Chapter 35: Clear Rewards and Punishments
After dealing with the turmoil involving Steward Qian and others, the Duke's mansion seemed to have been thoroughly cleansed, even the air felt clearer than ever before. The servants moved with extreme caution, and the usual shirking, cheating, and whispering had almost completely disappeared. Su Wanrou clearly felt that her orders were carried out much more smoothly, and the head maids bowed even lower and spoke with far more genuine respect.
However, water that is too clear has no fish. Beneath excessive tranquility often lie subtler ripples. Su Wanrou knew that after establishing authority, she needed to extend kindness, combining firmness and gentleness to truly win people's hearts. Unconditional harshness would only instill fear, not respect.
That day, as she was reviewing the household expenses register that Gu Zhongxin had presented, which had undergone preliminary adjustments, she saw Yunbin enter quietly, her face showing a hint of embarrassment.
“Madam, Zhang Mama from the office has arrived. She says she has something to report, and she looks like she has been wronged.”
Su Wanrou looked up from the booklet. The office was the face of the mansion, handling external communications and relaying messages. Zhang Mama was an old hand there, straightforward and reliable. She put down the booklet: "Let her in."
Zhang Mama followed Yunbin in, her eyes indeed red, as if she had just been crying. She bowed respectfully, her voice choked with emotion before she could speak: "Madam, you must do me justice..."
"What's wrong? Tell me slowly." Su Wanrou said calmly, gesturing for Yunbin to pour her a glass of water.
Madam Zhang wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said angrily, "It's that old woman Wang from the purchasing department! This morning, the kitchen gave us a list to buy some fresh vegetables and two live fish. When Old Woman Wang came back, I checked the weights as usual and found that the fish were clearly underweight, so I asked her a question. Who knew, who knew that Old Woman Wang would jump up and start cursing, saying that I was a scoundrel, that I was making things difficult for her just because I'm in charge, and that I was trying to take advantage of her position... and that I was just trying to show off because I'm in charge of money..."
Su Wanrou listened quietly, already understanding seven or eight parts of the situation. She knew this Granny Wang; she was a servant born into the household, her husband managed the carriages and horses in the outer courtyard, and her son worked at the gatehouse. The family was deeply entrenched, and she often acted arrogantly due to her age. When Steward Qian was around, she had taken advantage of the purchasing to make extra money. Now that Steward Qian was gone and the checks had become stricter, she was being threatened and was using this as an excuse to give the newly established rules a hard time, and also to test the attitude of the new mistress.
In the past, such a minor quarrel would usually have been resolved with a few reprimands from the head maids. But now, Su Wanrou saw something deeper. This was not just a conflict between two servants, but a microcosm of the clash between old and new rules, a test of the remaining forces in the mansion against this purge.
If she lets it go too easily, the reputation she has built up will be tarnished, and those who are still observing will think that the new lady is nothing special, all bark and no bite. If she punishes too severely, she will inevitably leave people with the impression of being mean-spirited, ungrateful, and making a mountain out of a molehill.
"Yunbin, go and invite Uncle Zhong over. Also, quietly call two of the servants who usually go shopping with Granny Wang to come and give us a report," Su Wanrou instructed, her voice low but carrying an undeniable determination.
Seeing how much the lady of the house valued this, Zhang's mother felt somewhat relieved, but also a little uneasy.
A short while later, Gu Zhong rushed over. Su Wanrou briefly explained the situation, and Gu Zhong frowned: "That Granny Wang is always a shrew. Madam, this matter could be a big deal or a small one, what do you think..."
"Uncle Zhong, how much profit do you think there has always been in purchasing?" Su Wanrou asked instead of answering.
Gu Zhong pondered for a moment and said, "Madam, if it's just a matter of cutting corners on the weight and exaggerating a few coins, little by little, it adds up to ten or twenty taels of silver a year. If someone is even more unscrupulous and uses inferior goods to pass off as superior ones, then the amount is even more unpredictable."
