Behind the bank, inside a massive estate, a middle-aged man drank tea as he surveyed his surroundings. His name was Ming Zhaocai. Anyone who heard his name would know he was a member of the imperial family, of the same generation as the emperor, Ming Zhaotian.
Although he was a member of the imperial family, he differed from Ming Zhaotian and the others. He preferred managing money and took pride in it. He had even wanted to change his name to Ming Zhaocai, but Ming Zhaotian punished him for that. Even so, he refused to change it. In the end, Ming Zhaotian put him in charge of the empire's finances, making him the Minister of Finance.
The sound of light footsteps came from nearby. Ming Zhaocai turned his head and saw a young woman. She was fair and lovely, with a smile on her face and a fresh, comfortable air about her.
The young woman walked gracefully up to Ming Zhaocai, bent at the waist, and bowed. "Aran pays her respects to Lord Ming."
Ming Zhaocai raised a hand and helped her up, his eyes full of admiration. "Are you Aran?"
"That is this woman's name," she replied respectfully.
Ming Zhaocai grunted and sized her up. "Not bad, not bad. To become the head manager of the Five Fortunes Bank in Ming Capital at only twenty, you must have extraordinary abilities."
Aran smiled. "You flatter me, my lord."
Ming Zhaocai seemed very satisfied. He gestured invitingly, and the two of them took their seats.
"Miss Aran, I imagine you know why I have come to the Five Fortunes Bank this time," Ming Zhaocai said bluntly.
Aran nodded. "Naturally. With the foreign races of the Endless Eastern Sea invading and the empire lacking enough warships, the Five Fortunes Bank is willing