Ancient Wen Heng continued, "I imagine Mr. Cao knows that my wife runs a small business. She has cultivated some rather capable shopkeepers."
Cao Xiangqian was speechless. 'Does he really take me for an uncultured brute? She's an Imperial Merchant, and he calls it a "small business"?'
Ancient Wen Heng added, "When it comes to arithmetic, my wife is my equal. She also personally trained all those shopkeepers. If the young masters of your house are willing, they could go and learn from the shopkeepers for a time."
This Minister Cao before him meant no harm, but if word got out that he was personally teaching arithmetic to the young masters of the Minister's Mansion, it would surely lead to malicious speculation.
"That's wonderful!" Cao Xiangqian stood up in excitement. In his view, there was no distinction between scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Being able to feed and support your family—that was real skill.
