Chapter 102

Chapter 102

The broker said it would take about half an hour to bring the people to the Xiao family. After leaving the broker, Tong Sui prepared to head straight back.

Xiao Yuchan rode on a donkey, looking around curiously. Several times she wanted to get down and browse the stalls but was stopped by Tong Sui each time.

Tong Sui had already sent the constable from her father's side back to his duties. Now, only the sisters-in-law were left, riding on donkeys. If they got off, there was a risk of someone stealing their donkeys or taking advantage of the chaos. With just a dagger, Tong Sui might not be able to protect both of them.

The city had just stabilized, so caution was always wise.

Xiao Yuchan, intimidated by Tong Sui's warning, temporarily set aside her thoughts.

The sisters-in-law proceeded slowly through the bustling market. As they approached a crossroad, a troop suddenly appeared from the left. The leader rode a horse, followed by four foot soldiers guarding a donkey cart.

Before Xiao Yuchan could recognize Sun Wei in his military attire, he spotted them first. He raised his hand to stop the driver and rode over, greeting them, "Second Madam, Yuchan, what are you doing here?"

Xiao Yuchan looked him up and down in surprise and teased, "I see you often in the village, but I didn't recognize you with this new outfit."

Sun Wei smiled and looked at Tong Sui.

Tong Sui, having noticed the stack of iron-tipped spears on the donkey cart, asked, "We came out to handle some matters. What about you?"

Sun Wei replied, "Earlier, Second Master ordered the blacksmiths in the city to forge weapons. Every morning, I come to collect a batch."

People bustled past on the street. Tong Sui moved closer and whispered, "Can we provide iron-tipped weapons for all six thousand households?"

Sun Wei's smile faltered as he exchanged a glance with Tong Sui before shaking his head. "It's difficult. We've sent people to the mountains to gather wood for the spears, but the amount of iron and copper collected in the city is far from enough. We can only make as many as we can with what we have."

Tong Sui: "Is there any solution from Second Master?"

Sun Wei: "I asked Second Master, and he said not to worry. It seems he has a plan."

Having experienced so much, Tong Sui understood the temperament of Xiao Zhen and the elder. Since they were recruiting troops to defend against enemies, the preparation of weapons must have been one of their first considerations.

"Go ahead and get busy. We're heading back."

Sun Wei nodded and continued on his way with his men.

Xiao Yuchan tilted her head and watched for a moment before turning to Tong Sui. "I have to say, Sun Wei looks quite imposing in that uniform."

Tong Sui: "That's because he's naturally handsome, tall, and skilled. In military attire, he naturally looks like a soldier."

If someone short and sneaky wore the same uniform, they wouldn't carry it off.

Xiao Yuchan: "Second Brother and the others are still in civilian clothes. I wonder if they'll change into military attire."

Tong Sui hadn't heard Xiao Zhen mention anything about that.

With the large black donkey, the sisters-in-law returned home smoothly.

Lin Ningfang was still teaching the children. Tong Sui didn't disturb her and first invited Aunt Xiao, Aunt Liu Chu, and the mothers and aunts from the eastern courtyard to the main hall in the West Court. "The broker will bring people for us to choose from soon. Let's prepare ourselves so we don't appear unprepared in front of the broker."

Aunt Xiao nodded approvingly. "Aman thinks of everything. The broker deals with wealthy families in the city. While we don't need to match their demeanor, we shouldn't let him mock us."

Madam He: "Three male servants, three laundry maids, and three cooks. Choosing cooks is easy; they can show their skills in the kitchen. How do we pick the servants and maids? With so many people involved, we need to be careful not to bring in anyone with ill intentions."

Tong Sui affirmed Madam He's words and then turned to Aunt Xiao. "Among us, Aunt, Auntie, and Third Sister-in-Law have experience with servants. When they arrive, you can handle the questioning and evaluation while we observe and learn. If everyone talks at once, it will be too chaotic."

Madam Jiang hurriedly said, "Aman, the helpers at the clinic were found by your grandfather and uncle. I didn't handle that. I can't do this."

Tong Sui smiled. "Alright, Auntie, you can watch with us."

Aunt Xiao, needing to keep Madam He in check, couldn't refuse. "Fine, Lin Ningfang and I will handle this. Yuchan, you girls should keep quiet and whisper to me if there are any issues."

Madam He: "…"

She wasn't foolish and understood that her sister-in-law was reminding her!

While waiting for the people to arrive, the women sat in the main hall discussing the questions they would ask. When A Fu ran to the arched gate to announce the arrival of the broker, Tong Sui sent Ah Zhen to invite Lin Ningfang from the school.

Madam He, seeing the arrangement, suddenly felt nervous.

Lin Ningfang arrived in plain clothes, her demeanor dignified and natural, as if born that way.

She greeted the elders and stood beside Liu Chu and Xiao Yuchan.

In the main hall, Tong Sui was pushed by Aunt Xiao to sit next to Madam He in the main seat facing north. Aunt Xiao sat in the guest seat to the left, with Liu Chu and Xiao Yuchan standing behind her. Zhou Qing and Madam Jiang sat in the guest seats to the right, with Zhou Gui standing behind them.

