At Qin Shuying’s signal, Nanny Fu began, “Who here hasn’t heard about today’s banquet events or the flogging of Nanny Zhang?”

  The group exchanged gnces, but no one spoke up or raised their hand. Such a significant event, coupled with the ck of an explicit gag order and the public nature of Nanny Zhang’s punishment, ensured everyone knew.

  “Good. Since you’ve all heard, you should also understand that the Third Branch is now under the Seventh Miss’s authority. In three days, she will be moving to Yin Courtyard. If anyone doesn’t wish to go, speak up now. After today, all decisions rest with the Seventh Miss. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, understood,” they replied in unison.

  “Fine. Those who don’t wish to move to Yin Courtyard, step aside.”

  No one moved immediately, but hesitation was evident as they exchanged uncertain looks.

  Qin Shuying sipped her tea calmly, her demeanor unflustered.

  “Anyone who chooses to leave will have their indenture papers returned to the Madam,” she added.

  The crowd visibly reacted to this statement, their faces lighting up with hope despite their lingering disbelief.

  “After today, there will be no second chances,” Qin Shuying warned.

  This decration stirred the group into action. Huiqin, two second-rank maids, four third-rank maids, and the three stewardesses stepped to one side. Only Hongjuan, Luye, and a third-rank maid named Lanchou, along with Nanny Fu, remained by Qin Shuying’s side.

  A faint smile graced Qin Shuying’s lips, a glimmer of understanding flickering in her eyes.

  When the tea cools, people leave. Some of these individuals had come with me from the South, yet in just three years, their loyalty has thinned to water. Most of them likely believe I can’t contend with the Madam and want to sever ties to avoid entanglement. So be it. If we face off one day, I won’t feel an ounce of guilt.

  “I keep my word. But let me make this clear: anyone found shirking their duties or cutting corners these next few days won’t have their papers returned. Once I’ve hired repcements, only then may you leave. Nanny Fu, Luye, and Lanchou—come inside with me. The rest of you are dismissed.”

  Lanchou’s face lit up with joy—Miss remembered her name? The others exchanged uneasy gnces, torn between relief and apprehension. Huiqin, for her part, sneered disdainfully. So much for the Seventh Miss growing a spine. Afraid of the Madam after all, aren’t you? Hmph, just as I thought—no match for the Madam.

  Inside the room, Qin Shuying settled onto the chaise longue and scrutinized Lanchou. “Speak. Why did you decide to stay?”

  Lanchou, a twelve-year-old girl with a slender frame and rge, lively eyes, promptly knelt. “Miss, I… I stayed because I’m close to Luye.”

  Luye nodded slightly at Qin Shuying, silently confirming the cim.

  “Oh? Where are you from? Tell me about your family.”

  Lanchou responded without hesitation, her voice quick and articute. “Miss, I was purchased from the market, so I don’t know where I’m originally from or anything about my parents or siblings. From what I remember, I came to the capital at six years old and was sold into this household at nine. Since then, I’ve been doing menial work in Spring Garden.”

  “What skills do you have?”

  “I can do all kinds of menial tasks, Miss. And… I have a good memory. Does that count?”

  Qin Shuying raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? A good memory, you say? How good?”

  “I can remember nursery rhymes or songs that Yaya and the others sing after hearing them just once.”

  With her quick wit and evident courage, Lanchou piqued Qin Shuying’s interest. Pulling a book from a nearby table, she said, “I’ll read a passage. Let’s see how much you can recall.”

  “Yes, Miss,” Lanchou replied confidently.

  Qin Shuying read a passage aloud, and Lanchou repeated it back unhurriedly. Indeed, her talent was remarkable—she missed only three characters. The passage was from The Precepts for Women, a text known for its intricate phrasing. It contained about 100 characters, and even noble dies well-versed in reading might struggle to recite it fluently on their first attempt. Yet, Lanchou, who was illiterate, remembered nearly everything, a feat that was truly extraordinary.

  Qin Shuying asked, “Since you’ve decided to follow me to Yin Courtyard, your life will be tied to mine. Conflicts with the Main Branch are inevitable. Aren’t you afraid?”

  Lanchou replied decisively, “No, I’m not afraid!”

  Qin Shuying raised her brows in surprise. “Why not?”

  Lanchou smiled, her dimples showing and her bright eyes shining. “Because Miss isn’t afraid!”

  After Lanchou left, Qin Shuying sat with the book in her hands, lost in thought for a long time.

  “Because Miss isn’t afraid!”

  Lanchou’s slightly childish voice echoed in her ears. It reminded her of Feng’er’s tender voice during his feverish cries, “Mother, Feng’er isn’t afraid. Don’t cry, Mother!”

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

  This Lanchou had a hint of valor in her nature. She dared to follow her. Was it ignorance and fearlessness, or something else?

  Her musings were interrupted by Nanny Fu. “Miss, have you decided who will accompany you to the county office tomorrow?” Qin Shuying had already arranged for Nanny Fu to contact brokers and prepare to purchase more maids and stewards.

  “Hongjuan.”

  Nanny Fu considered this for a moment and said, “Miss, I’ve observed Lanchou over the past few years. She’s been steady and reliable. If she can be of use to you, she’d be a good addition. However, as the saying goes, you can know a person’s face but not their heart. It’s best to test her loyalty further.”

  “You’re right, Nanny. I’ll leave that task to you.”

  “It’s my duty, Miss. By the way, the matter with Miss Zitong has been settled.”

  This was a task Qin Shuying had assigned after she regained consciousness. Though it wasn’t overly complicated, it required meticulous effort. Nanny Fu had spent much time and energy locating the person Miss had mentioned. Although she was curious about how Miss knew of someone with such a distinct status, she didn’t pry since Miss didn’t expin.

  Qin Shuying’s hand tightened slightly. “Good. Thank you, Nanny. Call Hongjuan and Luye in.”

  When Hongjuan entered, she remained as silent as ever, standing quietly to the side. Luye’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

  Qin Shuying pulled out the indenture papers. “Hongjuan, the Old Madam gave me the indenture papers for your entire family.”

  Hongjuan’s head shot up, a mix of surprise and joy on her face. Then, suddenly, she knelt. “Miss, my entire family pledges our loyalty to you. We are ready to give our lives for you!”

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

  Hongjuan froze, realizing from Qin Shuying’s pyful expression that she was joking. Blushing, she replied, “Miss is teasing me.”

  Nanny Fu added, “Hongjuan, Miss is a kind and reasonable person, and you’re clever. From now on, our fates are tied together. If Miss prospers, we all benefit. But if anything happens to Miss, none of us will end well. I trust you understand this clearly.”

  Hongjuan listened intently, nodding repeatedly. Seeing Qin Shuying’s gaze on her, she said, “Miss, I’ve long hoped for this day! From the moment the Old Madam assigned me to you, I’ve considered myself your person and have never harbored divided loyalties.”

  Qin Shuying smiled without responding. Such words, she now took with a grain of salt.

  From a practical perspective, Hongjuan’s loyalty wasn’t impusible. If she were intelligent, this loyalty would also make sense. Since she could be won over, Qin Shuying’s current priority was to bind Hongjuan firmly to her cause.