Chapter 94: Palace Intrigues and Amorous Tangles

Chapter 94: Palace Intrigues and Amorous Tangles

Early the next morning, before assigning tasks, Lady Wen instructed, "Auntie Xia, announce throughout the manor that recently we've discovered some individuals, both within the estate and on the country estates, who have been frequenting gambling dens. This is an intolerable vice. Those who have partaken in such activities must come forward to me within three days and confess. If the amount lost is less than twenty taels, I will grant you an opportunity. You will be sent to the country estate for observation and redemption."

For those who have earned between twenty and a hundred taels, it is evident that you are quite affluent. There is no need for you to serve in my marquis's mansion any longer. I waive the redemption fee for your contract and you may also take your belongings with you, thus preserving the bond of master and servant amicably. As for those who have accumulated over a hundred taels, such wealth indicates a substantial foundation; why would your entire family continue to serve as servants? I will grant all of you release without demanding redemption fees, allowing you to take your possessions. Should you genuinely cherish the relationship between master and servant, a heartfelt conversation will suffice—I won't disregard our past connections entirely.

Someone quick-witted interjected, "And if one were to win the silver?"

Meng Die chuckled. "Anyone capable of winning silver in a gambling den must be someone remarkable. Why would they bother working as a servant in our Marquis residence? Back then, I only won a small amount at the gambling house for fun, and yet it became the talk of the entire capital."

The woman recoiled, her head bowed low.

Meng Die continued, "If any of you don't come clean to your Lady Grandmother within three days, and I discover later that you've been gambling at the gaming houses, don't blame me for turning my back on you then."

Despite Meng Die's smiling face, all the managers and concubines shivered in unison. Nurse Xia immediately bowed and said, "Yes, we understand."

Yesterday, when Wen Shi and Meng Die had visited Madam Hou to discuss matters, they hadn't done so privately. The manor had been abuzz with activity last night, with some even assuming it was a misunderstanding. The Hou family had always been lenient with their servants, never resorting to eviction. Now that Wen Shi and Meng Die had personally announced their intentions at the Jing Cui Pavilion, the manor erupted once more.

Exiting the Jing Cui Pavilion, the three sisters-in-law went together to speak with Meng Die. Jin Shi, being pregnant, was excused from managing household affairs; she only needed to listen. She began, "Yesterday, when Eldest Sister sent someone to tell me about this, I thought it was just a warning. But you're serious, aren't you?"

Wen Shi looked at Jin Shi and said, "The Marquis Manor is known for its upright family values. You've never been exposed to gamblers, so you're unaware of the harm it can bring. It's the worst kind of vice; once one is ensnared, there can be no good outcome."

Jin stared wide-eyed. "Truly?"

Meng Die let out a light chuckle, "Of course it's true, otherwise my elder sister-in-law and I wouldn't be this anxious. How many families have been ruined because their young ones got involved with this cursed gambling?"

Madam Jin nodded, having learned her lesson. She truly had never heard of anyone around her suffering because of gambling, let alone seen it with her own eyes. None of the people in her circle engaged in such activities, so naturally, she was unaware of its perils. The same applied to Lady Hou; otherwise, there would be no need for Madam Wen and Meng Die to exert so much effort to convince her.

Lady Jin pondered, "If this is serious, the manor might not see peace for quite some time. Those who gamble surely won't admit to it, but those who have the leisure to gamble are mostly favored servants or managers. There are plenty who covet their positions, so it's certain that someone will report them."

Wen Shi nodded and said, "It's unacceptable for the manor to remain in chaos. That's why I'm giving three days; such matters must be dealt with swiftly and decisively."

Meng Die cupped her cheek with one hand, "It's quite possible that someone won't be able to wait three days and might come to you with grievances tonight."

Though she wasn't an actual crow in her previous life, Meng Die's prediction still came true. That very night, someone reported to the Wen family, but the target of the complaint was not Jia Yi; instead, it was Xia Yongjian, the second son of Grandma Xia, Wen's maid-servant.

