Chapter 16: Hainuo's Objective

In the ancient-looking ledger, on the last few pages with written entries, Zhang Hainuo saw some things beyond daily income and expenses:

In October 1915, 40 acres of land to the north were sold for 450 marks; in November 1915, 60 acres of land to the east were sold for 600 marks; in December 1915, the mill and warehouse were sold for 150 marks; in February 1916...

"These..." Zhang Hainuo was somewhat surprised, but he quickly remembered what the old steward had said yesterday about "instructions given."

"Oh, Baron, please wait a moment!" The old steward left the hall briskly, and about two minutes later, he returned with two cloth bags, one small enough to fit an adult's fist and the other about the size of two or three fists.

"Baron, the income from selling the land over these two years is all here. As for the remaining antiques, I also sold them according to the prices you instructed! Following your orders, all the money has been exchanged for gold and silver coins!"

As the old steward handed the bags to Zhang Hainuo, he immediately felt their weight. Unfastening the cord of one bag, Zhang Hainuo found only golden circular coins inside.

"Totaling 560 gold marks!" the old steward said softly on the side.

Using two fingers, Zhang Hainuo plucked out a coin from the bag, featuring the portrait of William II on the obverse - he had seen such images on coins and banknotes many times since arriving in this era. On the reverse side was an emblem of a large-winged eagle, with "20 marks" written in numerals and German below.

These were gold marks, the hard currency of Germany! Even amid severe inflation and currency devaluation, these coins would stand firm due to their gold content.

Without bothering to count the coins, Zhang Hainuo opened the other bag, revealing a different shade of circular coins - a slightly darker silver.

"The silver coins total 1520 marks!" the old steward announced timely.

Zhang Hainuo had some of these silver coins in his own pocket. They bore a large Arabic numeral 20 on the obverse, surrounded by text, with a shiny eagle emblem on the reverse. The 650-mark war injury compensation was distributed in a mix of silver and paper currency - ten 20-mark silver coins and 450 marks in paper currency. Judging by people's preference for silver coins over paper money, it seemed storing hard currency instead of banknotes was a wiser choice as the war progressed.

Zhang Hainuo resealed the two bags and placed them back on the table in front of him. Tilting his head, he asked the old steward, "Do you know why we sold the land and antiques to exchange for this money?"

"Your letter only mentioned important reasons, and as servants, we don't dare to inquire further. But you had previously mentioned wanting to go into business after retiring from the navy. I believe it must be related to that!" the old steward replied cautiously.

"Business..." Zhang Hainuo was surprised. He hadn't expected that Hainuo, who was proficient in torpedo technology and doing well in the navy, would be interested in retiring to pursue business. However, his intuition told him that things were not as simple as they seemed. If he hadn't discovered some potential business opportunity, then there must be another reason.

"Do you know why I want to go into business?" Zhang Hainuo continued, adopting a conversational tone to try and glean more information from the old steward.

Initially shaking his head, the old steward's eyes betrayed some change. While they had previously been filled with kindness and respect, they now held a hint of worry and helplessness.

"It's okay; I just want to hear your thoughts!" Zhang Hainuo pretended to be nonchalant.

After hesitating for a moment, the old steward decided to voice his concerns, "Baron, when the old baron took over this family business from his father, we were still a respectable family in Silesia, while the Lübeck family was merely a group of merchants. Because of our good relationship, the Lübeck family voluntarily proposed to betroth their youngest daughter, Fenna, to you while you were still very young! Later, as the old baron faced exclusion and neglect in the military circles, he eventually chose to retire and spent most of his remaining time and wealth at the card table. Meanwhile, the Lübeck family became increasingly wealthy and even forged relationships with the nobility in Berlin! Now that the old baron is no longer with us, we can't complain about a deceased relative. If the Lübeck family feels that we are no longer suitable for them, it can only mean that they are a group of pure, profit-oriented merchants! Please forgive me for speaking frankly, Baron, but none of the men in the Fennenschtein family are engaged in commerce, nor are they adept at it!"

With that, the old steward stood silently to the side, head bowed.

At that moment, Zhang Hainuo understood the words of love and pain written in Hainuo's diary. It turned out that his intention to go into business was merely to restore the family's prosperity. He could help with that, but how much significance did Fenna hold for him?

"Hastin!" Zhang Hainuo finally learned the steward's name. He contemplated for a moment, then made his first decision regarding his life's path: "I think you're right, Hastin. The Fennenschtein family does indeed pride itself on military ranks and achievements. As long as the war continues and Germany does not fail, I will not leave the navy!"

"That's great, Baron..." Hastin bowed respectfully, as if seeing great hope in the Baron's decision.

"As for this money, let's leave it in your care for now!" Zhang Hainuo decided after some thought, pulling out the remaining coins and banknotes from his pocket and placing them on the table. "It's harvest season now. Take advantage of the low prices and buy more wheat, flour, smoked meat, sausages, and various wines. Store them properly!"

"Yes, Baron!" Hastin didn't ask why or rush to collect the money; instead, he stood there, waiting for further instructions.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Hainuo decided to ask the question.

"How is Fenna... doing lately?"

There was no change in Hastin's expression, and he answered immediately, "I heard that the Lübeck family started producing military supplies after the outbreak of the war, and they've all moved to Berlin! As for Miss Fenna, I think she must have gone to Berlin as well! If you'd like their address, Baron, I can inquire!"

Zhang Hainuo had thought Fenna's family lived nearby, hoping he might have a chance to meet his supposed fiancée. He hadn't expected them to settle in Berlin, and with his current constraints on time and energy, he couldn't afford to travel there.