Chapter 11: Establishing Authority

Two old maids came, one named Zheng and the other named Li. Their hair was combed neatly, their expressions were serious, and their words and actions were meticulous, as if they were measured and looked difficult to get along with.

"I am here by the Emperor's order to serve the young lady for five years."

Yun Zheng frowned slightly, "Only five years?"

Millions of silver can only protect your life for five years? The emperor is too stingy.

"I wonder where the two maids are working?"

Matron Zheng bowed and said in a serious tone, "I am the head matron of Kunning Palace, and I am a fifth-rank official."

Nanny Li bowed and said, "I am the head nanny of the Cining Palace, and I am a fifth-rank nanny."

One is in the Empress Dowager's palace, and the other is in the Queen's palace.

He is a well-known person, but not the most favored one by his master. As a result, he offended someone and was pushed out to take on this tough job.

Before leaving the palace, the master specifically instructed that not only should Yun Zheng be protected, but she should also be disciplined, so that she would behave herself and stop making trouble, as the nobles and the court could not afford to lose face like this.

They were experienced people who had been in the palace for decades. What was there that they didn't understand? They were asked to teach Miss Yun some rules!

Just as they were thinking about how to discipline the eldest daughter of the Yun family, a light laugh was heard.

"I'll have to rely on the two maids from now on."

Yun Zheng directly threw out two stacks of banknotes, "This is a meeting gift, please accept it."

One stack is one thousand taels, two stacks are two thousand taels, it's quite exciting to see it in front of you.

Even the two knowledgeable maids gasped when they saw so many banknotes, and the way they looked at Yun Zheng was different.

The Goddess of Wealth.

Even though they came from the palace, the prosperity of the palace did not belong to these slaves. Their annual salary was 120 taels of silver, but they could not save much money after spending it on daily expenses and social interactions.

It takes twenty years to save up one thousand taels.

"Thank you for the reward, Miss."

Yun Zheng didn't think about making friends with them or building relationships with them. There was no need for that.

What kind of feelings can there be on a first meeting? Adults only talk about business.

"100 taels of silver per month, four sets of clothes per season, four sets of jewelry, a big red envelope at the end of each year, and a house at the end of five years."

The world is bustling with activity, all for the sake of profit; the world is in turmoil, all for the sake of profit. Note (1)

She can't give power, but she has money, so she can use it to attack others. Money can make the world go round.

"And you just need to be the sword in my hand, striking wherever I point it."

The two maids' hearts were pounding and they looked at each other.

There were intrigues and deceptions in the palace, and open and secret struggles. I couldn't even drink water without worry, and I couldn't sleep peacefully at night, for fear that I would be caught up in the palace fighting as soon as I opened my eyes and die in an instant.

Although it looks good, it is actually precarious.

Although life outside the palace is not as glamorous, it is safe.

The two of them bowed and expressed their loyalty, "From now on, I, the old slave, will follow the orders of the young lady."

Yun Zheng's lips curled up slightly, "Very good, but unfortunately, it's only five short years."

Conquering these two old maids is the first step. To a certain extent, they represent the palace, and the Marquis' Mansion must give in to them.

What she has to do now is to use the big banner to cover up her own shortcomings.

The two maids looked at each other, and their mindsets were completely different.

I was reluctant to leave the palace and wanted to go back early, but now I just want to stay a little longer.

It’s definitely not for money, it’s because the new master is kind and generous!

Yun Zheng felt that anything that could be solved with money was not a big deal.

"If I were alive, I would provide for the two old ladies."

The two maids were startled and looked at her at the same time.

Nanny Li's voice trembled slightly. "Are you serious?"

After entering the palace, they were separated from their families and abandoned when they grew old, left to fend for themselves.

Even though they were doing well in the palace, in the eyes of the nobles, they were just cats and dogs that could be discarded at will. How could they consider their retirement issues?

What these people fear most is that they will have nowhere to rely on when they are old and no place to be buried after they die.

Yun Zheng's expression was serious. "Seriously, I keep my word. If I tell even a single lie, I will be punished by heaven and earth."

The two of them had tears in their eyes. For this sentence, and for a peaceful old age, they fought for it.

The two men knelt down at the same time, "Master, this old slave is willing to sacrifice his life for you, no matter what."

Just now she was the eldest lady, and now she is the master. The same title represents different meanings.