This young rogue has, at some point, developed a penchant for gambling and has lost a substantial eighty-seven taels of silver in various gaming houses. According to the punishment Lady Wen proposed today, this warrants his expulsion from the marquis residence.

Wen sat in her chair, utterly stunned. It had never crossed her mind that Xia Yongjian would be involved in gambling. He was her trusted companion; the more she had relied on him in the past, the more disappointed and heartbroken she felt now.

A bitter smile crept across her face as Wen's heart ached with each throb. She should have suspected sooner. Every year, she would send Xia Yongjian to Zhijiang to collect the proceeds from the mudflats and bring back a variety of dried goods, especially the dried scallops destined for the Marquis's residence.

When he returned at the end of last year, he said, "The winds on the sea this year have been exceptionally strong, making it difficult to venture out. The prices of all kinds of dried goods have risen. The silver spent on buying conpoy is more than what we allocated last year."

At that time, Wen's family had no suspicion at all and genuinely believed that the price of scallops had risen. But upon reflection now, something didn't add up. Her natal family owned more than one tidal flat. If the scallops were indeed more expensive, why hadn't her mother mentioned it when she returned home on the second day of the lunar new year?

"Grand Lady."

Nanny Xia, her face wet with tears, entered the room. She knelt before Lady Wen with a thud and pleaded, "Madam, for the sake of this wayward boy's diligent efforts in the past, please spare him this once."

Wen Shi regained her composure, her face bearing signs of exhaustion. "Doing one's utmost? What about the dried scallops from last year?"

Aunt Xia was initially taken aback, a look of confusion flickering in her eyes. But then her expression drastically changed. As a servant from a family of salt merchants, she could ignore such matters if she wished, but upon closer reflection, she understood all too well. "Mistress, please spare him this time. I will discipline him strictly and ensure he never offends again."

Wen Shi closed her eyes. "I spared him, and the others in the manor did the same. How should I deal with this situation?"

Nanny Xia's sobs came to an abrupt halt.

Wen Shi reopened her eyes. "I've only mentioned this today, and favoritism is already being shown tonight. Nurse, how can I manage the household in the future? How can I establish myself in this marquis residence?"

Nanny Xia wiped away her tears. "That's true. If Young Master Yongjian isn't expelled, Lady Senior won't be able to gain the people's respect."

Wen Shi exhaled in relief. Thankfully, her own wet nurse understood her.

Nanny Xia continued, "Is Lady Senior's sudden urge to crack down on gambling due to Second Lady? I'm afraid Lady Senior doesn't know that Second Lady is doing this for personal revenge. Mei'er, who's in Second Lady's courtyard, was almost assaulted by Jia Yi. He's been gambling for quite some time, and Second Lady is targeting him."

"This Jia Yi's biological mother is Lady Dowager's maid from her dowry. How many people will Lady Senior offend by doing this? I used to think that Second Lady was a good person, but now it seems she has ill intentions..."

"Enough!"

Nanny Xia trembled at the sharp rebuke. Raising her head, she stared blankly at Madam Wen.

Madam Wen, who seldom raised her voice, did so again, unusually: "Are you trying to sow discord, Nanny? Do you know that when your younger sister came to me yesterday, the first thing she mentioned was about Mei'er?"

Nanny Xia, feeling guilty, lowered her head under Madam Wen's disbelieving gaze.

Madam Wen's eyes were rimmed with red: "Or do you think I shouldn't deal with this gambling issue? How many stories of families ruined by gambling did you tell me when we were still in the Wen family?"

Closing her eyes, Madam Wen continued: "They say 'gambling fiend,' and indeed, it's as if one is possessed by an evil spirit. Nanny, you seem to have fallen under such a spell! I suggest you go to the country estate to clear your mind. Return only when you've broken free from this delusion."

"Nanny Xia!" The old nanny raised her head abruptly, the plea stuck in her throat as she saw tears streaming down Wen Shi's face.

The wet nurse was expelled to the manor, and the wet brother was ejected from the estate. Unintentionally, the news reached Meng Die first, who lived right next door.

Meng Die was taken aback when she heard this. She never expected that the one to be expelled first due to the gambling crackdown would be Wen Shi's wet brother.

