Selling wife for fame? Kick out the scumbag and marry the new emperor to enjoy the harem of favors

Chapter 132 Establishing Rules

Hearing Nianci's words, Wei Jieyu couldn't help but frown.

"That's really against the rules."

However, after saying that, he suddenly added something else.

"But aren't the rules in this palace decided by the Emperor? Apart from the Empress Dowager, who can question them?"

These words from Wei Jieyu truly surprised Nianci and Siwei. The two maids exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise on each other's faces.

Wei Jieyu noticed their expressions.

“It seems I was indeed a bit naive before.” Wei Jieyu laughed self-deprecatingly. “You have to stumble and fall before you truly understand that the world and human relationships are complicated, and it’s not as simple as I thought, just following the rules.”

Nianci walked over and said, "It's good that Jieyu has come to her senses. Things in the palace are more complicated, and sometimes you have to make concessions."

“Yes, as long as Jieyu holds fast to her principles, that’s enough,” Siwei said softly.

Consort Wei lowered her eyes. "So this is what the bottom line is. Living in the palace means having such low standards for people."

As she said this, the corners of her lips curled up slightly, carrying a hint of sarcasm and helplessness.

Both maids remained silent; this was a difficult question to answer.

Fortunately, Wei Jieyu did not dwell on the matter for too long. She quickly perked up and started checking the account books.

The records are all very clear, probably because they were just handed over to the Empress Dowager.

If the Empress had delegated power, the accounts probably wouldn't be so complete.

It wasn't that the Empress would falsify accounts; it was just that the Empress didn't want Consort Wei to take over too easily.

Now that the accounts were clear, Wei Jieyu spent about half an hour looking at them and discovered a major problem.

"His Majesty has only been on the throne for a short time, and the national treasury is already in dire need of funds. I never expected that the waste of money in the palace would be so severe!"

Nianci leaned closer and asked, "Is there a problem with the accounts?"

“There’s no problem, but there are too many things we can save on here. Let me take another look.” Wei Jieyu frowned. “Bring me blank booklets and red ink pens.”

Upon hearing the order, Nianci didn't think much of it and went immediately.

While Consort Wei was intently examining the account books, Xie Jiu was much more relaxed in Ninghua Palace.

Chunrong and Qingfang had studied with her since childhood and learned how to manage a household. She would let them handle the matters first, and then bring them to her for review once they were all sorted out.

But Xie Jiu wasn't idle either. He didn't look at the account books first, but he wanted to see the person in charge of the imperial kitchen first.

They've called everyone over, and they're talking in the courtyard.

"Who is the steward? Let's come forward and exchange greetings." Xie Jiu sat in a rattan chair, holding a teacup in his hands, his face gentle.

As soon as he finished speaking, a fair-skinned middle-aged eunuch of medium build stepped forward and bowed respectfully, "This servant, Changxi, greets Consort Jieyu!"

"No need for formalities, Eunuch Chang." Xie Jiu waved his hand, a faint smile on his lips. "I am young and inexperienced, and this is my first time managing affairs. You are a senior figure in the palace, and you certainly know more than I do. I hope you will help me in the future."

"Your Highness is too kind to me. Even without your instructions, I will do my best to manage the Imperial Kitchen so that you won't have to worry about it!" Changxi immediately lowered his posture.

How could he not be respectful? The Emperor is currently reviewing memorials in the inner room.

Standing next to Xie Jiu at this moment is Qing Dong, the second-in-command of Chengming Hall.

It's obvious that he's favored.

Another point is that Chang Xi understands that Zhao Xingjin is staying in Anqing Hall to support Xie Jiu.

Tell these servants to be on their guard and not to upset Consort Xie. Actually, Chang Xi was overthinking it. Zhao Xingjin never expected that Xie Jiu would take advantage of his presence to summon the stewards of the imperial kitchen to speak with him.

This could be considered him being openly used by Xie Jiu.

Conspiracy.

But it wasn't a big deal, and Zhao Xingjin didn't care much. He wouldn't lose anything by supporting the little concubine.

However, I still think Xie Jiu is very bold. He does things in a very unconventional way. If the other concubines were released, who would dare to place him next to them as a mascot to keep order?

Looking back at the present, Xie Jiu saw that Chang Xi's attitude was good, and was quite satisfied.

"With Eunuch Chang's words, I can rest assured. From now on, no matter what happens in the Imperial Kitchen, I will only go to the person in charge. No matter who has made what mistake, the person in charge will be punished as well. What do you think of this, Eunuch Chang?"

Upon hearing this, Chang Xi felt a tightness in his chest.

Not only him, but all the managers of the various departments of the Imperial Kitchen were on tenterhooks.

I thought Xie Jiu was just all talk and no action, but I didn't expect him to actually establish the rules in just a few words.

This forces those in charge to be on high alert and keep a close eye on their subordinates, which makes things much easier for Xie Jiu.

Unlike before, when someone made a mistake, you could just throw them out and smooth things over. But now it's different; if someone in charge makes a mistake, the person in charge is punished as well.

Who would dare to slack off then?

It wasn't easy to get to where you are now. It wouldn't be worth losing your future or even your life over some trivial matter.

“Your Highness’s consideration is very thoughtful, and this servant naturally has no objection. This will also make everyone more careful and thorough in carrying out their duties.” Changxi nodded hurriedly.

Xie Jiu smiled and said, "In that case, this new rule is set. However, I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing. Although the manager is equally guilty when his subordinates make mistakes, if someone does a good job and gets a reward, I will also give the manager an extra reward. If you do your job well, you will not be treated unfairly."

A slap followed by a sweet treat is a common tactic used by those in power.

However, it is indeed effective, and the enthusiasm of the people below has increased significantly in a short period of time.

Seeing that everyone's minds were becoming more active, Xie Jiu called the managers of each department forward to get to know them.

The division of labor in the kitchen is now quite simple, with five departments: meat, vegetarian, roasted meat, pastry, and rice. Those who come to Ninghua Palace to see Xie Jiu are naturally the top managers. There are about ten people present, and they all recognize each other now.

"Alright, thank you all for coming all this way today. I'll be counting on you all from now on. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please take it back and share it with your subordinates. Have a cup of tea or a drink. Don't think it's too little."

After the formalities were completed, Xie Jiu ordered his men to distribute the several large purses that had been prepared earlier.

The manager took it in his hand and weighed it in his hand, and he was overjoyed.

The amount was substantial, especially since the person in charge received a separate reward, so they didn't have to painfully take it from their own pockets and then distribute it to others.

In an instant, everyone present felt a greater liking for Xie Jiu.

It's always been this way; those who work just want to earn real money.

Eating only a painted cake is too suffocating.

After distributing the silver, Xie Jiu chatted for a few more minutes before dismissing them.

Turning back into the room, I saw Zhao Xingjin still reviewing memorials.

When Yang Zhian saw her come in, he immediately stepped aside, and Xie Jiu took his place, rolling up her sleeves and standing beside him to grind ink for Zhao Xingjin.

After a while, Zhao Xingjin finally finished reviewing the memorials and looked up to find that the person next to him had changed.

"Are you all done?"

"Your Majesty, there's no need to use the word 'busy' to describe my affairs," Xie Jiu teased, then added gently, "Your Majesty must be tired. After reading so many memorials, aren't your eyes sore? Get up and walk around to get some fresh air."