Compared to Third Master’s emotional response and Qin Yu’s shame, Qin Han laughed heartily instead,

“Good, since Fourth Sister has made this decision, then we’ll follow your arrangements.” Qin Han stood up and said straightforwardly, “Anyway, we’re all doing this for the Qin family. As family members, there’s no need for empty words. If Fourth Sister needs anything from your brother, just speak up. Though I may be slow-witted, I can still handle tasks like running errands and delivering messages.”

Qin Yining was familiar with Qin Han and particularly liked his straightforward, warm-hearted nature. Combined with his care during their initial return to the capital, her relationship with Qin Han was closer than with her other cousin brothers. So after thinking it over, she spoke directly: “I appreciate Second Brother’s kind intentions, but these days, if Second Brother doesn’t have urgent important matters, it would be best to reduce the number of times you go out.”

Turning to Third Master and Qin Yu, she continued: “Right now there are many eyes watching us from outside. Any slight problem could be seized upon and magnified. You are men, so you’re more likely to be watched when moving about outside. I, being a young woman, might fare slightly better, but we all need to be cautious now. Even when speaking in the inner quarters, we must be careful. Don’t forget about that person.”

Qin Yining was referring to Concubine Cao, and everyone naturally understood. Though they didn’t know Cao Yuqing’s true identity, the fact that she was Imperial Uncle Cao’s daughter remained unchanged.

Third Master nodded, “Don’t worry, we all understand in our hearts.”

Within two days, Qin Yining had organized the inner quarters in perfect order. This wasn’t just about managing household affairs, but more importantly, she had unified the women’s hearts.

Qin Huaiyuan had just gotten into trouble, and the household was already in chaos. Not only the womenfolk, but even the men were living with suspended hearts, fearing they would follow in the Sun family’s footsteps. Who would have expected that Qin Yining would suppress everything with just a few swift moves. Now the women in the inner quarters not only weren’t causing trouble, but there was even a vague sense of shared enmity against a common foe.

Third Master was now extremely fond of Qin Yining. Observing her bearing, insight, keen judgment of court affairs, and her bold and decisive methods, Third Master couldn’t help but lament why he hadn’t fathered such a daughter himself.

Seeing that the matter had been thoroughly discussed, Qin Yining took her leave.

Just then Manager Zhong also arrived, so she carefully explained her entire plan to him.

“…The rare flowers and trees, birds, furnishings and decorations in Ning Garden, all valuable household items and paintings – in short, anything that can be sold should be liquidated now. With this silver as startup capital, when the refugees arrive, remember to carefully record their names, native places, whether they can read, what they did before, what they’re best at…

“The men can temporarily help with logging and building houses. I can only provide a large courtyard; the house-building will count as their work. Fortunately, Changchun Mountain doesn’t lack timber or water sources.

“As for the women, they can do some sewing and kitchen work. Two meals will be provided daily – breakfast will be mixed grain porridge with steamed buns and pickled vegetables, and the afternoon meal can be appropriately varied. Men doing physical labor can receive two extra steamed buns.”

Qin Yining thought carefully, then added: “There are also children, who must be carefully registered, especially their physical condition must be examined. Children have weak bodies, and with the current hot summer weather, drought and water shortage, plus fleeing for their lives along the way, some may inevitably have contracted diseases. Children’s health requires even more attention.”

“When registering children, also carefully note whether any can read. Additionally, children under ten can be given some extra meat. Since it’s in the mountains, if anyone is skilled at hunting, they can supplement their own meals.”

“Yes, Master has thought very comprehensively. I think as long as we manage things well, they can form their own system within the mountain estate. Additionally, I think we should still be careful to find some local strongmen, as there may inevitably be troublemakers among the refugees. If something unexpected happens, we need someone who can suppress it. We also need to establish a fire prevention team to patrol and prevent fires daily, since it’s in the mountains after all.” Manager Zhong supplemented.

Qin Yining nodded repeatedly, “Manager Zhong speaks truly. In any case, since we’re taking action, we must see it through to the end. What we want to do is help them avoid starving to death, but we also can’t overly encourage their laziness. I’ll leave these matters to Manager Zhong to handle. I’m thinking that among these people, some might become our future helpers.”

Manager Zhong finally understood completely, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Qin Yining with admiration: “Master, this is killing three birds with one stone! You’ve made efforts to preserve the Marquis of Anping and the Qin family, sold the items from the courtyard that Prince Zhongshun gave you, and converted that garden into a refugee settlement, which can also eliminate the resentment people had toward your closeness with Prince Zhongshun. Not only will you gain a good reputation, but you might also cultivate a group of direct subordinates!”

Qin Yining said with embarrassment: “Actually, I didn’t think so much. I only wanted to save my father. If there are other benefits, they can be considered unexpected gains.”

“How could they be unexpected gains? It’s Master’s good deeds being rewarded.”

“If there really are any good rewards, I only hope my father remains safe and sound, and that our whole family can live peacefully – that would be enough. With Father in the Ministry of Justice prison, I don’t know how much suffering he must endure.” Qin Yining frowned with worry.

“Master, please don’t worry. I’ve already found ways to quietly send things inside.”

Qin Yining was startled, then smiled gratefully: “I’m truly grateful for Manager Zhong’s thoughtfulness. It must be difficult for you to take such risks at this time.”

“Master, what are you saying? Zhaoyun Company has extensive connections. It’s just a matter of moving one’s lips and using a couple of silver coins. It’s nothing worth mentioning.” Manager Zhong waved his hand with a smile.

Qin Yining also smiled: “There’s one more thing I want to tell Manager Zhong. With the current court situation being so turbulent, Manager Zhong should also think about your escape route in advance. After all, you have a large family too.”

Manager Zhong had never seen a master who would actively advise their subordinates to prepare backup plans for themselves.

Manager Zhong smiled sincerely: “Yes, Master, please rest assured. I’ll make good arrangements. Besides, I still have my son. I can just instruct him to handle things. I’ll focus on our important matters.”

“I’m troubling you with everything.” Qin Yining was very polite and grateful.

After exchanging pleasantries, Manager Zhong took his leave to handle the serious business.

Qin Yining thought carefully and, confirming she had done everything she could, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Now she could only wait for good results.

Manager Zhong’s efficiency was extremely high. Combined with his ability to employ people well and having many capable assistants, within just two days he had already sold many of the rare treasures from Ning Garden, obtaining a huge sum five times greater than all of Zhaoyun Company’s assets.

Manager Zhong looked at the account books and counted the bank notes, secretly amazed in his heart – Prince Zhongshun had really spent a fortune to please his master!

What he didn’t know was that this residence had originally been built by Imperial Uncle Cao as a gift for the Tatar princess, who then gave it to Pang Xiao, who in turn presented it to Qin Yining.

So when these items were sold, they were naturally taking Imperial Uncle Cao’s money!

Invisibly, they had transferred the Cao family’s silver into Qin Yining’s purse!

Manager Zhong naturally had no idea how furious Imperial Uncle Cao was.

Upon learning that the Qin family had actually sold the items from Ning Garden to support refugees and gain reputation, Imperial Uncle Cao was so angry his eyes rolled back and he nearly fainted. He cursed repeatedly that Qin Huaiyuan was an old fox, Qin Yining was a young fox, and they all deserved to die!