Lu Wei wore a worried expression. "What are we to do now? It was Second Lady who proposed this matter. If it causes a rift between First Lady because of this, what will become of us?"

Meng Die let out a long sigh. "That won't happen. Haven't you thought about why Nanny Xia was also sent to the manor? She wouldn't have been gambling. Perhaps in her anxiety for her son, she might have said something she shouldn't have."

By now, Lu Wei had also come to her senses. "With Lady Grand's temperament, she would never take offense at a sincere plea for mercy."

Meng Die nodded her head gracefully.

However, this incident has certainly cast a shadow over the proceedings.

Following closely, the news spread through the marquis's mansion like a gust of wind. Many people's first reaction upon hearing the news was: "Really expelled?"

Upon receiving an affirmative response, those who had initially dismissed the matter now found themselves gripped by fear, particularly those who had frequented the gambling houses. A significant portion of this group tossed and turned, agonizing over whether or not to confess, especially those who had lost more than twenty taels. They spent a sleepless night, their hearts pounding with dread.

Jia Yi continued his life as usual, eating and sleeping without a care. Nurse Jia found him and said worriedly, "What are we going to do? If this gets out, you'll be expelled!"

Jia Yi remained calm and composed. "Mother, you're just too timid. What's there to fear? They're just two women who have been cooped up in the mansion. How would they know about the outside world and the men's affairs? As long as you're here, no one would dare to report me. Who among them would dare to offend your own son?"

Nurse Jia's anxiety subsided considerably after her son's comforting words. "My youngest son, please don't gamble anymore. There isn't much silver left in the house. Your elder brother even gave me a cold shoulder the other day."

Jia Yi's face was filled with anger. "He's far too un filial! How could he show his mother a cold shoulder? Without Mother, there would be no him. He really thinks he knows everything after being in charge for a few days. Without Mother, how could he have become the manager on his own?"

Nurse Jia scolded him with a smile. "That's your older brother, so don't speak nonsense."

Jia Yi approached Jia Nanny from behind and gently massaged her shoulders. "I know it's my elder brother. If he scolds me, I wouldn't dare to retort. But I'm angry that he gave Mother a hard time! Mother, let's not be upset, you still have me."

Despite his nonchalant attitude, Jia Yi did have his concerns. The following morning, after Wen Shi, Meng Die, and Jin Shi arrived at the Jing Cui Pavilion, Grandma Xia brought in two junior managers.

One was in charge of the gardeners. With a garden in the estate, there were naturally many gardeners, as well as potted plants and scenic arrangements for each room. He had only started gambling during this Spring Festival, but despite the short time, his audacity was immense. In just a few visits, he had lost sixteen taels of silver.

Kneeling on the ground, the manager pleaded, "I swear I won't dare do it again. Please forgive me, ladies."

Wen Shi's face remained cold. "If I forgive you, should I also forgive others who have committed the same offense? There's no negotiation here. Pack your belongings and go to the manor. If you genuinely reform, you may return to the estate in the future."

The minor steward swayed and collapsed to the ground.

Another is Zhang, the steward in charge of purchasing various types of firewood and charcoal. This is a lucrative position, as the marquis's mansion uses countless amounts of firewood and charcoal annually. The more he buys, the more he can embezzle.

With ample stipend and ample leisure, he had developed a gambling addiction last summer. Fortunately, his audacity was limited, yet he still lost a substantial two hundred taels. All that money came from his own personal savings, unknown to his family.

Listening to Summer Auntie's investigation, Wen Shi exchanged a glance with Meng Die, "Since no one in the family knows, I'll give you both an opportunity."

Manager Zhang's eyes glittered with interest.

Wen: "Madam Zhang, are you willing to sever all ties with him and never see him again? I'll give your entire family a day to consider this. Come back to me tonight with your decision. If you choose to follow him, I won't ask for any redemption money from any of you. However, if you decide to cut off relations and are later found secretly interacting, it won't look good when you try to leave."

