Only after rounds of rigorous inspection and evaluation will the suitable candidates be finally selected to be included in the candidate list.
Even their family's indentures were strictly controlled by the Duke's Mansion, entirely to avoid the risk of being bribed.
"That way, even if someone wants to do something bad, the nanny won't dare to act rashly because she's worried about her family."
Wen Zhu respected Aunt Mei's advice very much and often asked her for advice humbly. Aunt Mei always gave her guidance very patiently.
After all, Nanny Mei had served the Duke's wife for a long time. Through learning and communicating during this period, Wen Zhu felt that she had learned a lot of valuable parenting experience from this experienced Nanny.
After a series of rigorous selection procedures, only six candidates were finally able to remain in office.
"People who are too beautiful or too charming are not acceptable. Their job is to feed the children wholeheartedly and not to have any extravagant desires. People with plain and steady looks are the most suitable choices."
Based on this criterion, only four women who met the requirements entered the next round of screening.
These ladies are now approaching the day of delivery. After they have given birth and rested for three months, they will be able to come to the mansion and take on the important task of breastfeeding the young masters.
Each successful applicant will receive a fixed salary of two taels of silver per month, an amount that actually exceeds the salary of most maids.
In addition, there will be some additional reward items on weekdays, so overall it is indeed a good source of income.
Therefore, these selected candidates showed great enthusiasm to serve the soon-to-be-born little master.
Not only for profit considerations, but if one can diligently take care of the young master, his status in the entire mansion will naturally rise in the future.
All the people who are busy working around the young master will give special attention and respect to this outstanding wet nurse.
Not only that, once her biological children grow up, they will also be able to receive some special help from the well-cared-for and deeply affectionate young master in their future development.
"This method not only allows the wet nurses to devote their full attention to caring for the young master, but also forces them to remain highly alert. If they detect any abnormality, they can immediately take replacement measures."
As Aunt Mei spoke, she smiled slightly at Wen Zhu, who nodded seriously to show her understanding.
"If I hadn't been with Mammy, how would I have learned these skills in judging and employing people?"
Wen Zhu personally made a cup of hot tea for Aunt Mei and handed it to her with both hands.
"Well, I learned all this from Madam. Madam is truly brilliant. I've only learned less than one-tenth of what she has. You have a bright mind and are willing to work hard. If you have the opportunity to learn more from Madam, you will surely make rapid progress."
Aunt Mei took the tea and said with a smile.
According to Aunt Mei's suggestion, all four wet nurses should be kept first to see how their milk supply is before deciding which one to use.
In this way, even if someone wants to bribe the wet nurse to do something bad, it may be a waste of effort and gain nothing.
With Nanny Mei in charge of all matters, everything was in order. Wen Zhu didn't need to worry about anything, whether it was daily diet or other necessities. She just needed to rest assured and her body would slowly recover.
Now, apart from the necessary reception of guests, Fu Yu completes all his reading, writing and even handling of official business in Chunhua Courtyard.
When Wen Zhu slowly walked into the study, Fu Yu motioned her to sit next to him, then held her hand and said softly, "Your mother's identity is not as simple as she said."
"What?"
The sudden words surprised Wen Zhu.
"Your cousin sent people to Changshan and Wencheng to investigate this matter. According to the information they brought back, there was indeed a girl named Song Zhihe in Changshan, the daughter of a wealthy local family. Later, due to a severe natural disaster, her family was robbed by bandits. With no other options, the entire family fled with the refugees to Wencheng. Sadly, Song Zhihe died there due to illness."
"Afterwards, Song Zhihe's parents also managed to flee to the Jiangnan area to make a living. They saved enough money through work and small business to return home. This time, my cousin's men found the two elderly people and asked them in detail about the situation at the time. According to their recollection, in their time of extreme hardship, a girl from Wencheng provided them with food and spoke with them for a few words. It was even this kind girl who helped find a shroud for Song Zhihe's death and properly buried her."
"Are you saying that the kind girl is my biological mother? In other words, she was able to settle down in Wencheng by using the name of the deceased Song Zhihe?"
Hearing such a complicated and tortuous story, Wen Zhu was surprised and his mind was full of questions.
"That's about right."
Fu Yu nodded and replied.
"Then... then who is my real mother?"
Faced with such an unbelievable answer, Wen Zhu felt his thoughts were in chaos.
"According to Wencheng, your mother spoke with a distinct Beijing accent," Fu Yu explained slowly. "She claimed to have come to live with relatives, and her manners were elegant and generous. It seemed that she had once worked as a maid in a wealthy family."
"But... I see that my mother's way of speaking is no different from that of any other village woman. When she was young, she was quite skilled at farm work, and she's not naive like those who grew up in large houses. Furthermore, she has a gentle and kind personality, and doesn't look like someone who's experienced a lot."
Wen Zhu's voice was full of surprise.
After a moment, Wen Zhu seemed to suddenly remember something and asked anxiously, "My dad should know about these things, right?"
"Your father said that when he and your mother met, she called herself Song Zhihe. They got married shortly after they met and worked as small business owners or temporary workers in the Wencheng area for a long time. It wasn't until you were about a year old that your family returned to your hometown here."
Fu Yu answered in a steady tone.
After a moment's silence, Wen Zhu asked apprehensively, "So, does anyone remember anything about my parents' situation in Wencheng County?"
"Over the years, small businesses have opened and closed in the area, and workers have been searching for work to make ends meet. Finding specific information is not easy."
As he spoke, Fu Yu gently shook the other person's hand and continued, "However, Yu Mubai has already sent people to inquire about the news, and is also looking through relevant records about the slaves who escaped from the capital."
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