Chapter 32: I Must Have Been Blind in My Previous Life

Chapter 32: I Must Have Been Blind in My Previous Life

They had to call for water twice that night.

It was only after Cheng Yian repeatedly begged for a break that things finally settled down.

The snow fell heavily throughout the night, accumulating two inches deep in front of the Lu residence. Fortunately, the servants and soldiers from the Military and Cavalry Division worked together to clear it away. As usual, as was his habit, Lu Xusheng left the house before dawn.

Cheng Yian sat up groggily in the bed canopy, hearing several waves of voices outside. It was then that she remembered she was now the young mistress of the Lu household, and the commotion outside was likely the stewards awaiting her orders.

Ru Hui had been waiting outside early on. As soon as the curtains were drawn, she immediately peeked in to check on Cheng Yian.

Her hair was half undone, casually hanging over her chest. Her bright almond-shaped eyes still held a soft glow, and her face was clean and fair, showing no signs of distress. Seeing that she didn’t appear hurt, Ru Hui breathed a small sigh of relief.

Cheng Yian was a bit embarrassed under her scrutiny and cleared her throat, saying,

"I’m fine, everything’s fine. What’s all the commotion outside?"

Ru Hui signaled a young maid to bring a copper basin for washing and grooming. As she went about her tasks, she replied,

"Early this morning, Ru Lan stormed over to accuse Qiu Qing of reporting the incident. Qiu Qing denied it, but Ru Lan, worried about you, berated him without giving him a chance to explain. Now, Qiu Qing has begged the stewards to relay a message, saying he wants to bow to you in apology and swear that he wasn’t the one who reported what happened yesterday."

Cheng Yian had great respect for these seasoned warriors. "Ru Lan is really bold, brave enough to scold even Qiu Qing."

Ru Hui chuckled, "Indeed. Such a mighty man, yet Ru Lan scolded him as if he were a coward. He flushed and stuttered, unable to defend himself properly..."

Cheng Yian smiled quietly but said nothing.

After a while, she got dressed neatly and left the bed, sitting in the eastern chamber. Nanny Li led four maids in to prepare the breakfast.

As usual, a bowl of red ginseng porridge to boost energy and vitality, a serving of spring rolls, a serving of barley cakes, a bowl of fish ball and dried shrimp soup, and a small bowl of old duck vermicelli soup.

Cheng Yian couldn’t finish everything, so she called Ru Lan in to join Ru Hui for the meal.

Nanny Li then passed on what the steward outside had said,

"Today is your first day handling household matters, everyone is being cautious and holding back. They’re waiting in the meeting hall for your orders, Madam."

Nanny Li had meant to mention that it was getting late, but seeing Cheng Yian's calm demeanor, she figured Cheng Yian might be trying to assert her authority over the stewards, so she kept quiet.

Cheng Yian decided to wait for Ru Hui and Ru Lan to finish eating before taking them along. Noticing Nanny Li’s hesitation, she asked,

"Do you have something to say, Nanny?"

Nanny Li said with concern, "Madam, you’re still young and might not realize how complicated the Lu family can be. Even though Second Master made a big show of authority yesterday, as if clearing the path for you, dealing with those crafty underlings won’t be easy. We’re still new here and haven’t gotten the hang of things yet. If we rely on them, we can’t trust their loyalty; they could be plotting against you behind your back. If we don’t rely on them, where are we supposed to find enough trustworthy people?"

"Madam, now that you’re in charge, I’m happy for you, but I’ve been so worried I couldn’t sleep last night."

Cheng Yian glanced at the wrinkles around Nanny Li’s eyes and chuckled, "We’ll figure it out when we get there, Nanny, don’t worry."

On top of that, Nanny Li had another worry, but she didn’t dare bring it up in front of Cheng Yian.

Even though Nanny Li had raised Cheng Yian, because of what happened with the old lady, she now had to keep a low profile in Ningji Hall.

Nanny Li was set on clinging to Cheng Yian, her lifeline, and had completely cut ties with the old lady. The old lady got the message and, without Cheng Yian even asking, had already let Nanny Li’s daughter and son-in-law go. Lately, her daughter and son-in-law had approached her, asking for help finding work in the Lu household.

With Cheng Yian now running the household, it was the perfect chance.

But Nanny Li didn't dare to speak up; after all, she wasn't the same as before.

Ru Hui and Ru Lan didn't dare to keep Cheng Yian waiting. They hurriedly took a few bites and stood up, but Cheng Yian glared at them, "I'm not waiting for you; I'm thinking about something. Have some more."