Zhang, the steward, also collapsed on the ground, assuming he would be sent to the manor as well. He was, after all, the brother-in-law of the head steward of the marquis's manor. How could Lady Wang be so dismissive?

After dealing with these two matters, Wen began assigning tasks. The atmosphere in the Gathering Essence Hall was tense due to the recent events. All the other stewards' wives were cautious, fearing they might inadvertently provoke trouble.

The outright dismissal of Steward Zhang today sent another shockwave through the household and the manor, especially those who had visited the gambling den. They now lived in constant fear and trepidation.

Steward Zhang packed his belongings, took his indenture contract, and, under the watchful eyes of a few strong servants, left the marquis's residence with his head hanging low. Exiting through the back gate, he immediately hired a carriage and rushed to the large manor outside Marquis Yongyi's residence. He was going to seek help from his brother-in-law.

Head Steward Wang had also received the news. His wife, who was Lady Zhang's elder sister, paced anxiously in the room. "I told him not to go and speak for himself, but he insisted. Now look, he's been expelled! The First and Second Ladies were also expelled without any consideration for their dignity. They're just too ruthless. What should we do? Should we beg the Crown Prince for help?"

Head Steward Wang glared at his wife. "The First and Second Ladies are both the Crown Prince's concubines. We can overlook the First Lady's situation, but since Second Master isn't at home, the Crown Prince and his wife turn a blind eye to Second Lady as long as she doesn't cause any major trouble. Besides, Lady Elder approved of this. How could the Crown Prince object?"

Wang's wife asked helplessly, "Then what should we do? Just watch my brother get expelled?"

Head Steward Wang replied calmly, "Don't panic yet. Let's observe for now. Don't forget, Jia Yi is also involved in gambling. Let's see how the First and Second Ladies handle him."

Wang's wife was speechless for a moment. "Handle him? That boy has a stubborn streak; he certainly won't admit to it on his own. And his birth mother is Lady Elder's maid; who in the estate would dare to report him?"

"Who dares?" The Head Steward Wang scoffed. "The estate purchased a batch of servants and maids a few years ago. They're all alone here. If some of them have fared well, that's fine. But for those who haven't, give them thirty or fifty taels of silver, and see if they'd be willing to report it."

Lady Wang's eyes lit up. "Brilliant! My dear husband, you always have the clever plans. Let's wait until the fourth day when they assign duties at the Concentrated Essences Pavilion, and then they'll spread the news."

"No," the Head Steward Wang chuckled. "Didn't Second Lady say she was going to investigate? Let's wait until she says she's finished and has dealt with it accordingly."

Lady Wang was even happier. "Excellent. I heard she was the one who orchestrated this whole thing with Eldest Lady. Since she despises gambling so much, Jia Yi lost a thousand taels of silver. Let's see how she handles it."

Meng Die was unaware of how many people were waiting to see her fall from grace. She was currently in high spirits, flipping through account books. The popularity of cream cakes and other sweets had far exceeded her expectations. The profits she made were equally astonishing.

Initially, she had thought that earning three to four hundred taels of silver per day was excellent. But upon reviewing the account book today, she realized that during the New Year celebrations, after deducting taxes and costs, the daily average income was around six hundred taels. Even though there was a slight decline in earnings after the 15th, it still hovered around five hundred taels.

Meng Die closed the ledger with a grin that narrowed her eyes into slits. She couldn't help but doubt herself—she might have indeed prostrated herself before the God of Wealth in her past life, making him remember her. Otherwise, how could her luck in business be so remarkable?

"Second Aunt, Headman Wang is here."

Meng Die made her way from the inner room to the main hall. "Tell him to respond in the corridor."

After Headman Wang completed his respects, he moved to the corridor. Hu'er brought him a cup of hot tea, which he gratefully accepted. The warmth from the tea instantly alleviated the chill.

Meng Die said, "With the planting season approaching, I've given some thought to that newly acquired estate. If we cultivate a variety of crops, we'll have to constantly monitor the four seasons and the lunar cycles, which would be quite demanding. It might be wiser to stick with wheat and rice cultivation."

