The renovation of Lingyan Pavilion took a great deal of Lu Nianfu's effort.
In her previous life, Lu Nianfu had won the title of courtesan at the Mingyue Tower competition, which had resurrected Lingyan Pavilion. This time, she planned to do the same. Although she couldn't participate herself, the women she had purchased from Yangzhou were not inferior in appearance.
Even if they didn't win the courtesan title, at least making an appearance would be good. At the very least, it would let people know that Lingyan Pavilion had undergone a complete transformation. Otherwise, with its previous reputation, it would be impossible to attract any respectable patrons.
Then there was the illness of the Earl of Pingning, which required a visit every few days.
She was so busy that she even forgot the date. It wasn't until Qingmiao reminded her, "Miss, it's the eighth day of the eighth lunar month in two days."
The eighth day of the eighth month, the housewarming banquet.
Lu Nianfu smacked her head; she had completely forgotten about it. She quickly asked, "How are the banquet arrangements coming along?"
"They say it's all arranged." Then she handed over a ledger. "This is what was newly delivered, all for the procurement."
Thinking of the previous financial mess, Lu Nianfu felt a headache coming on.
Upon opening it, she saw that an unknown amount of silver had been embezzled. She knew she had to deal with this situation without delay. She changed her clothes, led Qingya, and took more than ten young servants to Rui Wang Mansion.
The gatekeeper hastily ushered her inside. The servants were also quite perceptive, greeting her with due deference. However, this did not alleviate Lu Nianfu's anger. She went straight to the main hall and sat down, then ordered the steward and procurement officers to report.
Several procurement officers arrived quickly. However, Steward Xin took longer, wiping his brow as he pleaded, "Your Highness, Wangfei, please forgive me. The mansion is about to host a banquet, and your servant has been extremely busy."
Lu Nianfu sat regally on her armchair, her face devoid of any smiles. Even Qingya beside her wore a stern expression. The young servants stood on either side of the room, eyeing the officials with a hostile gaze, clearly indicating they were there to cause trouble.
Steward Xin felt a tremor of unease but soon straightened his chest.
What was there to fear from someone who wore her emotions so plainly on her face? Besides, the eighth day was only two days away. Did she dare to cause trouble for him at this juncture?
She wouldn't be afraid of the housewarming banquet falling apart and making her a laughingstock among the noble ladies for the rest of her life.
Lu Nianfu glanced at him. "Are everyone present?"
A procurement officer quickly replied, "Reporting to Wangfei, the steward and all procurement officers are present."
"That's good." Lu Nianfu took a sip of tea. "You are all people appointed by the Imperial Household Department. You have long since mastered the rules. This Wangfei originally thought that the affairs of the mansion could be entrusted to you with complete confidence, so I haven't interfered much."
Steward Xin said quickly, "Of course. Your servants will certainly do their best and not trouble their master."
"Hmph, Steward Xin, you are quite bold in your words. Doing your best, or perhaps doing your best to stuff silver into your pockets?"
With a "smack," a ledger was thrown at his feet.
A vein pulsed on Steward Xin's forehead. He immediately knelt down. Lu Nianfu thought he was going to confess, but instead, he began to cry injustice. "Wangfei, please investigate. Your servant has always been loyal and dedicated. You cannot simply condemn your servant based on a few words from others."
"Injustice? Did you not deliver this ledger to this Wangfei's hands? Or are you saying this is all the fault of the procurement officers?"
The procurement officers broke out in a sweat.
Lu Nianfu said, "The prices of goods in this ledger are more than double the market price. Do you have anything to say?"
Steward Xin said, "Your Highness, Wangfei, please investigate. These items are all for the banquet the day after tomorrow, and they are certainly not ordinary household provisions. Moreover, I have instructed them to select the finest quality, so the prices will naturally be a little higher."
"Have the goods been delivered?"
"Except for the raw meat and vegetables, which will be delivered on the day, the rest have been put into the storeroom."
Lu Nianfu glanced again. "Send two people to bring a few sets of blue and white porcelain tableware."
Each bowl cost two hundred wen. These subordinates dared to quote such prices.
Steward Xin did not expect her to be so unrefined. Which noble lady would scrutinize prices? It would only make her seem vulgar and cheap.
He then remembered that she came from a merchant family and was most keen on profit. His heart skipped a beat. "Your Highness, Wangfei, the items your servant procured are naturally more expensive than usual because they are all of superior quality. If you think your servant has spent too much silver, your servant will choose cheaper ones in the future. My adoptive father serves in Qian Palace and has always acted with integrity. Now, Wangfei, you suspect your servant of embezzling silver with every word. It's of little consequence for your servant to suffer some grievance, but I dare not tarnish my adoptive father's reputation."
Was he bringing out his connections?
The other procurement officers quickly chimed in, "Your Highness, Wangfei, please think twice. The housewarming banquet is the day after tomorrow. If such a matter arises now, won't it be embarrassing for you if word gets out?"
Lu Nianfu sneered, "This Wangfei feels it is even more embarrassing to be treated like a fool." She looked at the people she had brought with her. "Did you not hear what I said? Go to the storeroom and fetch the items. This Wangfei intends to get to the bottom of this today."