Yun Zheng noticed it keenly and raised her eyebrows slightly. At this moment, she felt that she had truly conquered them.

"Madame Zheng, all the household affairs are your responsibility."

Madam Zheng looked at the servants. The rules seemed a bit lax. She patted her chest and assured them, "Master, rest assured. I will take good care of them."

"Madame Li, I'll leave the external affairs to you."

"Yes, I will do the work, don't worry."

Yun Zheng took a sip of honey water to moisten her throat. "What do you think of what happened today?"

The two maids looked at each other, their minds racing.

Before coming, they had already found out everything and were shocked. Both parties were acting so crazy and were not easy to deal with.

But at this time, the most important thing is to guess the master's thoughts.

Should she break off completely with the Marquis's Mansion? Or, should she eliminate her rival through negotiation and become the mistress of the Marquis's Mansion?

Different mindsets require different solutions.

Nanny Zheng spoke tentatively, "Marquis Pingxi has become confused, and his wife is confused. The prince wants it all, he's too greedy..."

Yun Zheng's lips curled up slightly, and Chunlan beside her couldn't help but shouted, "Madam, be careful with your words. The prince is gentle and elegant, talented and handsome, he is a good..."

Madam Zheng's mouth twitched. "Who are you?"

Chunlan held her head high, and said coquettishly, "I am the young lady's maidservant, Chunlan."

Those who can make a name for themselves in the palace are all shrewd people. When Nanny Zheng saw Yun Zheng's indifferent expression, she knew what was going on.

"You are just a servant girl, how dare you interrupt without your master's permission? You are disrespecting your master and will be punished with ten lashes. Come, drag him away and beat him."

The maid came forward and held Chunlan down. Chunlan's face turned pale with fear.

She had never suffered any physical pain.

"I'm not disrespecting you, Master. I'm doing this for your own good. Master, I'm loyal to you, and you know it best."

She urgently begged for help, "Master, save me."

Yun Zheng was playing with the jade bracelet, as if she didn't hear anything.

Aunt Ji saw this and understood that this was a warning to others. "Since this is your first offense, I'll only give you ten lashes to teach you a lesson. If you do it again... you'll be sold off."

Nanny Ji called all the servants over to watch the execution together.

"Pa pa pa." Again and again, the skin and flesh were torn apart.

Chunlan felt as if her body was torn apart, she was in excruciating pain and tears were streaming down her face.

The screams were so shrill and horrible that they frightened everyone to death and made them tremble with fear.

Nanny Ji looked at them coldly, "Everyone, remember, you have only one master, and that is the eldest lady of the Yun family."

She understood that she was the knife in Yun Zheng's hand.

A chamberlain spoke cautiously, "Then, the Marquis' Mansion..."

Once a woman is married, she belongs to her husband's family. They must obey the Marquis's orders.

Nanny Ji had a cold old face and was full of imposingness.

"Your indentures are in the hands of the eldest lady. If you want to find a better husband, you should also consider whether the new owner can protect your entire family."

Looking at Chunlan who was beaten and bleeding, everyone suddenly understood that this was to establish authority and also to tell everyone.

Even if they marry into the Marquis' Mansion, they are still Yun Zheng's people. They must not have any ulterior motives, otherwise this will be the outcome.

If you want to sell out Yun Zheng's interests and go to the Marquis' Mansion, you will be seeking your own death.

Yun Zheng looked at the scene with satisfaction. With a capable helper, she felt much less worried.

After this whole thing, everyone’s little thoughts have been put to rest. Although the power of the Marquis’ Mansion is better, it must be enjoyed by the people, right?

Yun Zheng looked up at the sky and said, "Close the gate. I need to rest."

Chun Xing was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously asked, "Are you not waiting for the prince?"

Yun Zheng glanced at her calmly, and she felt a chill on her back. She immediately shook her head frantically, "I'll go close the door, right now, right away."

After the gate was closed for a while, there was a noise outside.

There was a frantic knock on the door. "Open the door, open the door quickly, the prince is back in the bridal chamber!"

In the courtyard, everyone was dumbfounded and looked at Yun Zheng in unison.

Yun Zheng laughed, the bridal chamber is fake, but the trouble is real, right?

Okay, who’s afraid of who?

"Someone, go get some used foot washing water. The dirtier the better."