"As the saying goes, every profession has its specialization. The doctor in the mansion indeed couldn't solve the old lady's insomnia issue. It just so happens that this girl used to work in a home with a clinic, and she's quite knowledgeable in this area. Her formula is very sophisticated, and apart from her, it's hard for anyone else to match it."
Second Miss found it unbelievable upon hearing this. How could a mere servant girl be more capable than a genuine doctor? But since Yueyuan said so, she couldn't refute it; otherwise, people would say she disregards her elders and their health.
"It seems I have been negligent. I've been back for so long and didn't know Grandmother was not well. It's my fault."
Yueyuan replied, "Second Miss need not blame herself. The old lady is doing well in all other aspects; only her sleep needs some regulation. It's normal for outsiders not to know about things happening at night."
Second Miss asked, "How long will it take to completely cure Grandmother's symptoms through regulation?"
This was a very crucial question.
Yueyuan was inclined to lie, but such a question couldn't be lied about. Once asked, the truth would be revealed. Moreover, Second Miss would be leaving in a little over half a month, even if she knew, she couldn't do anything. So, she answered truthfully.
"It will take more than a month of regulation to completely cure it."
Upon hearing this, Second Miss indeed fell silent.
Just when Qu Fulan and Yueyuan thought Second Miss would give up, she unexpectedly said something like this.
"With Grandmother's health not well, I suppose I can't just leave like this. I probably have to wait until Grandmother is fully recovered to feel at ease to leave."
The meaning behind this was too obvious; it was a declaration on Qu Fulan's matter.
Yueyuan was stunned, not knowing what to say.
Second Miss had already made her decision, and she instructed those around her, "Send a letter back, telling them that Grandmother is not well, and I need to stay home to care for her until she is fully recovered before I return. The ancestors have said, 'Of all virtues, filial piety is the most important,' and the husband's family will surely understand."
The maid followed the order and went to do so.
For a moment, when everyone's attention was on Second Miss, Qu Fulan made a discreet gesture with her hand, her eyes cold and chilly.
On the way back, Yueyuan was full of self-reproach.
"Second Miss is so stubborn, it's my fault for not being able to protect you."
Qu Fulan instead comforted, "Sister Yueyuan, you don't have to blame yourself. After all, we are all serving the masters. Serving anyone is the same. I don't mind."
Yueyuan looked as if she had something unsaid, still hesitant about whether to tell Haitang Sister about Second Miss's real intentions, worried that saying so would be useless, since they are all maids. Even knowing Second Miss's real intentions, what could they do about it?
"Though that's true, I am just concerned..."
Qu Fulan smiled at her, "Sister Yueyuan really doesn't have to worry about me. I am a person without a home, like a floating duckweed, wherever I drift, it's fate."
Hearing this, Yueyuan felt even more guilty, thinking she must say more good words for Haitang in front of the old lady later, and hope that the old lady could consider one or two when Second Miss tries to curry favor with her.
This matter could only be left at that. Besides, Yueyuan couldn't think of a better solution.
If it couldn't succeed in the end, things would be as Haitang said, it's fate. As servants, one must accept their fate.
Accept fate?
Qu Fulan asked herself in her heart.
Soon after, she slowly gave an answer: How could it be possible?
By this time it was the end of spring, right in the afternoon when the sun was strongest. Qu Fulan walking under the sun, unhurriedly making her way to the small courtyard.
The scalding sun beat on her head, body, face, but she seemed not to notice. Finally, she stopped under a big tree, looking at the starlight filtering through the lush leaves, she slowly raised her hand, moving the starlight from the ground to her hand, watching the shimmering spots move.
She smiled gently.
When Hai Xia arrived, she saw Sister Haitang smiling. Sister Haitang was beautiful, and when she smiled, she was naturally even more beautiful. Yet now, this beautiful smile seemed somehow different from usual. Where it was different, she couldn't say, so she asked, "Sister, what are you smiling at?"
Qu Fulan looked at Hai Xia.
Initially, Hai Xia approached her because of the old lady, which was understandable. There is no unjustified friendship in the world. At first, it always starts because of various reasons.
Whether they can eventually develop into good friends depends on whether both persons' personalities and values align.
As for Hai Xia, she was a friend worth making for standing up for her against Hai Chun time and again, but not to the point of deep friendship.
In her situation, it was indeed not suitable to form deep friendships.
Her heart full of unspeakable secrets, perhaps destined to rot inside her until the day she died.
Even in the modern time, she never had a friend with whom she could share everything. Coming to ancient times now, such a friend would be even more unlikely.
"In a few days, the mansion will be distributing the monthly salary. Naturally, I am smiling about that," Qu Fulan said.
Hai Xia widened her eyes, "Oh my, how could I have forgotten about this? Haha, once the monthly salary is given, I can enjoy osmanthus cake to my heart's content again!"
After speaking, Hai Xia seemed to think of something and said, "But Sister, unlike me, you don't seem to be interested in delicious food. You even don't take the initiative to get rewards. Why are you now interested in the monthly salary?"
Qu Fulan said, "I just don't show my delight as dramatically as you do, but it doesn't mean I'm not interested in money. You can go out and ask; who in this mansion isn't interested in money?"
Hai Xia thought and agreed, even Yueyuan Sister, who was so strict, would smile on the day when the monthly salary was given.
Qu Fulan said nothing more.
Who wouldn't be happy to receive the rewards from their own contributions?
Who in the world would want to be like Yang Bailao?
Currently, the management of Pei Mansion is divided into "outside" and "inner quarters." The outside management is handled by the gentlemen, while the inner quarters are managed by the women.
Under the delegation of the old lady, the inner quarters of Pei Mansion are now managed by Second Madam, while the outer quarters are managed by Second Master.
Why is it said to be delegated management? It's because the immense wealth of Pei Mansion is supported by the family of Heir Pei, who originally should manage the household.
But the family of the main household is now guarding the borderlands and protecting the country.
The old lady, after all, is getting old and doesn't have the energy to manage so many affairs, so naturally, she had to let the second branch manage on her behalf. The day the main family returns, everything will be discussed in detail, but that's a later matter.
Under the management of Second Madam, Pei Mansion has never encountered issues like deducting servants' salaries, hence the loyal servants in the Pei Mansion, many do not wish to leave even after their term is completed.
A good manager wanting employees to work with dedication must offer reasonable rewards and fair transactions.
If the servants want to receive rewards, they should work earnestly.
This way, the mansion can run smoothly without grievances and unrest.
This also shows the old lady's insight was good, and Second Madam did not disappoint her expectations—she is a competent manager.
A competent manager is not found everywhere.
This is also why the old lady didn't choose the third household to manage.
People without self-awareness ultimately make up the majority.
There will always be some people who want to win people's hearts and have others work wholeheartedly for them, yet are unwilling to offer corresponding rewards, unaware of what others truly want, then attempt to control others with overbearing means to achieve having others devote themselves to them.
This is a colossal joke.
Only foolish people think that the human heart can be controlled.
Now, let her see the consequences of someone who presumptuously tries to control others!