“Our Young Madam is so generous.” “Who says she isn’t? Young Madam is clearly kind and virtuous!” “She gave us such a big red packet as soon as she entered the Houfu, truly a proper young lady, a true example of good manners.” “Who says she isn’t? You see the woman in the Leisure Pavilion, sneaking in the door, kept as a mistress by the Young Master, she doesn’t even have a proper title.” “Keep your voice down.” “What are you afraid of? No one from Leisure Pavilion came to collect, it must be that they weren’t allowed to! What a petty way to be! They don’t give us anything and they won’t let their people come to claim it, I feel sorry for the people in Leisure Pavilion.”
The servants in Lu Lingyun’s courtyard heard these voices and all exchanged glances. Several of them quietly entered the crowd to join in on the gossip. This distribution of celebratory money was not only a way for Lu Lingyun to gain the good favor of the Houfu’s servants, it was also an opportunity to quickly establish connections with people from various courtyards and build an initial network of information. Lady Qin had given her authority, but it was up to her to use it wisely.
Lu Lingyun gave the servants a few gifts and quickly became familiar with the people in each courtyard.
“An Mama, Mother has asked me to manage the affairs of the Houfu. You’ve been listening closely in the courtyard today, and your work on the celebratory money and snacks was good. From now on, you’ll follow Wen Mama to learn how to manage the household. You’ll be my chief steward.” Lu Lingyun ordered An Mama in front of Wan Mama.
An Mama was taken aback to hear Lu Lingyun handing her such a heavy responsibility.
Her? Wen Mama was the premier household manager in the inner house, and Lu Lingyun was giving her this important task!
“What? Are you unwilling?”
“No, no, no, Young Madam! I am willing! I will definitely do a good job!” An Mama nodded repeatedly. She had never been so valued in her entire life.
Wan Mama’s face turned pale. An Mama was just an elderly, single Mama who was transferred here from Liu Shi’s estate, with no family at all. Yet Lu Lingyun gave her such an important role!
“Young Madam, managing the household is a big task. Perhaps it would be better to leave it to this old servant. I used to manage the home for Madam and I have more experience.” She asked quickly.
Lu Lingyun looked at her calmly. “Wan Mama, I have other tasks for you. My courtyard is newly opened, and it needs someone to watch over it. You will be responsible for guarding the courtyard.”
“What’s the difference between that and treating me like a watchdog!” Wan Mama’s face turned livid. “Young Madam, guarding the courtyard is such a small task. An Mama can do it too, I think…”
Lu Lingyun glared at her. “You think? I give you a task and you think? Are you the master or am I? Or do you think this task is beneath you? If so, then go back to the Lu family!”
Wan Mama immediately lowered her head. “This old servant dares not.”
Lu Lingyun glanced at them indifferently, a slight smile on her lips. Liu Shi was playing tricks, deliberately not giving her the deed of sale, and it was a perfect way to control them.
An Mama was single and had no family. What difference did it make if the deed of sale was in Liu Shi’s hands? If Lu Lingyun gave her some power, allowed her to live well in her service, An Mama would never want to return to the Lu family, she would even be afraid that Lu Lingyun would send her back.
She could easily manipulate her.
Wan Mama had a whole family, and she was loyal to Liu Shi. While she couldn’t be cultivated, she was perfect for menial and dirty tasks. Later, Lu Lingyun could give her some dirty work and difficult tasks. If she didn’t perform well, she could just send her back. Her loyalty to Liu Shi was her greatest weakness, a constant leverage to control her.
Moreover, Lu Lingyun didn’t need to be kind to her. She could manipulate her at will, without worrying about hurting her feelings.
The second step to becoming a good mistress is to know how to utilize people.
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