New Year’s Eve, the family reunion.
The kitchen starts preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner in the morning and is busy until dark.
Gu Jiu followed the eldest wife Zhang early in the morning and took care of miscellaneous matters in the mansion.
There were more than two hundred servants in the Gu Mansion, and hundreds more working in the shops and farms.
The servants have worked hard for a year and are looking forward to a prosperous year.
Zhang taught the girls, "This year's harvest in the mansion is the same as last year, but considering that the second wife's family has returned to Beijing from the northwest, this year's rewards for the servants in the mansion will be 10% more than last year.
The shop had a good harvest this year, and the tips they received were 20% more than last year.
Although the harvest has decreased this year, the rewards cannot be reduced and must be based on last year's amount."
Gu Zhen hurriedly asked, "Why is the village maintaining last year's reward amount even though production has been reduced? Please enlighten me, aunt. I don't quite understand the logic behind this."
Zhang smiled and looked at Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, tell me why."
Gu Jiu bowed slightly and said, "I'll just say this for now. If I'm wrong, please correct me, Aunt."
"No problem, just tell me."
Gu Jiu pondered for a moment and said, "As far as I know, our Gu family has a total of twelve farms outside.
The nearest village is two hours away from the capital, and the farthest village is in a water town thousands of miles away.
No matter how far or near these manors are, the common point is that we cannot manage them personally, and we can only hope that the manor heads and managers will be more attentive and think more about the government.
To make the village heads and managers work hard, it is not enough to just talk about it, there must be practical benefits.
If their year-end bonus is reduced because the farm's production has slightly decreased this year, I am afraid that by next year and the year after, the farm's production will be even less.
In the final analysis, it was all about using a little money to maintain people's hearts. If people's hearts were not scattered, these farms would have enough output to provide the government with a little harvest every year.
If there is a famine, the importance of these manors is self-evident. With these manors, even if there is a disaster for three years, there is no need to worry about having no food to eat.
The eldest wife, Zhang, nodded repeatedly. "Xiaojiu is right. From now on, you will be the stewards of the household. At the end of the year, when you reward the servants, you don't have to be too generous, but you can't be too stingy either, lest you discourage people. As long as there are no major mistakes, just follow the usual practice."
Gu Zhen looked as if she had been taught something. "Thank you for your teachings, auntie. I understand."
The eldest wife, Zhang, smiled and said, "I'm glad you understand. The rewards for the shop and the farm were distributed a few days ago. Today, I'm only distributing rewards to the servants in the mansion. You should stay with me and watch and learn more."
"yes!"
Because they were busy preparing for the New Year, the servants in the mansion came to the meeting hall in batches to receive rewards.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, personally delivered the sealed rewards to each servant and tirelessly gave them advice, hoping that they would work hard in the coming year.
The servants bowed in response, and each of them held the reward with a happy smile on their face.
Of course, there are also some individuals who are a little upset because the rewards did not meet their expectations.
Zhang would always comfort them and encourage them to work harder in the coming year and strive for more rewards.
Seeing this, Gu Yue muttered quietly, "It's really a waste of time to meet with every servant. When my mother was the housekeeper in the northwest, she would let the housekeepers distribute the rewards. It was quick and easy. I think my aunt's method is useless and wastes time."
Gu Shan whispered, "Auntie, there's a reason for that. I think it's not a bad idea, even though it takes a bit of time."
Gu Yue looked at Gu Jiu and said, "Second sister, my aunt always praises you, saying that you are sensible, polite, and smart. So, tell me, is what my aunt did good or bad?"
Gu Jiu smiled softly and said, "The servants in the mansion are quite a lot, more than 200 people. But compared with the Marquis' Mansion, it's just average.
With such a small number of people, it is completely feasible to take some time to meet with each servant as long as there is enough time.
If time is tight, you can gather all the servants together and give them a collective lecture.
In my opinion, as long as the method is useful and effective, use it. There is no need to stick to one method.
Gu Zhen nodded, agreeing with Gu Jiu's statement, "Second sister is right. We've already finished all the work we need to do. All that's left is to reward the servants and have the New Year's Eve dinner. It wouldn't be a big deal to spend some time chatting with them."
Seeing that everyone was disagreeing with her, Gu Yue curled her lips with a look of disdain.
After finishing this matter, Zhang asked everyone to go back to their rooms to rest and have the New Year's Eve dinner together in the evening.
Gu Jiu brought the maids back to Zhilan Courtyard.
She smiled and asked, "How much reward did you get? Let me open my eyes."
Qingzhu said, "Miss, please don't joke around. The little reward we got is not enough to broaden your horizons."
Gu Jiu laughed and said, "Tell me about it. I just want to know the rules in the capital."
Qingmei smiled and said, "Since you want to know, young lady, I will tell you. I and Qingmei received a reward of one tael and five qian of silver. Xiaocui and Wang Yi received one tael of silver. The maids received rewards ranging from two hundred to eight hundred wen."
Gu Jiu nodded, and had a rough understanding of the amount of the year-end reward.
