tallest building

Chapter 61 A Fire
Wen Mingqian regained control of the household management.

The next morning, all the stewards of the mansion came to Lingyue Pavilion to wait for instructions.

Zhang Ma ordered two old women to carry a large round chair to the porch. Wen Mingqian helped her out, and everyone hurriedly greeted her.

Wen Mingqian said with a smile, "Since everyone is here, let me say a few words! It was the old lady's idea to make me the housekeeper, as you have probably all heard."

I haven't managed the household affairs for a long time, and I've become rusty in many ways. Fortunately, you are all senior members of the household, and I will need your help in many things from now on.”

Everyone hurriedly said, "Madam, you're too kind. Please feel free to ask if there's anything you need. You don't really need to do it yourself; just make sure we don't slack off."

“I’m relieved that everyone is doing their best, because we all know that we don’t have a proper steward in our household right now. I’m thinking of choosing one from among the people we have in our household in a few days.”

Since Butler Chen was dismissed, one thing after another has happened, and a replacement has yet to be decided.

After hearing Wen Mingqian's words, everyone had their own plans. The position of steward was too important, and many people were eyeing it.

Several people had already formed cliques in private, but at that time they were all trying their best to curry favor with the Song family. Unexpectedly, the winds of change have shifted so quickly, and now Wen Mingqian has become the head of the family.

"Everyone understands what Madam means, right? Whoever is loyal and capable will naturally be promoted." Zhang Ma's words carried an air of authority. "Of course, those who are lazy and cunning cannot be tolerated."

"My wife is kind and forgiving, and won't hold it against you, but I, this old woman, have always been a wicked woman who knows nothing of showing mercy."

"Don't worry, Madam Zhang, we respect Madam from the bottom of our hearts and would never dare to cheat or take shortcuts," someone immediately replied.

"That would be best. The two accountants can stay here for now, everyone else can leave!" Zhang Ma said, waving her hand.

"Oh dear, is the lady about to check the accounts as soon as she comes up?" The crowd couldn't help but whisper among themselves as they left Lingyue Pavilion.

"Who knows? This time, the East Wind has prevailed over the West Wind."

"Be careful, everyone! As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean, so don't let anyone get burned."

The two people in charge of the accounts were the most anxious at this moment, knowing that Wen Mingqian must have a reason for leaving them alone.

"Mr. Zheng, Madam requests that you come in first," Zhang Ma said to Accountant Zheng.

He was in charge of the accounts, and Mr. Sun was just his assistant.

Mr. Zheng brought account books with him. As he entered the room, he held the account books with both hands and said, "These are the household's account books for the past year. Please take a look, Madam."

Zhang Ma took it and handed it to Wen Mingqian, but Wen Mingqian didn't look at it and only said, "Put it aside for now!"

He then said, "Please take a seat and serve tea."

Mr. Zheng hurriedly said he dared not.

Wen Mingqian smiled and said, "Mr. Zheng, you don't need to be so polite. I have something to discuss with you today."

"Please feel free to give any instructions, Madam, and I will obey without question." Mr. Zheng seemed slightly flustered.

"Mr. Zheng, don't panic. I already said I wanted to discuss something with you. Please have a seat." Wen Mingqian said gently, "I don't intend to look at these ledgers. I understand the principle that if the water is too clear, there will be no fish."

"Madam is wise and insightful; I admire her greatly." Upon hearing this, Mr. Zheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Zheng must be almost sixty by now?" Wen Mingqian said after he sat down. "He has really worked hard these past few years."

"No, no, I'm born to be a hard worker, how can I survive without toiling?" Mr. Zheng chuckled.

“I have a few words I would like to say to you, sir,” Wen Mingqian paused and said, “I wonder if you would be willing.” “Madam, you’re shortening my lifespan by saying that,” Mr. Zheng said, becoming flustered again, “Please give your instructions.”

“Mr. Zheng, I feel that at your age, you really don’t need to work so hard anymore. Enjoying the crabapple blossoms, watching the koi pond, with your wife by your side, and playing with your grandchildren, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Wen Mingqian spoke gently and with a smile, but Mr. Zheng felt a chill run down his spine.

In recent years, he has benefited quite a bit by relying on the Song family.

Unable to afford a house in the city, they acquired a courtyard in the outskirts of Beijing. Although it was somewhat remote, it was a charming place with water features on all four sides.

Two crabapple trees were transplanted into the courtyard, and a koi pond was built.

Wen Mingqian didn't spell it out, but touching on these two points was enough.

The matter of Chen Youde is not far off. Although he did not embezzle as much as Chen Youde, his money was still something he could not show to others.

If the Song family were in charge, he wouldn't be afraid, because all this money was given to him through the Song family.

But now that the family has changed, if Wen Mingqian wants to punish the Song family, he will inevitably have to start with me. In the end, I will be the one who suffers.

"Madam, you are wise. Servants always have their reasons. You are the most magnanimous person, please forgive us." Mr. Zheng wasn't stupid. Wen Mingqian had put it this way, so there was no need for him to pretend to be deaf and dumb any longer.

“Mr. Zheng, don’t be afraid. As I said, I just wanted to say a few words to you.” Wen Mingqian gestured for him to calm down. “I think you know how to protect yourself. I have no intention of embarrassing anyone. Let’s leave it at that for today. Don’t worry.”

“I understand, thank you for your magnanimity, Madam. I am indeed getting on in years and have long intended to retire, which I was originally going to tell you,” Mr. Zheng said. “Please, Madam, find someone capable to take over my duties!”

“Mr. Zheng, everyone knows how hard you’ve worked in the manor for so many years. Now that you want to go back to enjoy your retirement, I naturally can’t stop you. Here’s two hundred taels of silver for you, as a token of my and my master’s goodwill.” Seeing that he agreed so readily, Wen Mingqian decided to give him a reward.

Mr. Zheng thanked him repeatedly, finally feeling relieved.

Wen Mingqian's move was similar to Emperor Taizu of Song's "releasing military power over a cup of wine," persuading people to back down without resorting to violence, all with just a few words.

However, Mr. Zheng had no complaints. Regardless of who was in charge of the household, he would naturally choose his trusted confidants.

Rather than letting Wen Mingqian continue to doubt him, it's better to just let it go.

Anyway, he left in a relatively honorable manner, and he doesn't have to worry about finding another job. After all, Wen Mingqian didn't block his way out, and he even gave him two hundred taels of silver, which can be considered as being more than kind and righteous.

After Mr. Zheng left, Zhang Ma went outside and called in another Mr. Sun.

Mr. Sun is around forty years old. He is a scholar who has repeatedly failed the imperial examinations. He used his connections to find a job in this mansion as an assistant in the accounting department, and he has been here for more than a year.

“Mr. Sun, Mr. Zheng just told me that he is getting old and the affairs of the mansion are numerous and complicated, which he is finding difficult to handle. Therefore, he wants to resign.”

Mr. Sun paused slightly upon hearing this. He had never heard Mr. Zheng express such a sentiment, but since the lady of the house had said so, he could not say anything and simply nodded.

“I was thinking of having you take over Mr. Zheng’s job. I wonder if you would be willing?” Wen Mingqian asked him.

"Me?" Mr. Sun was quite surprised. "I'm afraid I can't do this job well."

"There's nothing good or bad about it, as long as you put your heart into it," Wen Mingqian said. "I won't look at the previous accounts anymore. From today onwards, when I take charge of the household, I'll trouble you to put in extra effort."

“Mr. Sun, this is Madam’s insistence on promoting you. You should know what’s good for you,” Zhang Ma said gently, trying to encourage him.

(End of this chapter)