Chapter 6, Human Resources

Although Chen Lan found these attentions somewhat inexplicable, she was still unfamiliar with the people and the era, leaving her no time to be distracted. Moreover, she had plenty of books to read, so she remained steadfast in her intentions. However, she maintained her routine of walking in the courtyard every morning and evening. In this grand residence where every move was observed by countless eyes, morning and evening exercises were merely a luxury; she could only use her walks to strengthen her seemingly frail body.

For several consecutive days, apart from visiting the Zhu family at Liao Xiang Yuan for morning and evening prayers, Chen Lan hardly left her room. Chen Yan also went to school every day and could only come to see her in the evening. However, Jin Xiu Ge was no longer as desolate as before, with a variety of people coming and going.

Since it is known that the Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang is no longer in history, and that there is now Chu Taizu Lin Changhui, Chen Lan naturally became more vigilant and cautious, immediately putting away certain original calculations. Having roughly understood the broader environment, her thoughts turned to those around her.

Observing Chen Yan's puzzled expression with his brows furrowed, Chen Lan found it difficult to provide much explanation. In recent days, apart from her books, she had inquired the most about the ancestors of the Chen family. If Mother Zheng had not mentioned that the second wife, Madam Ma, intended to move the young masters outside, it would have been one thing; since she had mentioned it, Chen Lan had no choice but to take the initiative to plan ahead.

Hongluo originally came in to serve tea because Qinfang was not present. At this moment, upon hearing this remark, she was momentarily taken aback, and her heart tightened. Although the maid beside the old lady appeared respectable, generally speaking, she was merely sent out to assist with chores. The maids beside the young lady were initially at most second rank, but upon reaching maturity, they would be promoted two ranks, most often filling vacancies left by former second-rank maids. Therefore, she had long anticipated that someone would look down on her. Indeed, while Qinfang treated her well, Yun'er often spoke ill of her behind her back, and she chose to pretend not to hear.

Before he could finish speaking, he felt a strong pinch on his hand and couldn't help but look up at Chen Lan. Chen Lan glanced around and then gave a signal to Qin Fang. Qin Fang hurriedly stepped forward to speak with the old woman carrying the lantern ahead, while Hong Luo had been lingering at the back from the very beginning, chatting with two third-class maidservants, as if she hadn't heard the earlier mumble at all

"It is at the second door." Yun'er saw Chen Lan and asked herself, quickly smiling as she replied, "I happened to be over there on business, and I saw the Fourth Young Master talking to an old woman at the door. I went up to ask a couple of questions and just happened to receive these books."

What positions did these three Jinshi hold?

What is my sister scheming against me in front of the young lady again? My temperament has always been like this, and I have never listened to what others have said in the past

As she spoke, she opened her palm, revealing a small silver coin: "The Fourth Young Master also mentioned that the silver you gave him was of no use; he originally intended to seek help from the steward, but as soon as he spoke, that person took the initiative to look for it, without spending a single large coin, and even said quite a few good words. The young lady's injury has healed, and the Fourth Young Master has been looking much better these days."

Chen Lan nodded slightly and then resumed reading. After a while, without raising her head, she said: "Yun'er has always been sharp-tongued. When she gets angry, no one can escape being criticized by her a couple of times. Just don't take it to heart."

Fourth brother, do you know how many people from our Yangning Marquisate have passed the scholar examinations over the past hundred years, and how many have achieved the status of juren and jinshi?

Qinfang was not surprised by Chen Lan's words. Having previously managed recruitment and training, she could only discern that Hongluo was a person with strong opinions, even exhibiting an inexplicable stubbornness. After a brief smile, she teased Qinfang a few times. The two of them chatted for a while, and then Chen Lan suddenly asked: "Have you reminded Yun'er not to always be at odds with Hongluo?"

Yun'er, that young lady, is not unaware of her own high aspirations and sharp tongue. In the past, she would go to great lengths to argue for everything that should be present in the courtyard, yet her heart is genuinely kind. Even in my presence, she often retorts, let alone when someone suddenly appears to overshadow her. However, she merely murmurs that the red snail was bought from outside, completely unaware of its background and status, which is not as reliable as a child born into the family. She did not say much else. I have spoken to her a couple of times, but she claims that the young lady enjoys displaying everything on her face, harboring no other thoughts in her heart, which left me at a loss for words.

