Chapter 6 Establishing Authority (Part 2)
591 Words
So easily unsettled. This mansion was indeed too lax, with no one properly managing it. Chu Lianruo nodded and said, "I have just married into the Prince's household and am not very familiar with the mansion's affairs. Yesterday, I wanted to bathe, but no hot water was prepared in the kitchen. This morning, the breakfast consisted of nothing but buns and plain porridge." She paused before continuing, "I wonder if there are difficulties within the mansion. If there are, do let me know. Though I have just arrived, I wish to help support the Prince. I will write a letter to my father. Although he is only the governor of Cenzhou, he can still provide some financial assistance."
This speech made Madam Feng break into a cold sweat. If this were to happen, and the news spread that the Prince’s mansion needed the bride’s father to provide financial aid on the first day of her arrival, the Prince would be ridiculed throughout Shengjing. Whether or not the concubine was aware, the servants would surely suffer severe consequences.
Madam Feng touched the gold hairpin on her head, then collapsed from her chair to kneel.
Chu Lianruo feigned surprise and concern, asking if Madam Feng was unwell and instructing Siyu to help her up. Before Siyu could assist, Madam Feng hastily said, "This servant did not realize those little maids dared to neglect the Concubine. It was my oversight. I will go back and teach those unruly servants a lesson and ensure they never disrespect the Concubine again."
"I didn't expect this to be the case. Don't blame yourself too much, Madam Feng. A few words of reprimand will suffice. If you punish them too harshly, it will reflect poorly on me."
Madam Feng repeatedly agreed, and Chu Lianruo, feeling weak, dismissed her, asking Siwei to escort her out of Yanxiao Pavilion.
Siyu, unable to contain her joy, exclaimed, "Concubine, you spoke wonderfully! That Madam Feng's expression was truly satisfying to see!"
Chu Lianruo ignored her, placing a hand on her chest to catch her breath. She hadn’t realized how weak this body was. Though she had been frail before due to being drugged and giving birth prematurely, as a general’s daughter, her original body was naturally strong. This body, however, was inherently weak, and while it could be nursed to better health, it couldn’t be fully cured.
Lunch was brought from the kitchen, consisting of eight dishes and a soup, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, still steaming hot as if freshly prepared. Chu Lianruo instructed Siyu to reward the kitchen staff with some silver and then ate a little with her silver chopsticks, leaving the rest for the two maids.
Chu Lianruo had a habit of napping for half an hour and, given her poor sleep the previous night, she slept deeply. Her dreams were filled with those inescapable nightmares, and she couldn't wake up. Suddenly, a commotion woke her. She sat up, propping her head, as Siwei quietly entered. She asked coolly, "What's going on outside?"
Siwei cautiously replied, "Concubine, Steward Li sent some new servants."
Chu Lianruo rubbed her forehead. "Help me get up."
After getting ready, they went to the warm room. The new servants, trembling and ill-trained, made pitiful attempts at greeting her. Four of them stood there, thin and timid, clearly untrained and unsure of how to properly greet a superior.
Chu Lianruo glanced at the servant who had brought them, her gaze indifferent. "Not just anyone can enter Yanxiao Pavilion. Take these people away."
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