Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Establishing Authority in the Inner Chambers

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Shen Rong watched the two of them bickering with great interest.

Man He couldn’t help but chuckle, “That Aunt Yao is quite fiery-tempered—she throws a punch as soon as she speaks. But you can’t really blame her. Ever since the Lady gave the household management power to the young lady, she’s become somewhat of a bystander. It just so happens that it’s the middle of the month when the monthly stipends are distributed, and they’re all afraid they won’t receive their share this month.”

“I haven’t seen much of Zhao Liang. Isn’t the account room and the treasury usually managed by Steward Qian?” Shen Rong asked.

Man He replied, “Steward Qian is old now and doesn’t manage the accounts much anymore. The Lady herself handles that, while the treasury is mostly under Zhao Liang, who was promoted by the Lady.”

In an instant, Shen Rong felt she had forgotten something. “I remember the treasury isn’t managed by just one person…”

Man He looked at Shen Rong in surprise. “Right. The other person is Gu Ming, who isn’t here today. Gu Ming and Zhao Liang hold the keys to the treasury together. Gu Ming is very slick and never does anything that would offend others. I’ve also heard that Gu Ming was recommended to the master by Young Master Xie…”

Shen Rong narrowed her eyes slightly.

But in the next moment, her attention was drawn to the slender figure standing in a corner of the treasury.

Man He followed Shen Rong’s gaze and saw a thin little boy silently organizing things in the unremarkable corner of the courtyard, seemingly unaffected by the noise around him.

“That’s Steward Qian’s son, Qian Huaiyu. Steward Qian had him late in life. Madam Qian had difficulty bearing sons and passed away shortly after,” Man He sighed. “Poor Qian Huaiyu didn’t speak until he was eight. He’s solitary and reclusive. Although he’s supposed to be thirteen now, he looks small and thin, more like ten. Steward Qian is honest and reliable, always smiling gently at everyone. He’s worked diligently in the household for most of his life, but heaven has not been kind to him.”

Qian Huaiyu?

Shen Rong recalled that in her previous life, about half a year later, Steward Qian retired and returned to his hometown with his son. She still remembered the tearful farewell when Qian Huaiyu was helped by his father as they left the Shen household, glancing back every few steps.

Yet, Shen Rong felt an inexplicable vague familiarity with the boy’s profile.

Wait!

Huaiyu… Huaiyu?

Her gaze shifted to the boy’s legs.

In her nineteenth year in her past life, a diviner appeared by Xie Xun’s side, whom even Xie Xun called Master Huaiyu. The man was young but had a limp.

Could it be…

Seeing the thick bandages wrapped around the boy’s lower leg, Shen Rong’s eyes widened slightly.

Master Huaiyu!!

The diviner who had been by Xie Xun’s side!!

Shen Rong suddenly looked up, squinting at the unassuming figure…

This made sense now. Half a year later, why would Qian Huaiyu suddenly leave with Steward Qian without warning? Surely someone had offered him a better opportunity!

But this dusty little boy in front of her was so different from the cold, ruthless man she remembered from her past life…

In the courtyard, Aunt Yao and Meng Chang were still pulling each other’s hair, locked in a stalemate, their shouts and curses unabated.

Meng Fan and several maids and servants circled the two anxiously, unsure how to intervene. After all, the siblings were guests, and he didn’t dare to be too harsh, yet worried about hurting his own sister.

The scene was utterly chaotic.

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Yet this did not affect Zhao Liang and the others in the least.

Zhao Liang casually glanced toward the corner and immediately expressed dissatisfaction. “Ah Yu, that white jade bottle in your hand isn’t supposed to go in that box! Those are the master’s belongings and should be placed in the jewelry and rouge box!”

“Did you hear anything I said earlier? Don’t just blindly do things. If you don’t understand, ask more questions! I don’t know how your father taught you… probably an old fool now who should be retired and resting at home!”

“The Lady is kind-hearted, keeping you and your father in the household just to eat wages. Don’t even bother asking for this month’s stipend. If you never learn, no amount of beating will get anything out of you. Such bad luck!”

Qian Huaiyu’s hands froze, his fingers gripping the white jade bottle tightly. A struggle flickered in his eyes, but in an instant, they returned to calm.

He frowned slightly as he looked at the sharp-edged jewelry boxes and the spilled red rouge in the other box but said nothing, placing the items into the jewelry box.

He performed these tasks mechanically, his eyes dull and lifeless.

However, just as he put the white jade bottle into the box, a snow-white hand suddenly lifted it.

Qian Huaiyu was startled and followed the beautiful hand upwards. His gaze fixed on the earnest little face of a bright young lady examining the white jade bottle. The sunlight reflected off her dress, adding a bright contrast to his muted gray-blue robe.

“I don’t think this white jade bottle should go in this box.”

Hearing this, Zhao Liang turned irritably toward her, then suddenly surprised, immediately wearing a perfectly timed smile, “Third Miss has arrived. This treasury is such a mess; don’t want to scratch your pretty dress.”

Shen Rong ignored Zhao Liang standing beside her and continued to toy with the white jade bottle. “This white jade bottle has exquisite patterns and a smooth luster, probably a new model this year. This box has sharp corners and scattered sharp jewelry and strongly colored rouge inside, which would easily scratch the bottle or stain it. Does Steward Zhao not understand such simple matters, or does he just not care? If he doesn’t cherish the Shen family’s assets, how can he be the best steward? I think you should give up your position as steward!”