Wang Zhuangtou was somewhat taken aback. "More than four thousand mu of land, all planted with wheat and rice?"

Meng Die: "Yes, oh wait, no. This year is exceptional. Set aside ten mu for growing carrots. After the harvest, have them dried for my use. For the rest, plant wheat and rice. Keep enough for your village's consumption and the flour needed here. Sell the excess without worrying about unnecessary complications."

Wang Zhuangtou: "Madam Second has a valid point. However, with the current workforce on the estate, I'm afraid it might be challenging to manage over four thousand acres of land."

Meng Die: "This is quite manageable. You calculate the total number of people needed, how many you have on your side, and how many are lacking. After I've reviewed the register and wait for the marquis's residence to stabilize in a few days, I will inquire within the residence if there is anyone willing to go to my place to farm. If there are, I will follow the marquis's residence's rules and give them the same monthly salary in silver. If we still cannot fill the positions, then you can go outside to recruit some tenant farmers or buy some people as well."

Wang Zhuangtou: "Yes, I've noted that down."

Meng Die: "Over at the Small Village, the bamboo forest managed by the Huo family should remain the focus, with all the fields planted with cotton, not for sale but for use by the villagers. At the Mountain Village, the fish ponds should still be the main priority, with Jiang Zhuangtou in charge. The remaining land can be allocated freely for cultivation, except for what's needed for the soup kitchen. The rest will also serve the village's needs."

"Mountain land is crucial. We must continue to raise sheep and ideally expand the herd. Since the Mongolian herder, Zhuole, is having difficulty managing, ask for his opinion on whether we should hire more help or buy more sheep. It's up to him."

Wang Zhuangtou: "Second Lady, Zhuole mentioned that the sheep love to eat acacia leaves. There's currently a large forest of them on the mountain. Could we refrain from planting fruit trees there? He also said that acacia honey is of superior quality. Perhaps we could find a beekeeper to establish a hive."

Meng Die smiled: "Of course, ask him if that acacia forest is large enough. If not, we can plant more."

Wang Zhuangtou replied, "I'll tell him right away, and he'll be overjoyed."

Meng Die couldn't help but laugh out loud. "For the remaining mountainous areas, you can decide based on the terrain. Plant sugar beets where possible, and fruit trees at the foot of the mountains. If there's no space for hornbeam or chestnut trees, plant mulberry trees instead. When planting, try to build a house nearby."

Wang Zhuangtou understood. "Second Lady is planning to raise a large number of silkworms?"

Meng Die didn't hide it from him. "Yes, I have a use for the mulberry silk."

Wang Zhuangtou was delighted. "Then we're in for a treat. The silkworm pupae are incredibly delicious and fragrant. Last year, everyone licked their lips in delight after eating them."

Meng Die: "You know what, that flavor is indeed delightful. It's good whether stir-fried or deep-fried."

Lu Wei chimes in with a smile, "And it's delicious when roasted too."

Meng Die laughs heartily before returning to the main topic, "In essence, that's about all for this year's matters. For purchasing grain, seeds, and tools in the spring, just go to Manager Rong for the funds."

Wang Headman: "Has Manager Rong not returned yet?"

Meng Die replies, "He sent a letter some time ago, mentioning that he's almost on his way. He should be back in the capital within a month at most."

With all matters at the three manors settled, Meng Die let out a long sigh of relief.

The estate was still far from peaceful. The following day, four minor managers confessed. None of them held significant wealth, and their addiction was a recent development. The most had lost seventeen taels, while the least had lost eight.

Following the agreed-upon arrangement, Wen Shi sent them to work on the manors.

On the final day of confessions, no one else came forward. Wen Shi discussed the reassignment of vacant managerial positions with Meng Die and Jin Shi.

The first day after the lively three-day deadline passed, Meng Die, Wen Shi, and Jin Shi sat in the Jingcu Pavilion. Despite the managers' attempts to conceal their anticipation, the three women sensed the tension in the air.

The trio didn't mind. Meng Die remained seated on the right, sipping her tea leisurely. "Regarding the matter of visiting the gambling den, the three-day confession period has passed. Matron Xia, has anyone else come forward to you?"

