Chapter 61: A Blaze
Wen Mingqian regained control of the household.
The next morning, all the managers from various parts of the mansion gathered at Lingyue Pavilion, awaiting instructions.
Zhang Ma had two old women carry a large armchair and place it under the corridor. Wen Mingqian, holding her arm, walked out, and everyone quickly paid their respects.
Wen Mingqian said with a smile, “Everyone is here, so I’ll say a few words! It was Old Madam’s intention for me to manage the household, and I’m sure you’ve all heard.
I haven’t managed the household for a long time, and I’m rusty with many affairs. Fortunately, you are all old hands in the mansion, and I will have to rely on you more in the future.”
Everyone busied themselves saying, “Madam, you are too kind. Please give us any instructions. You shouldn’t have to do things yourself; just make sure we don’t slack off.”
“If everyone puts in their best effort, I will be at ease, as we all know there isn’t a formal steward in the mansion yet. I’m thinking that in some time, we will select one from the existing staff in the mansion.”
Since Steward Chen was driven away, one incident after another had occurred, and the selection of a steward had not been finalized.
Upon hearing Wen Mingqian’s words, everyone began to make their own calculations. The position of steward was too important, and many people had their eyes on it.
Several people had already formed factions in private, but at that time, they had all wholeheartedly tried to please Consort Song. They never expected the tide to turn so quickly, and now Wen Mingqian had become the head of the household.
“Do you all understand Madam’s intentions? Whoever is loyal and capable will naturally be promoted,” Zhang Ma said with an imposing presence that didn’t require anger. “Of course, those who are lazy and deceitful will not be tolerated.
Madam is gentle and kind and doesn’t bother with you, but I, this old woman, have always been unpleasant and don’t know what it means to show mercy.”
“Don’t worry, Zhang Ma. We respect Madam from the bottom of our hearts and would never dare to be lazy or deceitful,” someone immediately responded.
“That’s for the best. The two in charge of accounts, please stay. The rest of you may leave!” Zhang Ma said, waving her hand.
“Oh dear, is Madam going to start by checking the accounts right away?” Once outside Lingyue Pavilion, people couldn’t help but start gossiping.
“Who knows? This time, the east wind is prevailing over the west wind.”
“Everyone be careful! As the saying goes, a new official comes in with three fires. Let’s not get burned.”
At this moment, the two people in charge of accounts were the most anxious, knowing that Wen Mingqian had kept them behind for a reason.
“Mr. Zheng, Madam requests you to enter first,” Zhang Ma said to Steward Zheng.
He was in charge of the accounts, while Mr. Sun was merely an assistant.
Mr. Zheng arrived with the account books. Upon entering, he held the books with both hands and said, “These are the account books of the mansion for the past year. Please review them, Madam.”
Zhang Ma took them and handed them to Wen Mingqian, but Wen Mingqian did not look at them, only saying, “Please set them aside for now!”
She then added, “Please be seated and have some tea.”
Mr. Zheng quickly said, “I dare not.”
Wen Mingqian smiled, “Mr. Zheng, there’s no need to be so formal. I have something to discuss with you today.”
“Madam, please give any instructions. This old man will obey them all,” Mr. Zheng said, appearing slightly flustered.
“Mr. Zheng, don’t panic. I already said I want to discuss matters with you. Please sit down,” Wen Mingqian said in a gentle tone. “I don’t intend to look at these account books. I understand the principle that ‘water that is too clear has no fish’.”
“Madam is wise and discerning. This old man admires you,” Mr. Zheng said, secretly relieved.
“Mr. Zheng, you must be nearly sixty now, right?” Wen Mingqian said after he sat down. “You’ve worked very hard all these years.”
“I dare not say that. It’s my fate to be hardworking; what else can I do if I don’t work?” Mr. Zheng chuckled.
“I have a few words I’d like to say to you, sir,” Wen Mingqian paused. “Would you be willing to listen?”