There are no first-class maids beside the young ladies, only two second-class and four third-class maids, while the small maids responsible for cleaning and miscellaneous tasks in the courtyard vary in number. Now, the Zhu family has added another second-class maid for each young lady, and they have mentioned adding another after the New Year, which has naturally caused the housekeeper, Madam Ma, the most headache. If second-class maids are being added, how can third-class maids not be added? Thus, Chen Lan has only heard that Madam Ma has been busy all day in the Shui Jing Hall, which is dedicated to household management, with people recommending others, self-recommending, inquiring, and discussing... It has been a constant flurry of activity.

Although Hongluo is not as striking as Zhenlong, she is still graceful and elegant, standing tall like a delicate flower. Among all the girls in the Jinxiu Pavilion, none can compare to her. She is also very aware of her own position, rarely adorned with extravagant decorations; she only wears two small jade plugs in her ears. It was only after Chen Lan jokingly advised her not to imitate her own simplicity that she added a silver bracelet to her wrist. Now, standing in front of Chen Lan, she observes Chen Lan's plain attire and cannot help but compare her with the lavishly adorned Chen Bing and Chen Yan, letting out a silent sigh.

During her recovery, the Zhu family only sent Mama Zheng to visit once, but now it is almost every couple of days that a maid comes to deliver items. Sometimes it is a plum blossom box filled with pastries, other times it is high-quality bird's nest sent from elsewhere, and occasionally it is small trinkets for decoration. Given the extraordinary care from the Zhu family, the second and third branches often send people to check in, especially Mama Zhu from the second branch, who not only personally delivered the previously missing monthly allowance but also repeatedly apologized, explaining that the daughter-in-law responsible for this matter had been relieved of her duties.

Sister Qinfang has introduced me to everyone, and they are all very amiable. Moreover, the Jinxiu Pavilion is quite peaceful, allowing me to have more leisure time each day, during which I have managed to do quite a bit of sewing.

In the past, I hoped you would be more diligent, so that we would not be looked down upon at home, but now the situation is different hetushu .com .com

Chen Lan nodded and did not ask any further questions. Yun'er then withdrew, and Hong Luo poured water, seeing that there was nothing to do, also left the room. After about a quarter of an hour, Qin Fang finally returned. She first mentioned the matter of the previous month's wages being supplemented, and then softly said: "I have learned that it was Mama Zhu who lent money to the Second Madam, which is why this month's wages are not only late but also reduced. It is expected that Miss will not make this public. This time, seeing how the Old Madam is fond of Miss, she hurriedly provided the silver to fill the gap here."

Seeing Chen Yan shake his head again, Chen Lan let out a gentle sigh, stopped to tidy up the great coat that had been blown askew by the wind, and then quietly said: "Our family is a hereditary marquisate, and over the past hundred years, we have established numerous connections within the military. Therefore, the children of the family who wish to rely on education to enter officialdom not only cannot benefit from the family's protection, but are instead burdened by the family's reputation."

Yes, this servant understands

Chen Lan casually handed the silver coin to Hong Luo. When he turned around, he saw Yun Er staring at Hong Luo, so he seemingly asked nonchalantly: "Where did you get these books?"

Chen Yan racked his brains and then shook his head in confusion. At that moment, Chen Lan grasped his hand and said slowly, "It is not surprising that you do not know, as almost no one remembers them. The earlier uncle was extremely diligent, yet he only achieved the second highest degree after reaching the age of forty. He was then appointed as a county magistrate and gradually rose through the ranks over the years. By the time he passed away more than a decade later, he had only reached the position of a fourth-rank prefect. The two distant elders fared even worse in their official careers, retiring at no higher than fifth rank, with none serving as officials in the capital. Do you know why, despite being from a marquis's family, we have not produced many civil officials?"

If such beauty were born in the second branch, she would be a legitimate daughter of a noble family, unlike being in the first branch, where she is so helpless and unsupported

In the evening, everyone, as usual, had dinner and then went to Liao Xiang Courtyard to pay their respects to Madam Zhu. The spacious warm room was naturally filled to capacity with a large crowd, and even the rarely seen Duke of Pingning, Chen Jiu, made an appearance. However, he likely knew that his dark circles and fatigued expression were too conspicuous, so he merely acknowledged the gathering and hurriedly took his leave. With his departure, the Second Madam, Madam Ma, could no longer sit still. Madam Zhu was well aware of this, and feigned fatigue to excuse herself to bed. Before long, the room was emptying out. However, he likely knew that his dark circles and fatigued expression were too conspicuous, so he merely acknowledged the gathering and hurriedly took his leave. With his departure, the Second Madam, Madam Ma, could no longer sit still. Madam Zhu was well aware of this, and feigned fatigue to excuse herself to bed. Before long, the room was emptying out.

