The topic drifted a bit, but since Evelyn Grant was so clear about the accounts, Charles Warren immediately perked up: “Earlier, Sixth Uncle told me those catches were all quite valuable, so why is it that with an annual yield of about 6,700 dan of fish, the total value is only 486 qianjin?”

　　“To please you, your Sixth Uncle pointed out only the high-value catches, which are favored and enjoyed by nobles of various clans, but most of the catch isn’t worth that much. Besides, our clan also runs fish stalls, where the catch is sorted and further processed—chilled, pickled, smoked, and so on—for sale. The profits from that are counted under the fish stalls, which is a separate matter.” Evelyn Grant explained clearly, “Internal consumption within the Wang family is also recorded in the accounts as purchases made with qianjin.”

　　“Madam, please continue,” Charles Warren said respectfully. “For example, about expenditures and net profit.”

　　It was the first time Evelyn Grant had been taken so seriously regarding the accounts, and she spoke with renewed spirit: “On the expenditure side, with the current 46 fishermen, the annual and monthly expenses total 151 qianjin. The maintenance for ten fishing boats each year, including repairs and upkeep of various tools, costs 92 qianjin. In addition, the average annual tax is 72 qianjin, and the average annual pension is 60 qianjin. After deducting all expenses, the average annual net profit is 221 qianjin. This does not include the family tribute owed to your Sixth Uncle, which is recorded separately.”

　　At this, David Warren blushed a little and said awkwardly, “How can the net profit be so little? I thought it would bring at least four or five hundred qianjin in net profit to the family each year.”

　　“If Sixth Uncle has any doubts about the accounts, you can check them at any time,” Evelyn Grant said calmly.

　　“No, no, Fifth Sister-in-law, that’s not what I meant,” David Warren hurriedly waved his hand. “I’m just a rough man who only knows how to fish. Charles, what’s so interesting about these dry accounts? Let Sixth Uncle show you some real skills~”

　　“Don’t rush, Sixth Uncle,” Charles Warren soothed, then frowned at Evelyn Grant and said, “Two questions. First, what is the basis for the taxes? Second, what’s the story with the pensions?”

　　“Charles, the Anjiang River is windy and the waves are fierce, with many hidden currents. Occasionally, some dangerous aquatic beasts appear,” David Warren quickly explained. “Even if Sixth Uncle is careful, it’s inevitable that some boatmen and fishermen will lose their lives in the Anjiang. Without high monthly wages and pensions, no one would be willing to join the fishing team.”

　　“As for taxes, they’re based on the size of the fishing boats. Small boats pay 6 qianjin per year, and medium boats pay 18 qianjin per year,” Evelyn Grant also explained.

　　Fixed-rate taxation, huh.

　　But Charles Warren understood that in such a backward economic system, fixed-rate taxation was the best approach.

　　After learning all this, Charles Warren cupped his hands to David Warren: “Sixth Uncle, I didn’t realize the Anjiang fishing industry was so dangerous. Thank you for your hard work and contributions to the family over the years.”

　　David Warren felt relieved and gave a dry laugh: “Charles, just don’t blame the fishing team for not making enough money. To be honest, when Fifth Brother was clan head, I also suggested expanding the fishing fleet. Whether I manage ten boats or over twenty, it’s all the same to me. I’ll find a way to recruit more fishermen, too, so the family can earn more qianjin. After all, the Anjiang is thirty li wide—plenty of room for over twenty fishing boats. By the way, the Liu family’s fleet has more than twenty boats~”

　　“Another ten or so boats?” Charles Warren asked with interest. “Can you tell me more?” If the family wanted to grow, qianjin was the most important resource.

　　“I’ll explain,” Evelyn Grant knew David Warren wasn’t good with numbers, so she said, “I’m aware of Sixth Uncle’s plan. He wants to add two medium-sized fishing boats and ten small ones. Each medium boat costs 120 qianjin to build, and each small one costs 45 qianjin, for a total investment of 690 qianjin. As long as the corresponding fishermen can be recruited, the investment will pay off in three years.”

　　“Paying off in three years—that’s doable,” Charles Warren nodded in agreement. “Even if we stop later, selling the boats won’t be a loss.”

　　David Warren immediately looked delighted, as if he’d found a kindred spirit, and slapped his thigh: “Fifth Sister-in-law, I told you this could be done! I just don’t get it—if I’m willing to contribute more to the family, why wouldn’t Fifth Brother agree?”

　　Evelyn Grant’s expression turned a bit awkward: “Sixth Uncle, you don’t know—these years, the Wang family has been short on money in every area.” She sighed inwardly. Actually, she agreed with expanding the fleet, but Henry Warren wouldn’t allow it. Even her plan to borrow money from her own family was firmly opposed by Henry Warren.

　　“Charles, so you agree to expand the fleet?” David Warren probed.

　　“Zhe’er, if you need to expand the fleet,” Evelyn Grant hesitated slightly, then said, “I can make a trip back to Shanyang to raise some qianjin.” Borrowing money from her family was embarrassing, but for the sake of the clan’s development, she couldn’t worry about that.

　　“No, I don’t agree,” Charles Warren said after some thought.

　　What?

　　David Warren’s face darkened.

　　Even Evelyn Grant looked at Charles Warren in confusion. Hadn’t he just said it was doable? Could it be that, like his father, he cared too much about pride to let her borrow money?