After flirting with the aloof prince, the concubine ran away pregnant.

"You must have seen wrong," his friend patted him on the shoulder, comforting him.

"Wasn't your cousin sold into servitude? How could she possibly be eating at a place like Yueyunlou, dressed like a noble lady?"

Jiang Chenghuai also felt that he had misread it.

Perhaps it's just that they look alike.

He picked up his chopsticks again, but he had no appetite and his mind was in turmoil.

Knowing what was on his mind, his friend lowered his voice and advised, "Don't think about it so much. The most important thing for you right now is to prepare for this year's autumn examinations."

"Once you pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, will you still be afraid of not being able to redeem your cousin? At that time, if you want to marry her, it will be just a matter of saying a word."

Another classmate chimed in, "That's right. For us students from poor families, just being good at studying isn't enough to get ahead. We also need to get out and about more, like we did today, and build connections."

"Look at that gentleman who just came downstairs. He has an extraordinary air about him. He must be from a prominent family. If we could make his acquaintance, our careers would be much smoother in the future."

Jiang Chenghuai remained silent.

He knew his classmates were right.

Fame and fortune, connections—these are the foundation for a stable life.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the image of the beautiful woman in his mind, and picked up his wine glass.

"Come on, let's not talk about this anymore, let's drink."

.

Inside the carriage.

Afu sat upright, while Xie Xun leaned against the pillow with his eyes closed, seemingly a little tired.

The carriage returned smoothly to the Marquis's residence.

Afu got out of the car first and waited by the car, ready to serve Xie Xun.

After Xie Xun came down, he did not go straight back to the courtyard, but instead gave Changsong an instruction.

"Go and summon all the servants of Shian Courtyard to the main courtyard."

Changsong responded and left.

Afu's heart skipped a beat; she knew he was trying to establish his authority.

Sure enough, when they returned to the main courtyard, a large group of people were already kneeling there. There were twenty or thirty people, including those who worked in the small kitchen, swept and cleaned, and kept watch at night, all with their heads down, silent as if trembling with fear.

Xie Xun walked to the main seat under the corridor and sat down. He picked up the tea that Yun happy had just served, blew away the foam, but did not drink it.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

After a long while, Xie Xun put down his teacup and glanced indifferently at the group of people kneeling below.

"From today onwards, Miss Afu will be in charge of the internal affairs of Shian Academy." His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

A faint gasp rose from the courtyard.

Everyone looked up, staring incredulously at Afu standing beside Xie Xun.

A maidservant who is neither the mistress of the house nor the head maid is simply unheard of.

"In the inner courtyard, her words are my words." Xie Xun's voice was authoritative.

The courtyard was completely silent.

Over the next two weeks, the atmosphere at Shian Academy changed completely.

After taking over internal affairs, Afu did not make a show of her new broom sweeping clean, but instead spoke directly through rules and money.

She set strict rules for the small kitchen, implementing a responsibility system. Who was responsible for purchasing, who was responsible for washing and chopping, and who was in charge of cooking were all recorded.

If there's a problem with any dish, just contact the person responsible. She also implemented performance evaluations, settling accounts every two weeks, and awarding bonuses based on performance level for those who performed flawlessly.

This move silenced the servants who had initially been somewhat resentful. Who would turn down money? Within a few days, the meals delivered from the small kitchen were clean and orderly, with not a single extra leaf of vegetable to be found.

She managed the entire courtyard meticulously, except for Luo Qi Garden. Although Tao Yao was confined to her quarters, the maids and servants in her courtyard, relying on their former influence with the young master, outwardly obeyed Afu but inwardly defied her. They were picky about receiving their allowances and always made excuses when tasks were assigned.

Afu didn't argue with them at all. She simply made a list of Luo Qiyuan's expenses and their excuses, and handed it to Changsong.

"Brother Changsong, regarding Luo Qiyuan's matter," Afu said calmly, "I won't get involved. Please inform Brother Changsong on my behalf."

Changsong looked at the well-organized list and agreed with a wry smile. Afu had clearly and decisively disposed of this hot potato, avoiding any trouble whatsoever.

When he reported the matter to Xie Xun, Xie Xun simply said coldly, "Let her be," and didn't ask any further questions.

The study in the front yard.

The Marquis's accountant was standing in front of his desk, holding several account books that Shian Courtyard had just handed over, his expression full of admiration.

"Young Master, who prepared the accounts for Shi'an Courtyard this month?" The old accountant pointed to the tables in the ledger.

"This method of bookkeeping is something I've never heard of before! Income, expenses, and balances are all categorized and clearly displayed. This kind of bookkeeping skill is unmatched even by those veteran accountants who have been in the business for decades!"

Xie Xun leaned back in his chair, toying with a jade thumb ring in his hand. Hearing the old accountant's repeated exclamations of surprise, he lowered his eyes and looked down at the table.

He naturally knew who did it.

A few nights ago, when he returned to the courtyard, he saw the woman with a lamp lit, drawing grids on a piece of paper with a charcoal pencil, muttering to herself. He only glanced at her then and didn't think much of it. Now it seems she really does have some skill.

"It's Afu from the courtyard," Xie Xun said calmly.

"A mere maidservant?" The old accountant's eyes widened, then he exclaimed, "The young master's entourage is truly full of hidden talents. Could I take this account book back and make a copy so my staff can all study it?"

"Whatever you want." Xie Xun waved his hand.

The old accountant left as if he had found a treasure.

The study fell silent. Xie Xun twirled the ring on his finger, a barely perceptible twitch at the corner of his mouth.

A hidden feeling, a sense of pride, spread through my heart.

This woman truly surprises him at every turn. Not only can she see through the restaurant's flaws, but she's also incredibly adept at managing the household finances. Putting her in the inner quarters as a concubine is indeed a waste of her talents.

For the past two weeks, Afu has been going to Jinghong Courtyard every day.

Xie Yun recovered faster than expected.

She practiced the exercises that Afu taught her for an hour every day without fail, and with the appropriate medicine prescribed by the doctor from Granny Hua, her symptoms of sagging improved significantly in just half a month.

On the soft couch, Xie Yun had just finished practicing her movements and was covered in a light sweat.

"How are you feeling today?" Afu handed her a warm towel.

Xie Yun took the cloth and wiped her face, her tone filled with undisguised cheerfulness: "Much better. I coughed a few times last night, but it's nothing serious."

The look in her eyes when she looked at Afu had long since lost its initial wariness and disdain, and instead had become filled with an awkward dependence.

"Your method really works. I've asked Granny Hua to prepare some fabric for you. Take it back and make a few bright clothes. You'll embarrass Shi'an Courtyard by wearing such drab clothes all the time."

This young lady, even when giving gifts, needs to find a high-sounding excuse.

Afu smiled and replied, "Thank you for your kind gift, Miss."

Just then, a maid's voice came from outside: "Young Miss, Granny Cui from Madam's side has arrived."

Xie Yun straightened his clothes and gestured for someone to come in.

Granny Cui entered with a beaming smile, first greeting Xie Yun before saying, "Miss, Madam sent me to deliver a message. The manor will be holding a flower-viewing banquet the day after tomorrow, and Princess Qinghe will also be attending. Madam said that if you are feeling well, please help with the garden arrangements tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Xie Yun raised an eyebrow: "Is Mother determined to betroth the Princess of Qinghe?"

"Of course. Princess Qinghe is beautiful and talented, and of noble birth. She is a perfect match for our young master." Granny Cui smiled broadly. "Madam has brought out all her best teas."

Afu listened quietly from the side, her eyes lowered.