“Were these maids all chosen by my father?”
Sun Fengyu’s words made Wan Qing realize that she indeed needed maids in her courtyard. She went over to inspect them, but unfortunately, none were the type she wanted.
There was no denying that these maids were all quite lovely in appearance, appearing both obedient and sharp-witted. However, as she approached, she noticed the shifting glint in their eyes and the barely concealed dissatisfaction in their expressions. Only two of them—sturdy in build and openly curious—dared to look up at her boldly. The others merely offered ingratiating yet uneasy smiles as she drew near.
Wan Qing turned to ask Sun Fengyu, “Did my father arrange this? Or was it my elder sister who picked them? None of them seem suitable.”
Sun Fengyu’s expression flickered slightly at her words, but he still rose and approached her with concern. “Actually, your father instructed this, and your elder sister helped select them. Are none of them to your liking?”
One of the maids boldly raised her head and spoke, “We serve the eldest young miss, Second Young Miss. Since we’re familiar with the affairs of the household, please allow us to stay in your courtyard and attend to you.”
As soon as Sun Fengyu spoke, this maid had seized the opportunity to plead—though her brows carried an unmistakable air of smugness beneath the surface.
“If you’re from my elder sister’s side, you should return to her. I have no interest in taking what belongs to others. You two—stay. The rest may leave. I only need someone who can cook and tend to my daily needs. Too many people would be too noisy.”
Hearing that these maids had been sent by Mu Wanxia, Wan Qing instinctively rejected them. Seeing the smug look on the maid’s face, she merely smiled faintly before turning away. Instead, she addressed the two maids who seemed utterly inexperienced and brimming with curiosity.
“How did you two enter the household?”
Looking at them—still dressed in coarse cloth—Wan Qing couldn’t help but wonder about their backgrounds.
“We’re from the countryside, young miss. Our families were too poor, so we were sold into servitude. Please, take us in.”
“Yes, young miss. We beg you to let us stay. As long as we have food to eat, we’ll do anything you ask.”
The taller of the two, a lanky girl of about eighteen or nineteen, spoke first, followed by the smaller one, who gazed at her pleadingly.
“If you stay, you must remember your place—and that I am your only master. If you can’t abide by this condition, then I’m afraid…”
Seeing the desperation in their eyes, Wan Qing relented but made her terms clear in front of Sun Fengyu.
“If you allow us to stay, we will obey only you, young miss.”
Though surprised by her condition, the two maids eagerly agreed, overjoyed at the chance to remain.
“Very well. You two may stay. The rest may leave—I don’t need so many people. Brother Sun, please thank my father for me and tell him I’ve chosen these two. What are your names?”
“This servant is Xiao Tao.”
“This servant is Xiao Chun.”
“Hmm, those names are too plain. From now on, you shall be Xia Tao, and you—Wan Chun. You are now the maids of my courtyard. As long as you serve me faithfully, I will not mistreat you. There are clothes over there—change into them and familiarize yourselves with the courtyard. When I’m here, you will attend to me. When I’m away, guard the courtyard and ensure no one enters without permission. Brother Sun, I’m rather tired. Perhaps you should leave now. I’ll see you again when I’m feeling better.”
After renaming the two maids and outlining her expectations, Wan Qing directed them to fetch new clothes from the storeroom. Once they had gone, she turned wearily to Sun Fengyu.
“Very well. I’ll visit again when you’re better. I’ll take my leave now.”
Relieved at not having to stay alone with her, Sun Fengyu nodded and departed, taking the rejected maids with him.
“Wan Chun, Xia Tao—those clothes suit you well. The two side rooms on the right are yours—choose whichever you like. My courtyard doesn’t have many rules—just do your duties diligently. Oh, and I need you to gather some things for me now. Come with me.”
Leading them into the garden, Wan Qing showed them which plants to harvest and how to sort and dry them. “Take turns cooking each day. For now, gather these herbs, dry them, and arrange them in my room by category. Once that’s done, you’re free to do as you please—just be ready when it’s time to prepare meals.”
After Sun Fengyu left, the two maids changed into their new attire. Though they still carried the air of country girls, they now looked rather presentable.
Pleased, Wan Qing nodded and had them select their rooms before teaching them to harvest herbs. Seeing how quickly they learned, she left them to it and returned to her own room to process the plants Chun Hong had gathered earlier.
“*Sigh*… The garden has so few medicinal herbs, and many of the ones I need are missing. If only I had some money…”
Though she had managed to prepare some basic remedies, the lack of resources left her frustrated.
Time passed quietly, and before she knew it, evening had arrived. When Hong Yan returned, the disappointment on her face told Wan Qing she had found nothing.
“It’s alright. These two maids were sent by my father today. From now on, you’ll all serve me together. Oh, and Hong Yan—the young master said he wants to see you when you return. I also asked him, and he agreed to let you teach me some self-defense. Would you be willing to teach these two as well?”
Pouring Hong Yan a cup of water, Wan Qing reassured her before relaying Leng Mingye’s instructions.
“I’ll teach you all when I have time. But you’re still injured—you should recover first before training. I’ll go see him now.”
With a nod, Hong Yan turned and left.
Once she was gone, Wan Qing turned to the two maids with a grave expression.
“Hong Yan was sent by the young master to look after me. She will also be your martial arts instructor. Remember—never repeat what I tell you or what you do here in front of her. If you cause trouble, don’t blame me for not warning you. The young master may treat me well, but he is unpredictable—a single word from him could cost you your lives. If you anger me, you’ll only face punishment. But if you anger him, your heads will roll.”
The maids paled at her words and hastily bowed. “We will remember, young miss!”
“Good. It’s late now—go rest. I’ll retire as well. Though Hong Yan serves alongside you, she belongs to the young master. Be mindful of what you say around her.”
Satisfied that she had impressed the gravity of the situation upon them, Wan Qing dismissed the maids and retired for the night.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage