"Ever since you took over the family business, there have been complaints from the people below. Even I've heard quite a few. Do you think this is just their fault? You can punish one person, but can you punish everyone? Can you make everyone stop talking about this?"
Although Fu Yu's voice was not loud, every word seemed heavy as if pressing on Su Qiulu's heart, making her feel unprecedented pressure.
"My Lord, I will correct my mistakes in the future."
Su Qiulu lowered her head and responded in a low voice, with a hint of helplessness and unwillingness in her words.
She knew her management style might need improvement, but hearing such accusations still made her feel very uncomfortable.
"Those who do good deeds will have their descendants blessed, while those who do evil will suffer disaster. Our Duke's Mansion has always been known for its kindness and generosity, which is obvious to all and well-known. If everyone thinks Wen Zhu is easier to get along with, then perhaps you can let Wen Zhu assist you in handling some affairs within the mansion."
Sheng Huaiqin spoke slowly, his tone gentle but unyielding.
Su Qiulu suddenly raised her head, her voice filled with strong opposition: "No! How could Wen Zhu be suitable?!"
A hint of anxiety flashed in her eyes, fearing that this change would affect her power and status.
"Isn't she your confidant? Are you doubting her loyalty to you?"
Fu Yu took a sip of tea, raised the corners of his mouth slightly, looked at Su Qiulu with an imperceptible sarcastic smile and asked, his eyes were so sharp that they seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.
"It's not because she's not trustworthy, but I'm worried about whether she's capable enough to handle this responsibility."
Su Qiulu frowned and said, her tone firm, but she couldn't hide the uncertainty in her heart.
"Then you can let her learn how to do things from you. As the head of the family, it is always good to have a few capable assistants around you. Your father has many capable generals assisting him, and your mother relies on Nanny Mei's support. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with using Wen Zhu to help."
Fu Yu's voice rose slightly, sounding somewhat dissatisfied.
"Well, let Wen Zhu try to take charge of some smaller parts."
Su Qiulu bit her lower lip lightly and responded in an almost inaudible voice, her tone showing a mixture of compromise and embarrassment.
"You can start with the garden management work. This way it won't be too difficult for you and will also allow Wenzhu to gradually get used to the responsibility."
Fu Yu made the suggestion calmly, as if giving her one last chance.
"Understood."
Su Qiulu nodded slightly to show her acceptance, her voice so soft that it almost disappeared, as if she had finally made a concession after struggling.
"In addition to this, you must personally deliver some silver and clothing to Steward Lin's home. If this dispute can be resolved this time, it will be fine. However, if any further provocation occurs, all family finances will no longer be under your sole control, and Mother will once again take over the entire mansion."
When Fu Yu spoke the last few sentences, his tone became more severe, indicating that his attitude was firm and unquestionable.
"I see."
Su Qiulu tried hard to control her emotions and not let the tears of grievance overflow from her eyes.
She slowly stood up, took a deep breath, and then, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, left the room.
The yard was silent. Even Wen Zhu, who was usually seen, was nowhere to be seen, which made Su Qiulu even more upset.
She walked straight towards her courtyard, and every step felt as heavy as if it was stepping on her heart.
After entering the yard, he slammed the door shut and began to destroy the furniture crazily to vent the anger and resentment that had been pent up in his heart for a long time.
"For such an ungrateful little maid, I, as the principal wife, have completely lost face! Fu Yu has been bewitched by something and cannot see the truth at all!"
After venting for a while, Su Qiulu finally stopped. She fell weakly on the soft big bed, staring at the ceiling with empty eyes, and waves of sadness and helplessness surged in her heart.
Qingti looked at the broken furniture and scattered items on the floor, and couldn't help but feel like backing out.
But remembering that Liuyan was no longer there and that she was now the only personal maid left by the young lady's side, she mustered up the courage to step forward and, in a slightly trembling voice, tried to comfort her, "Young Madam, our mansion is so large and complex, and the people you have available to you are truly limited. Furthermore, you are still young and have only been in this position for a short time, so naturally you can't immediately establish the prestige that the Madam has accumulated over many years. If the servants don't act according to your wishes, it will inevitably have a negative impact, but that doesn't mean it's all your fault."
After hearing this analysis, Su Qiulu refocused her gaze on Qingti, with a hint of surprise in her eyes, "It turns out you have quite some insights."
"In my opinion, the master actually has pity on you. As a servant who has followed his master for many years, Steward Lin shoulders many important responsibilities, so he had to respond in this matter; but he obviously does not want to punish you directly, so he decided to let someone close to you take over some of the duties. This not only reflects the rules but also gives you face. Besides, Wen Zhu is still your maid after all, so letting her continue to handle some things is actually equivalent to you still being in control of the situation."
Qingti tried to explain in a calm and gentle tone.
"Hmm... Even so, it still feels a little different!"
Su Qiulu glanced at Qingti, then waved her hand to indicate that she could leave first.
Qingti secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and the tension in his heart finally subsided a little.
Just as she was about to leave, Su Qiulu suddenly added, "Remember, I won't go to Lian'er! If she gets herself killed, it has nothing to do with me! You two should go and take 20 taels of silver and two lengths of fine cloth to that family as compensation."
His words revealed an unquestionable firm attitude.
"Understood."
After responding, Qingti left the room with a much lighter step. It was as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his heart, and he felt unprecedented relief.
When Wen Zhu learned that he would be responsible for taking care of the garden affairs, he did not refuse at first. Instead, he showed a happy smile.
This trust was hard-earned, and she understood that it was the young master's recognition of her abilities.
So she secretly vowed in her heart that no matter how great the difficulties were, she would go all out to complete the task and not let anyone down.
The next morning, as soon as the sky brightened, Wen Zhu and Qing Ti were ready and quietly left through a small hidden door on the side of the mansion.
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