The personal nanny praised, "Madam, your strategy is indeed unparalleled. This old servant knows what to do now."
Sixth Lady Gu smiled without speaking.
Over there, just as Qin Yuan entered the gate of Wutong Garden, she saw that those housekeepers were already waiting in the courtyard.
Because of her absence, these people were gathered together, talking about something lively.
Qin Yuan gently coughed.
Hong Ye immediately said loudly, "The madam has returned."
The housekeepers slowly dispersed, their movements lazy, causing Hong Ye to frown slightly.
The little maids in charge of cleaning the courtyard quickly moved the tables and chairs into the shade, Qin Yuan sat down and asked, "Is everyone here?"
"Everyone is here," the response was lazy and disorganized.
Qin Yuan didn’t mind, leisurely sitting on the Taishi Chair, lightly resting her cheek with her jade hand, and said, "What should you normally be doing this period, and what should you be doing today? Explain each one."
Hong Ye and Cui Ming both took brushes and ink, and began to record the details.
The housekeepers roughly went over everything.
If something was unclear, Hong Ye or Cui Ming would ask questions.
In Qin Yuan’s presence, these housekeepers were internally discontented, but they still answered, albeit with occasional evasion.
After they finished speaking, Qin Yuan asked, "Is there anything that requires instruction? If there is a family matter, you also need to ask for leave in advance from Hong Ye.’
Mrs. Lu, responsible for the sewing room, stepped forward and said, "The thread in the sewing room is running low and needs to be replenished."
Qin Yuan glanced at her and asked, "About how much embroidery thread do you use each year?"
Mrs. Lu couldn’t answer.
Hong Ye looked at Cui Ming, and Cui Ming nodded, indicating she had noted it down.
She was responsible for assisting the young lady in overseeing the sewing room, and she naturally needed to investigate anything that concerned the young lady.
Qin Yuan said, "Let’s not talk about past years; how much embroidery thread did you bring in this year, and how much remains? Later, check the numbers with Cui Ming, estimate how much thread is needed this year, and then apply for replenishment."
Mrs. Lu secretly wiped her sweat.
Qin Yuan asked again, "Is there anything else?"
Some nannies saw Mrs. Lu hit a soft spot and dared not overstep, so they all shook their heads, saying there was nothing, planning to wait and see.
Qin Yuan said, "If there’s nothing, then go about your work. Pay attention to manage your subordinates well; don’t let them gather idly to play cards, gamble, or drink."
Just as they were about to disperse, the personal nanny of the Sixth Madam hurried in, saluted, and said, "Madam, by the order of the Sixth Madam, I bring a silver note. Please record it in the account."
With that, she took out a silver note and handed it to Cui Ming.
The housekeepers, who were about to leave, stopped to watch.
The personal nanny also took out several ingots of silver, saying, "This is mine. I’m old and prefer to keep current silver; I haven’t had a chance to exchange it for a silver note, so please don’t mind, madam."
She acted as if handing over all her possessions, which caused the corners of Qin Yuan’s lips to subtly lift.
Cui Ming smiled as she accepted them and asked, "Why so urgent?"
The personal nanny immediately said loudly, "Urgent, how could it not be? The Sixth Madam has already sent someone to inquire about pepper, and sooner or later, there will be news. If one buys more from madam here, naturally it will be cheaper; this old servant fears missing the opportunity."
The housekeepers perked up their ears.
When it comes to making money, no one is indifferent.
Qin Yuan said, "Cui Ming must prepare a note for you, stating that silver will be divided when due; if withdrawn early, it will be converted at market price with deductions for losses. After all, business entails both gains and losses, and if you want to pool your resources, these terms must be clearly stated."
The personal nanny grinned flatteringly and said, "I understand; how could business always only make profits without losses? However, I believe madam will certainly make a great fortune, otherwise, why would Mrs. Cai, who is always prudent, also join in, not to mention the Old Madam and Nanny Rong."
Cui Ming wrote the note and had her sign and press her seal.
The personal nanny said, "On behalf of the Sixth Madam, I will sign as well."
Afterward, the personal nanny carefully stored the receipt in her pocket, pressed it down, then respectfully took her leave, followed closely by the housekeepers departing from Wutong Garden.
Hong Ye said, "It’s really strange that the Sixth Madam suddenly acts like this."
The amount of silver the Sixth Madam put in wasn’t much, and the young lady hadn’t even found a vendor yet, so why the rush?
Past incidents made Hong Ye have a poor impression of the Sixth Madam, inevitably arousing a sense of vigilance.
Cui Ming remained silent, just watching Qin Yuan.
Qin Yuan smiled and said, "Why bother with them? We have plenty to keep us busy. It’s expected that the housekeepers in the mansion will eventually come to ask for a share."
Cui Ming frowned and asked, "Should we agree to all of them?"
Qin Yuan said indifferently, "If we don’t let them join in, wouldn’t we offend them, which would make it difficult for Mrs. Cai."
Cui Ming regretted, "Had I known, I wouldn’t have agreed to Mrs. Cai yesterday."
Hong Ye gave her a look yesterday, so she agreed.