Chapter 11: The Mother-in-law

Chapter 11

The Mother-in-law

Nie Shuang walked gracefully, exuding an aura of elegance and authority like a queen, accompanied by Xiao San and Xiao Tong. She wore a deep blue gown that accentuated her fair skin, giving her a serious and professional appearance. Her hair and wrists were adorned with exquisite jade accessories, making her look just as refined as any young miss from a prestigious family.

Butler Wang could hardly believe his eyes. Was this really the daughter of a merchant’s concubine? Not to mention her striking beauty, but the aura she carried wasn’t something typical for a sixteen-year-old girl.

Back in her previous life, wherever Nie Shuang went, she was treated as a VIP, accustomed to the finest services. She frequently attended high-society events, so it wasn’t surprising that her presence and demeanor had been polished to such a degree. Standing before the butler, he bowed to her and gestured toward the group of people waiting and looking with interest. Some of them clasped their hands in respect when she glanced their way. Nie Shuang smiled at them before turning back to the butler.

“Young Furen, I’ve arranged the Feng Qiu Quarters for you. I hope you find it suitable.”

“Thank you, Butler Wang.”

Nie Shuang nodded in approval. It seemed that Butler Wang was someone who handled matters well. Just as the interviews were about to begin, a large group of people approached from the main quarters. Nie Shuang noticed the butler smile subtly before stepping forward to greet them.

“Greetings, Elder Furen.”

He then stepped aside, standing behind the Elder Furen, leaving Nie Shuang to face the elder.

Nie Shuang bowed respectfully to her mother-in-law and then stood quietly, hands clasped, awaiting her words. She believed that the Elder Furen was there because someone had reported the matter—likely the work of the butler.

“I heard you brought these people into the manor. What are you planning to do?”

Xu Shi’s sharp gaze fixed on her daughter-in-law. She was a dignified woman of middle age, with a well-proportioned figure—neither too thin nor too heavy. Her lips were set in a firm line, making it clear she was a strict and decisive person.

“Elder Furen, Nie Shuang intend to hire maids, so Nie Shuang asked the butler to arrange a space for selecting people.”

She didn’t bother addressing her mother-in-law as Mother in a familiar tone, knowing full well that their relationship wasn’t close enough for such informality.

“This manor has rules, you know. Were you not aware? Servants cannot be hired without permission. If you need personnel, you must notify the central administration,”

Xu Shi said sternly, her eyes sweeping over the group of outsiders as if they were intruders.

“Nie Shuang is aware, Elder Furen. However, I’ve been waiting for four days, and no one from the central administration has arrived. I understand my humble origins may cause some reluctance among the General’s household staff.”

“Nonsense!” Xu Shi snapped, her voice filled with anger. “You are the Young Furen of Yong An Hou Manor. Which servant dares to act superior to you? Whoever they are, have them flogged and cast out of the manor!”

Butler Wang had already prepared explanation, so he quickly stepped forward, speaking in a voice laced with feigned difficulty.

“Elder Furen, at present, we’ve been busy accommodating the new concubines and preparing for the Qing Zhu and Yun Mei Quarters as the General ordered. We don’t have enough first- and second-tier maids available. The rest are not suitably qualified. The central administration plans to select more staff mid-year, which is why none have been assigned yet.”

When Xu Shi heard the butler’s words, she grasped the underlying meaning. Butler Wang was subtly implying that the lack of staff was all due to Song Qilin’s own intentions. In reality, Song Qilin was merely trying to please his two concubines by providing them with well-prepared living quarters and servants, wanting to show the household his favor towards them. He likely had no idea about the staffing shortages affecting the manor, particularly that none had been assigned to his principal wife.

Xu Shi furrowed her brows. While she indeed had authority over the household, she had neglected to closely oversee her new daughter-in-law, leaving the butler to handle matters. She had assumed he would manage things according to the household’s rules, not expecting any issues. Now, she wasn’t sure if this situation was truly Song Qilin’s intent or not, so she remained silent. Not wanting to delve into her son’s personal matters, and unwilling to blame Butler Wang, she turned to Nie Shuang with a slightly softer tone.

"Since this is the case, go ahead and select the servants yourself. It’s urgent, so waiting until mid-year is not feasible."

Nie Shuang bowed her head and humbly responded,

"Nie Shuang will take responsibility for the wages of these people myself, so as not to trouble the household."

She spoke as if to express her gratitude, making it clear that she considered herself merely a guest in the manor. But to Xu Shi, this came across as an insult.

"There’s no need! The manor will cover the costs of its servants. Just select the people you need and report the final number to the butler."

Though Butler Wang’s words had left openings for her to challenge him, Nie Shuang saw no reason to expose his attempt. Pointing out that he had an intention of mistreating her wouldn’t make the Elder Furen favor her, and the Elder Furen was unlikely to punish her own people. If Nie Shuang pressed too hard, she would only create more enemies. After all, she still had to remain in this manor for several more months until she was well-prepared. Instead, she considered how to turn the situation to her advantage and asked:

“In that case, should I keep their service contracts, or will you?”

In truth, these servants were the manor’s responsibility, but Xu Shi, feeling guilty for not treating her daughter-in-law better, causing her to face some hardship, was willing to be lenient.

“They will be working for you, so you may keep them.”

Nie Shuang was delighted to hear this. With their service contracts in her possession, the servants would naturally be more loyal to her. It was an excellent opportunity—she could build her own circle of trusted people while someone else footed the bill. She smiled broadly, her eyes curving in genuine delight, a smile she typically only wore when she turned a profit.

“Thank you, Elder Furen.”Seeing Nie Shuang’s smile, Xu Shi found it rather charming. Her daughter-in-law, with her doll-like appearance, looked so innocent and joyful, like a child when happy. For once, Xu Shi’s usually stern face softened, almost smiled, imagining how nice it would be if Nie Shuang could give birth to a sweet grandchild. With that thought, her expression grew even gentler.