Su Wanrou nodded: "The rules in the manor were lax before, which allowed some people to take advantage of the loopholes. Now that we are going to establish new rules, they must be clearly defined so that people will be convinced." She looked at Gu Zhong, "Uncle Zhong, please take some men and search Wang Pozi's house now."
A glint flashed in Gu Zhong's eyes, and he immediately understood Su Wanrou's intention. This wasn't about checking if the fish they had today were enough, but about finding concrete evidence of her embezzlement over the years! He bowed and said, "This old servant understands! I'll take care of it immediately!"
Gu Zhong was extremely efficient; he returned with his men in less than half an hour, followed by two guards carrying a small wooden box. Gu Zhong's face was ashen as he opened the box and presented it to the woman: "Madam, this was found in a hidden compartment under Granny Wang's bed. Besides some loose silver and a few pieces of jewelry of dubious origin, there was also this account book."
Su Wanrou picked up the rough ledger and flipped through it. The ledger contained entries in crooked handwriting, recording the purchases and prices, all significantly below market value, with dates marked beside them. This was clearly a private account of her taking kickbacks and falsifying accounts! While the amount was far less than that of Manager Qian and the others, it had accumulated to a couple hundred taels over the years.
Where are they?
"This old servant has already had Wang Pozi placed under guard, and her husband and son have also been temporarily detained, awaiting Madam's decision."
Su Wanrou closed the ledger, having already made her decision. She said to Zhang Mama, "Zhang Mama, you have been conscientious in your duties and checked the weights and measures according to the rules. You have done nothing wrong. On the contrary, it is because of your conscientiousness that the corrupt officials in the household have been exposed. You have been wronged, so your monthly allowance will be doubled as a reward."
Zhang's mother was overjoyed to not only get justice but also receive a reward. She immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Madam! Thank you, Madam! This old servant will definitely do even better in the future!"
"Get up, this is what you deserve." Su Wanrou told her to step back, then said to Gu Zhong, "Uncle Zhong, pass on my message: summon all servants, regardless of rank, to the second gate immediately."
two
As noon approached, the open space inside the second gate of the Duke's mansion was once again filled with people. The memory of the swift and decisive action a few days ago had not yet faded, and everyone's faces were filled with unease and speculation, wondering who would be unlucky this time.
Su Wanrou remained seated at the head of the table, with Gu Zhong standing beside her. Her gaze calmly swept over the dense crowd, detecting tension, curiosity, and a degree of numbness.
"Bring Granny Wang along." Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the entire area.
Two rough-looking old women escorted Wang Pozi, who was ashen-faced and trembling, to the front. Her husband and son were also tied up and kneeling to one side.
Su Wanrou did not rush to interrogate him. Instead, she had Gu Zhong display the stolen goods and the private account book in public and read aloud several clearly recorded entries. When compared with the public accounts in the mansion, the embezzlement was obvious.
A commotion immediately erupted below. Everyone then realized that today's matter wasn't about a quarrel, but rather the confirmation of Wang Pozi's long-term embezzlement! Those who had initially thought Wang Pozi was just unlucky with her sharp tongue now changed their minds and looked at the young lady at the head of the table with awe.
Granny Wang collapsed to the ground, kowtowing repeatedly: "Madam, spare me! Madam, spare me! This old servant knows her mistake! I was blinded by greed..."
Su Wanrou let her cry and shout for a moment before slowly speaking, her voice carrying a cold authority: "Wang Pozi, as a servant born into the household, you have been deeply favored by the Duke's mansion, yet you do not think of repaying it. Instead, you have taken advantage of the purchasing power to embezzle huge sums of money over a long period of time. When Zhang Mama questioned you according to the rules, instead of showing remorse, you hurled insults and abused the manager. Your behavior is despicable, and your heart deserves to be punished!"
"According to family rules, your entire family of three should be sold off to some desolate place!" Upon hearing this, the cries and pleas for mercy from Granny Wang's family grew even louder, and the crowd below held their breath.
