Chapter 7: Governing Subordinates

Chapter 7: Governing Subordinates

Mrs. Qin looked at her son, whom she had raised with great care, in disappointment. After uttering her final words, she ignored him and led Lu Lingyun away.

Lu Lingyun stayed in Mrs. Qin's room for a long time, patiently comforting her.

When she left, Mrs. Qin treated Lu Lingyun as if she were her own daughter, becoming much closer to her.

She also instructed Mama Wen to provide Lu Lingyun with whatever she needed in the future.

From now on, if there was anything Lu Lingyun didn't understand or needed help with, she could go directly to Mama Wen. The servants under her would also learn from Mama Wen.

This meant that Lu Lingyun had been given true control over the household.

Unlike the previous arrangement with Lu Hanyi, who only held a token key to manage the household.

In a large family, people are the core of power, while token keys and account books are merely superficial symbols.

Those controlling the family's core assets were Mrs. Qin's people. Lu Hanyi only had the right to oversee but not to act.

The vast estate of the Lord Marquis was divided into territories belonging to different masters.

The servants in the Lord Marquis's residence were divided into two main factions. One faction consisted of generations of house-born servants whose ancestors had served the Lord Marquis's family faithfully. They were the mainstay of the household, typically managing external properties such as estates and shops, which belonged to the old Lord Marquis.

The other faction comprised Mrs. Qin's people, mostly her dowry attendants. They gradually took over the management of the inner courtyard, including the head maids, tutors, accountants, storeroom managers, and personnel supervisors—essentially, those controlling the inner courtyard's core operations.

Now that Mrs. Qin had released her authority and allowed Mama Wen to assist her in training others, it meant that Lu Lingyun was being given the opportunity to gradually bring her own people into the Lord Marquis's residence.

This was genuine recognition of her.

Of course, Lu Lingyun couldn't replace everyone immediately; she wasn't at that stage yet.

The Lord Marquis's residence wasn't hers yet.

Lu Lingyun was smart. She sincerely thanked Mrs. Qin and promised her, leaving Mrs. Qin's room to a chorus of respectful bows from the servants.

They all acknowledged her as the new mistress of the Lord Marquis's residence.

In this world, a husband's affection is not absolute, but regardless of the time, a woman with real power and sufficient wealth commands genuine respect wherever she goes.

Looking at the respectful servants, Lu Lingyun said to Mama An, "Mama An, when we get back, prepare some small red envelopes. Have each courtyard come to our courtyard to collect their share. Everyone has worked hard for my arrival. Also, order two hundred pounds of pork and one hundred live chickens for the kitchen. Take the money from our storeroom and add an extra dish for everyone today."

As Lu Lingyun spoke, the servants in the residence responded in unison.

"Thank you, Young Lady!"

Amidst the joy of the crowd, Lu Lingyun left with her entourage. In the afternoon, her courtyard became bustling.

Servants from various courtyards in the Lord Marquis's residence came to collect their share and express gratitude.

The Lord Marquis's residence had few generations and thus few courtyards.

Apart from the storeroom, kitchen, and utility rooms, there were the Ningxin Courtyard where the old Lord Marquis and Mrs. Qin resided, the courtyards of three concubines, and the Yaoguang Pavilion where the heir lived.

The three concubines were the old Lord Marquis's mistresses, but they had no children and were now sent to pray in the temple.

The heir's beloved concubine did not have a separate courtyard because she was not even a concubine, entering without formal marriage or title, and was kept in the Yaoguang Pavilion.

No one in the residence knew how to address her, so they called her Miss Xing.

It was said that the woman was quite content, feeling no shame about her lack of status, claiming she didn't care about titles.

This attitude made everyone in the residence look down on her.

Everyone in the Lord Marquis's residence came to Lu Lingyun for their share, especially those from the temple, who were delighted by the extra feast.

As they left, they praised the new young lady.

"Our young lady is truly generous."

"Indeed, she seems kind-hearted!"

"Just entering the residence and giving us such big red envelopes—she truly lives up to her noble upbringing."

"Who can deny that? Look at the one in the Yaoguang Pavilion, sneaking in and being kept by the heir without any status."

"Speak softly."

"What's there to fear? No one from the Yaoguang Pavilion came, probably because they weren't allowed! How petty, not sharing with us servants. I feel sorry for them."

Those in Lu Lingyun's courtyard exchanged glances silently, and a few went to gather more information.

This distribution of red envelopes not only earned Lu Lingyun the goodwill of the servants but also helped her establish a preliminary network of contacts across the residence.

Mrs. Qin had given her authority, and now she needed to show her skills.

By distributing gifts to the servants, Lu Lingyun quickly became familiar with the people from each courtyard.

"Mama An, Mother entrusted me with managing the household affairs. You've listened well today and handled the red envelopes and meals excellently. From now on, learn from Mama Wen how to manage the household and become my chief steward."

Lu Lingyun gave these instructions to Mama An in front of Mama Wan.

Mama An was stunned by Lu Lingyun's decision to entrust her with such a significant responsibility.

Her?

Mama Wen was the top manager of the inner courtyard, and Lu Lingyun was giving her such an important task!

"Are you unwilling?"

"No, no, no, Young Mistress! I am willing! I can definitely do it!" Mama An nodded repeatedly. She had never been treated with such importance in her life and quickly agreed.

Mama Wan's face changed beside her.

That Mama An was just an old maid brought back by Lady Liu from the estate, with no family at all. But she had always been Lady Liu's chief maid. How could she get such a good assignment!

"Young Mistress, managing the household is a major task. Perhaps it should still be entrusted to this old servant. I used to manage the household for Lady Liu," she asked, following closely.

Lingyun gave her a faint glance, "Mama Wan, I have other tasks arranged for you. This courtyard has just opened and needs someone to oversee it. From now on, you will help me watch over the courtyard."

Telling her to watch the courtyard was no different from treating her like an old guard dog!

Mama Wan's face turned ghastly, "Young Mistress, watching the courtyard is such a minor task. Mama An can do it too. I think..."

Lingyun shot her a look, "You think? When I assign you tasks, you start thinking. Who is the mistress here, you or me? Or do you think my affairs are not worthy of your attention? If that's the case, you can go back to the Lu family!"

Mama Wan immediately lowered her head, "This old servant dares not."

Lingyun glanced at them indifferently, a slight smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

Lady Liu played tricks, deliberately not giving her the indenture papers. Perfect; it was an excellent way to control them.

Mama An was alone, with no family. Having the indenture papers in Lady Liu's hands made no difference.

If she gave her a little power and ensured she lived well by her side, Mama An wouldn't want to return to the Lu family and would fear being sent back by Lingyun.

Controlling her would be effortless.

Mama Wan, on the other hand, had a large family and her heart was with Lady Liu. Such people couldn't be cultivated but were perfect for doing dirty work. In the future, give her some dirty and laborious tasks, and if she doesn't perform well, send her back. Her loyalty to Lady Liu was her biggest weakness, always ready to be dismissed.

Moreover, there was no need to treat her kindly. She could be handled roughly without worrying about hurting her feelings.

The second step to being a good mistress is to use people wisely.