After a while, the four of them—master and servants—surrounded by little maids and female servants, headed toward the meeting hall.

The meeting hall of the Lu residence was inside the Chuihua Gate, with the flower hall to the west and a small courtyard next to the side gate to the east—the meeting hall where the mistress of the Lu residence managed affairs.

On a snowy day, the second mistress didn't get up, exempting the morning and evening greetings, and the old lady, being ill, didn't allow any disturbances. Cheng Yian went straight to the meeting hall.

The hall was indeed packed with people.

First-class, second-class, and third-class stewards—a total of one hundred people—packed the not-so-large meeting hall to the brim.

The crowd was whispering among themselves, but when they heard the female servants at the door call out, "The young mistress is here," they immediately became solemn and respectfully greeted Cheng Yian.

Cheng Yian sat down on the long couch in the transverse hall.

A steward had already prepared a brazier, and Ru Hui personally laid out a mink fur mattress she had brought, allowing Cheng Yian to sit on it, and draped a leopard skin satin mattress over her for warmth. Meanwhile, Ru Lan took the little maids to set down Cheng Yian's usual tea set and instructed someone to boil water for tea.

The snow had stopped, and the courtyard's snow had been cleared to the corners. Hundreds of people stood silently below, quietly observing Cheng Yian.

The dignified beauty was seated on the soft couch, surrounded by attendants, her snow-white, jade-like face framed by a cluster of fine rabbit fur. She looked utterly noble and wealthy, but still too young.

Youth has its advantages—easy to deceive.

Cheng Yian knew the backgrounds of these stewards all too well.

No matter how formidable Lu Xusheng was, he couldn't be at the residence every day. In the end, whether this young mistress would succeed or not, these stewards were watching closely.

This was the first point.

Secondly, the Lu residence, a grand duke's mansion, though not as ancient as the Cheng family, was still one of the best in the capital. Every day, there were more than ten major events and hundreds of minor ones—from the kitchen to the inner courtyard's purchases, the outer courtyard's purchases, the tea hall, the banquet resting place, the storeroom, the night watch and gate patrol, and garden management—not to mention the maids and matrons by the mistresses' sides. Just these tasks required dozens of stewards.

How many people had she brought into the residence?

Only two capable maids from her dowry and two accompanying families—making the best use of people—could only manage two or three positions.

In the end, Cheng Yian still had to rely on the people from the Lu residence.

Since she had to rely on them, naturally everyone felt confident.

Who in the household wasn't a shrewd person?

Just as they were eyeing her difficulties, the second mistress sent her own maids and matrons over. Would you dare not show respect to your mother-in-law?

The old lady and the main mistress's people were all present. Although the main mistress's people knew the odds were against them, the old lady's people were confident. Why? Would you dare not respect your elders?

Even the third mistress, who was always like a Bodhisattva, sent a few people over.

Rather than using the main branch's people, why not use mine? Choose the lesser of two evils.

Not to mention outside, even Nanny Li by her side wanted to bring in her daughter and son-in-law.

Everyone had their own ideas.

Having many ideas is not a bad thing.

Cheng Yian calmly scanned each one, took the tea handed by Ru Lan, and slowly drank.

These people must be used, no question about it.

The housekeepers here are either personal attendants of the mistresses and ladies or lifelong servants of the Lu family, each deeply rooted in the Lu residence for years, with complex webs of connections and strong outside ties. Discarding them would paralyze the Lu residence, troubling not just others but Cheng Yian herself.

Of course, not everyone can be used.

The old mistress's people are off-limits; having an ancestor looming over her would be unbearable.

The second mistress's people are also a no-go.

Yesterday, she realized her mother-in-law aimed to take control.

These housekeepers might secretly stir up trouble to humiliate her.

Others might be usable, but she can't just give in to their demands.

Human nature dictates that what comes too easily isn't valued.

Should she just kick out the old and second mistresses' people?

Sure, she could swiftly handle them all.

But that's not the way to go.

First, it would earn her a reputation for disrespecting elders. Second, they'd be resentful and might stir up trouble behind her back. Third, why take all the heat herself?

Cheng Yian's goal is simple: use people, and use them well.

So, what's her move?

She sipped her tea a few times before finally setting the cup down.

First, as expected, she dismissed the attendants of the first mistress.

This was to send a clear message that embezzling public property from the estate would be severely punished.