Su Wanrou then changed the subject: "However, considering that your husband and son have served in the household for many years without committing any major offenses, and that neither the Duke nor I are the kind of people who would punish someone without warning, we will give you a chance today."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room to ensure everyone heard her next words: "Wang Pozi's embezzled silver must be repaid at double the amount, deducted from your entire family's monthly allowance until it is paid off. Wang Pozi herself is dismissed from her purchasing position and demoted to a lowly maid, responsible for tasks such as cleaning toilets, as a warning to others! Her son is transferred from the gatehouse to the stables to tend the livestock. Her husband, for failing to properly discipline his wife, will be fined half a year's wages but will be temporarily retained in his original position to observe his future conduct."
This punishment was both severe and lenient. Wang Po herself was severely punished, losing her respectable job and lucrative income, and forced to do the dirtiest and hardest work, but she saved her family from being sold off and left them with a sliver of hope for a future turnaround. The punishment of her husband and son, in particular, showed differential treatment, not simply accusing them of guilt by association.
Upon hearing this, Wang Pozi and her family were overjoyed, as if they had been granted a pardon, and kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude.
Su Wanrou did not stop there. She turned her gaze to the crowd and raised her voice: "You have all seen what happened today! The Duke's Mansion has its own rules! Those who are dutiful and loyal to their master will never be treated unfairly, like Zhang Mama, who was rewarded for uncovering the truth! But if anyone dares to disobey orders, deceive superiors, or line their own pockets, no matter how powerful their background or how senior they are, Wang Pozi's fate today will serve as a warning!"
Her voice was clear and resonant, carrying an undeniable decisiveness: "From this day forward, all officials in the manor must fulfill their duties, and accounts must be made public. Every ten days, the relevant departments will post detailed accounts for public oversight and reporting. If the allegations are verified, the whistleblower will be rewarded! However, anyone who dares to make false accusations or frame others will not be spared!"
Her words, a combination of kindness and severity, were clearly articulated and effectively punished the ringleader while also appeasing the public and establishing lasting rules. The crowd below fell silent, all awestruck by the young woman's precise and shrewd methods.
"Everyone, disperse and do your own thing." Su Wanrou waved her hand, her demeanor composed.
After bowing respectfully, everyone dispersed silently, but their hearts were filled with turmoil. They understood that the situation in the Duke's mansion had truly changed. This young lady not only had the Duke's full support, but also possessed a shrewdness and cunning that rivaled any matriarch.
three
After dealing with Granny Wang, Su Wanrou returned to her room, only then feeling somewhat exhausted. It wasn't physical fatigue, but rather mental exhaustion. Managing the household affairs was far more complex than she had imagined; it required not only understanding people's hearts but also striking the right balance.
She had just taken a sip of tea when Gu Zhong came to report, his face filled with undisguised admiration: "Madam, everything has been arranged. Granny Wang has been sent to where she was supposed to go, and her husband and son have been reprimanded. They are very grateful and have said they will definitely turn over a new leaf."
"Yes, Uncle Zhong, you've worked hard." Su Wanrou put down her teacup and rubbed her temples.
Looking at Su Wanrou's profile, which was still somewhat immature yet already possessed a certain dignity, Gu Zhong was filled with mixed emotions. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Madam, this old servant has something to say, but I don't know if I should."
"Uncle Zhong, please speak freely."
“Madam’s handling of the matter today was just right, combining kindness and severity. However… in doing so, I’m afraid she has completely offended the servants in the household. They are deeply entrenched, and I’m afraid that in the future…” Gu Zhong’s concerns were not unfounded. The servants’ network of relationships was complex and they could not be easily touched.
Su Wanrou smiled faintly: "Uncle Zhong, it is precisely because they are so deeply entrenched that we must take action. If we let them go unchecked simply because of our relationships, the rules will never be established. Today, I severely punished Granny Wang, but I did not exterminate her, which is to send them a signal: if they abide by the rules, the Duke's Mansion will still be their place of refuge; if they do not abide by the rules, even if they are servants, we will not tolerate them. They are smart people and will weigh the consequences."
Gu Zhong suddenly realized and bowed admiringly: "Madam's foresight is beyond my reach."
