"The academy doesn't allow maids, but a page is fine. I see Han Jiang, who serves you, is quite capable. You can take him. As for Hehuan..." Before she could finish, Hehuan interrupted, "This servant will absolutely not leave the manor!"
"I didn't say you had to leave the manor. What I meant was that A'yao needs a martial maid. If you're willing, you can come to Ning'an Courtyard to serve. Once Yunhe returns from his leave, you can go back to attending him."
Second Brother's suggestion was quite good. She could subtly acquire her with no trace, which would be even better.
However, Hehuan seemed hesitant. Feng Er noticed her reluctance and asked, "What are you worried about?"
Hehuan didn't know whether to voice her thoughts, fearing ridicule or displeasing her masters.
"Don't be afraid. In my room, you can speak freely." Feng Jin'yao's words were like a calming pill, restoring Hehuan's disturbed thoughts. She gritted her teeth and spoke.
"Third Miss, you will reach your hairpin ceremony in a few months, and I presume you will be considering marriage. This servant fears that I will have to follow you to your husband's home. If... if..."
"If what? Don't dither..."
Feng Er grew anxious. He had a short temper, and listening to her speak like this was worse than being cut by a knife.
Seeing her hesitant demeanor, Feng Jin'yao instantly understood. "Are you afraid I'll make you a concubine to serve the husband?"
When her thoughts were spoken aloud, Hehuan breathed a sigh of relief, her cheeks flushing deeply. She was too shy to look up.
With a chuckle, Feng Er burst out laughing. "Hehuan, you're such an amusing girl. Other maids can't wait to climb into a young master's bed to become a concubine, yet you refuse to be one?"
His words caused the other maids in the room to look at him with a hint of anger.
"Second Young Master, please don't speak carelessly. We servants aren't all eager to climb into beds," Xiuqiu spoke first, her tone somewhat sharp. Her gaze towards Feng Er was not as clear as usual.
Yunxu and Lamei simply knelt down and said to Feng Jin'yao, "Miss, please rest assured, we would rather die than betray you."
All the maids in the room were provoked by Feng Er's words. Realizing their slip, they quickly said, "A slip of the tongue, a slip of the tongue. I wasn't talking about you, not about you."
Sweat poured down his brow. He was not good at dealing with women. Seeing the situation turn sour, he grabbed Feng Yunhe and headed out.
"A'yao, you all chat. I'll take Yunhe to talk with Sister-in-law."
Feng Er ran as if being chased by a pack of wild dogs, faster than anyone.
Feng Jin'yao helplessly raised Yunxu and the others. She said slowly, "Rest assured, I have no intention of marrying. You don't need to worry about becoming concubines. If any of you fancy someone, just tell me. I will ensure you have a grand wedding."
She was not yet fifteen, so why did she always seem so detached from the world, as if no one could ever capture her heart? Yunxu worried but didn't know how to help, so she could only do her best to serve her meticulously.
Hehuan, seeing her certainty, let go of her previous concerns. The sisters in this room were easy to get along with; why wouldn't she be happy?
"Thank you, Miss. Then this servant will shamelessly come to serve. I hope you won't find me clumsy and foolish."
"It's alright. Later, you can learn from Xiuqiu. You'll also need to build good relationships with the stewards in the outer courtyard. At times, you'll need to go out and handle matters for me."
"This servant will obey Miss's command."
This change of service was concluded in a few words. However, in the Junhua Hall at the same time, ministers were engaged in a heated dispute over an issue.
The Grand Canal Administration had unexpectedly lost its director to death, and Feng Hai, who had been appointed, was also assassinated. Someone had clearly interfered, and rumors began to spread of secret tales. It was said that the Grand Canal Administration had angered the River God, leading to the deaths of its appointed director and potential successor. For a time, this coveted and lucrative position became a hot potato that no one dared to touch.
"My esteemed ministers, what have you discussed? Have you found anyone suitable?"
Emperor Qi, seated on his throne, was quite displeased seeing them deliberate endlessly without selecting anyone. What kind of officials did the court nurture?
When it mattered, there wasn't a single person to share the burden. It was truly infuriating.
As soon as he spoke, the previously noisy officials fell silent. Seeing this, Emperor Qi became even more incensed. "When you don't need anyone, you're all so vocal. When it's time to use people, you all fall silent? Do I keep you as useless burdens?"
His voice was so loud that it startled everyone into kneeling, repeatedly shouting, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger." "Calm my anger? What I want is a suitable candidate!"
Many officials prostrated themselves, but secretly glanced towards the Duke of Wei. He and Prime Minister Bai were veterans of three dynasties, and along with several princes involved in governance, they did not need to kneel.
The Duke of Wei appeared calm. Seeing the atmosphere reach this point, he spoke unhurriedly, "Replying to Your Majesty, this old minister believes the most suitable candidate is still Minister Feng. Although he was assassinated in his residence and needs time to recover, it will only be a few months. The busiest period for the Grand Canal Administration is in July and August. By then, Minister Feng's health should be much improved. For now, the Inspectors of the thirteen prefectures of Liangzhe can take turns managing it. What does Your Majesty think?"
Feng Hai?
Liu Taiyi, who had examined him, had mentioned his injuries were severe. Recovery could take anywhere from six months to two or three years. Why was the Duke of Wei so insistent on recommending him?
Before he could speak, the First Prince, standing nearby, voiced his displeasure.
"Your Grace, what are you saying? The Feng family has faced continuous misfortune, and Minister Feng is still bedridden. How can he be considered the most suitable candidate?" He then turned to Emperor Qi and said, "This son believes that Li Daren, the Governor of Liangzhe, is more suitable. Although he is this son's brother-in-law, I recommend him based on merit, not kinship. He has served in Liangzhe for many years and is likely familiar with local affairs. If he were to oversee the Grand Canal Administration, he would surely be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."
The First Prince's strong recommendation of his brother-in-law for this position was primarily driven by his desire for the three thousand troops of the Water Division Camp.
For years, he had not achieved as much military merit as the Ninth Prince, nor had he been able to place his own men in the Ministry of War. To contend for the position of Crown Prince, let alone supreme imperial power, he was useless without military force.
The Duke of Wei, fully aware of the First Prince's intentions, let out a mocking laugh and said, "Lord Li has been in office for over ten years. How many disasters has Liangzhe faced? First, the river dikes broke, then locusts descended. The well-governed city of Jinling, under his jurisdiction, has even suffered two pirate attacks. Has the First Prince forgotten?"
"You..." Hit at his sore spot by the Duke of Wei, the First Prince could not retort. After all, his brother-in-law was indeed not very competent.