Shaoyao didn't press further, pushing the medicine chest aside as her eyes followed Fu Dong setting the table.
Hua Zhi found this amusing and led her to sit down, picking up chopsticks to serve her a spring roll. These had been specially prepared for guests, while as a patient, she herself could only eat plain congee again today.
Shaoyao ate with her head down, not looking up until she finished, then asked, "Can I stay for lunch?"
"Of course." Hua Zhi quite liked Shaoyao's straightforward nature and responded to her in equally simple, direct manner.
"I need to make some arrangements. Make yourself at home."
"Can I come with you?"
Hua Zhi smiled, "You may go anywhere. There are no forbidden places on this estate."
Delighted, Shaoyao put on her veiled hat and followed. She had no memories before age nine, had mainly interacted with men throughout her life, and the few women she knew were all from the prince's household—people she usually avoided rather than approached for conversation.
Strictly speaking, Hua Zhi was the first person she'd gotten to know independently.
Shaoyao was so excited she just wanted to stay by this friend's side, as if this would make their bond stronger.
The front courtyard was bustling with people, including Liu Jiang and his sister, who stood in a corner craning their necks toward the moon gate.
After witnessing everything that night, Liu Juan's gratitude toward the young lady had skyrocketed into worship. Her previously muddled mind seemed to suddenly clear, and she became determined to serve by the young lady's side—just like Sister Fu Dong—attending to the young lady wholeheartedly while hoping to receive the young lady's protection in return.
Being a commoner was certainly better than being a servant, but if it meant serving the young lady, she was willing to enter servitude.
Though Liu Jiang also deeply admired the young lady, he was reluctant for his sister to take up servile work. But for the first time, his usually obedient sister remained resolute. Instead of persuading her, he found himself nearly persuaded by her arguments.
"She's here," Liu Juan whispered excitedly. This was her first time seeing the young lady since that night, and she appeared somewhat recovered.
Supported by Bao Xia, Hua Zhi settled into the grand tutor's chair beneath the corridor. As she was about to ask for another chair, she saw Shaoyao had already fetched one herself and obediently sat beside her. She looked so docile it softened hearts and made people want to treat her well from the bottom of their hearts.
Collecting all emotion in her eyes, Hua Zhi surveyed the forty-plus people in the courtyard.
Though her face and lips remained pale, her faint yet intensely pressuring gaze made even those servants—who prided themselves on having seen the world with the master and somewhat looked down on Hua Zhi's leadership—break out in cold sweat, as if all their thoughts had been laid bare by that single glance.
Those like Xu Ying who worried about the young lady felt relieved. Even injured, the young lady hadn't become a weakened tiger—no one should underestimate her!
The courtyard fell into complete silence.
After sufficient intimidation, Hua Zhi finally spoke leisurely, "I requested personnel from Steward Xu to establish a workshop on this estate. Since it's a workshop, you're here to work in it. If anyone is unwilling, I won't blame you—there will be other tasks for you to do."
The crowd exchanged glances; even those truly unwilling didn't want to be the first to speak up.
"Liu Qi, are you willing to serve as this workshop's manager?"
Suddenly called by name, Liu Qi froze for a moment before immediately stepping forward to bow. "Yes, this humble one is willing."Liu Qi had served by the old master's side ever since entering the residence. When the old master was sentenced to exile, he had considered following him to the place of exile, but the old master forbade it, forcing him to stay behind. Without his pillar of support, he drifted aimlessly day after day, unsure of what to do.
Now that the Hua family was under the young lady's management, he was naturally willing to follow her directives.
"Many of you have previously assisted the masters with their affairs, so your capabilities are undoubtedly commendable. If not for the current shortage of available hands in the household, I wouldn't be deploying such talent for minor tasks. Once we get through this busy period, I will surely assign you to other duties. If anyone truly feels incapable of handling this work, report to Liu Qi—I will not make things difficult for you."
Hua Zhi's words weren't solely meant to placate them. She partly blamed herself for not explaining clearly when she was injured. Most of the work in the workshop she intended to open would be better suited for meticulous women. Steward Xu had selected an equal number of men and women, and even the maids and servant women all appeared capable and efficient. Having them do such trivial tasks here was indeed an underutilization of their skills.
She should have been clearer in her instructions. It would have been better to have Steward Xu assign people from her mother's and grandmother's quarters rather than ending up in this situation. But now it was too late to make changes; they would have to finish the work first.
Hua Zhi stood up, projecting an air of authority. "Let me be blunt: I am not as kind-hearted as Grandmother. Do not think that my youth makes me easy to deceive. I will not mistreat you, and I hope you will consider the Hua family's interests and help maintain its stability. If anyone tests my limits, I will not show mercy. Of course, I will not shortchange you either. During your time at the workshop, your monthly pay will be doubled."
With this combination of carrot and stick, the group's expressions brightened. Even those who had initially felt their status in the household was too high for such work began to reconsider. Working here was still work, and though it might be more tiring, double the pay made it worthwhile!
Observing their reactions, Hua Zhi delivered a few more instructions before dismissing everyone except Liu Qi.
"Wu Da, is the underground cellar ready?"
"Yes, it's dug, but it's still damp. It should be suitable after one more day."
Hua Zhi nodded and turned to Liu Qi. "Arrange for the maids and servant women to stay in the rear courtyard, and the male servants to reside in the back-facing rooms. The front courtyard will temporarily serve as the workshop. Use any excess items in the rooms if they are helpful; if not, clear out a room specifically for storage. Keep the rooms free of unnecessary clutter. There's no time to build a new workshop, so we'll have to make do with this for now."
"Understood."
"Since the workshop is under your charge, you have the authority to make all arrangements. If anyone refuses to follow orders due to their perceived status, report them to me. Also, fleshy peaches spoil easily—they must be placed in the underground cellar immediately after harvesting."
Liu Qi acknowledged, quickly running calculations in his mind. Having tasks to focus on actually improved his spirits compared to before.
Shaoyao sat to the side, watching as matters were arranged one by one. She couldn't help but feel her close friend now bore a striking resemblance to The Heir—in her demeanor, her effortless competence, it was all too similar.
"Are you bored?" After sending Liu Qi away, Hua Zhi no longer forced herself to stand and sat down with Bao Xia's support. Noticing Shaoyao's distracted expression, she asked with a smile.
Shaoyao shook her head. "No, you're very impressive.""No one is born knowing how to do these things." Hua Zhi smiled, drinking half a cup of tea from Fu Dong's hand. Feeling some strength returning, she gestured for Bao Xia to help her up. "When we return, I'll perform a magic trick for you."
Shaoyao nodded repeatedly, her Veiled Hat swaying in ripples.
After resting in her room for a while, Hua Zhi had someone bring in a bucket of water along with two basins - one large and one small. "All of you may leave now, and close the door behind you."
Bao Xia and the others filed out in succession. After closing the door, she stood guard on one side of the entrance with Nian Qiu on the other. "Everyone step further away."
Though they didn't know what their young mistress intended to do, anything that even they couldn't be privy to must be extremely important. It would be best if others didn't overhear even a single word.
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