Next, she appointed Ming Saozi and her husband as the stewards of the treasury, responsible for distributing silver. The chief steward position went to Hang, Lu Xusheng's trusted steward, as expected. With this experienced steward in place, it was like having a steady hand at the helm, preventing any major disruptions.

As for the remaining staff, Cheng Yian's expression softened, and she smiled warmly, saying,

"Ladies, I am young, so I’ve just taken over today. I'm still getting familiar with everything and need to get a sense of your personalities. For now, let's keep everything else as it is, and I'll review things later."

Hearing this, the stewards sighed in relief, their faces lighting up with joy.

They had already seen that this young mistress was kind-hearted and fair.

At just seventeen, taking on the management of the Duke's mansion seemed a bold move for someone so young.

The stewards beamed with gratitude and bowed gratefully, "The young mistress has a heart of a Bodhisattva; it is a blessing for our Lu mansion."

Cheng Yian left the old mistress's staff untouched, carefully assigning the second mistress's stewards to the storeroom, procurement, and social duties.

This arrangement made everything clear to everyone.

The young mistress was cautious, careful not to offend the old mistress and the second mistress.

Naturally, the stewards hoping for promotions were a bit disappointed, but it made sense. They hadn't been visiting Ningji Hall, so it was no surprise the young mistress hesitated to rely on them.

Cheng Yian sent the staff away and went into the warm room off the meeting hall to go over the account books.

At this moment, a matron entered.

Nanny Li recognized her and turned to Cheng Yian for instructions,

"Second Mistress, it's Nanny Yao, the companion from the second mistress's side."

Nanny Yao entered with a beaming smile, joyfully bowing to Cheng Yian,

"Your servant greets the Second Mistress."

Cheng Yian looked at her with a very gentle expression, "Please have a seat, Nanny."

Nanny Yao was the top figure from the second mistress's side, aside from the personal Nanny Wang, meaning Nanny Yao was the lead sent by the second mistress.

Nanny Yao, perhaps emboldened by Cheng Yian's gentle demeanor, took liberties and sat down on the brocade stool in front of her.

Nanny Li, standing nearby, gave her a deep look, curling her lips in disdain.

Cheng Yian set down the account book and asked her, "What brings you here, Nanny Yao?"

Nanny Yao had just taken over the staff from the mistress, managing the storeroom affairs. She came with the intention to offer advice,

"The Second Mistress treats your servant as one of her own, entrusting such important duties. This old servant is endlessly grateful. Thinking that the Second Mistress has just married into the family and might not be familiar with the household affairs, I couldn't help but want to plan for her."

Cheng Yian smiled, "Nanny, please speak freely."

Nanny Yao said, "In my humble opinion, the people from the old mistress's side, you cannot use."

Cheng Yian showed a bitter smile upon hearing this, "What Nanny says, how could I not know? But after all, they are people from the elder's side; I cannot act rashly."

Nanny Yao was not at all surprised by this, "This old servant knew the Second Mistress has a good nature. Since the Second Mistress treats your servant as a person, your servant must play the villain, helping her remove this thorn in the side."

Nanny Yao, sent by the second mistress to assist Cheng Yian, could not tolerate anyone above her lording it over.

Cheng Yian smiled but remained silent.

Nanny Yao also didn't say much, knowing that these mistresses are thin-skinned and would not easily give instructions. She took the initiative today, and once the deed was done, wouldn't Cheng Yian be pleased?

However, Nanny Yao's solitary stay in the warm hall did not escape the notice of the old mistress's people.

During the day, everyone was on duty, and by evening, the stewards also returned to the surrounding quarters of the Lu residence—dozens of small courtyards encircling half of the Lu residence, where some of the family's freeloading relatives and stewards lived.

Several stewards from the old mistress's side quietly gathered in Nanny Duan's courtyard to talk.

Nanny Duan had previously managed purchases with the mistress's people, a position with the most perks, and she was reluctant to let go.

"Look at that old hag's smug look; she must have come up with some bad idea."

"Exactly, what can she do? Nothing more than helping the second mistress deal with us."

"We can't let her succeed."

"I didn't want to bother with her, but since she wants to harm us, don't blame us for striking first."

Nanny Yao was in charge of the storeroom affairs. A few days ago, to set up the old mistress's birthday banquet, she took out many fine items from the storeroom to display. Now that the banquet was not held, the old mistress was in a bad mood and ordered people to move the items back.

Nanny Yao led a few people to summon several servants and maids to the old mistress's courtyard to move the items.

