"That was good. You have been in Ning'an for many years and have served as the master of the dye workshop. What are your thoughts on the dye workshop?" Fang Yun asked.
"You... want to hear my thoughts on the dye workshop?" Master Liang asked cautiously.
Fang Yun laughed heartily. "It is precisely because I have no thoughts on the dye workshop that I am asking you to speak. First, tell me about the dye workshop's future direction. Then tell me about its shortcomings. Finally, explain why the County-owned Workshops earn less than private workshops and why they are continually forced to sell."
Master Liang asked in confusion, "You... truly want to hear this?"
"What else did you think I wanted to hear?" Fang Yun smiled.
Master Liang did not answer at once. In his view, Fang Yun's sudden arrest of so many workshop masters was likely meant to purge dissidents, target Ji Zhibai, and perhaps even point his sword at Liu Shan.
Even the biggest fool in Ning'an City knew that both the County-owned Workshops and the Imperial Workshop were cash vaults from which the powerful and noble could withdraw money at will. The backgrounds of these workshop masters were far too complicated.
After pondering for a moment, Master Liang said, "This subordinate has overseen the dye workshop for two years, so I shall say a few things. The dye workshop's situation is far better than before. Its annual surplus is now nearly five times what it was before I took charge! Of course, this is chiefly thanks to the monarch, the Empress Dowager, and the Grand Secretariat..."
"I want the truth!" The smile vanished from Fang Yun's face.
Master Liang's heart jolted. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Since the County Magistrate says so, this subordinate can only speak