Matron Xia replied, "In response to Second Lady, there hasn't been anyone since the night before last. Not even yesterday until now."

Meng Die smiled. "Very well. It seems that those left are confident in themselves. Lu Wei, read it aloud."

Everyone turned their attention to Lu Wei, only now noticing that she had brought a notebook with her.

Lu Wei opened the booklet and recited in a clear voice, "Wu Qing, in charge of kitchen waste. First visit to Lucky Gambling Den in the sixth month of the Bingwu year, lost three hundred and twenty copper coins. In the same month, visited Lucky Gambling Den again... A total loss of six taels and thirty-two cents."

With Lu Wei's clear voice resounding, an unseen chill seemed to sweep through the Concentrated Essences Pavilion, making all the ladies in charge shiver. Those who had ties with Wu Qing turned particularly pale.

When Lu Wei finished her account, Meng Die chuckled softly. "Nanny Xia, did you catch all that? Send a few servants to bring the person here."

Grandma Xia bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Grace."

Meng Die, ignoring the expressions of those below, continued, "Read on."

Lu Wei continued, "Zhao Sheng, one of the warehouse stewards, oversees the cups, dishes, bowls, and chopsticks that are seldom used in the manor. Since October of the Yǐ-Yǒu year, he has been frequenting the Fortune Gamble House in the neighboring county...accumulating a total loss of three hundred and sixteen taels of silver."

Meng Die turned her gaze to Mother Xia.

Mother Xia hurriedly replied, "I'll send a servant boy immediately to retrieve him."

Meng Die nodded. "Continue."

Lu Wei turned another page. "Jia Yi is in charge of… well, including the three hundred taels he owes under the pretense of the marquis household's name, he has lost a total of four thousand six hundred and twenty-four taels and seven hundred and eighty-six copper coins."

Gasp after gasp echoed from the Nectar Condensation Pavilion.

Meng Die glanced at Mother Xia and said, "Go get them."

Mother Xia promptly replied, "Yes, ma'am."

In no time, the three were brought to kneel outside the Jingcu Pavilion, with six sturdy servants standing guard nearby.

Meng Die rose to her feet and walked slowly toward the entrance. The trio immediately lowered their heads even further. Meng Die began with the first one, "Wu Qing, you lost the least amount of money among all the gamblers these past few days. Why didn't you come forward and confess? Did you think I wouldn't be able to find out since it was a small amount?"

Wu Qing started pounding his head on the ground, "Please forgive me, Second Lady. It was my foolishness, my foolishness..."

Meng Die smiled coldly. "Forgive you? I'm not as forgiving as your esteemed Lady. I made it clear from the start: if I uncover the truth, don't blame me for turning ruthless. Since you chose to ignore my words, how could I possibly spare you?"

"Grandma Xia, hand him his indenture. He's allowed nothing but the clothes on his back; all other possessions must be left behind. Expel him immediately. If any of his family members dare to have contact with him, report it and they'll be expelled as well, without exception."

Wu Qing's mouth gaped wide. "Second Lady, I was wrong, I truly know my mistake..."

Meng Die replied, "Remove him."

With one matter settled, Meng Die turned her gaze to Zhao Sheng. Despite not meeting her eyes, Zhao Sheng trembled like a leaf in the chilly spring air, his shirt soaked through with cold sweat.

Meng Die: "Zhao Sheng, you're quite cunning, thinking that by gambling in nearby counties instead of the capital, you could get away with it, don't you? But do you really think I wouldn't find out?"

Zhao Sheng trembled and stammered, "Pl-ease, Se-co-n-d L-ad-y, spare me this once. I'll repay your kindness in my next life as an ox or a horse."

Meng Die: "No need. I don't want a gambling addict by my side."

Zhao Sheng: "I swear I'll quit gambling. I'll never do it again. I promise I…."

Meng Die: "It's too late. From the moment you started gambling and hiding the truth, everything was already lost. Grandma Xia, apart from him, his wife and children must not be allowed to take anything from the estate. They should also be expelled. As for his parents, investigate if they've helped him pay off his gambling debts. If they haven't and they're elderly, let it slide. But if they have, they should be expelled as well."

