"Greetings to Father, Mother."
The person who came out from behind the bushes was Prince Ning, Pei.
Surprisingly, they were also in the garden and happened to hear the conversation between Gu Jiu and the other two.
It turned out that Pei took out the regulations and finally persuaded King Ning to agree to cut the expenses.
However, Pei was worried that things would not go smoothly, so she persuaded Prince Ning to go to Chunhe Hall.
Then everyone was summoned and King Ning announced the matter of cutting expenses.
With Prince Ning in charge, I believe no one would dare to object.
Prince Ning stared at Gu Jiu and said, "It's amazing that you can consider the overall situation. Others would be worried when they hear about the cost of cutting."
Gu Jiu took the opportunity to say, "My daughter-in-law also wants to share the worries of my father and mother."
Prince Ning nodded approvingly, "You are thoughtful."
After a pause, he continued, "During these difficult times, extravagance and waste are strictly prohibited in the palace. You two should learn from Dalang's wife and stop being so obsessed with your own little piece of land and how much you're losing by cutting expenses. You should think more about the palace. The Ministry of Revenue is clearing up the arrears of many years, and yet the palace is still wasting money. How can this be justified?"
Ouyang Fu and Xiao Qin'er were both too cowardly to speak.
Prince Ning is naturally majestic. Who dares to contradict him when he speaks?
Pei was delighted. This time, the prince was finally on her side. With this in mind, the matter of cutting the expenses was inevitable, and no one could stop it.
Prince Ning snorted again, "Everyone, follow me to Chunhe Hall to discuss matters."
"Yes, sir."
Prince Ning walked in front.
Pei followed and reminded Xiao Qin'er, "Watch your mouth and don't talk nonsense."
Xiao Qin'er nodded aggrievedly, "My daughter-in-law listens to my mother."
Pei looked at Gu Jiu again with a complicated look in her eyes.
Unexpectedly, the eldest daughter-in-law, who came from the humblest family, turned out to be the most knowledgeable among the three daughters-in-law.
She thought about it and said to Gu Jiu, "You follow too."
Gu Jiu nodded in acceptance of the order.
Ouyang Fu sighed quietly and whispered, "It seems that the matter of cutting expenses is inevitable and irreversible."
Princess Huyang was also a person who could not accomplish anything. She could be a troublemaker, but it was obviously impossible for her to influence the thoughts of the prince and princess.
Gu Jiu said: "Since it is irreversible, why not think carefully about what to do next."
Ouyang Fu smiled softly, "Sister-in-law is far-sighted. We all just complain, and we are far worse than her."
Xiao Qin'er didn't like to hear this.
"Second sister-in-law is too self-deprecating. According to you, we are all stupid and only eldest sister-in-law is smart?"
Ouyang Fu looked remorseful. "Look at me, I said the wrong thing again. Fourth sister-in-law, please don't take it personally."
Xiao Qin'er snorted and said to Gu Jiu, "Sister-in-law is just lucky."
Gu Jiu smiled faintly, "Fourth sister-in-law is right, I am indeed luckier than ordinary people. However, luck is also a part of strength."
Xiao Qin'er's expression changed again and again.
Gu Jiu ignored her and took his men straight to Chunhe Hall.
Everyone in the mansion was notified and came to Chunhe Hall. The hall was full.
Even the Third Young Master and the Third Lady, who rarely appeared in public, actually came out.
The third wife, Mrs. Cai, is in poor health and has been recuperating.
She looked pale and frail.
It was almost March and the weather was getting warmer, but she was still wearing thick winter clothes, and her lips were purple and bloodless.
Looking at the third young master Liu Yan, he also had a pale face like a ghost, and looked sickly as if he had not seen the sun for a long time.
The couple sat on the wide chairs, feeling like a child sitting on a large stool, unable to fill the space.
In the past, Gu Jiu had almost no contact with the third young master and his wife.
Even when she was offered tea the next day after she moved in, the two men did not show up.
Now looking at them up close, it seems that the health of these two people is not good.
"Now that everyone is here, I will tell you about the next arrangements."
Everyone in the room held their breath and looked towards Prince Ning.
