning mused; this matter was perfectly suited for him. He was truly skilled in this area.
Wu Ning studied Qin Wenyuan with a touch of amusement. “So, it seems, sir, you’re unlikely to escape this calamity.”
Qin Wenyuan, standing nearby, was unwilling to admit it, but he had to. With a bitter smile, he said, “That’s precisely why I cannot accept your prescription, young master. Even if I did, what good would it do? It would only benefit others in the end.”
“Worse still, it might implicate you.”
He was already implicated...
Who would’ve guessed that the power behind Cui Xin House was Wang Hongyi? He’d stolen the chef from him!
Wu Ning certainly had no desire to provoke Wang Hongyi, but in a sense, he and Qin Wenyuan were already standing on the same side.
Besides, Qin Wenyuan was his future father-in-law, after all—he ought to lend a hand.
“Sir, you’re bound to suffer this loss. Whether from the influence of the princely household, or the clear-cut promissory notes, you cannot escape this disaster.”
Qin Wenyuan nearly cursed. He’d confided in this child out of kindness, and yet he couldn’t even offer a word of comfort? Did he not already know his fate was sealed?
He sighed deeply, “I never thought, after struggling half my life, I would end up like this.”
“But...” Wu Ning’s tone suddenly shifted, “but I can save you, and the Qin family.”
Qin Wenyuan was speechless, staring in the darkness at Wu Ning, stunned.
Only one thought filled his mind: This rascal really does dare to boast!
He glanced at the sky. “The city gates are closed. Young master, you’d best find an inn and rest early.”
With that, he rose to return home, feeling even more annoyed. Why had he wasted words with a child? Save him, save the Qin family? Hah...
Wu Ning: “...”
Did he not hear what I said?
Watching Qin Wenyuan’s retreating figure, he called out again, “I can save you!”
“Best not to bring trouble to Commander Wu,” came the reply.
Without turning his head, Qin Wenyuan added, “Wang Hongyi is not someone Commander Wu should provoke.”
Wu Ning was utterly exasperated. He’d finally spoken seriously, and yet he wasn’t believed.
He didn’t waste any more words. “I’ll ask you just three questions, sir. Answer them, and you can go.”
“Hmm?” Qin Wenyuan stopped. “What do you wish to ask, young master?”
Wu Ning replied, “First: Do you have anyone you trust deeply?”
Qin Wenyuan was silent for a moment, uncertain of Wu Ning’s intent, but answered all the same.
“Everyone in the Qin household is like family—completely trustworthy!”
Wu Ning shook his head slowly. “Not that kind. I mean someone to whom you could entrust your very life.”
Qin Wenyuan hesitated, then said, “There is my daughter Miaoniang, my wife Zhang, and a loyal servant, Qin Fu.”
Wu Ning pondered aloud, “Qin Miaoniang won’t do, the steward is of servile status, so only Madam Zhang remains...”
He looked up, “Second question: How great a price are you willing to pay for your life's work?”
Qin Wenyuan grew solemn. “Any price!”
Wu Ning pressed, “Even if it meant imprisonment, even breaking the Tang laws?”
For the sake of Miaoniang and his wife’s future... it was worth it.
He looked at Wu Ning, “I would risk anything.”
“Good!” Wu Ning declared. “Last question: Bring me the promissory note, so I may examine it.”
Wu Ning’s demeanor gave Qin Wenyuan the illusion that perhaps this child really could save the Qin family.
“Qin Fu, bring the note.”
“Ah... ah?” Qin Fu was stunned. My master, you can’t be serious! This... this is just a vegetable vendor!
“Hurry!”
Reluctantly, Qin Fu went inside to fetch the document.
When he returned and handed it to Wu Ning, the latter’s eyes lit up. Just as he expected—no major discrepancies.
He looked at Qin Wenyuan, and the words that followed nearly sent the old man into a rage.
“Sir, you’re fortunate. Now... you can divorce your wife.”
“What!?” Qin Wenyuan cried out.
“My long-suffering wife, how could I abandon her so lightly!”
“Don’t be hasty!” Wu Ning scoffed. “Hear me out.”
“You must divorce Madam Zhang now—not a real divorce, but a sham.”
“A sham divorce?” Qin Wenyuan was more confused. “Why?”
Wu Ning sighed deeply. Ancient people, so innocent!
“The sham divorce should be accompanied by another promissory note between you and Madam Zhang, pledging the inventory of the Qin rice shop and cloth store, as well as all private servants from each shop, as collateral for a loan.”
Qin Wenyuan was dumbfounded.
Wu Ning continued, “On the note with Wang Hongyi, it’s written that the rice shop, tavern, and cloth store are pledged—usually, this includes the inventory and staff.”
“Before Wang Hongyi comes to collect, have Madam Zhang file a claim at the county office, demanding repayment.”
“You, naturally, have no money, and must hand over rice, cloth, and other inventory to settle the debt.”
“Do you understand?”
“No, no, not really...” Qin Wenyuan’s mind was spinning, unable to follow Wu Ning’s logic.
Wu Ning was speechless. “Is it so difficult?”
He shook the note in his hand, “You owe Wang Hongyi, and cannot repay, so your shops will be seized. Normally, whether or not there’s inventory, it’s included.”
“But, you’ve already pledged your goods to Madam Zhang. No matter the amount, it’s her property now, not yours.”
“Even the greatest official can’t take someone else’s assets to settle your debt.”
“Moreover...” Wu Ning spread his hands, “By the time Wang Hongyi comes to claim, the goods will legally belong to Madam Zhang.”
“Do you see now?”
Qin Wenyuan’s mind was still a fog. “Yes, I think I do... a little!”
“Fool!” Wu Ning cursed quietly. “Simply put, transfer your assets to Madam Zhang!”
Such a straightforward asset transfer—how could he not grasp it?
He spoke plainly to Qin Wenyuan, “Forget about those shops, they’re already lost to Wang. My plan, at best, will save your substantial inventory and servants, so you might rebuild.”
“But...” Wu Ning paused, “Given Wang Hongyi’s power, even if the county magistrate won’t risk a wrongful sentence, he can hardly ignore Wang’s influence. It’s likely you won’t escape prison.”
Qin Wenyuan stood before the door, dumb as an ox, looking at Qin Fu.
“Will this really work?”
He turned to glare at Wu Ning, “Will this really work?”
Wu Ning couldn’t be bothered with further explanation. “Yes! Trust me, have your wife sue you.”
He thought to himself, should I open a business consulting firm in Tang Dynasty? It’d be lucrative!
...