Upon hearing these words, Chen Lan kept them in mind, but knowing that the second aunt was now in charge, she realized that others might not be unaware of this situation; they simply did not dare to speak out. Therefore, after nodding slightly, she turned to Qin Fang and asked, "How have you found the red snail these past two days?"

The preceding remarks were all reasonable, and Qinfang nodded repeatedly. It was only at the last sentence that she was suddenly taken aback. Upon careful reflection, whenever Chen Yan came over, Yun'er was always present, either serving tea or engaging in conversation; it was always like this. Although the Fourth Young Master was only eleven, Yun'er was also just thirteen. As they grew older, unforeseen events might occur. Therefore, she took a deep breath to calm her mind and knelt to pay her respects.

After leaving the Liao Xiang Courtyard, Chen Yan naturally took Chen Lan's hand. Chen Lan had also grown accustomed to his affection over the past few days, so she simply let it be. As they reached the corner, a row of bright tiles and lanterns illuminated the entire path, making it quite bright. While walking, Chen Yan kicked a small stone playfully and casually remarked, "Sister, once I become an official, we won't have to worry about other people's expressions..."

In Chen Lan's memory, during the late Yuan Dynasty, the world was in chaos with various factions rising, ultimately leading to Zhu Yuanzhang emerging victorious and seizing the throne. However, in the current historical narrative, the impoverished Zhu Yuanzhang had no opportunity to rise; it was Lin Changhui, of commoner origin, who swept across the land and established the Great Chu. After founding the Chu Dynasty, he first assessed the land and determined the taxes, encouraged commerce and industry, and continued the maritime trade practices of the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Yet, no matter how good the system, it cannot withstand human corruption. Now, after one hundred and fifty years since the founding of the nation, it has already fallen far from its former glory. He established the Chu Dynasty, first assessing the land and determining the taxes, encouraging commerce and industry, and continuing the maritime trade practices of the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Yet, no matter how good the system, it cannot withstand human corruption. Now, after one hundred and fifty years since the founding of the nation, it has already fallen far from its former glory.

Thus, after a brief pause, she smiled and said, "Yun'er is merely young and a bit impulsive."

"Hongluo is amiable towards others and conducts herself appropriately; it is difficult to discern anything else about her in a short time." Qinfang pondered carefully for a moment but could only express this thought, then shook her head. "She came from outside and has only served the old lady for a year, yet she was promoted from third rank to second rank; she must be exceptionally intelligent. I, being foolish and inept, cannot grasp her temperament."

The Yangning Marquisate is a family of nobility, having been granted ten households of servants at the time of its founding. Later, when it was elevated from a count to a marquis, another ten households of servants were bestowed. Over the course of more than a hundred years, these individuals have multiplied, resulting in a substantial number. If they were not frequently sent out, it is likely that even a marquisate of this size would not be able to accommodate them all. Consequently, although there are enough hands in the household, the number of maids around each master is initially not large.

To Chen Lan's surprise, Chen Yan tilted his head and thought for a moment before he somewhat understood. He nodded slightly, but then curiously asked, "Sister, why did you always force me to study before..."

Chen Yan heard his sister's soft voice from beside him, and he was momentarily taken aback. Only then did he uncertainly say: "There are indeed quite a few scholars, and there are probably four or five who have passed the provincial examination. As for those who have achieved the highest degree, it seems there is only one uncle from the immediate family and two distant relatives."

As they spoke, the curtains of the study were lifted high, and soon after, Yun'er walked in. With a half-smile, she cast a glance at Hongluo, then raised her head and walked to the desk, cheerfully placing a stack of books on the table: "Miss, these were just sent in by the Fourth Young Master. He is truly thoughtful; as soon as you mentioned wanting to read, he found so many for you."

Chen Lan raised the corner of her mouth, picked up a small covered bowl, gently filtered the tea leaves with the lid, took a sip, and softly said: "There is nothing wrong with showing everything on one's face; I just hope she can be a bit softer. The red snail was given by the old lady, and we should still show her some respect. If Yun'er continues to show a cold face to others, what will they think? Enough of that, later you should choose two intricate embroidery projects for her to calm her mind. If she does not listen, let me know, and I will find a way. Also, when the fourth brother comes in the future, pay more attention to her." Enough of that, later you should choose two intricate embroidery projects for her to calm her mind. If she does not listen, let me know, and I will find a way. Also, when the fourth brother comes in the future, pay more attention to her.

Upon returning from greeting Zhu, I found her, as usual, in the eastern room reading. She had only read a few pages when she saw Hongluo enter. She then put down her book and, with a smile, asked: "Sister Hongluo, you have been here for three days; are you getting used to it?"