A Maid Dressed As A Cannon Fodder Female Supporting Role (Transmigration) - Chapter 25

The following morning, after breakfast, the young princess instructed A’Zhi to gather all the household staff. Everyone knew the drill. They had just finished a banquet yesterday, so today the princess would likely debrief them, just as Steward Qi used to. First, she would point out any shortcomings and then highlight a few people for praise. Since it didn’t really concern most of them, their enthusiasm was low.

They had no real issue with Steward Qi’s approach, but after a while, they couldn’t help but feel he favored his own confidants. Still, they saw it as human nature and didn’t complain.

It was ten in the morning, and the sun shone brightly on the courtyard. Everyone had just about finished their morning chores and stood in rows, a line for the staff of the inner quarters and then the outer ones, all facing the sun.

“I hope the young princess doesn’t talk too much and hold us up,” one of the servants muttered quietly to another.

“Me too,” another mumbled, trying to be discreet. “I’ve got a ton of things to do.”

“Steward Qi always talks for a half-hour,” a third person said. “The princess is so young and kind. She can’t possibly be as long-winded as him.”

“Where is Steward Qi, anyway?” someone asked, looking around. “He’s not here yet.”

Just then, the main room’s door opened, and Cui Cui carried a delicate red wooden armchair out and placed it in the center of the doorway. The chatter in the courtyard died down as everyone’s eyes fixed on the entrance.

Dressed in a peach-pink gown and with her hair in a maiden’s bun, Chao Mu stepped out gracefully. She was as delicate as her attire, with a complexion like a fresh peach, dewy eyes, and rosy lips. Her clean, sweet demeanor made everyone instinctively hold their breath, as if afraid to startle her. If Chao Mu was a pink peach on a branch, then A’Zhi, who stood expressionless behind her, was the green leaf beside the fruit.

Green leaf, pink peach.

Chao Mu sat in the armchair, with A’Zhi on her left holding a heavy black wooden box and Cui Cui on her right holding a ledger.

“Is everyone here?” Chao Mu asked Cui Cui, tilting her head.

*******

The manor had sixty-five servants in total. That was a small number for a wealthy family in the capital. If General Qi and his family returned, they would need two hundred to three hundred servants to run the house properly.

“Steward Qi and Zhi Yuan aren’t here yet,” Cui Cui replied. She had memorized everyone in the manor and even knew how many chickens were in the backyard.

Chao Mu looked confused. “Where’s Steward Qi? Wasn’t he notified?”

The servants lowered their heads, their expressions varied.

“I’m here, I’m here,” Steward Qi said, walking quickly through the round archway. His steps were hurried, but his face was calm. He and Zhi Yuan went past the crowd to the front and bowed to the princess. “Your old servant, Qi Shilei, apologizes for being late. Please forgive me.”

He was late, and he had Zhi Yuan with him. Everyone could tell he had done it on purpose. Without waiting for Chao Mu to speak, Steward Qi began to explain. “I had to take care of a few urgent matters, which made me late. I trust the princess will understand.” He looked around with his hands clasped, his tone seemingly full of guilt and self-reproach. “Look at me. I’m getting old and can’t keep up. I hope my lateness didn’t hold up your plans.”

Chao Mu ignored him, looking instead to her left. “A’Zhi.”

Everyone’s attention perked up, and they instinctively looked at Steward Qi. The previous day’s incident with the Liang and Chu families had happened right in the Qi manor, and anyone not on duty had come to watch. Even those who missed it had heard about it afterward. They knew that when A’Zhi had a conflict with Liang’s maid, A’xiu, the young princess had simply called out, A’Zhi and A’Zhi had gone up and slapped the two maids hard, a clear, crisp sound. It was glorious. It gave the Qi manor some dignity. The Qi family hadn’t had a master for years; did everyone think the manor’s servants were pathetic and servile? The servants felt a sense of vindication, since it was an outsider who had been beaten.

Now, hearing the princess call A’Zhi’s name again, everyone’s eyes lit up. Was she going to have Steward Qi slapped?