They moved a twelve-panel rosewood screen inlaid with floral and bird motifs and mother-of-pearl, along with several pairs of blue-and-white porcelain plum vases, back to the storeroom. After finishing the tasks at the old mistress's quarters, they hurried to the banquet hall to move the ten yellow rosewood Eight Immortals tables that were originally placed there back to the storeroom.

This being her first time in charge, Nanny Yao was extremely cautious, fearing that any mishap would displease the master. She personally oversaw every detail and even called in several stewards from the second mistress's side to help supervise. It was not until late in the evening that they finally moved everything back to the storeroom. Exhausted and aching all over, she returned to her courtyard to rest, only to see a group of people holding torches approaching her courtyard in the dead of night.

The leader was none other than Nanny Duan from the old mistress's side.

"Nanny Yao, you have quite the nerve! Just after taking on a lucrative task, you couldn't wait to line your own pockets."

Seeing her old rival Nanny Duan, Nanny Yao leaned on her waist and retorted,

"What nonsense are you spouting, you old hag? How dare you slander me? I've been working diligently all day, unlike you, who have been skimming off the top with your procurement duties."

Nanny Duan, however, didn't engage in argument. She pointed in the direction of the council hall,

"Nanny, the mistress has ordered you to come with me to the council hall."

Nanny Yao's expression changed slightly, "What do you mean?"

Nanny Duan said, "Didn't you move some things back to the storeroom today? Well, you moved the wrong items. The old mistress woke up and remembered the multicolored plum vase that was placed on the high table by the window. She sent someone to the storeroom to look for it, but it wasn't there. Naturally, the old mistress was furious and is now questioning the young mistress. The young mistress has summoned you to explain yourself."

Nanny Yao's heart raced. She pushed past Nanny Duan and hurried to the storeroom.

When she arrived at the courtyard in the northeast corner of the Lu residence, she saw Nanny Li standing solemnly on the corridor.

Nanny Yao immediately stepped forward to explain, "Sister, don't panic yet. Let me check what's going on."

Nanny Yao led the way with a lantern into the storeroom. She clearly remembered moving a very small multicolored plum vase in today, but now it was nowhere to be found. After searching for a while, she suddenly realized that Nanny Duan and her group might have set her up. She immediately stormed out and shouted at Nanny Duan and the others who had followed her.

"You old witch! You used to manage this storeroom. Who knows if you secretly made a copy of the key and stole something to frame me." She pointed at Nanny Duan and Nanny Li,

"Sister, we can't let this matter slide today. You know I'm from the second mistress's side. This residence will eventually belong to our Young Master. Would I ever disgrace our Young Master? It must be this old witch who's afraid I'll outshine them and is causing trouble on purpose."

"Nanny Li, listen to me. Gather a group of people and search them one by one. I refuse to believe we won't find anything."

Nanny Duan was indeed afraid that Nanny Li would listen to Nanny Yao and search their quarters. After all, they were all seasoned players, and no one could guarantee their hands were completely clean. She immediately lunged forward and grabbed Nanny Yao's hand,

"What do you mean 'your people, our people'? We're just servants following orders. You lost something of the old mistress's today, and no matter what, you must come with me to explain to the old mistress."

Nanny Li pretended to step forward to intervene, but Nanny Duan was too powerful and had come prepared. A group of them forcefully dragged Nanny Yao and her people to the old mistress's courtyard.

Later, they indeed found the small plum vase in Nanny Yao's duty room.

Would the old mistress listen to a servant's explanation?

Already upset that the elder master had been detained for two days and hadn't returned, she vented her anger on the second mistress, banishing several of her key subordinates.

Nanny Yao and her people were given twenty lashes, lost their positions, and were carried back in disgrace.

The second mistress was livid.

Her trusted confidante, Nanny Wang, offered her advice,

"The old mistress is too hateful, deliberately making things difficult for us. Young Mistress, we can't just let them get away with this."

The second mistress, who hadn't yet realized it was Cheng Yian's doing, coldly glanced at her and asked, "What do you suggest, Nanny?"

Nanny Wang snorted, "Just wait. Whether she wants to save face or not, since she won't let our people take charge, she shouldn't expect to benefit either."

Mid-month marks the death anniversary of Second Master, and the second mistress has prepared a shopping list, instructing the purchasing department to make the necessary arrangements.

The purchasing department was previously managed by the old mistress and the main mistress's staff. After the main mistress's people were dismissed, Cheng Yian replaced them with a nanny from the second mistress's household, who is now the only first-class steward left under the second mistress.

This time, Duan Nanny was more cautious, fearing that the second mistress's people would find fault, so she handed the task over to Xuan Nanny, who serves the second mistress.

