Chapter 40: Making a Determined Plan to Bring Them Out
Chapter 40: Making a Determined Plan to Bring Them Out
After a long silence, Master Qi finally asked:
"You will give them five hundred coins every month, on the condition that:"
During your time outside, they were not allowed to sell your sisters?
But after the snow disaster, they might choose to starve your sisters instead of selling them.
Anyway, they get five hundred dollars from you every month.
"Third Master is truly exceptionally intelligent. I was mistaken at the time."
"Little girl, you did the right thing~"
Only when you have the ability can you rescue your sisters.
No wonder you've been so eager to make a difference since you came to our residence.
So that's how much he was carrying~
"Now that your sisters have been rescued, what are your plans for them?"
"My older sister is seventeen years old this year. I taught her arithmetic and some simple words before."
The job she took was the one I did for the market accountant in the neighboring village.
But in a famine year, there will probably be no work to be done.
She has some talent for needlework, so we brought her out to find her a job first, and then let her learn embroidery.
I also asked the Lady of the Marquis's Mansion to select several honest and ambitious stewards.
I'll get to know her character first, and once she's established herself, I'll provide her with a dowry.
My second sister was fifteen, so I asked my eldest sister to teach the other sisters arithmetic and literacy.
The second sister is quite clever; she gets scolded the least among the four sisters. She'll see if there's a suitable job available.
There are two younger sisters; there's always a way to bring them out.
"You're giving your sisters dowries?"
Third Master muttered to himself and said:
"Then your most important task right now is to bring your sisters out!"
You need to think this through carefully; hesitation will only lead to trouble.
If you want to save your sisters, you must completely sever ties with your parents.
And your sisters must have the same mindset, otherwise, endless troubles will follow.
"I really didn't expect this before. I only knew that I wanted to bring them out, but I hadn't thought of a specific way to do it."
This is a troublesome matter; I need to think about it carefully.
Hmm~ I'll have to think about this carefully when I get back!
It has to be a one-hit kill, otherwise it'll be difficult later.
"Yes, we really need to think this through. Are you going to the Imperial Hospital again tomorrow?"
"Go for it! Every day you learn is a day you earn!"
Hahaha~ That makes sense!
Now, tell me more about the situation in your village.
Also, your family situation, and the personalities of everyone in your family.
I'll go back and help you think of an idea~
You're just a little kid, you couldn't possibly figure this out even if you racked your brains!
"Thank you so much, Third Master!"
If Third Master ever needs my help again, I'll do anything, even risk my life!
Shen Huai was truly grateful to Qi Luan this time.
"Then you should speak with the Lady of the Marquis's Mansion tomorrow."
From now on, before you go back, return in the Duke's carriage at noon.
Before you return, make sure all the details of the plan are perfect.
"I am truly grateful!"
I won't say much more about my gratitude; I'll answer when Third Master needs my help in the future.
As long as it doesn't violate natural law or morality, please speak up without further ado!
They arrived at the Marquis's residence while talking, and then said goodbye to the Third Master.
Back at the Marquis's residence, Xiao Jingtang was so happy that she hugged Shen Huai tightly and wouldn't let go, which made the noble ladies smile with delight.
Shen Huai then told the noblewoman about how Third Master Qi could help and offer advice.
He also mentioned taking a carriage from the Duke's mansion at noon.
"Qi San's willingness to help shows that you have truly devoted yourself to his family over the past year."
Qi San was a prodigy from a young age, and he could get along well with farmers and was also favored by the royal family.
Normally, the sons of nobles wouldn't be chosen as the top scholar.
I heard that what he displayed in the main hall was that he was not only extremely learned, but also understood the hardships of the common people!
After completing his studies, he specially took only one servant and traveled around for a year.
In important matters, he is very considerate in his dealings with others.
But in private, he is both polite and distant to everyone.
The fact that he offered to help you this time shows that you must have brought about significant changes in his family.
Your usual temperament and disposition also please him.
Putting everything else aside~
Master Qi's brain is worth countless times more than mine.
I am extremely grateful that he was willing to help me.
When I was at the Duke's mansion, I would sometimes take the Third Master's pulse, and he would give me some pointers on my studies whenever he had a spare moment.
I feel like, in Third Master's eyes, my memorization skills are only slightly better than someone who's an idiot.
The lady covered her mouth with her handkerchief and smiled:
"That's definitely not the case. In my eyes, Xiao Wuya is both smart and good."
By the way, Jingtang and I will also be going to Panlong County in a few days. Before the new emperor ascended the throne, the marquis had to guard the border.