They were, of course, getting ahead of themselves. Steward Qi was an old servant and the head butler, not a provoking maid from another household. Even if he had done something wrong, it wouldn’t be wise to humiliate him in front of everyone before they had him dead to rights. He also had the respect of the household. If A’Zhi were to go against him right now, she wouldn’t have the advantage.

A’Zhi wasn’t stupid. But the princess had called her, so she had to say what the princess wanted her to. She bowed slightly to the princess and then looked at Qi Shilei without emotion.

“Since Steward Qi knows he’s late, let’s not waste any more time. You’re not the only one with work to do. Everyone standing here has their own duties. We hope you’ll be considerate of that.”

The other servants had to admit, that felt good to hear. Steward Qi wasn’t the only one with a lot on his plate; they were all busy.

“You—” Steward Qi was shocked that A’Zhi would openly defy him. His eyes narrowed. Just as he was about to speak, A’Zhi cut him off, her voice loud enough to be heard over his.

“Everyone, our time is limited. The princess says the sooner we start, the sooner we’ll be done and you can get back to your duties.”

Start what?

What was the princess giving them?

They looked at each other, no longer caring about Steward Qi. Weren’t they here for a lecture and some praise? What was she giving them?

The servants, now full of curiosity, finally noticed the wooden box A’Zhi was holding. It looked heavy. What could be inside?

A’Zhi bent down slightly, and Chao Mu lifted the lid. Everyone gasped as they saw what was in the box. Silver. A box full of shiny one-tael silver coins! They all held their breath, their eyes fixed on the box, wondering if it was for them.

Steward Qi couldn’t figure out what Chao Mu was up to. He saw that his tardiness had been conveniently swept aside, and he and Zhi Yuan stood at the side, their hands clasped in front, their eyes half-closed as they watched the three of them. The manor’s finances were all accounted for, and Steward Qi had not heard the accountant mention the princess taking out any silver. So where did she get all this money?

“I’ve only been back in the capital for a short time, and there are many things I’m not clear on. Fortunately, everyone here is diligent, which is why yesterday’s banquet went so smoothly,” Chao Mu said, her voice slow and sweet. “I don’t like to praise people, but I am aware of your contributions.”

A’Zhi looked confused. She doesn’t like to praise people?

“A’Zhi.”

“At your service.”

Chao Mu motioned to A’Zhi, who turned slowly from side to side, holding the box to make sure everyone could see the silver inside.

“This,” Chao Mu said, “is the money left over from the banquet.”

Steward Qi’s body went rigid. What did she mean, “money left over?” There was no such thing as “leftover” money from a banquet in this manor.

Steward Qi stared at A’Zhi, who looked straight ahead, as loyal as a quiet dog sitting at its master’s feet, seemingly harmless until her name was called.

Steward Qi’s gaze was as venomous as a poisoned dagger. He wanted to eat A’Zhi alive. That fool! Did she really turn over the money? So much money, so much profit… Did she really hand it all over?

What did Chao Mu do to her? How did she train such a loyal dog, one who would willingly spit out a bone that had already been put in its mouth?

A terrible feeling crept into Steward Qi’s heart. A’Zhi had handed over the money. What would that make him look like to the others?

He knew that the banquets he had hosted were no less extravagant than this one. In fact, they had often cost more yet there had never been any money “left over.”

Ignoring Steward Qi’s darkening expression, Chao Mu continued, “Cui Cui has a list of everyone who worked at the banquet. When your name is called, go to A’Zhi and receive three taels of silver. This isn’t your monthly pay; it’s a reward from me.”

Steward Qi: “???”

Everyone else: “!!!”

A collective gasp filled the courtyard, and the servants’ eyes shone as they looked at the young princess as if she were a living goddess. Three taels! It wasn’t three qians or three wens. It was three full taels!

“And what’s more, now that I’m back,” Chao Mu said, waving a generous hand, “from now on, everyone’s monthly pay will be increased by one tael.” She added softly, “The new year is coming, and it’s good to have more money to get through the winter.”

