Chapter 4: Choosing the Maidservants

The next morning, Shen Qingyun dressed herself neatly and first went to accompany her mother for breakfast in the Warm Jade Pavilion, then together they made their way to Yan Song Hall to pay their respects to the Old Madam.

Upon arrival, Shen Sisi was already seated beside the Old Madam, the two of them conversing in low voices and laughing, appearing every bit the picture of an affectionate grandmother and granddaughter. When Shen Qingyun entered, Shen Sisi made no move to rise, nor did the Old Madam find this amiss—she was evidently accustomed to such behavior.

As Shen Qingyun performed her curtsy, the Old Madam merely nodded, her attention quickly drifting back to Shen Sisi.

Madam Han, noticing the Old Madam’s intimacy with Shen Sisi and her coolness towards Shen Qingyun, frowned slightly. But seeing that her daughter still smiled innocently, she said nothing, simply taking her seat beside her to drink tea.

“Old Madam, Madam, Eldest Miss, Second Miss, Madam Li from the broker’s agency has arrived,” a second-rank maid announced from below.

As had been discussed the day before, today the broker’s woman arrived promptly at the manor with a group of servant girls.

Shen Qingyun and Shen Sisi followed Madam Han and the Old Madam out to the outer courtyard, where several dozen young girls stood in five neat rows.

The broker’s woman hurried forward to pay her respects as soon as she saw the Old Madam and Madam Han, casting a meaningful glance at the girls behind her.

The group of girls curtsied in perfect unison, bowing their heads demurely.

“Old Madam, Madam, young ladies, as soon as I heard the Marquess’s household was selecting maids, I brought the most well-behaved and clean-handed girls with me. Let’s see which of them has the fortune to be chosen today,” the woman said ingratiatingly.

The Old Madam gently patted Shen Sisi’s hand, signaling for her to make her choice.

Several of the maids serving Shen Sisi were growing older and due to be married off, so she was to select new ones as replacements. She glanced over the assembled girls and soon picked out a few, planning to question them further before making her final decision.

By rights of birth order, Shen Sisi should choose first, providing an example for Shen Qingyun. But Shen Sisi, certain that Shen Qingyun would not dare to choose, feigned generosity and affection, saying, “Sister, since you’ve just returned to the household, why don’t you choose first?”

Unexpectedly, Shen Qingyun accepted without the slightest hesitation. “Thank you, Sister. Since I haven’t chosen maids before, why don’t you help me judge? I’m sure you can pick some capable ones for me.”

The Old Madam frowned at Shen Qingyun’s disregard for custom, displeased. Yet since Shen Sisi had brought it up, she could say nothing.

Shen Sisi’s face turned pale at these words.

That wretched Shen Qingyun, so fresh from the countryside and ignorant of proper conduct, even wants to compete for maids.

Worse still, if the Old Madam and Madam Han were not present, she could have found a way to outmaneuver her. But now, she had no choice but to relinquish the girls she’d picked out, or else appear incompetent.

Swallowing her displeasure, she forced a smile and pointed out a few she had her eye on, recommending them to Shen Qingyun.

“Sister, these girls have good features and bearing. Why don’t you take a look?”

Seeing her choices were all quite good, the Old Madam nodded to herself in approval, and Madam Han had no objection.

Shen Qingyun walked over to the selected girls, questioning them closely and observing their manner and abilities before making her decision.

“Grandmother, Mother, I’ve chosen.”

In her previous life, this scene had never occurred. Shen Qingyun had been timid and withdrawn; the maids had been chosen by Madam Han, only picking obedient ones for fear that Shen Qingyun would be unable to manage them.

But now, Shen Qingyun had changed. Even after only a day back, like the flutter of butterfly wings, she was already subtly altering the course of events.

Shen Sisi, though inwardly furious, dared not protest. She watched as the best maids were chosen by Shen Qingyun, and in the end had to pick only two, looking so aggrieved that the Old Madam’s heart ached for her.

“Now that both of you have chosen, Sisi and Qingyun, you may take your maids back to your courtyards,” the Old Madam said coldly, then turned to Madam Han. “You come with me. There is something I wish to discuss.”

Shen Qingyun frowned, guessing that the Old Madam intended to reproach her mother on her account. She was about to speak up, but her mother signaled for her to return to her rooms first, so she led her new maids away.

This time, she selected a chief maid, Yicui, four second-rank maids—Chuntao, Xiaozhu, Qiyue, and Dongxue—two cleaning maids, plus Nanny Jiang and the senior maid Hongyu. Her courtyard was now fully staffed.

Nanny Jiang stood behind Shen Qingyun, who sat quietly sipping tea, her gaze lowered, betraying no emotion, while the assembled maids stood nervously, striving to appear obedient.

Before long, Hongyu could no longer contain herself and tried to speak, but Shen Qingyun silenced her with a single cold glance. Hongyu felt as though a sharp blade had pinned her in place, her hair standing on end, and dared not utter a word.

She thought to herself, She’s just a country girl, so why does she have a more commanding presence than the eldest young lady? Strange indeed.

“The rules of the household you can learn in time,” Shen Qingyun began in a soft, chilling voice that sent a shiver down the maids’ spines. “There is but one thing I value most: loyalty. If any of you dares to betray or deceive your mistress, you are welcome to test my methods.”

Despite her youth, the wintry coldness in her words instilled fear and a heightened sense of respect in all present.

“Of course, those who serve well will not go unrewarded.” With this, she signaled to Nanny Jiang.

Nanny Jiang, pleased to see Shen Qingyun so capable of commanding the room, set about distributing the prepared rewards—twenty copper coins to each. Smiles broke out across the maids’ faces, except for Hongyu, who still looked somewhat disdainful.

Shen Qingyun cast her a sidelong glance. Hongyu had been placed by Shen Sisi; in her past life, she had constantly belittled and oppressed her, even colluding with Jiang Lin to shame her further. This thorn would soon be plucked out, making way for Zhenzhu’s arrival.

Seeing everyone had received their reward, Shen Qingyun addressed them again, “You see the situation in the courtyard—everyone here is new. Though your ranks are temporarily assigned, there will be a one-month probation. After that, I will adjust your positions according to your performance. Now, go on and attend to your duties.”

“Yes, thank you, Miss, for your generosity,” they replied in unison, a mix of nerves and excitement in their hearts. Each resolved to do well, hoping for a chance at advancement.

Nanny Jiang, both pleased and puzzled, marveled at how well the young mistress managed things despite having just come from the countryside.

Sensing her thoughts, Shen Qingyun smiled. “I used to daydream about being the young lady of a grand household. Who would have thought such fantasies would one day come in handy?”

Nanny Jiang, deeply moved, replied, “Miss, you belong to the Marquess’s bloodline. In time, you’ll do even better.”

Just then, a maid announced Madam Han’s arrival. Shen Qingyun smiled faintly. It was just as well—there was much she wished to discuss with her mother.