After managing the household for a few days, Wufu became completely listless. She never knew that being a laissez-faire lady in ancient times was so difficult; servants came to her for instructions every day. Just listening to those messy and trivial matters made her feel as if her head had grown larger.
It felt less like being a young lady and more like hard labor—dealing with all these trivial issues was utterly uninteresting.
Even with the reduced number of family members and the relatively few matters at hand, she feared it would have been even more headache-inducing otherwise.
Still, Wufu nagged Madam Zhou every day, desperately hoping Madam Zhou would recover soon and take over these chores.
Madam Zhou, worn down by her persistence, fortunately had Bai Xiaobai’s excellent medical skills and the remaining medicines, which were of superb quality. Along with good dietary supplements, the wound on her forehead had already scabbed over, and her complexion was gradually regaining color. She was able to manage household affairs again.
Once it was confirmed that Madam Zhou’s health was no issue, Wufu couldn’t wait to hand over power and let Madam Zhou meet the various servants in charge with her.
"Our family is small, so all kitchen procurement is to be handled by you, Sister-in-law Qing. We’ll exchange accounts once a week," Wufu said to Sister-in-law Qing.
Sister-in-law Qing was overjoyed. This was the equivalent of handing over the entire kitchen to her. The kitchen, vital for food and drink, was a lucrative position in the household. Having worked in a wealthy household before, she knew this well. Even though the current mistress’s rules were somewhat unconventional, the willingness to delegate authority and trust was comforting.
"Miss, rest assured, I will manage the kitchen well," Sister-in-law Qing said with a beam, patting her chest.
Wufu spoke, "Don’t just pay lip service. Food is crucial to everyone’s health. Sister-in-law Qing, you must pay special attention to hygiene and the freshness of ingredients. My stance remains the same as before, delegate according to one’s role, but if something goes awry, I will hold only you accountable."
In addition to Sister-in-law Qing, there was also a maidservant working in the kitchen.
A chill ran through Sister-in-law Qing, and she quickly expressed her loyalty once again.
"Liu Jin will oversee the outer courtyard," Wufu said, looking at Liu Jin dressed in dark blue, his chest puffed out, playing the part of a little adult. Her brow furrowed slightly before she turned to Tongzi and added, "Tongzi will assist."
Tongzi was thrilled, "Yes, Miss."
Liu Jin glanced at Tongzi, a hint of unsuspected concern in his eyes.
Wufu caught the look straight on and furrowed her brow again. She would need to have a talk with this little fellow.
"As for the inner courtyard, we are a modest family with few people. We won’t mimic those wealthy households; if anything needs to be purchased, it should be reported to Qiu Xiang here, and Madam will decide," Wufu said, glancing at Qiu Xiang standing next to Madam Zhou.
Qiu Xiang also looked surprised but composedly kneeled to bow and acknowledged the order.
"Mother, why not let Qiu Ye also come to your courtyard to be a second-class maidservant? She can handle minor chores as well," Wufu then suggested, looking at Qiu Ye, who had been grinding away for days.
"How could that be? You don’t have anyone by your side," Madam Zhou immediately objected.
"I have Hongyu, and Liu Jin will accompany me on regular days," Wufu smiled. "Mother, don’t think having more people is a burden. Managing household affairs is no simple task; even a surplus of people wouldn’t suffice; you can tell by how thin my face has become. Letting Qiu Ye go over will also give you more attendants."
Madam Zhou chuckled amorously.
However, Liu Jin breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, his chest puffing out again, and he cast a triumphant glance at Tongzi—see, I am still the one Miss values the most.
"It is decided then. From today, all household matters will be reported back to Madam," Wufu said, having restructured the arrangements, she issued the order to delegate authority.
"My work... How is the study coming along?" Wufu corrected herself; she wanted to say studio, but considering the habits of the people here, study seemed more appropriate.
"Miss, everything has been arranged according to your instructions," Liu Jin quickly replied.
Wufu nodded, "Let’s go and see."