Zhao Sheng was aghast. "Second Aunt, my children don't know about my gambling. They're innocent, they truly are innocent."

Meng Die gave a cold snort. "You think of your children now? Where were these thoughts when you were gambling? Or when you chose to conceal it? Now you remember, but there's one thing in this world that isn't for sale—regret. Do you know why? Because what has happened cannot be undone, time doesn't flow backward. Take him away."

"Second Aunt, Second Aunt..."

Jia Yi had been calm and composed, but as he heard Zhao Sheng's voice fade into the distance, a hint of fear crept into his heart. For the first time in his life, he felt a twinge of regret.

Meng Die stood before him, and Jia Yi found himself fixated on the hem of her dress, lowering his head even further.

Meng Die: "Jia Yi, your birth mother was Lady Elder's maid, serving her for her entire life. She deserves respect for her dedication. We address her as sister when we meet. Perhaps that's why you don't take us young masters and mistresses seriously, am I right?"

Jia Yi kowtowed. "Second Madam, I would never dare to have such thoughts."

Meng Die: "No such thoughts? My senior lady and I have been addressing the issue of gambling in the manor recently. Yet, yesterday, you chose to gamble at the casino. Are you presuming that I wouldn't find out, or do you think this young mistress can't handle you?"

Jia Yi: "Second Madam is the master, and I am but a servant. It is natural for a master to discipline a servant. I would never dare to show disrespect to my master."

Meng Die chuckled. "So you do know that it's the master's right to discipline a servant! If I don't teach you a lesson now, everyone will think this young mistress is easy to push around. Nurse Xia, who else is there in his family?"

Nanny Xia shuddered. "What about Mother Jia, your brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, as well as your two married sisters?"

Meng Die resettled in her chair. "Send two people to ask his two sisters if they wish to leave with him or cut ties. They must decide carefully before reporting back. Once they choose, there can be no turning back. If anything happens, don't expect me to lend a hand."

"He's allowed to keep nothing but the clothes on his back. He'll be promptly expelled. As for Mother Jia and his elder brother's family, since they once served our late matriarch, I'll show them some favor by allowing them to take their belongings. Then they will all be expelled together."

Nanny Xia was stunned.

Jia Yi's eyes widened too. He abruptly looked up at Meng Die. Seated inside, she presided over the managers of the Jingyu Hall, who stood in a row. Through the gaps, he could barely make out the faint blue hem of her dress, either because she was too far away or due to some other reason.

Meng Die looked at Mother Xia coolly. "What are you waiting for? Go and do it."

Mother Xia trembled again. "I'll do it right away."

Mother Jia's status in the household was indeed unique. Mother Xia personally led a few matrons to fetch the person in question. Halfway to her house, they received word, "She's crying in Lady Elder's chamber."

Mother Xia hesitated, unsure whether to continue with the task or to report back to Second Lady first. The people around her exchanged knowing glances but none dared to speak up.

In the end, Mother Xia stamped her foot and rushed with the matrons straight to the main residence. Today's matter was an order from Second Lady; if it had been First Lady, she certainly wouldn't have done it, no matter who was managing the household. Mother Xia knew very well that even though First Lady oversaw the family affairs, among the younger generation, no one could surpass Second Lady in authority.

Grandmother II's own grandfather was the Minister of Punishments, not someone to be trifled with. As a county princess herself, if she were truly displeased, not only would the Matriarch yield, but even the Old Marquis would have to give her some leeway. In her heart, she couldn't help but grumble; Grandma Jia and her son were truly courting disaster.

Upon arriving at the Marquise's quarters, she heard Grandma Jia's intermittent sobs from inside, "Matriarch, I know that Yi'er was wrong. If you spare him this time, I will surely discipline him severely and teach him a lesson."

"He has grown up under your watchful eye, Matriarch. He's just a child, curious by nature. A good scolding now will surely make him mend his ways."

The Marquise replied, "You spoil him too much."