King Ning's gaze swept across everyone's face one by one, his deep eyes seemed to have the ability to see through people's hearts.
Many people lowered their heads subconsciously after being glanced at by Prince Ning.
Prince Ning's face was expressionless, his dignity evident even without anger. "The Ministry of Revenue is clearing its arrears. You all know this. Externally, the palace owes the Ministry of Revenue a huge sum. Internally, the palace's income is insufficient to cover its expenses.
If no method is found to curb it, the palace will follow in the footsteps of the Princess Huyang's mansion and end up spending money that is not available in the current year.
You all know the situation of Princess Huyang's Mansion without me having to tell you.
This prince also believes that no one wants the prince's palace to fall to the level of a princess's mansion.
When Princess Huyang falls into trouble, at least she still has me to rely on. If I were to fall into trouble, who would I rely on?
"By then, where would the fur be attached if the skin is gone? Therefore, the prince and the princess have discussed and decided that from now on, the royal palace will cut back on expenses."
Here we come!
It’s finally here!
But I didn't expect that Pei could really convince the prince and have him endorse this matter.
No one spoke, but everyone was uneasy.
Many people secretly exchanged glances and shook their heads slightly.
The prince has spoken, who dares to disobey?
Pei coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention to herself. "Regarding cutting expenses, we'll address this from two perspectives. First, we'll cut staff. In each courtyard, at least 10% of the staff must be laid off."
Lay off 10% of the employees?
Everyone was talking about it.
“Isn’t that a bit too much?”
“Are we really going to lay off people?”
"Please, Princess, take back your order."
"My courtyard is already short of staff, and if we cut 10% of the staff, wouldn't that be a complete mess?"
"Shut up!" Pei glared at him angrily. "This matter is decided by the prince. Who dares to disobey?"
Everyone looked at each other.
Chen Liangyuan looked at Prince Ning and said, "Your Highness, are you really going to lay off the staff? There are only about ten people serving in my courtyard. Everyone does their job well, and there are no slackers. It's really hard to know where to start with laying off the staff!"
Prince Ning snorted twice and said without any room for negotiation: "Do as the princess orders."
Chen Liangyuan was shocked.
The prince doted on her the most and always granted her every request. Why did he ignore her request this time?
Pei was extremely happy. Do these bitches really think they can do whatever they want just because of the prince's favor?
snort!
Before the royal palace gains benefits, everyone must keep a low profile.
Seeing that Chen Liangyuan was embarrassed, several people who were originally preparing to speak backed off.
"Besides layoffs, I wonder what other measures Her Majesty the Princess has prepared. I'm all ears."
Concubine Shen asked in a soft voice.
Pei said with a stern face, "Secondly, we will cut the monthly allowances of everyone in the mansion, and each courtyard's expenses by 30%."
Cutting expenses by 30% all of a sudden, are we going to force everyone to starve?
For example, the East Courtyard where Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao lived had a fixed monthly expenditure of 2,000 taels, and if 30% was cut, it would be 600 taels.
With six hundred taels missing in a month, many things became difficult to handle.
Without money, you can't move forward, and the same applies to the royal palace.
If you don’t have money, the servants will ignore you.
"Cutting off 30% of the expenses, isn't that a bit too much? We're not rich to begin with, and we don't have much spare money. If we suddenly cut so much, life will be really difficult for everyone!"
Concubine Shen looked at Prince Ning eagerly.
Prince Ning remained silent, evidently approving of Pei's decision.
Concubine Shen frowned slightly. What kind of magic potion did Pei give to the prince that made him completely stand on Pei's side?
Little did she know that Prince Ning was also helpless.
Without money, a hero will lose his courage.
Before coming up with a new way to increase revenue, King Ning didn't dare to show off and said everything would remain the same. He could only follow Pei's advice.
After all, Pei's starting point was good. In a year, at least 50,000 to 60,000 taels of silver could be saved for the palace.
Therefore, there was no reason for Prince Ning not to support Pei's decision.
Concubine Luo asked, "I have a question, but I don't know if I should tell you."
Prince Ning nodded. "Speak now. Everyone is welcome to speak freely today. I will not pursue any matter."