Then she said, "This year, I have prepared New Year's red envelopes for you all."
Several maids were stunned.
Qingmei was the first to speak: "Young lady, you are joking, right? We have already received the reward from the first wife, how can we ask for more reward from you? Besides, you are short of money and need to spend money everywhere. There is no need for reward or anything like that."
"Yes, my lady is not well off either, so there is no need to give additional rewards to the servants."
Several maids all mean the same thing.
Gu Jiu is still poor, so he shouldn't pretend to be rich. Saving money is the right thing to do.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "You guys really underestimate me. Although I'm short of money, I'm not so poor that I can't even give out the reward money.
It’s just that the expenses were high this year, and I spent all the money I earned with great difficulty.
But next year, I promise to give each of you a big red envelope, so that you can make a small fortune."
"Young lady, are you really going to reward the servants with silver?"
Gu Jiu nodded. She had already prepared the red envelopes, wrapped in red paper, four in total.
Qingmei, Qingzhu and Xiaocui each received the same amount of red envelopes, two taels each.
Wang Yixin came and only got one or two taels.
Gu Jiu said, "Hurry up and take it. Don't think it's too little."
"How dare this servant complain that it's too little? The reward the young lady gave you is too much."
Qingmei was a little excited, and her eyes were slightly moist.
Xiao Cui burst into tears. "I have done so many things worse than pigs and dogs in the past, but I never thought I could get a reward from you, young lady. And it was two taels at a time. Young lady, the reward you gave me is too much. I cannot accept it."
Xiao Cui said this and was about to return the red envelope to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu blocked her hand and said, "You are not allowed to return it. I have no right to take back what I have given you. This is what you deserve, you can accept it with peace of mind."
Qingmei wiped the corners of her eyes and said, "This is a token of the girl's heart, let's all accept it. Come, let's kowtow to the girl together and wish her a prosperous new year and all the best."
The four maids knelt down together and kowtowed to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu pulled them and said, "Get up, there's no need to do this."
The four maids stood up, and Qingzhu said, "Miss, I will make you lots of delicious food and beautiful clothes in the future."
Xiao Cui also said: "No matter what information the young lady wants to find out, I will take care of it. I am a true gossip."
Ha ha……
Everyone laughed.
It’s the last day of the year and everyone is happy.
At dinner time, the first and second wives gathered in the hall. Even the concubines came out.
Of course, Mr. Gu is also indispensable.
It's winter and snow has started falling outside.
I didn’t expect the snow in Beijing to come so late this year.
Mr. Gu didn't mind the cold and came wearing a thin robe.
"Where's the wine? Bring me some wine."
As soon as Mr. Gu arrived at the flower hall, he started clamoring for a drink.
The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, frowned and said, "Father, today is New Year's Day. You should at least act like an elder. Just think of it as serving the younger generation for half a year."
Old Master Gu blew his beard and glared, "What do you think I should do? You unfilial son, you idiot, get out of here, get out of here as far as you can. I get so angry when I see you two brothers. Giving birth to you two brothers is the most unfortunate thing that has ever happened to me in my life."
Lord Gu and the eldest master Gu Zhiming both looked depressed.
Lord Gu had a gloomy expression on his face. He had not forgotten that he was kicked out a few days ago.
Today is New Year's Day, and he really doesn't want to get angry.
Lord Gu sighed and simply sat farther away so he wouldn't have to worry about it.
Gu Jiu quietly instructed the maid, "Bring two jars of wine to the old man."
After saying this, he stuffed a purse into the maid's hand.
The maid got the benefit and hurried to get the wine.
Mr. Gu was clamoring to drink, but no one paid any attention to him.
Mr. Gu was so angry that he smashed the table.
"You are all unfilial descendants. I know you wish I would die sooner so that I can make room for you."
The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, frowned. "Father, today is New Year's Day, please stop making trouble. Look at the children, they are all scared by you."
The boys and girls in the eldest wife's house were not frightened, as they were used to it.
Everyone in the Second House was a little nervous. After all, they weren't used to this kind of thing.
Old Master Gu picked up the wine glass and threw it at the head of the eldest master Gu Zhiming.
The master quickly dodged.
Old Master Gu chased after him and said, "I will beat you to death, you unfilial son."
When the eldest wife Zhang saw the eldest master being beaten, she could no longer sit still. She immediately stood up and rushed over to protect her husband.
At this moment, Gu Jiu shouted, "The wine is here, please drink, old man."
When he heard about drinking, Mr. Gu stopped and laughed.
He deliberately glanced at Gu Jiu and said, "Second girl is really filial."
Mr. Gu stopped making a fuss when he had some wine to drink.
The eldest master Gu Zhiming covered his head and took a deep breath.
Mr. Gu is already old, but I didn’t expect that hitting someone still hurts so much.
Master Gu asked with concern, "Brother, are you okay?"
Master Gu shook his head and said, "Don't worry about me, second brother. I'm fine. It's getting late. Everyone, please sit down and serve the food quickly."
