Chapter 252
Chapter 252
Ji Hanyi had not expected Shen Si to share her suspicions.
She asked softly, “Could it truly have been her…?”
Shen Si looked down at her. “Fourth Brother sent word this morning that Madam Luo has confessed and will come apologize in a few days.”
“You may still behave as though you believe her. There is no need to speak of this before anyone else. Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister-in-law have both shown me kindness. Since Madam Luo has stepped forward to take the blame, accept her confession. I will warn the person behind it.”
“I am telling you this so you will be on your guard. Do not let your gentle nature lead you to confide in her.”
Ji Hanyi froze. Meeting his grave gaze, she lowered her head and agreed. “Do not worry. I would never…”
Shen Si found her obedient manner irresistibly endearing. He pinched her chin and tipped her face upward. Her skin was tender, her lips pink as cherry blossoms. Warm fragrance drifted toward him. After gazing for a moment, he released her.
Before leaving, Shen Si looked back at Ji Hanyi seated before the dressing table. Her long black hair had been arranged in a married woman’s coiffure, lending her bright beauty a new allure.
He had heard colleagues say that every morning before court, their wives fussed over them, asked after their comfort, and saw to every detail. At night, nourishing soup would be waiting when they returned.
Ji Hanyi had never done any of those things for him. She had not even once called him husband.
He had also heard that married couples exchanged tokens of affection: a handkerchief, a scented sachet, a purse, or words of devotion embroidered in some hidden place inside the husband’s clothing.
Some husbands waited while their wives painted their brows, or shared food from the same dish.
Ji Hanyi seemed not to understand such things-or perhaps she simply did not wish to do them with him. The thought left a faint bitterness in his heart.
Then he remembered that they had been married only three days before she entered the palace, followed immediately by the calamity. Why demand anything now? They still had a long road ahead of them. The thought brought him some relief.
He walked out alone, cold and solitary. Only Nanny Fang approached with his cloak and said quietly, “Take care on the road, Marquis.”
Shen Si accepted the cloak and glanced sideways at the graceful silhouette on the window. Accompanied only by Wen’an carrying a lantern, he left.
When Ji Hanyi emerged after dressing, Rongchun stood beside her fastening her cloak while Nanny Fang quietly recounted what had happened the previous night.
Ji Hanyi paused as she listened.
Shen Si had ordered another investigation of every servant in the Shen Residence. Anyone who had repeated the rumor was punished and dismissed. Beyond the kitchen staff, more than thirty people had been sold.
Ji Hanyi remembered how Shen Si had not returned until the middle of the night. So he had been dealing with all of that.
She made her way to Yide Hall to pay her respects to Old Madam Shen. She was early today; the old madam had yet to enter the main hall. Granddaughters-in-law, young ladies, and boys from every branch sat waiting below. Madam Bai was absent. The old nanny who brought Ji Hanyi tea explained that Madam Bai was helping Old Madam Shen wash and dress in the inner room and asked her to sit for a while.
Ji Hanyi glanced at the inner curtain. She could faintly hear movement within and Madam Bai’s voice. Ji Hanyi had to admit that she could never match Madam Bai in serving Old Madam Shen.
She felt little about it. She had no desire to compete, much less flatter and curry favor. Simply observing proper etiquette was far less tiring.
Madam Bai soon emerged supporting Old Madam Shen. Madam Chen had been about to say a few words to Ji Hanyi, but hurried back to her place when she saw the old madam.
Seeing everyone assembled, Old Madam Shen sternly addressed the previous day’s incident. If the people of any courtyard failed to control their servants, she would reduce the entire courtyard’s allowance and withhold its year-end bonuses.
In truth, the punishment was severe.
The official stipends of each branch were turned over to the central household fund, but those sums were nowhere near enough to cover daily expenses. The family lived largely on the income from the Shen Residence’s estates and businesses. At the end of each year, a portion of the profits was distributed among the various courtyards.
Naturally, the method of distribution was complicated. Ji Hanyi had only heard Nanny Fang mention it and knew none of the details.
Traditionally, the head of the family handled the distribution. The Former Chief Grand Secretary had done so in the past. After his retirement and departure on his travels, the Old Madam had taken charge these last few years.
The year-end bonuses were reportedly generous, with even concubine-born daughters receiving a share. The grand occasion was the happiest time of year for every branch.
Old Madam Shen’s threat clearly cowed everyone. They rose and promised obedience.
She then dismissed the others, retaining only Ji Hanyi and Madam Bai.
Once everyone had gone, Old Madam Shen first asked Ji Hanyi, “Have you recovered?”
Ji Hanyi nodded. “Nearly.”
The old madam turned to Madam Bai. “Now that Hanyi has recovered, let her follow you and learn how to manage the household. She can share some of your burden.”
Madam Bai smiled graciously, every inch the capable household manager. “Mother is right. Our sister-in-law is intelligent, and I was thinking the same.”
“Why not begin by placing the kitchen under her management? This residence houses more than a hundred people. Daily purchasing, preparation, and distribution offer the best training.”
“The kitchen’s affairs may be varied, but they are tangible and easy to understand. Our sister-in-law should soon find her footing.”