Concubine Luo bowed slightly, "Then I would like to ask, does the tailoring staff and tailoring expenses include the prince, the princess, and the Princess Huyang?"
Yes!
Don't just focus on cutting everyone's expenses. As a prince and princess, shouldn't you set an example?
Concubine Luo smiled sheepishly, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, Princess. I'm just curious, so I asked this. If there's anything inappropriate, just pretend I never said anything."
Pei's face was stern. "I was about to tell you that not only Chunhe Hall, but even the Prince's Bixi Pavilion will be reducing staff and spending as required. Does anyone have any objections?"
Concubine Luo asked cautiously, "Is Princess Huyang the same as everyone else?"
“Ahem…”
Prince Ning coughed twice.
He regrets his decision.
I accidentally fell into Huyang's trap.
I promised Huyang two days ago that I would never cut the expenses of the three of them, mother and son. How could I go back on my word now?
He said loudly: "Huyang is a guest, she is not included."
Everyone exchanged glances, feeling dissatisfied.
Pei was equally dissatisfied. Hu Yang, that troublemaker, was always causing trouble for her. She had to find a way to drive Hu Yang back to the Princess's Mansion.
It's not like I don't have a place to live. Is it appropriate for me to stay in the palace all day?
Prince Ning said directly, "This matter has been decided and cannot be changed. Everyone must cooperate with the princess. Anyone who dares to disobey will be severely punished by this prince."
Once these words were spoken, no matter how many opinions one had, they had to be kept to themselves.
"that……"
Suddenly someone made a faint sound.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and found that it was the Third Lady who had little presence.
The third wife, Mrs. Cai, coughed several times, holding her chest with her hands, and her lips became more and more purple.
Gu Jiu looked and wondered if the Third Madam had a heart disease.
After Cai finished coughing, she said softly, "Father, Mother, my daughter-in-law and the young master have been taking medicine all year round. Should we also cut this money?"
Pei frowned slightly.
Prince Ning was very straightforward. "In the Third Courtyard, only the staff will be reduced and the monthly allowance will be lowered. No need to cut expenses. Medical care will remain the same."
Cai felt relieved, "Thank you for your mercy, father."
Concubine Luo suddenly asked, "Your Majesty, are the expenses for the three girls also going to be cut?"
Prince Ning did not hesitate at all and said, "Dismiss as requested."
"But……"
"No buts. Old Five and Old Six are no exceptions."
The fifth and sixth sons were not married yet, nor had they taken up any official posts. They lived on their monthly allowance.
Once their expenses are cut by 30%, their lives will indeed become more difficult.
In the past, you could spend money lavishly, but in the future you will have to tighten your belt and live a frugal life.
For a moment, everyone in the hall was filled with gloom.
Everyone likes promotions and salary increases, and hates demotions and salary cuts.
However, there is no permanent wealth, so we must always prepare for a rainy day.
After the matter was done, King Ning prepared to leave.
He said to Pei: "Princess, I'll trouble you with the rest."
Pei bowed and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely see this through."
"This king believes in the princess's ability."
Prince Ning stood up and left, taking a group of people with him.
Everyone was confused. Was the palace really so poor that it couldn't even make ends meet?
“Ahem…”
Pei coughed loudly to alert everyone and to show her presence.
Seeing everyone's attention on her, Pei said, "Within three days, everyone will submit a list of the people to be laid off from their respective courtyards. Then, I will arrange for someone to take care of it all."
Concubine Shen asked, "Is three days too short?"
Pei's face was stern. "Who can be kept around you and who needs to be laid off, Concubine Shen, don't you have a clear idea in your mind? If you can't make up your mind, I will make the decision for you. Anyway, the list is in the accounting office, how about recruiting people directly according to the list?"
Concubine Shen smiled awkwardly, "I dare not trouble your majesty to worry about this. I will handle this matter on time."
Pei nodded, "This is very good."
Concubine Wen asked again, "Excuse me, Your Majesty, how should we reduce the staff in the kitchen, sewing, and other places? And who should be in charge?"
Xiao Qin'er and Ouyang Fu both pricked up their ears, as this was exactly what they were concerned about.
