Standing by Qin Yining’s side, Bingtang, Songlan, Qiulu, and Jiyun all had extremely ugly expressions on their faces. What matters at home to take care of? These people just wanted to get out because they felt things were going south! The Qins had always treated them well, but here they were, ignoring everything their masters had done for them and wanting to run because of impending danger!
However, Qin Yining was particularly calm and nodded slightly. “Well then, I know what to do. Let’s do things this way, since the hour’s early.” She rose and gave the orders, “Have all of the inner residence servants gather in the open area in front of the rear gardens. I have something to say to everyone.”
The overseers took the order and ran off to execute them. The fourth miss then turned to Songlan. “Make a trip to the outer residence and see if my father’s home. If so, please have him come. If not, then have either second uncle, third uncle, senior cousin, or second cousin come. Or whoever’s around.”
“Understood.” Songlan also trotted out.
The brightly lit flower hall was quiet in the absence of people. Only Qin Yining and three maids were left. Née Sun finally couldn’t suppress her emotions and walked out. She took her daughter’s hand.
“Daughter Yi, what should we do about this? Great Zhou’s taken Xihua and I bet you these servants just don’t want to work anymore. What will we do when they all leave…”
Qin Yining patted née Sun’s arm comfortingly. “Don’t panic, mother. We can’t force cattle to drink water, can we? We can take advantage of the situation today to cut away the chaff. In these tense times, it’s actually not that good to have too many people in our household. Paring down our numbers is actually a good thing.”
Née Sun nodded after hearing this.
The various branches all received news before long. It was Qin Yining giving the orders, but currently the old dowager, heads of the second and third branch of the family were all congregated on the open area in the rear gardens. All of the maids and granny servants of the inner residents, down to the littlest serving girl, were all present.
The servants placed round chairs down for their mistresses and masters. Qin Huaiyuan, the second elder master, and third elder master sat next to the old dowager at the head seat. The second and third madame sat or stood with their family members behind the old dowager. Judging from the set up, it looked like they wanted to turning power over to Qin Yining and was going to let her handle the matter herself.
The servants were lined up in the open area according to their respective family branch and profession. Not one peep was heard out of so many. It was so quiet that it seemed more like a military camp than a collection of inner residence servants.
Qin Yining stood at the head of the crowd, gently waving the crabapple blossom-shaped velvet fan in her hand. She swept her gaze around all of the assembled, taking in everyone who’d gathered.
“There are 243 inner residence servants of all levels and ages, from the post at the inner door and the keeper of the back door. Are we all here? Overseers, please make sure those under your jurisdiction are all present and accounted for.”
The precise figure of 243 caused minute changes to wash over the faces of old dowager, née Sun, and the others. They’d never paid attention to how many servants there were, not in all their years of being in charge of the household!
The old dowager was actually a bit unhappy that the command token hadn’t returned to her hand after Qin Huaiyuan had come back. The girl had only gotten it because they didn’t want the household to accidentally make the wrong move when the lord was away. But now that he was back, the girl didn’t need to remain in charge, did she?
But Qin Huaiyuan hadn’t given any orders otherwise and Qin Yining hadn’t offered up the token. The matriarch couldn’t bear the loss of face that would come from fighting her granddaughter for the token. Thus, she was forced to keep silent and agree to Qin Yining as the head of the inner household.
Today, upon seeing the fourth miss speak to the servants with aplomb and how they didn’t even dare murmur to themselves in front of her, and the casual dropping of an accurate headcount, the old dowager knew that there was real substance behind Qin Yining’s words. The girl really did have the ability to keep the household in order. Thoughts of letting go and enjoying the remainder of her days arose in the old dowager’s mind.
* * *
Chapter 195: A Family
Chapter 195: A Family
It only took a moment before the overseers counted up their people and reported the tally. Qin Yining nodded. “We’re missing four. Remember to pass on my words to them.”
“Yes, please give your orders, miss.” Fang-mama smiled amiably.
“You’ve all been with the family for a long time and served us for many years with your best efforts. Some of you were sold into the manor, others came with letters of succor. No matter how you ended up here, the family hasn’t mistreated you.
“I’m sure everyone’s heard of the situation outside. Some of you came to me to resign this morning, so I decided I might as well summon everyone and go over this clearly.
“The Qins have never been bad masters! Shared destinies brought us together as master and servant. There’s no need to make things ugly when it comes time to part. I’ll say this plainly today. If you follow the family, then you must walk the family’s path. You’ll share any sweets we have and any bitterness we taste. If there’s any of you who’d like to leave or have other arrangements outside, or have relatives that you can flee to in the south, you may step forward now.”
Silence rang loudly after her words. No one dared step forward. Qin Yining smiled at this.
“Don’t be shy, we’re not taking an account of who we need to punish. For those who want to leave, I won’t demand your freedom silver. I’ll also give you two taels of silver each for your journey. Whoever steps forward now and registers will receive their silver.”
Some faltered as they contrasted Qin Yining’s gentle expression and serious attitude with the trouble raging outside. They stepped forward with trepidation, silently taking up spots on the empty ground nearby.
