This was Lan Yan's first time at the Marquis's manor, and also where she would spend her life with Jun Yelan. She looked around curiously. The manor was divided into front and back courtyards; the front courtyard was for receiving guests, and the back courtyard was for living quarters.
There were also rooms on both sides. The left side housed the kitchen and storage rooms, while the right side was for the servants' quarters.
Some trees were planted sporadically in the courtyard, indicating that the place had been uninhabited for a long time.
Jun Yelan said, "I've always stayed in the military camp and rarely come back. Nothing much has been added to the manor, and there's only one old servant for cleaning. I apologize for the inconvenience, Madame, but you'll have to arrange things."
Lan Yan couldn't help but smile. "I actually like it here; it's simple. And this is our shared home, so it's not a burden, but rather exciting."
She walked forward, musing, "First, we need to hire people to renovate some areas. We can plant some flowers and plants in the front courtyard, and fruit trees in the back courtyard. The fruits can be used to make delicious food."
"I also want a pavilion for shade in the summer. Next to the pavilion, we can dig a pond and plant lotus roots, which can be enjoyed for their beauty and their seeds for eating."
Wherever she went, she chattered away her ideas.
Listening to her, Jun Yelan's lips couldn't help but curve upwards. With Lan Yan around, he finally felt like he had a home. He walked over, hugged Lan Yan from behind, and said warmly, "Yan'er, I'm truly happy right now."
These were precious moments of happiness amidst his otherwise dark days.
Lan Yan smiled and turned to look into Jun Yelan's eyes, saying resolutely, "Yelan, I'm so happy that I can make you happy." She felt truly fulfilled; this had always been her deepest wish.
"Yes, me too." Jun Yelan couldn't resist holding her again.
They held each other for a long time, until the old servant of the manor brought in some new servants.
The old servant was called Uncle Zhao, and he had been responsible for guarding the General's manor, which was now the Marquis's manor. Seeing how affectionate the Marquis and his Madame were, a weight was lifted from his heart, and a benevolent smile appeared on his face.
He respectfully called out, "Marquis, Madame, these are the newly hired servants for the manor, here to pay their respects."
Lan Yan shyly emerged from Jun Yelan's embrace, a blush still on her cheeks. She looked at the old man with a stooped back and graying hair and smiled, "Uncle Zhao, thank you for taking care of Yelan all these years."
"Madame, this old servant dares not accept such praise." Uncle Zhao was flustered and quickly lowered his head. At the same time, he realized that the Madame was a kind-hearted person.
Lan Yan gently helped Uncle Zhao's arm, "You deserve the greatest credit for keeping this manor in its original state. You are worthy of our thanks. And from today onwards, you are the head steward of the manor."
Having someone familiar would make managing the new manor easier.
Uncle Zhao was startled and then suddenly looked up, tears streaming down his face. He almost knelt down, exclaiming, "This old servant thanks Madame." From now on, he would follow the Madame's lead.
"Oh, right, Madame, these are the newly bought servants: five maids, two elderly women, and five young men." He stepped aside, giving way to the Madame.
Lan Yan nodded and looked at the group before her, her gaze falling on a maid with delicate features. Although the maid kept her head down, she occasionally glanced at Jun Yelan behind her.
It seemed she had ulterior motives.
She said coldly, "You were bought by Uncle Zhao, but whether you stay depends on me. I have no place for those with ulterior motives, those who are lazy, or those who betray the family head."
"You, the one in the middle, stop sneaking glances. I'll call you forward if I want you to look openly."
As she finished speaking, the others looked at the maid in the middle. She stood frozen with shame and knelt to beg for mercy, "Madame, please spare your servant this once."
She had seen that this was a new Madame, one who came from the human race, and had harbored some foolish thoughts. But now, she knew she was wrong.
Lan Yan snorted coldly and continued, "Also, I have no place for those who commit grave mistakes. If you don't do things well, I can give you time to grow. But if your character is bad, I will not give you a chance."
"Uncle Zhao, send her away."
"Yes, Madame." Uncle Zhao was overjoyed by Lan Yan's swift actions. He quickly led the maid away. Seeing that the maid was still trying to cry out, he covered her mouth and dragged her off.
Lan Yan looked at the people who remained. They had all lowered their heads. She instructed, "As long as you remember what I just said, I will naturally not treat you too harshly. Those who do well will receive a bonus every month."
Hearing the latter part, the household staff were no longer as fearful. They respectfully called out, "Yes, Madame." They felt much more at ease.
Lan Yan assigned them their respective duties and told them to get to work. Then, she turned and saw Jun Yelan looking at her with a smile, and asked, "What is it?"
Jun Yelan put his arm around Lan Yan's shoulders and smiled, "I just feel Madame is so capable. It's my good fortune to marry such a wonderful Madame."
"Madame, you've worked hard today. I'll cook for you tonight."
Lan Yan was a little surprised and asked, "Can you?"
"Just wait and see my culinary skills." Jun Yelan pinched Lan Yan's nose and told her to rest in the room first, and he would head to the kitchen.
Lan Yan had no choice but to stay in the room, but she felt a little uneasy. Wouldn't Jun Yelan blow up the kitchen!
Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard a noise from the next room. She rushed out and saw that the pot in the kitchen had been scorched, and the ingredients were scattered all over the floor.
Jun Yelan stood by the stove, his face smudged with soot, looking wronged. "I just put in the meat, and this happened."
Lan Yan burst out laughing; Jun Yelan's current appearance was too amusing. Tears streamed from her eyes as she clutched her stomach and said, "You did it wrong, that's why."
"Alright, I'll teach you here. Let's clean this up first." She picked up the vegetables from the floor.
Jun Yelan scooped up Lan Yan, who was squatting on the ground, and placed her on a nearby chair. He smiled and said, "We agreed, I'll cook for you. I'll clean up, and you just tell me."
He couldn't bear for Lan Yan to be troubled.
"Alright." From then on, Lan Yan sat obediently and guided Jun Yelan in preparing the evening meal.
During dinner, she felt the taste was quite good, probably because of her guidance. She gave Jun Yelan a thumbs-up as encouragement.
Jun Yelan smiled and decided to learn cooking the next day, so he could cook for Lan Yan more often.
After dinner, they took a stroll around the manor before retiring to their room.
It was Lan Yan's turn to be tired again.
The days passed by like this, plain and comfortable.
Until one day, she suddenly fainted, terrifying everyone in the manor. They rushed to call Jun Yelan from the military camp. Lying in bed, she watched the doctor taking her pulse by the bedside, and her hand went to her belly.
The doctor smiled, "Congratulations, Madame, you are with child."
Jun Yelan, who had just entered through the doorway, froze, surprise flashing in his eyes.