Shen Rong’s words instantly silenced the entire courtyard.

Aunt Yao and Meng Chang, both bruised and battered, looked up at the young lady standing proudly, while Meng Fan’s eyes gleamed.

All the maids and servants, whether working or watching, stopped and exchanged glances.

Yet Zhao Liang’s expression remained unchanged. “Third Miss, you’re right. It’s Ah Yu who doesn’t understand! I clearly told him, but he keeps making mistakes. Not long ago, he made a big mess and was beaten by the Lady! I will report today’s matter to the Lady in full detail and trust she will judge fairly!”

Shen Rong raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So Steward Zhao means I have no say in this?”

Zhao Liang bowed his head slightly, appearing respectful. “I did not mean that, but since Third Miss just took over the household management in the back, you might not fully understand yet. These tricky servants are skilled at deceit and mischief, rolling on the ground and making a scene. I worry you might be fooled.”

Zhao Liang’s words were double-edged, responding to Aunt Yao’s demand about the stipend, questioning Qian Huaiyu’s character, and subtly belittling Shen Rong’s abilities.

Shen Rong suddenly smiled. “Steward Zhao, do you know the Lady’s surname?”

Zhao Liang, puzzled, answered, “Lady’s surname is Meng…”

As soon as he answered, he seemed to realize Shen Rong’s implication and frowned slightly, pursing his lips into silence.

Aunt Yao kicked Meng Chang aside and stood up, tidying her messy hair, then quickly ran to Shen Rong’s side, hands on her hips. “Steward Zhao! This is the Shen family! The ‘Shen’ in the name belongs to Shen Zheng! Don’t get things backwards! Whether Third Miss manages things or not, taking your steward position away is just a matter of speaking up!” Aunt Yao carefully took the white jade bottle from Shen Rong’s hand and placed it in another box. “Still want to bully people with power? You… stop! Nagging!”

Shen Rong smiled at her; she really was a little firecracker.

Aunt Yao seized the moment to flatter, “Third Miss, can I collect the monthly stipend for my courtyard myself? If you agree, I’ll never dare to go east when you say west or chase chickens when you say beat dogs!”

Shen Rong replied cheerfully, “Fine, no problem.”

“Thank you, Third Miss!” Aunt Yao looked at Zhao Liang provocatively, extremely pleased.

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The surrounding servants immediately buzzed with excitement.

At this moment, Zhao Liang’s face finally changed. “Third Miss, you’re breaking the rules this way; it’s difficult for me! And how am I supposed to explain this to the Lady…”

Seeing Shen Rong’s face grow cold, Zhao Liang’s voice grew louder.

When Shen Rong ignored him, Zhao Liang turned as if to speak to Qian Huaiyu, but in his panic, he stepped forward and instinctively tried to grab Shen Rong’s dress. “Third Miss! I…”

“Impudent!” Even though Man He was quick and agile, she couldn’t withstand the force of a grown man rushing over and was pushed forcefully to the side with a loud thud.

Shen Rong’s expression turned completely cold. She lifted her foot and kicked Zhao Liang hard in the chest.

“...Ah!” Zhao Liang crashed into the courtyard wall with a bang, slid down it, and as he lifted his head to speak, he fainted immediately.

“Noisy!”

When reasoning fails, direct action is simple.

The courtyard fell into complete silence…

Aunt Yao swallowed nervously and quietly stepped back, helping Man He to her feet.

In this tense atmosphere, Shen Rong smoothed her skirt and loudly declared, “From now on, the Shen family household is managed by me, Shen Rong! The treasury is temporarily under my control. If anyone has objections, come to the Rongyin Pavilion to find me, Shen Rong,” she clapped her hands, brushing off imaginary dust, “Come one… I’ll strike one down!”

No one dared to oppose. Whoever disagreed was asking for a beating. Everyone felt that Third Miss was a bit… domineering.

Under Aunt Yao’s hopeful gaze, Shen Rong continued, “From now on, the monthly silver in the household will only be withdrawn personally by me from the accounts! Not just the monthly silver; every courtyard’s share, be it food, clothing, or jewelry, will be thoroughly checked by my appointed people! I won’t investigate how you managed things before, but from the day I take charge, if anyone dares to deceive or hide the truth, they will be sold off immediately!”

More and more servants gathered, buzzing nonstop. With Zhao Liang as a cautionary tale, whether or not Third Miss had the ability, she was certainly serious about managing the household and wasn’t afraid to use force.

What excited them even more was that from now on, their own monthly stipends would be truly in their hands! Life suddenly seemed full of hope…

At least this month’s stipend was guaranteed!

Shen Rong looked around, paused, then said, “I warmly welcome everyone to supervise each other. If anyone reports a matter, you are welcome to come to the Rongyin Pavilion and enjoy a cup of rough tea! If the report is true, I will keep the informant’s identity secret! And depending on the severity of the matter reported, there will be real gold and silver rewards!”

At these words, the entire courtyard erupted! Some glanced nervously around, afraid they might be reported next.

With such resolve and firm measures, no one doubted Shen Rong’s determination to manage the household.

“Thank you, Third Miss!”

“Third Miss is wise!”

…

Qian Huaiyu silently glanced at the unconscious Zhao Liang, ignoring the all eyes on the young lady, and bent down to continue organizing things, as if nothing around him mattered.

What Shen Rong had done, though seemingly small, was a matter of life and death for every servant in the Shen family. The news spread through the entire household like wildfire…