With disaster staring at them in the face and their lives on the line, more followed after the first person took a step. Another… and another… and another…
More left the assembled crowd to take a spot on the empty ground. Those who wanted to leave weren’t limited to one particular branch or department. There were messengers, chefs, and head maids, such as the sixth miss’ head maid and eighth miss’ wet nurse.
Qin Yining watched them mutely, seeing the original crowd grow sparse and the previously empty area become crowded. There were less than forty servants who wanted to stay.
The masters and mistresses standing behind Qin Yining were assailed by complicated, but mostly bitter emotions, particularly the ones whose body servants wanted to leave. The sixth and eighth miss were crying silently, drawing similar emotions from the servants who wanted to leave. Some lowered reddened faces, others quietly wiped away tears.
When it seemed that everyone had taken a stand, Qin Yining asked again, “Is there anyone else who wants to leave? If you leave now, you can go with silver in your hands. If you choose to stay, then you’ll need to live and die with the Qins.”
Her voice had scarcely fell when another hesitating woman switched sides.
Another beat later, it seemed that all decisions had been made. Qin Yining nodded with a smile. “Thank you all for your care during this time. Jiyun.”
The maid walked out with some pageboys lifting a chest.
“Form a line here. You’ll receive two taels of silver when you reach the head of the line, as well as your deed of sale or declaration letter. After that, you can go back and pack your things to leave.”
The chest opened to dazzling silver, so bright that it wasn’t possible for a direct look.
Qin Yining stood next to the chest, keeping an eye on the overseer’s records and often adding a word of
advice.
“Go as south as possible once you leave.”
“If you have relatives on the coast of the southern sea, that’d be for the best.”
“With how chaotic Xihua is now, avoid the north if you can.”
“If you really have no place to go, then somewhere in the suburbs of the capital should keep you safe.”
No one had ever seen a master like this. It was one thing to calmly send off people who’d come asking for shelter, but another thing entirely to let go those who’d sold themselves into the family. That was stark betrayal, but the Qins were being so merciful. They weren’t making a big fuss over the matter and even handing out money for the journey ahead, giving them advice on where to go.
Those like Fang-mama and Li-mama who’d come up with lies in the beginning felt like they’d been slapped a few times across the face. They were ashamed and touched by Qin Yining’s patient reminders.
A large amount of people were being let go today, but no one had any complaints. When the silver was handed out, everyone knelt down and kowtowed to Qin Yining and the rest of the Qins behind her.
The fourth miss waved a hand. “Our lives will go in separate ways after today’s departure. Be well, and may we all be safe.”
“Many thanks to the fourth miss! Many thanks to the lord!” Everyone touched their foreheads to the ground and clamored a profusion of thanks. The hubbub continued a while longer before they left.
Qin Yining looked back at the thirty nine willing to stay. “The Qins won’t question your loyalty or forget your sincerity in sticking with us! Don’t worry, as long as we’re here, we’ll shelter you. As long as we have food to eat, we won’t let you starve! We’re one family now and share each other’s glory and destiny!”
The words sent emotions surging.
“Alright then,” Qin Yining smiled. “Come up and register your names as well. Everyone will receive ten taels of silver. I’ll also reassign everyone’s duties. There are many places that we’ll have to depend on all of you for in a manor as large as this.”
Of the ones willing to stay, there were granny servants and little girls with their hair still down. There were also maids and mamas that served the madames and misses. They were already very touched by how Qin Yining’s treatment of the other servants. They felt that the Qins were a good family worth entrusting their futures to. After the fourth miss’ latest string of words and her generosity of awarding ten taels to everyone, they were even happier and convinced that they’d made the right decision.
Qin Yining reassigned duties for the thirty nine in the following ways. Qin-mama would still serve the old dowager. Jixiang and Ruyi had also stayed, so apart from serving the old dowager, they would also do some embroidery and help in the kitchens for the old dowager’s meals.
While the servants’ numbers had decreased, the work remained the same. Therefore, the amount of work each person was in charge of would increase. But Qin Yining’s words were an immense motivation. They were receiving generous awards and an increased monthly stipend, so everyone was full of enthusiasm.
The crowd was dismissed after the new instructions were given out. Qin Yining took her place in front of the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan. “Father, you won’t blame me for doing all this, will you?”
Qin Huaiyuan arched a brow in amusement. “What would I blame you for? Us two boys share the same thoughts. I was just discussing with your second and third uncle how to run a leaner ship in the manor, but you swept in like a storm and did everything we wanted to before we decided on what to do. It’s just as well, it saves us a bit of effort.”
“Doesn’t it? The husbands and sons of some of those who are leaving also work in the manor. I’ll head to the outer residence in a moment and release a batch of people the way niece Yi has just done,” the third elder master said.
The old dowager looked at her sons and then at Qin Yining. “Can such a large family carry on after suddenly losing so many people?”
Qin Huaiyuan held the old dowager’s hand with a smile. “Mother, times now are not what they were before. Our family is no longer the same. I’m even thinking of how to concentrate our living quarters to make it easier to defend.”
