After Nanny Fu finished speaking, she stood respectfully at the side. Qin Shuying took a sip of tea and said, “As long as you perform well, I will reward you. In addition to the regur household allowance, I will add 300 wen to each person’s monthly pay.”

  At this, the room was instantly filled with mixed emotions. The new hires were overjoyed, while those about to leave were filled with resentment.

  Three hundred wen was equivalent to the monthly wage of a third-tier maid! A second-tier maid only earned 800 wen, while a first-tier maid received just one tael of silver. Nanny Fu’s earlier reprimands had set a serious tone, and no one dared whisper, but their astonishment and regret were clear in their expressions.

  The departing maids now felt the sting of their earlier choices. Despite their previous disrespect toward Qin Shuying, she hadn’t punished them and had even returned their indenture contracts to the First Madam. This showed her generosity. Now, seeing that she had both money and a giving spirit, they deeply regretted their decision to leave her service. At this moment, they forgot all the reasons they initially wanted to leave.

  Huiqin, however, sneered and rolled her eyes. She’s just an autumn cicada—how long can she st?

  Qin Shuying caught every detail of Huiqin’s expression.

  ___

  he old servants departed, and the new ones settled in.

  The next day, Yin Garden began its first day under the new arrangements. The pce was bustling with activity, yet everything ran smoothly.

  Yin Garden, located not far from the Old Madam’s Xuantang, was an elegant and tranquil pce with many rooms. Facing south, the main house included a bedroom, study, music room, and art studio—everything one could need.

  Over the years, Madam Xu had moved many of Qin Yongzhou’s valuable belongings to Yin Garden. When Qin Yunyun moved out, she dared not take anything with her, leaving all of it behind. Nanny Fu, following Qin Shuying’s preferences, reorganized everything, from arranging jewelry to adding new touches, giving Yin Garden a completely refreshed appearance.

  For the next few days, Qin Shuying spent most of her time in the study copying passages from The Admonitions for Women and Instructions for Women.

  One morning, Qin Lulu came to visit. Upon hearing the news, Qin Shuying left her study to greet her personally. With a serene smile, she said, “Sister, you’ve come! Why didn’t you send word ahead? Forgive me for being unprepared.”

  Qin Lulu observed Qin Shuying’s expression carefully, her demeanor calm. “Seventh Sister, what are you saying? We’re family. Frequent visits bring us closer. Seventh Sister, you’ve just recovered. My sudden visit—am I disturbing your rest?”

  Qin Shuying smiled lightly. Qin Lulu was testing her.

  In the memories of the original Qin Shuying, Qin Lulu had been warm and friendly during their first year together, visiting often. Over time, however, her visits became fewer, and her interactions were reduced to mere formalities.

  This shift had been accompanied by unpleasant incidents. Following Madam Xu’s instigation, Qin Shuying had treated Qin Lulu coldly, even speaking harshly to her.

  In Qin Yaoyao’s memories, this cousin—much younger than herself—had little interaction with her. Yet Qin Lulu’s lively personality had always been apparent. During rare family gatherings when Qin Yaoyao visited the manor, Qin Lulu had often smiled warmly at her, clearly wanting to befriend her but refraining due to various constraints.

  Considering Qin Yongluo’s steady character and Madam Zou’s reserved nature, Qin Lulu’s intentions to form a bond were unlikely to be ill-intentioned. Qin Shuying saw no reason to refuse.

  With a gentle smile, Qin Shuying said, “Fifth Sister, your willingness to overlook the past and visit me fills me with joy. How could I feel disturbed? Hongjuan, prepare some tea. My sister and I will enjoy tea and chrysanthemums together.”

  Qin Lulu was momentarily surprised, then smiled and said teasingly, “Seventh Sister, your smile is lovely. I can’t imagine how you used to look like a grumpy old man, always frowning. You were so unattractive back then!”

  Qin Shuying froze for a moment. Whether in the past or now, no one had ever joked with her so directly. Qin Lulu's cheerful ughter was bright and radiant, stirring an inexplicable ache in her heart.

  The two chatted and ughed as Qin Shuying took Qin Lulu on a tour of the garden. They eventually reached the pavilion, where Hongjuan had already made arrangements. The two sat down to enjoy tea and admire the chrysanthemums, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Before leaving, Qin Lulu invited Qin Shuying to visit her at Piaoxue Pavilion, hinting pyfully about some “good books” she had and winking mischievously.

  At first, Qin Shuying didn’t understand, but then it dawned on her—"good books"? Likely the kind of books Qin Yongluo and Madam Zou wouldn’t allow in the house! Qin Lulu’s pyful suggestion brought a smile to her face.

  After seeing Qin Lulu off, Nanny Fu was visibly pleased. “Miss has finally opened her heart,” she thought. The Second Madam Zou and Second Master Qin Yongluo were honest and upright people, and their daughter, Qin Lulu, was kind-hearted. Qin Shuying should have grown closer to them long ago.

  Qin Shuying hadn’t expected Qin Lulu to be such a cheerful and straightforward girl. However, she knew she couldn’t get too close to her. The more emotions she allowed, the more attachments she would form. Her heart didn’t need softness; it needed resilience.

  That afternoon, Qin Shuying decided to take a nap.

  Upon waking, Hongjuan and Luye helped her freshen up. As they were tending to her, someone appeared at the door. Hongjuan went out to check and saw Zhihua. “Zhihua, what’s the matter?” she asked.

  Zhihua spoke softly, “Hongjuan, Sister Ziteng is ill. It looks quite serious. I didn’t know what to do, so I came to ask Miss for guidance.”

  Hongjuan was somewhat surprised that Qin Shuying had bought Ziteng. Of all the new servants, Ziteng was the least presentable—her demeanor cold, her expression grim, and her health seemingly fragile. However, since Qin Shuying had chosen her, there must have been a reason.

  Without dey, Hongjuan returned to inform Qin Shuying.

  Qin Shuying paused with her teacup mid-air and instructed, “Have Zhihua call a doctor, but tell others it’s for Luye. Move Ziteng to Luye’s room. Hongjuan, Luye, do you know what to do?”

  Hongjuan and Luye exchanged gnces, nodded, and quickly dismissed the other servants. They hurried to Ziteng’s room and moved her to Luye’s quarters. In Yin Garden, the extra rooms made this easier. Hongjuan and Luye each had private rooms next to Qin Shuying’s master bedroom, with restricted access for junior maids.

  Ziteng had just in down when Qin Shuying entered, startling her. She tried to get up, but Hongjuan gently restrained her and gestured for her to remain still.

  Confused, Ziteng y back down. Though fully conscious, her high fever left her weak and listless.

  Qin Shuying sat at the bedside, observing her carefully, her heart heavy with worry. Her son, Feng'er, had died from a persistent fever… Ziteng was now her only remaining blood retive in this world.

  Qin Shuying's heart tightened. "Ziteng, the doctor will be here soon to treat you. Rest well and focus on recovering. Hongjuan, Luye caught a cold a couple of days ago and aren’t feeling well. Ziteng, stay here and look after Luye."

  Hongjuan and Luye nodded. Hongjuan replied, “Understood.”

  Despite her concern, Qin Shuying knew the differences in their status demanded boundaries. She returned to her room, leaving Hongjuan to stand guard outside. In her study, Qin Shuying immersed herself in medical books.

  Many in the inner court fell victim to helplessness due to ignorance. In this life, Qin Shuying was determined to preserve her health as her most valuable asset and not let Madam Xu exploit any weaknesses again.

  Additionally, with the Old Madam growing older, Qin Shuying knew that taking care of the Old Madam’s health would solidify her position and ensure support.