Xuan Nanny, known for her gentle nature, quietly slipped a tael of silver to Duan Nanny,

"Nanny, I've just taken over and am unfamiliar with the process. Could you guide me so I can proceed with a clear direction?"

Duan Nanny glanced at the silver but did not take it, "It's just some incense, paper, and candles; you can buy them directly on Drum Tower Street."

Xuan Nanny smiled bitterly, "If it were only incense, paper, and candles, it would be simple, but the second mistress also wants ten bolts of silk, five boxes of ink sticks, a case of Xuan paper, and a box of Huzhou brushes..."

The second mistress, hailing from a scholarly family, enjoys literary activities.

Hearing this, Duan Nanny was visibly shocked,

"Buying so much? Has the young mistress given her approval?"

Xuan Nanny smiled, "How could she not approve of her own mother-in-law's affairs?"

Duan Nanny immediately understood.

The second mistress intended to siphon funds from the public treasury.

She had assisted the main mistress in this before.

What does it mean?

First, prepare a list, have it approved by the chief accountant, then withdraw funds from the treasury, use the money to purchase goods originally worth five taels but only spend two taels on them, and the remaining three taels go into the mistress's pocket. Of course, the steward would also get a share, but the bulk goes to the mistresses.

Despite her pride, the second mistress cannot overlook her younger son's need for support, her younger daughter, who is yet to be married, and even her elder sister-in-law who wants a share from the family. How can the second mistress not find ways?

Duan Nanny, with years of experience in purchasing, knew the ins and outs all too well. She glanced at the list and quickly estimated the cost at about five hundred taels.

Previously, such a trip could easily yield fifty taels.

Duan Nanny was tempted, but not entirely.

She certainly couldn't profit from the second mistress's money, lest she find herself in trouble.

Xuan Nanny saw her hesitation and earnestly said,

"I only hope you can recommend a good place where I can earn a tael or two. You know my daughter-in-law is about to give birth, and we really need the money. Don't worry, I will surely thank you generously later."

It's understandable that Xuan Nanny, being new to purchasing, is unfamiliar with the process.

Duan Nanny pondered, "No need for generous thanks; you know I'm straightforward and never take what isn't mine. But since you've asked, I can't help but assist. There's a shopkeeper named Qian on the thirteenth lane of Drum Tower Street; his stationery is excellent and reasonably priced. You can go there."

"As for the silk, at the third crossroads of the East Market, the innermost shop to the west with a sign 'Jiangnan Cloth Shop,' their silk is of good quality and price, you might want to try there."

Duan Nanny thought to herself, she wouldn't get involved, so the second mistress couldn't blame her, but later, she could get some kickbacks from these two places, thus killing two birds with one stone.

Xuan Nanny went, and Duan Nanny didn't pay much attention.

Today, she was on duty at the meeting hall, but by evening, someone from the general accounting office arrived and escorted her to the backyard.

It turned out that Matron Xuan had used Matron Duan's name to meet with the shopkeeper, extracting a lot of confidential information and threatening to report them to the authorities, which scared the shopkeeper into betraying Matron Duan. Not only Matron Duan, but also any other matron in the mansion who had taken benefits from him were all exposed.

This was indeed like stirring up a hornet's nest.

The second mistress, of course, seized the opportunity to criticize the old mistress, accusing her subordinates of dishonesty, which made the old mistress deeply embarrassed.

When the list reached Cheng Yian, all of the old mistress's people were completely exposed, and naturally, there were still many others left.

Cheng Yian did not react impulsively.

As the saying goes, water that is too clear has no fish, and people who are too scrutinizing have no followers.

Cheng Yian called in the remaining stewards one by one, some were reprimanded, while others were won over. With this leverage at her disposal, these people, who were not originally loyal to her, became her devoted followers, each one grateful and regarding her as their master.

By balancing kindness with authority and using force to counter force, she dismissed all those old foxes who relied on their seniority, and the rest, if not entirely obedient, were mostly compliant.

When the fourth day arrived for the hall meeting, everyone looked at this young mistress without any further underestimation.

When Lu Xusheng returned to the mansion and heard about this from Steward Hang, he was somewhat stunned.

Considering her gentle and virtuous nature, he had not expected her to possess such cunning and tactical skills.

Recalling the chaos of his previous household and looking at Cheng Yian now, intelligent and capable, talented and beautiful.

A great man seeks nothing more than a wife like this.

In the end, which eye was he blind with in his previous life to let her go?