The second elder master agreed. “Let’s not be stuck on what kind of residences we should have. All of us should bunk together and move to the residences by the Garden of Loving Piety.”
“I have my eye on the small house behind the old dowager’s gardens.” The third madame smiled. “Don’t be unwilling to give it to me, Old Dowager!”
A chuckled was teased out of the matriarch.
“That’s wonderful.” Qin Yining smiled at her cousins. “I have some empty houses in my Venerable Study Hall. If you don’t mind, sisters, why don’t you all move in? It’ll make for a cozy and fun time.”
* * *
Chapter 196: Reproach
Chapter 196: Reproach
Venerable Study Hall was Qin Huaiyuan’s place of residence before he married. The library within was very valuable. Since it neighbored the rear gardens, every window opened up to a beautiful sight. To live in it was a great honor, and here was Qin Yining willing to share such a precious residence with her sisters!
Qin Huaiyuan smiled with satisfaction. “Daughter Yi’s idea is sound.”
The girls brightened with this agreement. The sixth miss compressed her lips stubbornly. Maybe Qin Yining wasn’t as irritating as she’d always felt?
The seventh and eighth miss were delighted, first making their thanks to Qin Huaiyuan and then to Qin Yining. The eighth miss pulled on Qin Yining’s hand. “Yay! Fourth sister has the prettiest house and a large library! I don’t want to live in an empty house, I want to live with fourth sister! You also have a very cute bunny, right? I want to pet it!”
The third madame spluttered with laughter. “Oh, you girl. Don’t you get ahead of yourself!”
The eighth miss blushed and stuck her tongue out shyly.
However, the eighth miss’ straightforward and innocent personality was right to Qin Yining’s taste. She tugged on the girl’s hand in response. “But of course! If you like, all of us sisters can live together.” She smiled at the sixth and seventh miss. “Sixth and seventh sister can choose which house you like as well.”
“Alright!” The seventh miss beamed merrily.
However, the sixth miss snuck a quick look at Qin Yining and murmured softly, “Fourth sister, you haven’t said where Miss Huining should stay.”
It was the first time that Qin Yining had heard such a neutral ‘fourth sister’ from the sixth miss. The latter had always been on the same side as Qin Huining, filled with nothing but contempt for this ‘barbarian’ sister. It was rather amusing that, despite the awkward expression, she was still thinking of her good friend.
She’s a young girl after all. She might have some schemes here and there, but she’s not evil to the core. But someone with such a blackened soul and as hopeless as Qin Huining… Qin Yining wouldn’t forgive someone like that as easily.
“I understand sixth sister’s meaning. But, Miss Huining is a guest and there’s limited space in my residence. Not only will all the sisters be with me, but our servants as well. I’m afraid we won’t have room for her.”
The sixth miss pressed her lips together tightly. She knew that Qin Huining had created a voodoo doll of the old dowager in order to frame their senior aunt. She could understand why at first, but suspicions grew after Qin Huining moved to the country manor. The sixth miss’ birth mother (concubine) had mentioned more than once how the foster girl was nothing good and was using the sixth miss as cannon fodder. The miss also discovered that her days at home were much more peaceful without Qin Huining around. Even her official mother (official wife of her father) started to show her a friendlier face.
After some time for reflection and observation of all that’d happened in the manor, she had a new understanding of this so-called ‘barbarian’, ‘uncouth, crude,’ and ‘bitterly sarcastic, harsh towa
rds sisters’ Qin Yining. The sixth miss now didn’t think Qin Yining was as bad as Qin Huining made her out to be.
She might not like Qin Yining much, but she didn’t hate the fourth miss. At least she’s someone genuine and really takes care of the family.
Everyone was rather surprised by the sixth miss’ uncharacteristic lack of argument. The second madame was very pleased with this concubine-born daughter’s performance. “This is lovely. You sisters can grow closer to each other and discuss things with each other. This is actually a very good arrangement!”
The most critical was that everyone would be in one place together, contrary to before. The new arrangements would be much easier protection-wise and appropriate responses could be made more quickly if anything happened.
Qin Yining nodded while her father started discussing living arrangements with the men. The third elder master, madame, and concubines would move into the little houses in the rear gardens of the Garden of Loving Piety.
The second elder master, madame, and concubines would move into the east wing and ear rooms in the front of the residence.
The fourteen year old fifth master Qin Ding would take up residence in the west wing with his three younger male cousins.
Qin Han and Qin Yu had both formed families, so they would live with their families in the northeast side wing.
Qin Huaiyuan and née Sun would like in the ear room to the direct east of the old dowager’s main room, and Cao Yuqing had the ear room to the west.
The girls would all be in the the Venerable Study Hall, a small path away. That would prevent people from living too close to each other.
Qin Huaiyuan thought for a moment and summoned Qin Yining to his side. “Now that the family is together and we’ve opened the door for Qin Huining to return, why don’t you give her a spot in the residence? If it wasn’t for me telling her birth father to come into the city, he might not have been stampeded to death by the refugee crowd.”
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