Union

Chapter 40 040 Ruizhu's Steward
When Yunying arrived at the restaurant that day, it was already very late.

Qiu Ning and Mu Jin waited and waited, but she didn't come, so they ordered a few dishes to eat first.

Perhaps the food was unpalatable, or perhaps they were disappointed with their shopping trip that morning, or perhaps they wanted to go home to rest, but Yunying occupied the carriage and didn't return for a long time, leaving both of them feeling quite annoyed.

Upon seeing Yunying arrive late, both of them wore long faces, looking as if Yunying owed them hundreds of taels of silver.

While apologizing to the two men, Yunying cursed the Second Master in her heart.

Ultimately, this matter is all the Second Master's fault. Unfortunately, the Second Master is ruthless when it comes to people; he used her when he needed her and discarded her when he didn't. He chose a secluded alley, kicked her out of the car, and left in a hurry.

They were about to return to the manor, but Yunying was still hungry.

On her way back to the mansion, she could only stop the carriage briefly to pick out some pastries from a pastry shop and bring them back to the carriage.

After Yunying got on the carriage, she divided the pastries into three portions, giving the other two portions to Qiuning and Mujin as an apology.

Seeing this, Qiu Ning's expression softened considerably, but she still wouldn't let the matter rest. She rummaged through the pastries, making a mess of them, and continued, "These pastries don't taste very good at all. It's only because you sent them that I didn't give them to anyone else; I would have thrown them away and fed them to the dogs long ago."

Yunying took a deep breath, deciding not to argue with Qiuning. "It's all my fault. I won't do it again. You're so kind, please forgive me this time and don't hold it against me."

Yunying humbled herself, and Qiu Ning finally spared her. But after taking a bite of the osmanthus cake, her expression turned even more unpleasant.

Yunying almost choked on the sweetness of the pastry as well. It was excessively sweet and rock hard. Perhaps it was leftover for a few days, as it was very difficult to chew. In short, it was "hard to eat."

The atmosphere, which had just eased up, became tense again because the pastries were so unpalatable.

The three returned to the mansion with different expressions. They went to Aunt Ding's place to say hello, and then each went back to their own room.

Seeing that the group looked unhappy, Aunt Ding sent someone over to inquire about the situation.

After understanding the cause and effect, Aunt Ding couldn't help but cover her forehead with a headache.

Qiu Ning and Mu Jin are both quite temperamental, while Yun Ying, judging from today's events, seems to be a bit too playful.

Of the four maids, Aunt Ding thought that Ruizhu was the most proper and composed.

Qia Ruizhu came over with the account book she had been given that morning, and Aunt Ding quickly waved for her to sit down.

Ruizhu bowed respectfully before sitting down next to Aunt Ding. She then smiled and handed the account book to Aunt Ding, saying, "I've checked last month's accounts, and overall there aren't any major problems."

"So there's a minor problem?" Aunt Ding asked.

Ruizhu hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly, opened the ledger in front of her, and said, "It's about prices. The same silk fabrics are twice as expensive this month as last month, and flour also seems to be much more expensive than last month..."

Ruizhu asked tactfully, "Auntie, has there been a disaster in the north that has caused prices to rise?"

Aunt Ding looked at Ruizhu with admiration, but what she said was not quite the truth.

"That's not there."

Aunt Ding carefully explained the reasons to Ruizhu.

The price increase in silk and satin was entirely due to the colder weather, which caused the waterways to freeze, increasing maintenance and repair costs. Consequently, the tax authorities along the canal increased the taxes collected. All ships and goods passing through the canal had to pay an extra layer of tax compared to the previous month. As for the price increase in refined flour, it was because she had abandoned flour transported from Dingzhou Prefecture and opted for refined wheat flour produced in Qizhou Prefecture.

Dingzhou Prefecture is located in the heart of the Great Xia Dynasty, and most of the flour needed by Lingnan Prefecture was purchased from there. However, the flour was slightly coarse and lacked a chewy and delicate texture.

Aunt Ding said, "After Second Master came to Yungui County, he has been unwell in terms of food and drink, and has lost a lot of weight compared to when he was in the capital." It was for this reason that Aunt Ding went to great lengths to have someone purchase fine flour from Qizhou.

Qizhou is located on the northwestern border of the Great Xia Dynasty. The flour produced there is fine, white, chewy, smooth, and has a rich wheat aroma, making it the preferred choice of many wealthy and noble families in the capital. The Rongguo Duke's Mansion has always used flour from Qizhou. Perhaps the Second Master, having grown accustomed to this type of flour, will be able to eat more of his meals from now on?

Aunt Ding was wholeheartedly considering the Second Master's best interests, which made Ruizhu admire her even more. She said, "Aunt is so thoughtful. With Aunt taking care of him, I think the Second Master will be able to eat more in the future."

Aunt Ding said a few words of modesty, but then couldn't help but talk a bit more about Second Master's dietary taboos and preferences.

Ruizhu subtly flattered her, and the more excited Aunt Ding became, the more she talked.

Finally, Aunt Ding, for some reason, said, "How about this, starting next month, you can take care of the affairs of the inner quarters."

As soon as she said it, Aunt Ding paused for a moment, as if she felt she had spoken too soon, but it was something she had already considered.

Aunt Ding felt that by always managing everything and only having a few maids assisting, she couldn't see their abilities. She needed to let them try things out for themselves to see if these maids were capable of managing the affairs of the inner quarters properly.

Regardless of her background, abilities, or character, Aunt Ding preferred Ruizhu to take over, so she let Ruizhu give it a try first. If she really managed it well, then there would be no need for the other three to take over.

Having made up her mind, Aunt Ding remained calm in the face of Ruizhu's eyes, which were filled with disbelief and surprise.

"You're the one, give it a try first. If it really doesn't work out..."

Ruizhu: "Please rest assured, Aunt, Ruizhu will do her best to handle things properly. If it fails... I am willing to accept Aunt's punishment."

Aunt Ding: "Why would I punish you? At most, I'll just relieve you of your duties and not let you interfere in the future. There's no point in saying more. Just keep a close eye on things, and if anything goes wrong, I'll give you a heads-up."

Ruizhu: "Thank you, Auntie. Thank you, Auntie."

Having settled the matter of Ruizhu taking charge, Aunt Ding sent Ruizhu back. She then got up, preparing to go to the front yard to discuss the matter with the Second Master.

It wasn't a big deal, but Aunt Ding thought it best to inform the Second Master. It was also a subtle reminder that there were four other young ladies in the back courtyard.

Since the Second Master hadn't chased them away for so many days, Aunt Ding thought that perhaps the Second Master was somewhat tempted by Yunying's beauty and didn't want to send them back.

That would be best, of course, but if she really misunderstood the Second Master's intentions... then we'll have to wait and see.

Unfortunately, Aunt Ding did not see Second Master when she arrived at the front yard.

They happened to run into Suiyun, who was in a hurry and was returning home.

Aunt Ding was sensible and wouldn't pry into the Second Master's affairs outside, but she always had to ask whether he was coming home for dinner so that the kitchen could prepare accordingly.

When Aunt Ding asked, Suiyun replied, "Aunt, don't bother. Second Master won't be having dinner at the manor tonight." Before leaving, she added, "Aunt should rest when she needs to. Second Master probably won't be coming back tonight."

(End of this chapter)