“It’s not about being far-sighted,” Su Wanrou shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible melancholy. “It’s just about fulfilling one’s duties in this position. Since I’ve taken on this family, I can’t just think about being a good person; I also have to take good care of the family.”
Just then, Mingxuan's clear voice came from outside: "Mother! Mother!"
The curtain was lifted, and Xiao Mingxuan burst in like a little cannonball, followed by his wet nurse with a helpless expression. The child threw himself at Su Wanrou's legs, looking up at her with his little face: "Mother, I've finished writing the calligraphy! Master Gu praised my writing!"
Su Wanrou's tiredness was instantly replaced by a gentle smile. She bent down and picked up Mingxuan (though it was a bit difficult) and placed him on the couch beside her. She took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead: "Really? Our Xuan'er is so great! Mother will check it later. If he writes well, there will be a reward."
"What's the reward?" Mingxuan's eyes sparkled.
"As a reward, how about... having dinner with Father and Mother tonight?" Gu Yangui was busy with military affairs and could not come back to have dinner with them every day.
"Great!" Mingxuan clapped his hands happily, then remembered something and whispered, "Mother, I heard a lot of noise outside just now. Did some bad people make you angry again?"
Su Wanrou's heart stirred, and she said softly, "There are no bad people. It's just that some people don't follow the rules, and Mother is teaching them to follow the rules. Just like Mother is teaching Xuan'er to write properly."
Mingxuan nodded as if he understood, "If you don't follow the rules, you get a slap on the hand! Mother, don't be angry, Xuan'er is the most disciplined!"
The child's innocent words dispelled the last trace of gloom in Su Wanrou's heart. She hugged Mingxuan, thinking that everything she had done today to give this child a peaceful home was worthwhile.
Four
As expected, Gu Yangui returned for dinner. Mingxuan excitedly surrounded his father, telling him what he had learned that day, how he had received praise from his teacher, and then proudly mentioned that his mother had promised to reward him with dinner.
Gu Yangui listened patiently, but his gaze kept falling on Su Wanrou, who was quietly serving the dishes. Today she was wearing a lake-blue casual dress, with only a small pearl flower in her hair. She was not wearing any makeup, and under the lamp she looked exceptionally gentle and quiet, completely unlike the decisive and ruthless person she was when dealing with the unruly servants during the day.
During the meal, Mingxuan chattered away, creating a rare warm atmosphere. After the meal, the wet nurse took Mingxuan to wash up and rest. Only the couple remained in the flower hall.
Gu Yangui put down his teacup and looked at Su Wanrou: "I have heard about what happened in the manor today."
Su Wanrou looked up at him, feeling a little uneasy, wondering how he would evaluate her methods.
But Gu Yangui's lips seemed to twitch slightly, revealing a very faint, almost approving smile: "Clear distinction between reward and punishment, very good."
Those few simple words completely put Su Wanrou's mind at ease, even bringing a touch of sweetness. She lowered her head and whispered, "I hope my husband doesn't think my methods are too harsh."
“Managing a household is like managing an army; strict discipline and clear rewards and punishments are fundamental,” Gu Yangui said. “Too much leniency is indulgence. You did the right thing.”
He paused, then said, "In a few days, a batch of newly arrived melons and fruits will be sent from the imperial estates in the suburbs of the capital. You can decide how to distribute them. If there are any left over, send some to the Yongchang Marquis's residence as well."
Su Wanrou was slightly taken aback, but then she understood. He was affirming her actions today in his own way, and giving her face so that she could deliver gifts to her family in a grand manner. This thoughtfulness warmed her heart.
"Thank you, my husband," she said softly.
Gu Yangui looked at her slightly reddened ears under the lamplight, and his heart stirred. He discovered that his young wife was not only clever and resourceful, but also increasingly mature in her methods, displaying more and more of the demeanor of a matriarch. And all these changes made him... quite satisfied.
The moonlight outside the window gradually brightened, and the mansion was serene. The turmoil of the day had subsided, but new rules and authority were quietly taking root and growing stronger in this tranquility. Su Wanrou knew that this was only the beginning, but she was no longer afraid.
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