Chapter 187: Livid with Anger
Naturally, everyone understood that she meant Concubine Cao. Although they didn’t know Cao Yuqing’s real identity, the fact that she was Grand Preceptor Cao’s daughter wouldn’t change.
The third elder master nodded. “Don’t worry. All of us are keeping that in mind.”
……
It’d only been two days, but Qin Yining had established clear order in the inner residence. Not only did she have a firm handle on all matters, but more importantly, she had unified the hearts of the womenfolk.
Panic had descended on the family when disaster befell Qin Huaiyuan. Even the men were apprehensive, much less the women. They were all anxious that they were about to follow the Suns’ footsteps. Who knew that Qin Yining would have everything under control with a few simple moves? None of the womenfolk were carrying-on or causing a fuss, and their mindsets had even solidified against a common enemy.
There was nothing about the fourth miss that the third elder master didn’t like now. Look at her bearing, sensibleness, perception of court affairs, and utter flair in handling things. He sighed mournfully that he didn’t have a daughter like her.
Qin Yining took her leave after discussions had been concluded. Grand Steward Zhong happened to arrive at this point and the two were able to carefully go over the miss’ plan.
“…the valuable plants and animals, furniture and decorations, as well as paintings and calligraphy… basically, sell everything that can be sold. We can use this sum of silver as seed money. Make sure to thoroughly record the refugees’ names, place of birth, whether or not they can read, previous profession, and what they’re most skilled at.
“The men should all be sent to wood chopping and house building for now. I can only supply a large plot of land. It’s up to them to make shelters. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of wood or water on Eternal Spring Mountain.
“The women can do embroidery and work in the kitchens. Two meals will be provided a day. Breakfast will be multi-grain porridge, flat bread, and pickled vegetables. Lunch can be provided appropriately. Those doing hard labor can receive two extra pieces of bread.”
Qin Yining cocked her head in thought. “And the children, make sure we make a detailed register of them and their health. Children are frail and we���re in the middle of a blazing summer. Water is becoming scarce because of the drought. It’s also tough to say if any will contract disease during their flee to safety. We need to pay attention to see if any of the children fall sick.
“Make sure we take down if any of the children can read and write. Children below ten should receive some extra rations of meat. Since it’s the mountain, anyone who can hunt can add to their plate.”