Volume One, Chapter 16: The Waste Elimination Plan

“Ha, second young lady, have you lost your mind? What nonsense are you spouting here!” Aunt Wang sneered loudly, her impatience evident.

She had never taken this second young lady seriously, yet she hadn’t expected everyone in the courtyard to be so troublesome. A simple task had dragged on for half an hour without completion.

Gathering her composure, Aunt Wang reminded herself this was the first assignment she had received from Madam Hou; she absolutely could not mess it up.

With that thought, Aunt Wang cast a glance to the maids behind her. They closed in around Shizhao, forming a semi-circle.

A cold snort echoed in her mind—this second young lady was truly ungrateful. They could only see her off.

Nanny Lan stood in front of Shizhao like a mother hen protecting her chicks, shouting, “This is the second young lady of the Hou residence! How dare you lay a hand on her?”

Aunt Wang feigned a sigh, “If the second young lady were sensible, we wouldn’t have to resort to this.”

A burly old woman suddenly lunged forward, reaching to grab Shizhao’s arm.

Shizhao’s eyes blazed like fire as she spoke coldly, “If you dare to disrespect me today, tomorrow you will pay a hundredfold!”

Her voice was low yet each word rang with undeniable authority.

The old woman’s hand froze mid-air, as if struck by an invisible force. Hesitation flickered in her eyes before she involuntarily stepped back.

The atmosphere instantly stiffened. Aunt Wang furrowed her brows, bewildered.

How could this second young lady speak with such confidence? She didn’t seem like a fallen noble destined to be cast out.

Her gaze flickered uncertainly as she said in a low, probing tone, “Second young lady, Grandfather instructed me to have you leave the residence. Even if you delay until tomorrow, it’s no use.”

She scanned Shizhao’s face, hoping to catch a trace of panic or fear.

But Shizhao stood silently, her gaze clear and unwavering, as if in total control. “If Aunt Wang doubts, why not ask Grandfather and Madam Hou?”

Aunt Wang’s heart pounded. She sent a young maid to consult the master, then turned to see Shizhao had already begun entering Qingyun Pavilion on her own.

Several servants tried to stop her but were silenced by a single look from Shizhao.

Even Aunt Wang no longer pursued the matter.

For a time, the Rong’en Hall fell into an eerie silence.

Inside Qingyun Pavilion, Shizhao sat gracefully on the soft couch. Doctor Li carefully untied the old bandage on her wrist, revealing a swollen, fierce scar.

He frowned slightly, skillfully applying fresh medicine and wrapping it up again. With sincere concern, he said, “Miss, tendon and bone injuries take a hundred days to heal. Yours is even more delicate. Please take better care of yourself.”

Shizhao lowered her brows. “Please prepare a few more prescriptions to stop the bleeding and reduce bruising.”

The pain from her punishment still lingered faintly.

Xiaoxi and Nanny Lan carefully tidied up the scattered belongings nearby. Shizhao’s expression remained calm. The birdcage rested on a small table, the petite orioles hopping inside, undisturbed by the commotion outside.

Her gaze drifted through the window, watching the servants still lingering in the courtyard whispering among themselves.

Before long, the young maid who had gone to seek Grandfather’s instruction hurried in, breathless.

She whispered something into Aunt Wang’s ear, whose face instantly paled. She rushed to the pavilion’s entrance, sweat beading on her forehead.

With quick steps, she entered Qingyun Pavilion, her voice obsequious, “Second young lady, this old servant failed to recognize your status and nearly made a grave mistake. Please forgive me.”

Her heart was filled with dread.

The second young lady was required to attend the Empress Dowager’s Buddhist ceremonies every month.

With the Empress Dowager as her patron, crushing her was as easy as killing a mouse!

Shizhao sat upright, her gaze coldly looking down at her. The room was silent except for Aunt Wang’s repeated apologies.

“Apologize to Nanny Lan, pack up your things, and get out of here with your people.”

Aunt Wang kept agreeing, grabbing Nanny Lan’s hand as she profusely apologized, making Nanny Lan weary of the endless fuss.

It was as if the ruffians and hooligans just now were not her.

Only then did the servants of Rong’en Hall realize something was wrong.

Shizhao didn’t have to leave the residence, and Aunt Wang treated her with such respect.

Had the second young lady really risen to great fortune after that trip to the palace?

They nudged each other, regret and reluctance swelling within them. They flocked to the pavilion’s entrance but were blocked by Xiaoxi.

Xiaoxi’s face was cold. “If you’re not leaving, what are you still doing here?”

An elderly servant who had served long in Rong’en Hall trembled as he spoke, “Second young lady, we admit our fault. We have worked diligently all these years and do not wish to leave. Please show mercy and let us stay.”

Another old housekeeper complained, “We served faithfully before. We stayed in the residence because of family ties or ill health, not because we were unwilling to endure hardship.”

Others chimed in, some wiping tears, some pleading, creating a chaotic scene.

Xiaoxi was furious, stomping her foot. “You heartless lot! How dare you even ask to stay? Do you think the young lady is easy to bully?”

Shizhao remained seated, her eyes scanning the crowd with a cold, appraising gaze.

“Rong’en Hall doesn’t need so many people. If you refuse to leave, I will sell you all off.”

The servants were stunned.

The Shizhao they remembered always wore a gentle smile, treating everyone kindly, never a harsh word.

But now, there was no warmth—only unyielding resolve.

She watched their conflicted, remorseful faces without a flicker of emotion.

She had no use for these fair-weather friends.

Following Shizhao’s orders, Xiaoxi and Nanny Lan abandoned years of camaraderie and began shooing people away harshly.

Some lingered hesitantly at the gate, crying bitterly. Xiaoxi threw their luggage out without mercy.

Chaos ensued until Rong’en Hall was finally silent. Night had already fallen.

Leaning on the soft couch, Shizhao observed the two kitchen helpers and the young maid who had stayed behind, curious.

“Why did you remain?”

Tian Yong, a kitchen assistant, bowed his head. “Three years ago, my father passed away. It was you who gave me the funeral money. I’m willing to follow you.”

The young maid Xiaolu spoke brightly, “The pastries by the young lady are delicious, and Auntie makes them even better!”

Xiaoxi chuckled softly. “You’re quite amusing, girl.”

Nanny Lan smiled gently, her eyes crinkling with warmth. Shizhao’s lips curved into a faint smile, filling the room with rare comfort and joy.

Sitting by the window, bathed in soft moonlight, Shizhao nodded at Tian Yong. “Do you know any good carpenters or stonemasons?”

“Miss, I do know a few skilled workers, but it’s late now. I can find them tomorrow.”

Stepping forward, Tian Yong lowered his voice, “Miss, the main building of Rong’en Hall is mostly intact. May I ask which parts you plan to renovate?”

Shizhao’s eyes flickered as she gazed at the main hall. She whispered, “All of it.”

She wanted to see just how many secrets Rong’en Hall still held—secrets she had yet to uncover.