Old Madam Shen considered, then nodded. “You have thought it through. We will settle it that way. Choose a day to instruct her properly and let her take over.”
She looked at Ji Hanyi. “You must study diligently and not disappoint your sister-in-law’s good intentions.”
“She has proven highly capable all these years and has always been most filial. You should learn from her.”
Ji Hanyi knew how chaotic kitchen affairs could be. Having begun without ambition or desire, she would apparently be forced into a busy life from now on.
But she had always known how to accept circumstances. Whatever task she was given, she would undertake it and do her best.
She nodded and agreed with perfect docility.
Old Madam Shen was pleased with her attitude.
As they left together, Madam Bai asked with a smile, “Would you like to accompany me to the kitchen today to complete the handover and meet everyone, Sister-in-law, or would you prefer to wait a few days?”
The kitchen had only just been the scene of a major disturbance, yet Madam Bai was already offering it to her. Looking at Madam Bai’s smiling face, Ji Hanyi reflected that she had begun to understand the woman’s methods over these past few days.
Her expression and conduct were always flawless. Anyone would consider her capable and approachable. What happened in private, however, might be another matter.
Ji Hanyi smiled. “There is no hurry. After yesterday’s upheaval, it would be best to let the kitchen settle first. I also have several matters to handle in the coming days. Let us wait a little.”
She truly did have several tasks before her. First, Nanny Fang had suggested that morning that she formally meet the servants of Songhe Courtyard. As their new mistress, she needed to establish rules, and Shen Si wished it as well.
She also needed to inventory the dowry stored in the warehouse so she knew exactly what she possessed.
Finally, there was the Hundred Flowers collection she was painting for His Majesty the Emperor. He had personally entrusted the work to her, so she could hardly delay it.
Moreover, His Majesty had promised to grant her one request. That was an extraordinary advantage. An emperor’s promise could become a powerful shield if she ever faced a problem she could not solve alone.
Madam Bai watched Ji Hanyi’s unhurried manner. She seemed in no haste to assume control, leaving Madam Bai to wonder what lay behind it.
Ji Hanyi had been married less than a month, yet her mother-in-law was already eager to give her authority. Old Madam Shen had gone too far. Madam Bai had initially suspected Ji Hanyi of whispering something in the old madam’s ear, but now it did not appear so.
Even so, Madam Bai’s heart had genuinely grown cold. With the Old Madam above her determined to elevate her own son’s wife, Madam Bai found the injustice impossible to swallow.
She did not wish to fight for much. She only wanted fairness.
Her lips tightened. She nodded and said no more.
As Ji Hanyi walked back, Rongchun asked curiously, “The Old Madam has given Madam responsibilities so soon. Won’t managing the kitchen be difficult?”
Ji Hanyi smiled faintly. It certainly would.
Though she had never managed a kitchen, she knew the staff were numerous and the waters deep.
Hidden currents might already be waiting for her.
Whether she took charge sooner or later made little difference. It was still a pool of muddy water she would have to cross.
And if she was to manage it, she would have to devote herself fully to the task, meeting every difficulty as it came. Only then could she avoid mistakes.
Without answering, Ji Hanyi continued toward Songhe Courtyard.
Nanny Fang had already prepared breakfast when she returned. As Ji Hanyi ate quietly, the nanny murmured that today would be a suitable time to meet the courtyard’s servants.
Ji Hanyi had intended the same and asked Nanny Fang to make the arrangements.
Shen Si’s wet nurse was remarkably efficient. Every maid in the courtyard respected her, yet she never put on airs or presumed upon her position to interfere in everything.
On the contrary, Nanny Fang understood rules and boundaries. Whatever arose in the courtyard, she first asked Ji Hanyi’s opinion.
It was an excellent arrangement. Shen Si had also said that Nanny Fang could be trusted and relied upon, sparing Ji Hanyi much trouble.
After breakfast, the maids were already waiting outside, each standing properly to meet the courtyard’s new mistress.
Ji Hanyi sat in a chair and accepted the register Nanny Fang handed her. Senior maids, junior maids, those serving in the inner and outer courtyards, and those assigned inside or outside the rooms were all clearly recorded.
But today’s meeting was not merely for learning names. The servants expected promotions as well.
Ji Hanyi was new to the courtyard and would naturally want her own people close at hand. The four senior maids serving the inner room might therefore be replaced.
Or perhaps Ji Hanyi would buy new maids and train them as trusted attendants. Every mistress required confidantes. Such maids stood closest to her daily clothing, meals, and private conversations.
The inner room was particularly private. Ordinary maids could never be allowed to enter at will.
Ji Hanyi first matched the servants to the register, then looked down at the eager faces turned toward her. Every maid seemed to hope she would catch Ji Hanyi’s eye and be promoted to serve at her side.
Their hopes were understandable. Ji Hanyi had brought only Rongchun, not a single other maid from her natal family-something almost unheard of. Since she had arrived without attendants, everyone assumed she would surely promote new ones.
Ji Hanyi recognized their thoughts, but she had no such intention. Rongchun alone was enough for her. As for the four senior maids serving in the inner room, they would remain as they were.