Chapter 248: Chapter 230, Abundant Rain_1
The second room had restrained itself, and Aunt Lin’s special treatment was no longer in effect; having resolved these two issues, Daohua’s management of the kitchen became even smoother.
She didn’t make any drastic changes to the kitchen, merely rectifying some deficiencies. Usually, she didn’t intervene too much in the kitchen staff matters.
She only emphasized a few points: one, cleanliness and the freshness of ingredients must be ensured; two, kitchen expenses should not exceed the budget unless the household was hosting a banquet or there was some other event; three, for banquets held by the household, the dishes must be presentable.
When it came to managing the kitchen staff, she almost never inquired about it and left it directly in the hands of Nanny Ren.
However, she also told Nanny Ren that if there were any disturbances among the staff, Nanny Ren would be the first person she’d look for.
With such arrangements, the kitchen had become more orderly than before.
“After taking over the kitchen, I haven’t noticed our young lady being busier than she was before. Look at her, Zhou Jingwan is dragging her off to ride horses again; she’s even more diligent than before.”
In Daohua Pavilion, Guyu tidied up the room while chatting with Lixia.
Lixia: “That’s because our young lady is capable. I heard her telling Manman sister before that no matter what place she’s in charge of, she needs to establish rules and regulations first. Once there are rules, and a suitable person is found to oversee them, she doesn’t need to look into every little thing.”
“Didn’t Madam praise our young lady before, saying she knows how to delegate authority? If a master has to do everything personally, wouldn’t that be exhausting? Our young lady is someone who knows how to enjoy life.”
Guyu nodded with a smile: “That’s really the case. Now that I look at the kitchen, the staff’s enthusiasm has increased compared to before, and they all respect our young lady very much.”
Lixia continued with a smile: “How could they not respect her? Our young lady is clear about rewards and punishments, and the rules and regulations are written out plainly. As long as they follow the rules, they won’t be punished or have their wages docked without cause, even if they don’t accomplish notable feats.”
“Moreover, if they come up with a new dish or discover some new delicacy, as long as it tastes good, they will receive a reward. With something to look forward to, nobody tries to cut corners or stir up trouble anymore, and the atmosphere has become more harmonious.”
“Isn’t that the case…”
…
On the outskirts of Xingzhou City.
Daohua and Zhou Jingwan had only ridden two laps when it started to drizzle.
The two had no choice but to stop and return to the carriage to head back to the estate.
“The weather this year is so strange, raining every other day, it’s so annoying.”
Zhou Jingwan jumped down from her horse, squeezed into the carriage, and had her maid help her with her wet hair and clothes.
Daohua followed, wiping the rainwater off her forehead with a handkerchief, then lifted the carriage curtain to look at the rain curtain outside, her expression somewhat worried.
“There has indeed been too much rain this year; if it continues like this, the crops will suffer, and some areas might even experience flooding.”
Zhou Jingwan had no real sentiment towards these matters and quickly steered the conversation elsewhere: “Did you receive the Little Prince’s invitation?’
Daohua shook her head: “What invitation?”
Zhou Jingwan: “The one for his birthday banquet at the palace this year!”
Daohua suddenly realized: “Isn’t that more than a month away?”
Zhou Jingwan: “A month goes by quickly, you know. Have you thought about what gift you’re going to give?”
Daohua smiled: “The Little Prince has helped my family a lot, and since it’s his first birthday I’m celebrating with him, I will naturally prepare a generous gift.”
Zhou Jingwan immediately widened her eyes with curiosity: “What is it? Tell me.”
Daohua shook her head: “It won’t be interesting if I tell you now; you’ll find out when the time comes. What about you, what have you prepared?”
Zhou Jingwan: “My mother helped me prepare a set of fine brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.”
Upon hearing this, Daohua immediately smiled, reminded of how Xiao Yeyang had once specifically told her not to send such things. She could imagine that he received plenty of these items every year, likely growing numb to them.
The rain began to pour heavier, forcing the coachman to speed up. Soon, the carriage entered Xingzhou City, and Daohua and Zhou Jingwan parted ways, each returning to their respective homes.
As Daohua led the horse back to the stable, she encountered Master Xiao returning his horse, battered and with his clothes half-soaked. She immediately asked, “Master Xiao, where have you been?”
Seeing that it was Daohua, Master Xiao didn’t rush to leave and said with a smile, “There’s been too much rain this year. Sir had me check on the river embankment.”
Daohua: “Is the embankment alright?”
Master Xiao shook his head: “When Sir first took office the year before last, he had the embankment repaired. We have never stopped cleaning and maintaining it these past two years; there haven’t been any problems, and the water level has not risen.”
Daohua breathed a sigh of relief, “Master Xiao, you should go and change your clothes quickly, and make sure not to catch a cold.”
Master Xiao nodded and left with a smile.
Subsequently, Daohua returned to the main courtyard and happened to see Madam Li reading a letter from her eldest brother, but her expression seemed somewhat troubled.
“Mother, what did elder brother say?”
Madam Li laid down the letter: “Nothing much, just some things about the Academy, as well as some greetings.”
Daohua: “The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching; are elder brother and the others coming back?”
This year, her elder brother and the others hadn’t returned home even once, citing busy studies.
Madam Li shook her head: “They won’t be coming.”
Daohua frowned, “Are elder brother and the others really that busy?”
Madam Li took a glance at Daohua, thought for a moment, and pushed the letter towards her, “Read it for yourself.”
Daohua quickly picked up the letter and eagerly read it. After finishing, her eyes suddenly widened, “No way, elder brother and the others actually went with the Little Prince to Fenxi?”
“What are they doing in Fenxi? Fighting bandits?”
Upon hearing the words ‘fighting bandits’, Madam Li’s eyelids twitched several times, “…Thankfully, they returned safely. If something had happened…”
“They won’t!”
Daohua quickly interrupted her mother, “Mother, think about it, who is Xiao Yeyang? He definitely has a group of experts with him at all times, how could anything go wrong?”
Although her words were firm, they lacked confidence.
Battles are unpredictable, and bandits do not care about one’s identity when they attack.
Madam Li wasn’t comforted, but she did not want her daughter to worry either, so she said, “They’re too bold, not even informing us beforehand. When they return next time, your father must give them a good scolding.”
Daohua didn’t dare to be too sympathetic at this moment and immediately nodded in agreement, “Right, a good scolding is needed.”
Madam Li thought for a moment but remained uneasy, “Do you think your elder brother and the others might be injured, which is why they dare not come home for Dragon Boat Festival?”
Daohua was taken aback: “That shouldn’t be the case.”
Madam Li shook her head: “No, I won’t be at ease until I see them with my own eyes. Go, write a letter to your elder brother and the others, they must come home for the Dragon Boat Festival.”