“Madam, saying that is shortening my lifespan,” Mr. Zheng became anxious again. “Please give your instructions.”
“Mr. Zheng, I feel that at your age, you don’t need to work so hard anymore. Enjoy the begonia flowers, admire the koi pond, be with your wife, and dote on your grandchildren. Isn’t that a beautiful life?”
Wen Mingqian’s words were gentle and smiling, but Mr. Zheng felt a chill in his heart.
In recent years, he had benefited greatly by aligning himself with Consort Song.
He couldn’t afford a house in the city, so he bought a courtyard in suburban Beijing. Although it was a bit remote, it was well-arranged with water flowing from all sides.
He had also transplanted two West Mansion begonia trees in the courtyard and built a koi pond.
Wen Mingqian didn’t spell everything out, but mentioning these two places was enough.
Chen Youde’s situation was not far off. Although he hadn’t embezzled as much as Chen Youde, that money was not clean.
If Consort Song were still in charge, he wouldn’t be afraid, because Consort Song had facilitated the acquisition of this money.
But now that the head of the household had changed, if Wen Mingqian wanted to punish Consort Song, she would inevitably start with him, and he would be the one to suffer.
“Madam, you are wise. As a subordinate, there are always unavoidable circumstances. You are the most magnanimous; please forgive me,” Mr. Zheng was not foolish. Since Wen Mingqian had spoken so plainly, there was no need for him to pretend to be deaf and mute any longer.
“Mr. Zheng, don’t be afraid. I told you, I just want to have a word with you,” Wen Mingqian gestured for him to calm down. “I believe you understand wise self-preservation. I have no intention of embarrassing anyone. Our conversation ends here today. Please rest assured.”
“This old man understands. Thank you, Madam, for your magnanimity. I am indeed old and have long had thoughts of retiring. I was actually going to inform you of this,” Mr. Zheng said. “Please find a capable person to take over my task!”
“Mr. Zheng, you have worked hard in the mansion for so many years, and everyone knows it. Now that you wish to return and enjoy your retirement, I naturally cannot stop you. I will also give you two hundred taels of silver as a token of my and Master’s good wishes.” Wen Mingqian, seeing his quick agreement, decided to offer him a reward.
Mr. Zheng repeatedly thanked her, and the anxiety in his heart finally subsided.
Wen Mingqian’s move was akin to Emperor Taizu of Song releasing his generals from their military power over a cup of wine. Without resorting to force, she persuaded him to step down with just a few words.
However, Mr. Zheng had no real grievances. Regardless of who managed the household, they would naturally want to use their own confidants.
It was better for him to leave now than for Wen Mingqian to remain suspicious of him.
After all, he was leaving honorably and wouldn’t have trouble finding another position. Wen Mingqian hadn’t blocked his future prospects, and she had even rewarded him with two hundred taels of silver, which was more than generous.
After Mr. Zheng left, Zhang Ma went outside and called in the other assistant, Mr. Sun.
Mr. Sun was around forty years old, a xiucai scholar who had repeatedly failed the imperial examinations. He had found a connection to work as an assistant in the accounting department of this mansion and had been there for over a year.
“Mr. Sun, Mr. Zheng just told me that he is old and the affairs of the mansion are numerous and complex, and he finds it difficult to cope. Therefore, he wishes to resign from his post.”
Mr. Sun paused slightly upon hearing this. He had never heard Mr. Zheng express such a sentiment, but since Madam said so, he couldn’t say much and simply nodded.
“I was thinking of having you take over Mr. Zheng’s task. Would you be willing?” Wen Mingqian asked him.
“Me?” Mr. Sun was quite surprised. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to do it well.”
“There’s no good or bad, as long as you put your heart into it,” Wen Mingqian said. “I won’t look at the previous accounts. From today, as I manage the household, please put in more effort.”
“Mr. Sun, Madam is personally promoting you. You should know what’s good for you,” Zhang Ma chimed in.