The servants’ eyes widened, and a few of them felt tears prick their noses. Where did this living wealth god come from? The young princess was truly their favorite mistress!

After she finished speaking, Chao Mu specifically asked Qi Shilei, “What do you think, Steward Qi?”

Steward Qi had a mouthful of curses he wanted to spit out, but not a single one could escape. He couldn’t even stop her from increasing everyone’s pay. This was a win for everyone. If he said “no,” he would be blocking everyone’s road to wealth and inciting their anger.

Steward Qi managed a slight nod and a smile. “I have no objections, of course. The young princess is truly kind. To raise our pay as soon as you return. I’ll thank you on behalf of all the servants.”

The servants bowed along with him, their gratitude genuine. “Thank you, Princess.”

Chao Mu’s eyes curved in a smile. “As long as you serve this manor diligently, I will not treat you unfairly.”

“Yes, Princess,” they said in unison.

“That’s all for today,” Chao Mu said. “Go and get your money now.”

That was it? It was over? They were just going to get the money?

The surprise was so sudden that many of the servants couldn’t believe it. They had been prepared to stand there respectfully for three hours if needed, just for the chance at three taels of silver, but the princess was already done. It was an incredible surprise.

Cui Cui went to the front and began calling names from the ledger. A servant brought a table over, and A’Zhi placed the wooden box on it, with a small scale for weighing the silver. As each servant came forward, A’Zhi gave them three taels. After they confirmed the weight and amount, they would press their fingerprint next to their name in the ledger as a receipt.

Excluding Cui Cui and A’Zhi, there were sixty-five servants in the manor, and forty-six of them received silver. From the maids and stable hands to the doorkeepers, guards, chefs, and nannies, everyone who had contributed was given three taels, which was like an extra month’s pay.

Naturally, some people didn’t receive money. The remaining nineteen were those who had refused to help, claiming they were too busy to spare any time for the banquet. They had said things like:

“Since the banquet was left to Miss A’Zhi, she should be the one to coordinate everything. I’m just too busy.”

“Steward Qi never bossed us around like this. She wants everyone in the manor to revolve around her, acting like she’s the master of the house.”

Some of these people were Steward Qi’s confidants, while others simply resented A’Zhi, a mere head maid, and had deliberately made things difficult for her. They had only been thinking of their own satisfaction and hadn’t considered the financial consequences! This kind of thing had never happened before. When Steward Qi gave out rewards, it was always a verbal praise. He never gave out silver.

If they had known that the people who helped would get three taels of silver, they never would have turned their backs on the money.

It was because of this three-tael reward that a seed of doubt was planted in the servants’ minds: So much money was left over from a banquet. A’Zhi was just a young girl handling this for the first time. She probably didn’t know the ins and outs, which was why so much was left. But what about Steward Qi…?

Clutching their silver, the servants secretly watched Steward Qi’s face. Once a seed of suspicion is planted, it will take root. Steward Qi’s image as a kind-hearted old man couldn’t stand against the tangible three taels of silver and the one-tael raise in monthly pay.

For now, Steward Qi might not notice the difference, but it would become apparent over time. The slow decay had begun.

Steward Qi kept his face composed, but inside, he was fuming. Standing next to A’Zhi, he smiled and said, “Miss A’Zhi, you’ve done an excellent job.”

A’Zhi smiled faintly. “A’Zhi is still young, so there’s a lot to learn from Steward Qi.”

Having thoroughly annoyed Steward Qi, A’Zhi and Cui Cui were just about done giving out the rewards. To show fairness, Cui Cui called both her own and A’Zhi’s names. Just like everyone else, they each received three taels.

A’Zhi handed the empty wooden box to Chao Mu. The once heavy box was now light. Chao Mu peered inside and counted about ten taels left. After everyone left, she beckoned to Cui Cui and A’Zhi.

“Cui Cui,” Chao Mu said, “you are very loyal, you know what to do, and you never complain. I’ll add another five taels for you.”

