At Qin Shuying’s signal, Nanny Fu spoke: “Is there anyone who doesn’t know about today’s banquet incident and Nanny Zhang being beaten to death?”

The crowd looked at each other and shook their heads. Such a major incident—Old Madam hadn’t issued a gag order and had even made people watch Nanny Zhang’s execution on site. Who wouldn’t know?

“Good. Since you’ve heard, you should know that the third branch is now under Seventh Miss’s authority. In three days, Seventh Miss will move to Yilan Garden. If anyone doesn’t want to go, speak up now. After today, Seventh Miss has the final say. Do you all understand clearly?”

“We understand clearly.”

“Good. Those who don’t want to go to Yilan Garden, stand over there.”

No one moved, but they glanced at each other, obviously hesitant.

Qin Shuying blew on the hot air from her teacup, her expression still calm.

“For those who wish to leave, Seventh Miss will return their indenture contracts to First Madam.”

The crowd clearly didn’t believe this, but their joyful expressions were unmistakable. Qin Shuying said: “After today, there will be no more chances.”

Hearing this, the crowd suddenly stirred. Hui Qin, the two second-rank maids, four third-rank maids, and the three older servants all moved over, leaving only Hong Juan, Lu Ye, another third-rank maid called Lan Chou, and Nanny Fu standing in place.

Qin Shuying smiled slightly, understanding flickering in her eyes.

When people leave, tea grows cold. Several of these people had come from the south. In just three years, their affection had grown as thin as water. Most believed she couldn’t compete with First Madam and didn’t want to be implicated by following her, so they hurried to distance themselves. This was fine—if they faced off in the future, she wouldn’t feel guilty.

“I keep my word. But if I discover anyone shirking their duties these next few days, their indenture contracts definitely won’t be returned to First Madam. Once I purchase new staff from outside the manor, you may leave. Nanny Fu, Lu Ye, Lan Chou—come inside. The rest may disperse.”

Lan Chou was delighted—Miss actually knew her name! The others looked at each other, both excited and worried. Especially Hui Qin, who curled her lip disdainfully. She’d thought Seventh Miss had really gained ability today, but wasn’t she still afraid of First Madam? Just as she’d said—how could she compete with First Madam? Hmph!

The three followed Qin Shuying into the room. Qin Shuying sat on the imperial couch and studied Lan Chou: “Tell me, why did you choose to stay?”

Lan Chou was twelve years old, very thin and weak, with large eyes that made her look quite clever. Hearing Miss’s question, she quickly knelt: “Miss, this servant… this servant is good friends with Lu Ye, so I stayed.”

Lu Ye nodded to Qin Shuying, confirming their friendship.

“Oh? Where are you from? What family do you have?”

Lan Chou wasn’t afraid and answered articulately: “This servant was bought from outside. I don’t remember specifically where I’m from, nor do I know my parents and siblings. From my earliest memories, I was six when I reached the capital, nine when I was sold to the manor, and I’ve been doing rough work in Spring Garden ever since.”

“What can you do?”

“This servant can do all rough work. Miss, this servant has a good memory—does that count as something I can do?”

Qin Shuying looked at her with some interest: “Oh? A good memory—how good?”

“When Ya’er and the others sing ballads and tunes, this servant remembers them clearly after hearing them once.”

Articulate and bold. Qin Shuying took out a book: “I’ll recite a passage—see how much you can remember.”

“Yes.”

Qin Shuying chose a passage and recited it once. Lan Chou unhurriedly repeated it back, showing considerable talent—she missed only three characters. This was a passage from “Women’s Precepts,” quite difficult to pronounce, about a hundred characters. Even educated young ladies from good families, reading it for the first time, might not recite it smoothly. Yet Lan Chou, who couldn’t recognize a single character, could remember it—truly remarkable.

“Since you’ve decided to follow me to Yilan Garden, your life is in my hands. We’ll inevitably clash with the first branch—are you afraid?”

Lan Chou answered straightforwardly: “I’m not afraid!”

Qin Shuying was somewhat surprised: “Why?”

Lan Chou smiled, showing a small dimple, her eyes sparkling: “Because Miss isn’t afraid!”

After Lan Chou left, Qin Shuying held the book, staring blankly for a long while.

“Because Miss isn’t afraid!”

Lan Chou’s slightly childish voice seemed to echo in her ears.

She seemed to hear Feng’er’s sweet voice during his high fever: “Mother, Feng’er isn’t afraid—don’t cry, Mother!”

Don’t be afraid, Feng’er, don’t be afraid. Mother will avenge you—definitely avenge you!

This Lan Chou also had some heroic spirit, daring to follow her. She wondered if it was fearlessness born of ignorance, or…

Nanny Fu interrupted her thoughts: “Miss, who do you plan to take to the prefectural office tomorrow?” Qin Shuying had already arranged for her to contact human traffickers tomorrow to buy some maids and servants.

“Hong Juan.”

Nanny Fu thought and said: “Miss, this old slave has observed secretly these years. Lan Chou has been quite proper—if she could serve Miss, she’d be good. But knowing people’s faces doesn’t mean knowing their hearts. Miss should still test her thoroughly.”

“Nanny speaks truly. I’ll trouble you with that.”

“This is within this old slave’s duties. By the way, Miss, the matter of Miss Ziteng has also been arranged properly.”

This was something Qin Shuying had arranged for her to do after awakening. It wasn’t easy, but not particularly difficult either. Nanny Fu had spent much thought and energy finding the person Miss mentioned. Though Nanny Fu was puzzled how Miss knew a girl of such status and position, since Miss didn’t explain, she didn’t ask further.

Qin Shuying’s hand slowly tightened: “Good. Thank you for your trouble, Nanny. Have Hong Juan and Lu Ye come in.”

After Hong Juan entered, she remained characteristically silent, standing quietly to one side. Lu Ye’s eyes sparkled, looking somewhat excited.

Qin Shuying took out the indenture contracts: “Hong Juan, Old Madam gave me your entire family’s indenture contracts.”

Hong Juan suddenly looked up, surprised and delighted. Suddenly, she knelt: “Miss, this servant’s entire family is willing to follow Miss loyally, unto death!”

“Hong Juan, quickly get up.” Qin Shuying personally helped her up, teasing: “Why didn’t you say this before?”

Hong Juan was startled, seeing the mock-angry, mock-pleased expression on Qin Shuying’s face, and realized Miss was joking with her. She couldn’t help blushing: “Miss is teasing me.”

Nanny Fu said: “Hong Juan, Miss is generous, and you’re clever. From now on, our fates are linked. If Miss does well, we all do well. If something happens to Miss, none of us will fare well. You certainly understand this principle.”

Hong Juan listened seriously, nodding constantly. Seeing Qin Shuying watching her, she said: “Miss, this servant has long awaited this day! From the day Old Madam assigned me to Miss, I’ve considered myself Miss’s person, never wavering.”

Qin Shuying smiled without speaking. Such words—she would only listen for now, not take them seriously.

From a practical standpoint, Hong Juan’s words weren’t impossible. If Hong Juan were clever, acting this way made sense. Since she could be won over, what she needed to do now was bind Hong Juan firmly to herself.