Pei's eyes swept across everyone's face.
She only said, "This matter has already been planned by the princess. The fourth daughter-in-law will be in charge of the sewing room, the second daughter-in-law will be in charge of the courtyard, Concubine Shen, you will be in charge of the gatehouse and sweeping, Concubine Luo, you will be in charge of the storeroom. The outer courtyard and the central courtyard will be under the charge of the housekeeper. As for the kitchen..."
The kitchen is the most important and also the most difficult place to deal with.
Everyone was very curious. Could it be that the princess was going to deal with those people in the kitchen herself?
Pei's gaze swept across everyone and finally landed on Gu Jiu's face.
"Dalang's wife, I'll leave the kitchen to you. Can you handle it?"
Gu Jiu nodded in acceptance, "I, your daughter-in-law, will do my best and will not disappoint your mother's expectations."
Pei nodded. "That's very good. I will hand over the kitchen to you and you will be responsible for all matters in the kitchen. In addition, I will send people to inspect everywhere. If anyone is found to be corrupt, taking advantage of the situation, or taking advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble, they will be severely punished."
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone bowed and accepted the order.
Pei waved her hand and said, "Everyone, please leave and submit the list of names of your respective courtyards in three days."
Everyone stood up and left.
Everyone was in a bad mood and had no intention of talking. They left Chunhe Hall in a hurry.
Ouyang Fu was in no hurry to leave.
She stayed and waited for Gu Jiu.
"Is there anything that's bothering you, sister-in-law?"
Gu Jiu nodded. "With my young master away, it's a lot of trouble just to lay off staff. Not to mention the kitchen, which I'm not familiar with at all. Is there anything my second sister-in-law can teach me?"
Ouyang Fu looked embarrassed. "I want to help my sister-in-law, but I'm not familiar with the kitchen. You should consult Nanny Qin, who is by my mother's side. She's an elder in the mansion, and there's nothing she doesn't know about."
Gu Jiu nodded with a smile, "Thank you for your guidance, second brother and sister-in-law."
Ouyang Fu left in a hurry, using the excuse that she was busy.
Qingmei asked quietly, "Madam, do you really want to ask Aunt Qin for advice?"
"Of course, there's no need to ask Aunt Qin."
There are ready-made people in the East Courtyard, so Gu Jiu doesn't use them and goes to ask Nanny Qin for advice instead of going to the nearest place. But he is not that stupid.
"Second Madam suggested that Madam consult Nanny Qin. I wonder what her intentions are."
Nanny Fang snorted coldly, very dissatisfied with Ouyang Fu.
Gu Jiu waved her hand, "Madam, there's no need to be angry. It's still early today, so get ready and go to Zongzheng Temple to see the young master."
If he wanted to lay off people from the East Courtyard, Gu Jiu had to discuss it with Liu Zhao first.
Some people may seem useless on the surface, but they may be kept by Liu Zhao on purpose, with the intention of keeping them for future use.
Therefore, she could not rashly lay off the people in the East Courtyard, and had to inform Liu Zhao first.
Return to the East Courtyard.
Qingmei and the others were busy preparing clothes, books, and food to take to Zongzheng Temple.
The servant reported that it was Aunt Sun who wanted to see her.
Aunt Sun was Liu Zhao's wet nurse, so Gu Jiu had to give her some respect.
She ordered the servants, "Please invite Aunt Sun in."
A moment later, Aunt Sun was invited to the side hall.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Auntie, please take a seat. How come you have time to come to my place today?"
Aunt Sun was a little uneasy. "I heard that the mansion is going to lay off staff. Is this finalized?"
Gu Jiu nodded slightly, "It's already been decided."
Aunt Sun swayed from side to side as if nails had grown under her buttocks. She asked nervously, "Has Madam decided who to lay off?"
Gu Jiu shook his head, "I haven't thought about it yet. Does Auntie have any opinions?"
Madam Sun leaned forward and said, "If you trust me, Madam, I have a list of names here. They are all the people who are always stirring up trouble, being sneaky, and breaking the rules."
"Oh? Auntie is so loyal that she prepared the list so early."
Gu Jiu always had a smile on her face, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