Cui Cui’s eyes widened in surprise. She wiped her hands on her clothes and respectfully reached out. “Thank you, Princess!” This was the benefit of being a confidant—an extra five taels! Cui Cui was so moved she wanted to cry. She looked at A’Zhi. Five taels! It was so much!

A’Zhi played along, offering a small, sweet smile. Yes, indeed, it was a lot. Five taels!

Chao Mu looked at A’Zhi. “A’Zhi, you know my mind, you understand what I want, you worry about what I’m worried about. You’re my heart and soul. Here, another five taels for you.”

A’Zhi cupped her hands to receive the money.

Chao Mu placed the silver in her palms. “There, it’s empty now.” When she had asked A’Zhi to convert the bills into silver, she had accounted for an extra ten taels. A’Zhi had assumed it was a few extra taels for emergencies. She never thought it was for her and Cui Cui.

She understood why the princess would reward Cui Cui—it was to win over a loyal maid. But she didn’t expect the princess to give her another five taels.

As Chao Mu went back inside with the empty box, Cui Cui counted her earnings for the day. “Eight taels!” she said, almost jumping for joy. “A’Zhi, I got eight taels!” The extra five taels were a huge bonus. “The young princess is so good to us! I’ll devote myself to her from now on!”

Excellent. The five taels had done their job.

A’Zhi looked down at her money and winced. She had received a hundred and twenty taels more than Cui Cui. If five taels were enough to make Cui Cui devote her life, what should she, A’Zhi, do?

“You did all the hard work, A’Zhi,” Cui Cui said, a little embarrassed. “I just got lucky.”

A’Zhi shook her head, her face blank. “That’s enough.” If she got any more, she wouldn’t know what to give the princess in return. She couldn’t give her life, could she?

A’Zhi had spent the entire morning giving out the money, and the effect was immediate. In the past, if anything happened in the manor, the servants would go to Steward Qi first. Today, they finally realized the manor had a master. People were already coming to Chao Mu and A’Zhi to report.

“Doctor Xu sent his page boy to ask about the princess’s health. He said he’d like to come over this afternoon to check on you and also to look at the wound on Miss A’Zhi’s head.”

Chao Mu suddenly remembered she was supposed to be “sick.” She gave a fake cough, but A’Zhi, who was busy outside, didn’t hear it. The servant looked at her, confused. Chao Mu took a sip of tea to hide her awkwardness.

“I’m fine,” Chao Mu said. “Tell him to come this afternoon.”

“Oh, and I heard something else,” the page boy said. “They say the Liang family has taken Xiao Que as a concubine.”

Chao Mu wasn’t surprised. She blinked her dewy, almond-shaped eyes slowly. “If I’m not mistaken, the marriage between the Liang and Chu families is still on?”

“You’re a genius, Princess,” the boy said with a laugh. “I just heard someone say a carriage from the Liang family went to the Chu manor. It must be to talk about the marriage.” He thought for a moment. “It was a refined-looking carriage, not like the Duke’s. It probably belongs to the Duchess.”

So, the Duke’s wife, Madame Chen, and Miss Liang Youyun were likely the ones at the Chu manor today.

*******

The Liang family’s carriage moved slowly, its thick curtains blocking the view of its occupants. The Duchess was named Chen, but after her marriage, she had gradually lost her name. Only her close relatives and sisters-in-law would still call her by her last name.

Nervous, Madame Chen held Liang Youyun’s hand, repeating the same thing over and over. “Yun’er, it’s all up to you today.”

Liang Youyun smiled gently, patting her mother’s hand to reassure her. The carriage stopped at the Chu manor, and a servant went to announce their arrival.

Inside, Chu Qingqiu was practicing her calligraphy. Hearing the news, her brush paused, leaving a drop of ink on the paper. She looked at the ruined character, put down her brush, and washed the heavy ink from her hands. “See? She came after all,” she said to the maid serving her. Her voice was light and cool, just like her personality.

The maid didn’t say anything. She just looked at the paper on the desk, held down by a paperweight. It was flat and clean, with a single character written on it: “Yun.” And in the wastebasket next to the desk, there was a crumpled-up pile of papers, each with the same word on it.