When the food and wine were served, Lord Gu and the eldest master Gu Zhiming started drinking.
The two brothers felt the same way. Having such an unreasonable father, they could only wish for the best.
The eldest wife, Zhang, quietly asked Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, were you the one who asked the maid to bring wine to the old man?"
Gu Jiu didn't deny it and said frankly, "The old man is addicted to alcohol. He feels uncomfortable if he doesn't drink for a day. Today is Chinese New Year, so I thought, at least let the old man drink to his heart's content. He will be happy and won't bother anyone."
After observation, Gu Jiu has confirmed that Mr. Gu has a serious alcohol dependence.
Fortunately, the alcohol content of the wine that Mr. Gu drank was not high, far inferior to the 50-60 alcohol liquor of later generations.
The alcohol that Mr. Gu drank was probably only about 10 to 20 degrees.
It was probably because the alcohol content was not high, so Mr. Gu had the energy to make such trouble after drinking.
The eldest wife, Zhang, said, "The old man gets drunk and crazy. In the future, try to stop him from drinking and don't indulge him."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I will listen to my aunt. I acted on my own today, so please punish me."
Zhang said, "There's no need to punish you. You mean well. But don't do this again."
As everyone ate and drank, the atmosphere gradually became lively.
The second and first wives toasted each other, and the younger generations toasted the older generations, and the noise went on for a long time.
After eating the New Year’s Eve dinner and clearing away the banquet, everyone stayed up together again to welcome the New Year.
The adults gathered together to talk, while the girls and boys had fun on their own.
The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, sighed, "This year is rare. The old man only made a scene once. In previous years, during the New Year's Eve dinner, the old man would make a scene from dusk till midnight."
The eldest wife, Zhang, agreed, "This year is indeed rare."
After Mr. Gu finished his New Year’s Eve dinner, he took a few concubines back to his room to indulge himself.
At that time, everyone looked relieved.
If Mr. Gu remains like this in the future, we should really thank God.
Lord Gu frowned, still feeling unhappy.
"When will the old man stop making such a fuss? Big brother, big sister-in-law, is there nothing you can do?"
The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, said, "Second brother, since you came back, the old man has been less noisy.
Ask the servants in the mansion. Before your family returned to the capital, the old man would make a small noise every three days and a big noise every five days.
The whole mansion was in turmoil. That scene, haha, I don’t know how your sister-in-law and I managed to get through it all these years.”
The eldest wife, Zhang, glared at him and said, "There's no need to talk about the past. The old man is getting older, and he spends all day drinking or hanging out with his concubines. His body will be hollowed out sooner or later." By then, he wouldn't be able to make a fuss even if he wanted to.
The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, nodded. "Thinking this way may be unfilial, but I still hope that the old man will grow old quickly and stop making trouble."
The master must have been drunk to the point of saying such unfilial words.
The eldest wife, Zhang, quickly gave the eldest master a bowl of sobering soup and complained, "He started talking nonsense after drinking two ounces of cat urine. He's the old man, the elder."
There are some things that can be said but not done.
But some things can only be done, not said.
This is a matter of filial piety. How can the master talk nonsense in front of others and give people a chance to criticize him?
Xie's eyes rolled around and her mind had already drifted away.
Mr. Gu’s body is drained. Does this mean that he is about to die?
Once the old man passes away, the first and second wives will definitely have to separate and can no longer live together.
If nothing unexpected happens, this mansion will be inherited by the eldest son.
Or they could follow the way the Marquis's mansion was divided, dividing the mansion into two and building a wall in the middle.
Xie Shi wanted to continue living here. Apart from anything else, the land of the Gu Mansion was a prime location in the capital, and it was impossible to buy it even with money.
However, if the mansion was divided into two, the space would be too cramped and small, and Xie was not happy about it.
Xie thought that while the old man was still alive and the two families had not yet separated, she should quickly use the public funds to buy a house outside, preferably one not far from the Marquis' Mansion.
Once the two families separate, the second wife can move in directly.
In addition, after the New Year, she and Zhang had to manage the household together. Otherwise, Zhang would embezzle all the public funds, and when the family was divided, the second branch would be left with nothing.
Xie's calculations were clacking, and she had already thought about which farms, shops, and servants she would take when the family was divided.
There are also valuable items in the warehouse, such as calligraphy and paintings, which must be carefully selected.
The eldest wife has been taking advantage of us for so many years. When the family is divided, we must not let her continue to take advantage.
No matter what, the second wife should get a larger share of the property.
Moreover, the second wife has many children, and whether it is marrying them off, it will be a huge expense.
Thinking of the huge dowry and betrothal gifts, Xie's heart ached.
She gritted her teeth and made a decision. She had to finalize all the children's marriages before Mr. Gu passed away.
Those who should get married should get married, and those who should be married should be married home as soon as possible.
As long as the family remains together, the Duke will have to bear part of the dowry and betrothal gifts. This way, the pressure on the Second House will be much less.
Xie praised herself for her cleverness, saying that she had really planned everything out.
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