Tears streaming down her face, Grandma Jia said, "Matriarch, you're right. It's just that I can't bear to be harsh with him. En'er, my En'er..."

Jia En, the second son of Nurse Jia, was intelligent and diligent. He had once served by the Crown Prince's side, attending to him diligently, which won him much favor with Lady Hou. Tragically, he fell ill and passed away at the tender age of seventeen. Not long after, Nurse Jia's husband, Jia Gui, overcome with grief for his lost son, also succumbed to illness. Bereaved of both her child and spouse, Nurse Jia inevitably doted on the still-young Jia Yi.

Upon hearing a name that hadn't been mentioned in over a decade, Lady Hou let out a long sigh.

Nurse Jia continued, "Matriarch, I understand that punishment is due when one makes mistakes. But considering he's still just a child and given our years of master-servant relationship, please don't cast him out. Let him work hard on the manor. I will discipline him strictly, ensuring he never repeats his mistake..."

Matron Xia entered the room, lifting the curtain. "Matriarch."

Lady Hou paused. "Come in."

Nanny Xia entered the room and bowed deeply, addressing the elderly matriarch, "Madam, Second Madam has ordered that Nanny Jia and her eldest son's family be granted their freedom and expelled from the household."

Nanny Jia, who was weeping, immediately stopped her tears, staring at Nanny Xia in astonishment.

Lady Hou was also taken aback, "Expelled altogether?"

Nanny Xia continued, "Jia Yi has lost over four thousand taels of silver in total."

Lady Hou was utterly shocked, and Nanny Jia stood there, stunned. So much, so very much silver?

Continuing, Mama Xia said, "According to the rules of punishment set by the Lady, not only would Jia Yi be punished for losing such a substantial amount of silver, but his family would also be expelled from their home. Furthermore, Jia Yi has taken advantage of the power of the Marquis's residence, using his victories and coerced debts to evade paying three hundred taels of silver."

Auntie Jia trembled and glared at Auntie Xia with resentment. "That's impossible. Yiyi was just being naive and curious, that's why he went to the gambling den. He would never dare to bully others with his influence. Moreover, if he truly bullied someone, why would he settle the debt with four thousand taels instead of just denying the three hundred?"

Nanny Xia showed no fear at all: "The gambling houses in the capital all have connections. He would switch to another one after defaulting on one, and later he also tried to default on another, but that one had a very powerful backer. If he didn't pay, they would send him to the authorities and even come to the marquis's mansion to demand money. Wasn't it you who pawned many of the rewards given by the masters, and finally settled the matter with money?"

Auntie Jia felt a chill run down her spine, not daring to lift her head at all.

Lady Hou's piercing gaze fell upon Nurse Jia, noticing the evasion in her eyes, causing a sudden sinking feeling in her heart.

Nanny Xia continued, "Not only that, he went gambling again yesterday. That's what provoked Second Madam to lose her temper. She mentioned that since Nanny Jia served the Matriarch for so long, she would give them some dignity and allow everyone in their family, except Jia Yi, to take their accumulated wealth."

Madam Hou fixed her gaze on Nanny Jia. "Gambling again yesterday? Does he not know that his Eldest and Second Aunts have been cracking down on those who frequent gambling dens? He clearly holds no regard for his superiors! No wonder Dai-er was furious enough to expel him. As per your Second Madam's suggestion, they should all be expelled."

Kneeling at Madam Hou's feet, Nanny Jia pleaded, "Matriarch, Matriarch, I followed you to the Marquis Manor when I was fourteen and am now in my fifties. I've spent decades here, serving both the Matriarch and the young masters. Please, for the sake of our decades-long relationship, don't expel me. Don't expel me..."

Madam Hou closed her eyes. "Remove her."

The expulsion of Nanny Jia's entire family sent shockwaves throughout the Marquis Manor. Be it the lowly servants, maids, or even the managers, all they could talk about was this incident.

Many still found it hard to believe the outcome—this was the very maid who had accompanied the Old Madam as part of her dowry, a figure held in such high esteem within the Marquis's residence. Could she truly have been dismissed so unceremoniously?