Chapter 12 Letting People Go
The residence in the southern part of the city was nearly half the size of the old mansion. With several hundred masters and servants moving in, it was naturally less spacious than the old residence. Gathering everyone together made the place seem even more crowded.
Most people had guessed why Steward Xu had assembled everyone in the main courtyard. Given the Hua family's current situation, it was only normal to dismiss some servants. The only question was what criteria would be set.
"The Eldest Young Lady is here," someone whispered. Everyone, openly or covertly, turned to look at the person approaching through the moon gate.
No one had expected that after Old Madam fell ill, it would be this Eldest Young Lady—usually unremarkable and overly dutiful—who would step forward to manage the household. And so far, at least, she had performed quite commendably.
"Greetings, Eldest Young Lady," everyone bowed in salute.
"At ease." Ying Chun and Bao Xia carried a Grand Tutor's chair and placed it on the steps. Hua Zhi sat down, composed and at ease.
With a sweeping glance, Hua Zhi interlaced her fingers and rested them on her abdomen. "Is everyone here?"
Steward Xu bowed slightly. "Yes, Eldest Young Lady. Everyone currently at home is present. As you instructed, those at the outside residence and the two manors were not notified."
"Send someone to inform them later. Don’t forget them."
"Yes."
Hua Zhi lifted her chin. "Everyone, separate into two groups: those with temporary contracts and those with permanent contracts."
After some adjustments by Steward Xu, the crowd silently divided into two groups.
"Those with temporary contracts, go to Nian Qiu to collect this month’s wages. The Hua family grants you your freedom."
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. Just like that? They were being let go so easily? Even those with long-term contracts? Without being resold?
"As for those with permanent contracts, if any of you wish to leave, the Hua family will not force you to stay." Hua Zhi took a box from Ying Chun, opened it, and casually flipped through the contents. "You have served the Hua family diligently while here. Even in adversity, you remained loyal and protected your masters, maintaining order without chaos. The Hua family remembers your goodwill. This is our way of honoring the bond between master and servant."
Hua Zhi stood up. "There’s no need to rush your decision. Report your choice to Steward Xu by noon tomorrow."
As soon as Hua Zhi left, the main courtyard erupted into commotion. Some were excited, some grinned foolishly, others frowned in deep thought. Yet, a considerable number, upon seeing others tearfully reclaim their contracts of servitude, quietly turned and left.
The Hua family’s decision to release people was an act of kindness, but in these times, leaving the Hua family did not necessarily guarantee survival.
Standing at a higher vantage point, Steward Xu observed the myriad human emotions in this small world and felt even greater admiration for the Eldest Young Lady.
If nothing else, those who left would remember the Hua family’s masters with gratitude, while those who stayed would feel more secure. When people are content, troublesome thoughts diminish.
The number of people returning to Old Madam’s courtyard remained unchanged. Su Momo hurried back to the room and reported the Eldest Young Lady’s decision to Old Madam.
Full of worry, Su Momo asked, "What if everyone takes this opportunity to leave?"
"Would you leave?"
"How could this old servant ever leave!" Su Momo replied without hesitation, then began to understand implicitly.
Old Madam smiled, her face filled with emotion. "Youth may lack experience, but they have more courage than their elders. Zhi Er has taken a good step. Those who wish to leave can go, and those who wish to stay can remain. Both sides are content."Su Momo was about to say more when Old Madam shook her head, her smile fading slightly. "From now on, everyone in my household should be the first to stand by Zhi Er's decisions. If even I don't support her, how can she manage this household? I know what worries you, but we'll take things one step at a time. If she proves incapable, I naturally won't let her act recklessly."
"This old servant acknowledges her mistake."
"I know you have the Hua family's interests at heart. Go inform everyone to follow the Eldest Young Lady's instructions."
"Yes."
The reactions among the masters varied upon receiving the news. Those less affected naturally felt relieved, though some watched with amusement.
Of the four madams who suffered the greatest losses, Second Madam smashed a cup in anger, while Third Madam gritted her teeth with a darkened expression. Although First Madam wasn't particularly capable, she knew when to be clear-headed and unhesitatingly sided with her daughter. After brief consideration, Fourth Madam also chose to stand with the Eldest Young Lady, partly due to her husband's influence and partly because the Eldest Young Lady's recent performance had given her confidence.
Hua Zhi sipped flower tea while waiting for her maids to finish accounting.
Bao Xia entered carrying a plate of fruit, her face full of unspoken words.
Hua Zhi mischievously refrained from asking, and the other maids in the room stifled giggles. This wasn't the first time the young lady had teased Bao Xia this way, yet she never seemed to learn.
Bao Xia glared at them before blurting out resignedly, "I heard Second Madam was so angry she smashed a bowl! Miss, aren't you afraid she'll make trouble for you later?"
"With all the men of the household absent, where would she find the leisure to cause trouble?" Hua Zhi wasn't surprised by Second Aunt's reaction. Second Uncle was born of a concubine, and though the Qi family he married into was respectable, his wife was also from a secondary line. She had learned all the proper etiquette but remained rather short-sighted. Perhaps one's origins truly determine their bearing—among the Hua family's four daughters-in-law, Second Madam had always been the most petty. It would be strange if she weren't angry about having her maids reassigned. Not just her—Third Aunt probably wouldn't treat her kindly for some time either.
"Miss, we've tallied everything: Old Madam contributed eight hundred taels, First Madam two hundred, Second Madam sixty, Third Madam one hundred, and Fourth Madam also two hundred."
"Record it. When everything is settled later, we'll distribute shares according to their contributions. Ying Chun, how much do I have left?"
Ying Chun smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "We have 2,200 taels in silver notes, twenty gold bars, plus some jewelry and silver ingots."
Bao Xia's eyes widened. They had actually hidden away so much, and this was after already sending some to the Old Master earlier!
Hua Zhi, however, knew the truth wasn't so simple. Over the years, she had gradually added to the stash, originally preparing for contingencies, never expecting it would actually be needed.
"Just record one thousand taels in the accounts."
As Bao Xia opened her mouth to ask why, Fu Dong swiftly covered it. "Miss, this servant will check if the kitchen needs anything."
Hua Zhi watched with amusement as the two left dragging each other. Among her four maids, Bao Xia was the most straightforward—a bit recklessly bold when facing situations, often serving as her messenger between courtyards. Ying Chun was cautious and steady, overseeing all affairs in their compound. Nian Qiu was meticulous, managing the account books. Fu Dong was timid and introverted, practically living in the kitchen all day. Hua Zhi owed her daily culinary delights to Fu Dong's natural talent for cooking.Each of the four had their own flaws: Ying Chun was overly cautious, Bao Chun was always impulsive and somewhat reckless, Nian Qiu—likely due to managing the accounts—was a bit stingy, and Fu Dong was too timid, often bursting into tears at the slightest provocation. She indulged them all without ever considering changing them. She didn’t need four people molded from the same template; it was just fine that they had grown into such vivid personalities.
—Content sourced from book recommendations on [Migu Read].
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