Zhang Mama’s daughter was named Putao, just ten years old this year. She had only entered the residence last year to help with chores.
Because of her young age, she didn’t have much to do—just ran errands in the main courtyard.
When she heard that Qi Yunting had made a harsh declaration, saying he would make it impossible for Qi Yuan to remain in the household, she was immediately distressed.
Who was Qi Yunting? He was the eldest young master!
Also the future master of the household. To offend him truly meant not lasting even a day in this residence.
Originally, seeing how capable Qi Yuan seemed, Zhang Mama had been somewhat tempted. After all, it was the marquis himself who brought her back, and he clearly valued her.
Maybe this newly returned Eldest Young Miss really could secure a foothold in the household.
In that case, becoming her head maid would be quite a desirable path.
But she hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from Qi Yunting.
Upon further thought, she understood.
Qi Yunting and Qi Jin had been close since childhood.
Even before Qi Yuan returned, Qi Yunting had never wanted Madam Wang to bring her back.
Now Qi Yuan had returned, but Hua Momo was dead, and Yunque was about to be sold off.
Of course Qi Yunting would feel that Qi Jin had been wronged.
With that realization, the little spark of intent to switch allegiance that Zhang Mama had just begun to feel was immediately extinguished.
She wanted to gamble for wealth—but she had to survive first.
So she turned around and went to Qi Yuan, saying that everything was in place and the Eldest Young Miss could rest well.
Qi Yuan had cast out the hook, but Zhang Mama clearly hadn’t taken the bait.
Looking at Zhang Mama standing before her, Qi Yuan’s anger faded as quickly as it had come.
She herself hadn’t yet found her footing—of course it was natural for people to look down on her.
She smiled and let Zhang Mama go.
The moment Zhang Mama stepped out of Qi Yuan’s courtyard, she couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
She wasn’t sure why, but rejecting Qi Yuan made her feel heavy inside. Even after returning to the servant quarters, her heart was still pounding.
She poured herself a cup of tea to calm down, but before she could even take a sip, a young maid ran in: “Is Zhang Mama here?”
Already filled with worry, Zhang Mama was startled so badly she nearly dropped her cup. Her tone turned irritable: “What is it? Why so clumsy?!”
The little maid stuck out her tongue and spoke carefully: “Mama, it’s Sister Zijing from the Eldest Young Master’s courtyard. She said if you’re back, you should go to his room.”
To the Eldest Young Master’s room?
Zhang Mama’s heart dropped.
In the past, who didn’t want a chance to rise in the world?
Especially to catch the eye of a master.
Zhang Mama had been in the residence for years but had never even secured a minor purchasing job in the kitchens.
So she had always worked hard to find connections.
Especially dreaming of clinging to either the Eldest Young Master or Second Young Miss.
After all, everyone knew those siblings were favored.
But now, she had no such desire.
She understood clearly: Eldest Young Master summoning her must be because she had come back with Qi Yuan, and had even helped arrange Mingyue Pavilion for her.
Reluctant or not, when a master gives an order, servants can only obey.
She abandoned her tea and nervously headed to Changqing Garden.
Qi Yunting was the legitimate Eldest Young Master, pampered since childhood. The courtyard he was assigned after growing up was the best in the front compound, separated by a small garden and including a pine tree he and the marquis had planted together—hence the name Changqing Garden (Evergreen Garden).
In the past, Zhang Mama would have had no right to enter here.
Even now, stepping in brought her no joy—just anxiety. She stood trembling under the pine tree.
Qi Yunting was practicing martial arts.
Only after exhausting his anger did he take the towel from the maid and wipe the sweat from his forehead before settling into a rocking chair. “Let her come.”
On the table were warm tea and a few plates of snacks. Qi Yunting didn’t even glance at them. Only when Zhang Mama approached did he nod, “You helped Eldest Young Miss arrange her quarters today?”
Zhang Mama’s heart almost leapt from her chest. She dropped to her knees. “Replying to Eldest Young Master, this old servant was merely following the marquis and madam’s orders…”
“Enough!” Qi Yunting cut her off impatiently. “I’m not blaming you. Starting today, go serve in Mingyue Pavilion.”
Zhang Mama had been about to beg for mercy, but when she heard this, she looked stunned.
She didn’t immediately process it.
Qi Yunting looked at her with a faint smile. “Help me with something. Can you do it?”
Only then did Zhang Mama realize—Qi Yunting wanted to plant someone inside Qi Yuan’s courtyard.
She didn’t take long to agree.
There wasn’t really a choice.
Qi Yuan might have tricks up her sleeve, but what did that matter?
She was a girl—a daughter. In the end, she would marry out.
This marquis residence, in the end, still belonged to Qi Yunting.
If you had to pick between the young lady and the young master, even a fool knew which side to take.
Qi Yunting wasn’t surprised. Aside from that country-bumpkin b*stard, anyone with eyes could see the situation.
He glanced at Zijing.
Zijing calmly stepped forward and placed a heavy pouch into Zhang Mama’s hands. “I heard your grandson’s one-month celebration is coming. Use this to get him a gold lock.”
Zhang Mama was overwhelmed with gratitude. She kowtowed repeatedly. “Thank you, Eldest Young Master! Thank you!”
Qi Yunting smiled. “Do what I’ve asked, and there’ll be more to come. But if you mess it up—don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
By the time evening fell, Qi Yuan stood beneath the covered corridor, looking at the mismatched group of maids and servant women sent by the household. She asked in a low voice, “You’re letting me pick who’ll serve me?”
Madam Wang’s head housekeeper, Gao Mama, smiled and nodded. “According to tradition, an Eldest Young Miss should have four senior maids, two second-rank maids, four errand maids, one sweeper, and one head maid…”
She glanced at Qi Yuan with a light chuckle and said gently, “Whoever suits your eye, Eldest Young Miss, you may keep.”
Before Qi Yuan could speak, Zhang Mama suddenly stepped in from outside, walking straight to her. “Eldest Young Miss, you’re new here and don’t know everyone’s character yet. Why don’t you let this old servant help you judge?”
She had fled like she was escaping a disaster earlier that day—yet now returned in the posture of submission.
Qi Yuan looked at Zhang Mama, calm and unhurried, the corners of her mouth tugging into a subtle smile. “Is that so? Then I’ll thank Zhang Mama in advance.”