Despite the number of people, everything was orderly.

At this moment, Ah Zhen walked to the arched gate, exchanged a glance with A Fu, and then addressed the slightly bowed broker. "The ladies are waiting in the main hall. Please come in."

The broker immediately recognized Ah Zhen's demeanor as that of a well-trained servant.

Most of the county's residents did not know about the Xiao family's granddaughter-in-law from the prime minister's house, including the broker. Seeing Ah Zhen, he thought that the Xiao family was indeed extraordinary, having trained their children into fierce warriors and their servants into well-mannered individuals.

The broker, who already respected the Xiao family, now dared not look down upon the women inside.

He instructed the three rows of young men, young women, and middle-aged women to behave properly before leading them in behind Ah Zhen.

Inside the main hall, Tong Sui and the others turned to look at them.

The broker quickly glanced around and then lowered his gaze, secretly astonished. Although he couldn't see clearly, he could tell that the room was filled with beauties.

Once they were settled in the courtyard, Ah Zhen approached the main hall door and respectfully announced, "Second Madam, everyone is here."

Tong Sui nodded and led everyone out.

Tong Sui again asked Aunt Xiao to take charge. Aunt Xiao touched her neck and said to Lin Ningfang, "I'm a bit thirsty. Third Sister-in-Law, you take over."

Lin Ningfang walked up to Tong Sui from behind and addressed the three rows of people: "All of you, lift your heads."

The three rows of men and women complied. Some kept their eyes downcast, while others took the opportunity to size up the household in front of them.

Lin Ningfang looked at each one, her voice gentle yet commanding with the authority of a lady of the manor: "In our household, we select individuals for long-term service. We do not wish for any trouble to arise because of you. If any of you have been forced here and do not truly wish to be slaves, step forward now. The Xiao family oversees the county's affairs and can ensure justice for you."

Just as the head of the brokerage house was about to speak, Lin Ningfang gave him a cold stare.

The head of the brokerage house hesitated and wisely closed his mouth.

Fortunately, the people he had brought had no questionable backgrounds, and none of them were lying to cause trouble.

Selecting the cooks required the most effort. Lin Ningfang first called the row of middle-aged women forward for questioning. Each woman had to stand up and undergo an inspection of her teeth and hands.

Those with bad teeth, severely yellowed teeth, or dirt under their nails were immediately rejected.

Out of ten women, four were eliminated based on these criteria.

For the remaining six, Lin Ningfang asked them to state their backgrounds and reasons for being sold into slavery, including whether they had worked elsewhere before.

Two were caught lying and were also eliminated.

For the final four, Lin Ningfang said to Madam He and Madam Jiang: "Please take them to the kitchen and assess their cooking skills."

Madam He liked taking shortcuts but was skilled at cooking and identifying others' shortcomings. Madam Jiang, with experience hiring staff at the medical hall, could help Madam He fill in any gaps.

Madam He, feeling important, promptly led the women into the kitchen.

Lin Ningfang had already demonstrated the process to Tong Sui. When selecting laundry maids, she encouraged Tong Sui to try it herself.

Tong Sui followed Lin Ningfang's method, asking questions and using her own criteria. Apart from ensuring they were healthy and free of illness, the laundry maids needed to be strong enough to carry water and wash clothes. After eliminating those who were unclean or dishonest, Tong Sui had Xiao Yuchan and Liu Chu take the remaining candidates to the well to fetch water and wash a piece of clothing. The ones who performed the tasks most efficiently and meticulously would be hired.

Finally, it was time to select the male servants.

Male servants had several responsibilities: guarding the house, leading the mules when the masters went out, delivering messages inside and outside the home, and sometimes running errands or delivering name cards.

Xiao Aunt, who had helped manage the family business with her husband, had encountered both clever and clumsy employees. Lin Ningfang stepped back and entrusted the selection of male servants to Xiao Aunt.

Xiao Aunt did not hesitate and demonstrated her expertise in front of her nieces, daughters-in-law, and in-laws, easily choosing three young male servants who spoke clearly, narrated logically, could drive a carriage, and knew their directions.

Whether the young wives were impressed, the head of the brokerage house was thoroughly convinced!

The laundry maids were selected, and the brokerage house sent the rejected candidates away. He waited for the kitchen assessments to finish.

During this time, several name cards were delivered. A Fu handled opening the door and receiving the cards, making multiple trips.

Tong Sui sat in the main hall, reviewing the cards. They were all from the ladies of prominent and wealthy families in the city.

It turned out that Xiao Zhen and the elder had been right.

Lin Ningfang asked: "Second Sister-in-Law, which day is suitable? Set a date, and we can invite these ladies over together."

Today was too late, and Tong Sui had plans to go out with Xiao Zhen tomorrow.

"How about the day after tomorrow?"

Lin Ningfang: "That works. Two days should be enough for us to prepare tea and snacks for the guests."

Meanwhile, Grandfather Xiao Mu, stationed at the southern camp, received a report from the guard: "Commander, a troop has arrived at the gate. The leader claims to be the magistrate of Ding County, He Lianqing, and says he has urgent matters to discuss with you."

Xiao Mu smiled and instructed the soldier outside: "Prepare my horse."