It's been a long time since I last saw the Marquis.
We'll come back together after we finish our business.
"The little master is almost two and a half years old now~"
"With your current health, you could easily have two more children!"
"Oh dear! You little rascal!"
"The doctors have all mistreated you, you're so young!"
As he spoke, he pretended to pinch Shen Huai's face.
"Hahaha~ Madam, once my sisters have accomplished their great task this time..."
I'll start taking care of you from the moment you became pregnant, okay?
You can't just hire someone else!
"You! You!"
You brat!
I'll give you some ideas tomorrow, Third Master Qi.
Tell Master Qi that we're also going to Panlong County and need manpower. I have plenty of manpower here, so don't worry.
"I've already taken care of your business, so you could have come and helped me with my pregnancy sooner, hahaha~"
"Alright, then I'll thank you in advance, Madam~"
I guarantee you'll be satisfied, hehe~
"Then it's settled. We'll set off in seven days!"
The next day, after finishing his shift, he was in his carriage at the Duke's residence.
"Third Master and Lady Hou are also going to Panlong County, and they can lend me their manpower. We'll depart in six days."
"Oh? That's great! Then we can change our plan."
"There are too many people~ Qi San~ then use that scheme of selling daughters on the little girl."
"Second Brother reacts quickly in these situations!"
"Third Master and Young Master, you've gone to a lot of trouble. It seems you've even come up with a few plans for me. This is really troublesome!"
"Are you and Madam Li so distant and formal? You always cause trouble. What's the trouble?"
You've been staying with us for so long, and your whole family's health has improved so much!
My second brother and I know about this. So we'll see you once to thank you.
For someone so young, what they say is really unpleasant to hear!
"Qingwu also told me a few days ago that the little girl is not related to our family as much as the Li family."
It looks nice, but it's always so polite.
"Why do I ask you this?"
"Uh... huh?"
"No... no~"
"I don't consider myself distant from you, but I always feel that you are too distant."
Second brother has hit the nail on the head. I'd like to hear why.
"Tell me the truth!"
"Um~ I know I can't fool you two with lies, so I'll tell you the truth. Please don't be angry, gentlemen."
You still need to give me the plan~
"Of course, you tell me!"
The top student glanced at Shen Huai.
"My lords, I've been too busy at your residence!"
Think about it carefully.
Since I went to the Duke's mansion, I've been busy from morning till night every day after I come back from work.
How many people are in the Duke's mansion?
How many people are in the Marquis's mansion?
While I was in the Duke's mansion, did I ever sleep before 9 PM?
Apart from the young master, the other people in the Marquis's mansion only require daily care, totaling six people including the concubines.
You can count the Duke's mansion yourselves; there are over twenty concubines, not even counting the young master's maids.
Since I've taken on this job, I naturally want to do it well.
When I had free time at the Marquis's residence, I often chatted with Madam Li and read stories with the young master while basking in the sun.
Or I might read books and practice acupuncture while the young master watches and plays nearby.
At the Duke's mansion, the two gentlemen!
I've never been idle!
I wanted to resign before the Lunar New Year last year, but I couldn't bear to see such a beautiful woman like the Crown Princess so upset~
Children are indeed more prone to illness in winter, which is why I only resigned a few days ago.
Aside from work, I am only slightly closer to the two gentlemen in the Duke's mansion.
I enjoy listening to your discussions as we work shifts together every day.
Although the young master was somewhat cynical, he was never ambiguous when it came to matters of vital importance to the people.
The Crown Prince's wife was treated with respect and consideration.
On behalf of the Crown Princess, I'd like to say that she's fully recovered. Congratulations, Your Highness!
"We could consider having another son or daughter."
The prince chuckled and tapped Shen Huai on the head with his folding fan.
Where is Third Master?
He was incredibly learned, not only knowing how to govern the country and maintain peace, but also having a deep understanding of the small matters concerning people's livelihoods.
Rumor has it that he was a prodigy from a young age, but he never surpassed others.
Everything is clear at a glance.
But they never looked down on us ordinary people, and genuinely helped us.
So it's not that you're unfamiliar with us, it's that you're not familiar with any of us yet!
Second brother, thinking about it carefully, after Wuya came to our house, she really did...
So that's how it is~
Once you've sorted things out at home this time, come back and do less housework, spend more time together~
Since you said Qingwu is much better, we should have good news when you come back after you've finished your business.
"At that time, no one else will care; they'll only care about my family and my parents."
"Second brother, you just throw me away like that?"
Everyone in the car burst into laughter.
Phi-Fic