Qi Zhenzhen was somewhat dumbfounded. Were there such benefits to being a maid?
There was a saying, "Better to marry a servant girl from a large household than a daughter from a small one." This meant that women who had served as maids in wealthy families possessed a demeanor and knowledge that women from smaller households could not compare to.
However, how could Lian Bei, a mere ten-year-old girl, think so much?
"Sister Qi, is it not possible?" Lian Bei asked cautiously. Dafeng Novel Network
"It's not that it's impossible, but there are some things I need to tell you first. My mother is a concubine, and we were previously driven out by the main wife. Although we are to be welcomed back now, the circumstances of our return are uncertain," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Lian Bei was silent for a moment, then said with a look of indifference, "I know what Sister means, you're telling me your family is not very peaceful, right? As long as Sister can protect my life, I don't care about anything else."
She was quite an honest little girl.
"Naturally, I will protect those around me," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"Then I'll go back and inform my brother." Lian Bei hurried away from the Qi residence.
The next day, Lian Bei arrived with a dark and sturdy young man.
"Miss, this is my elder brother, Lian Shan," Lian Bei said, pulling Lian Shan to introduce him. "We've discussed it, and he's also going to the capital to find work as a shop assistant in a restaurant or teahouse. As for the shell business, I've made all the arrangements and it won't delay Miss's matters."
These siblings truly had a plan.
Qi Zhenzhen took out the deed of sale. "This is a five-year contract. If you are a maid by my side, you must be of one heart with me and not betray me. If you betray me, there will be no good end. You will have two days off each month, which you can arrange as you please. As for the monthly wages, it will be eight hundred wen for now."
Lian Bei's eyes sparkled. Eight hundred wen! That was almost ten taels of silver a year. She heard that if one pleased their master, there would be additional rewards. Over these five years, she could save quite a bit of money. Then, when she returned to the town with her brother, they could open a small shop and do a small business. How wonderful that would be.
Dabbing her finger in the ink pad, Lian Bei cheerfully pressed her handprint onto the deed of sale.
Looking at Lian Shan's honest appearance, a thought suddenly occurred to Qi Zhenzhen. "Lian Shan, my brother doesn't have a page boy yet. Would you be willing to be by his side? You'll also need to sign a deed of sale. As for the monthly wages, it will also be eight hundred wen to start." Dafeng Novel
Lian Shan looked at Lian Bei. Seeing his sister nod, he said in a low, muffled voice, "Lian Shan is willing."
When Qi Yi returned, Qi Zhenzhen introduced Lian Shan to him. Qi Yi nodded at Lian Shan. "You only have me as your master and can only obey my commands. Can you do that?"
Lian Shan nodded. "Yes."
"Once you are by my side, you cannot obey even if your sister orders you to."
Lian Shan hesitated. After their parents passed away, his sister managed everything in the household. He was accustomed to obeying his sister's commands.
"Brother, the young master is teaching you the rules. From now on, you are the young master's page boy first, and then my elder brother," Lian Bei said quickly, fearing Qi Yi's displeasure.
Lian Shan was not foolish. Hearing his sister say this, he immediately pledged his loyalty to Qi Yi.
"If you follow me wholeheartedly, I will naturally not mistreat you," Qi Yi said.
In the evening, Qi Zhenzhen introduced the Lian siblings to Nanny Fang. Nanny Fang sized them up and said, "They look good. Since Miss and the young master want them by their side, then let them stay. When we return to the mansion, the Old Madam and the Madam will assign people according to regulations. For Miss, you will have two head maids, four second-class maids, and eight third-class maids and working nannies. The young master will have fewer people by his side, at least four page boys."
Qi Zhenzhen smiled slightly. "When we return to the mansion, we will naturally obey Grandmother and Mother."
After staying for three more days, the group finally set off for the capital.
Unlike riding a horse themselves, the carriage traveled very slowly. They set off in the morning and did not arrive at the Marquis's mansion until evening.
The main gate was tightly shut. Nanny Fang went down to call for the gate to be opened. A moment later, a young servant peered out from a side gate.
Perhaps knowing that Nanny Fang was a capable person in the Old Madam's service, the servants did not dare to be negligent. They quickly called for two sedan chairs. Nanny Fang helped Madam Yun alight and board a sedan chair. Qi Zhenzhen was helped onto a sedan chair by Qing Shui and Lian Bei.
Qi Yi and Lian Shan followed behind the sedan chairs.
"Young Master, sedan chairs are only for the female members of the household," Nanny Fang explained to Qi Yi.
Qi Yi waved his hand dismissively. "Walking is fine."
The sedan chairs traveled for a good two quarters of an hour before stopping.
"Presumably, the Old Madam is waiting. Aunt Yun, Miss, Young Master, let's go to Yanniang Courtyard first. It's likely that the Marquis and Madam have already received the news and are also at Yanniang Courtyard," Nanny Fang said.
Yanniang Courtyard. Qi Zhenzhen had a rather deep impression of this name, as she was already eight years old when she left the Marquis's mansion and was not without memories.
"Please lead the way, Nanny Fang," Qi Zhenzhen said faintly, linking her arm with Madam Yun's.
Madam Yun's body stiffened, and her face was tense.
"Aunt, relax. We are going home," Qi Zhenzhen whispered.
If Madam Yun entered in such a state, neither the Old Madam nor the Marquis would be pleased.
Qi Zhenzhen's voice seemed to possess a magical quality, causing Madam Yun's tense body to relax.
The mother and son walked through the courtyard and stood under the corridor. Nanny Fang went inside to announce them.
A moment later, the door curtain was lifted, and it was the Old Madam herself who came out to greet them.
Without time to think, Qi Zhenzhen grabbed Madam Yun with one hand and Qi Yi with the other. The mother and son knelt down together. Lu Qing Shui and the Lian siblings behind them also knelt.
"Greetings to the Old Madam."
"Greetings to Grandmother."
"Greetings to Grandmother."
The mother and son said in unison.
The Old Madam appeared very emotional, nodding repeatedly. Nanny Fang directed the maids inside to help the three of them up.
"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. Come, let's go inside and talk." Qi Zhenzhen and Qi Yi each supported the Old Madam on one side, while Nanny Fang supported Madam Yun.
As for Qing Shui and the others, they were led away.
Passing by the screen, they entered a spacious and bright large room. The bluestone floor gleamed coldly. By the window, there was a chaise lounge with a thick cotton cushion on it. A small square table was placed on the lounge, with several plates of fresh fruit on it.
Opposite the chaise lounge was a deep red square table, with two Grand Tutor chairs on either side.
Qi Zhenzhen scanned the room, but did not see the Marquis or the Marchioness. Had they not received the news of their return, or were they deliberately absent?
Nanny Fang helped the Old Madam to sit on the chaise lounge. Madam Yun and her children knelt down again.
As soon as they knelt, a maid stepped forward to help them up. The Old Madam chided, "You already paid your respects outside, why are you kneeling again? We are all family, why bother with such formalities? Zisu, bring a stool for Aunt Yun. Zhenzhen, Yi Ge'er, come sit with Grandmother, let Grandmother have a good look."