Ever since their return from the villa, a heavy gloom had seemed to settle over the Yongping Marquis Manor. The servants moved about with extreme caution, each more careful than the last, fearful that even the slightest mistake might cost them dearly.
In stark contrast, the atmosphere at Mingyue Pavilion had never been better.
Baizhi and Baiyin were bustling about with excessive energy, managing Qi Yuan’s daily affairs with meticulous order. The younger maids under them were also tightly supervised.
After Zhang Mama’s incident, Madam Wang assigned a replacement: Shen Mama, to oversee matters in Qi Yuan’s courtyard.
Shen Mama was an honest and dependable woman, not one to harbor schemes. And considering Zhang Mama had been “taken care of” by Qi Yuan—something that remained a hotly debated topic within the manor—she knew her position.
Most believed Zhang Mama had falsely accused Qi Yuan and was then executed by Madam Wang and Qi Zhen. But the savvier servants knew better: in a place like this, without capability, you’d be falsely accused and silenced before even getting a chance to fight back.
The fact that the Eldest Miss had returned and not only stabilized her position but even eliminated Zhang Mama was telling enough. Then the Second Miss had suddenly fallen ill and been sent away to recover—soon after, news came that she had passed.
Clearly, the Eldest Miss was not one to trifle with.
Given all that, Shen Mama made sure to pledge her loyalty as soon as she arrived at Qi Yuan’s courtyard.
It so happened that Qi Yuan called everyone—Baizhi, Baiyin, Shaoyao, and Lianqiao—into her room.
The girls began to kneel, but Qi Yuan gestured for them to remain standing and spoke in a calm, serious tone:
“Since Shen Mama has just arrived, and you’re all familiar faces, it’s a good time to speak openly.”
The group immediately perked up, showing attentiveness.
Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow. “I don’t care whether you came to my courtyard willingly or not. I know our relationship isn’t the typical master-servant bond found in noble houses. In most big families, the young ladies are served by maids raised alongside them from childhood. Compared to that, we’re all halfway companions at best.”
Shen Mama couldn’t help but admire her—such words made it obvious the Eldest Miss was clever beyond her years.
Early on, the Second Miss and the young master had spread rumors that the Eldest Miss was nothing more than an uncultured butcher’s daughter from the countryside. But if they’d sent someone to observe her more carefully…
Just listen to her now—her grasp of noble family structures was spot-on. Where was the vulgarity?
Qi Yuan paused before continuing, her voice softening: “But halfway bonds have their own benefits. Think about it—given your ages, would any of you have been made chief maids or managing mamas upon arriving in any other young lady’s courtyard?”
Shen Mama, recognizing the subtle nudge, hurried to agree. Baizhi clutched her clothes and said, “Miss, we all know how well you treat us!”
“Well or not, time will tell.” Qi Yuan tapped her fingers against the table, her eyes sweeping across the group. “I won’t claim to be the best mistress, but if you run into any difficulties, come tell me. If I can help, I will.”
She lowered her gaze and added in a quiet tone: “But my kindness isn’t without price. I want your loyalty.”
Lianqiao immediately raised her hand, eyes wide: “Miss, I’ll follow you for life!”
Baizhi and Baiyin quickly echoed her. Shaoyao, flustered, stammered, “Miss, I—I feel the same…”
Qi Yuan looked them over with a faint smile. “Good. If you follow me, I won’t let you suffer or regret it. I’ve always been generous to my own people. But for those who betray me—I will not go easy.”
She had much to accomplish, and she needed people she could trust at her side. Personal attendants had to be absolutely loyal. She had no desire to start over picking new ones. Trust took time to build.
This would do for now.
Shen Mama understood this blend of firmness and warmth was a clear warning—especially directed at her, the new steward.
She dropped to her knees solemnly. “Miss, rest assured. From now on, I have only one master—whatever you say, goes.”
Qi Yuan acknowledged her with a sound. Just then, someone from the front courtyard came requesting an audience.
It was Stewardess Gao.
Upon entering the Mingyue Pavilion, Stewardess Gao was immediately struck by how refreshed and orderly everything looked. A swing was being assembled in the courtyard. Inside, the rooms gleamed as if freshly cleaned.
Madam Wang hadn’t paid much attention to Qi Yuan’s courtyard and had sent over random servants to fill it—but somehow, those servants were now obedient and respectful.
Clearly, this young lady had talent. The young master and second miss had completely misjudged her.
Stewardess Gao gave a courteous bow with a smile.
Qi Yuan took a sip of tea and asked coolly, “What brings you here today?”
Baizhi stepped up and poured tea. “Mama came all this way in the cold—please warm up with some tea.”
Everyone in the room was now completely under Qi Yuan’s control. Stewardess Gao took the tea, hiding her amazement. The Eldest Miss was truly formidable. If this had been a typical noble daughter, there’d be nothing surprising about it.
But she had come from the countryside! How was she this flawless?
She quickly masked her thoughts and smiled, “The old marquis and madam have returned. Madam requests your presence.”
The old marquis and old madam of the Yongping Marquis household.
Qi Yuan had never met them in her previous life.
Back then, before she returned to the capital, her reputation had already been ruined by Chengyong. Add to that the embellished reports from Hua Momo painting her as wanton and unchaste—naturally, the old couple hadn’t bothered to return to see her.
By the time she was cast out and had her legs broken, only then did the old madam return.
It was said that later, the old madam became deeply dissatisfied with Qi Jin and Qi Yunting, finding them too ruthless and lacking in humanity.
But all of that had nothing to do with her anymore.
After a moment of silence, she nodded. “I’ll change clothes and be out shortly.”
Stewardess Gao smiled and replied, “Of course.”
Meanwhile, Madam Wang was in a foul mood, massaging her temples. “Tell the people in the young master’s room to take good care of him! If there’s even a scratch on him, I’ll have their hides!”
Caixia handed her a cup of tea. “Don’t worry, Madam. They wouldn’t dare be careless.”
Madam Wang took a sip and flung the cup aside in frustration. “What is this tea? Tasteless! Are you all dead? Bring Ah Jin—”
She suddenly caught herself. Qi Jin would never return again. Her chest tightened with pain.
Then, as soon as she saw Qi Yuan walk in, her mood soured even more. She sneered, “Stiff as a board!”
This girl didn’t look like her daughter at all—more like her nemesis!
Not even half as sweet and clever as Ah Jin had been!
