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Even the elderly Madam Yan herself became tired today. The Yan Family was short-staffed, and she had been keeping an eye on the kitchen all day long, fearing that any mistakes with the meals would become a laughing stock in others’ eyes.

Seeing the fatigue on her grandmother’s face, Daohua approached from behind, smiling, “Grandmother, let me give you a massage.” No sooner had she finished speaking than she placed her hands on her grandmother’s shoulders and began to knead them gently.

Elderly Madam Yan accepted with a face full of gratification. Despite being in fairly good health, she was unable to deny her age, and after being busy for most of the day, she felt somewhat worn out.

Madam Li looked at the elderly lady apologetically, “I’m sorry to have tired you, Mother. As soon as this busy period is over, I will immediately start buying more servants.”

Yan Zhigao put down his teacup and nodded, “We do lack some servants. When we were at the County Governor’s Office, it didn’t seem apparent, but since moving to Xingzhou, with more people coming and going, we’ve been stretched thin. This time, Madam, it’s better to purchase quite a few more.”

Hearing this, Daohua glanced at her stepfather who only knew how to give orders.

Buy more servants?

Was he aware that maintaining servants also required silver?

Just as Daohua was about to say something, she saw Madam Li shaking her head at her.

Then, with a smile, Madam Li said, “Alright, I understand.”

Yan Zhigao was satisfied and began to discuss the banquet, “Everyone seemed happy when they left; this banquet was very successful.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Zhiyuan immediately chimed in, “This was largely thanks to the thorough coordination by my elder brother and sister-in-law. Otherwise, we would have been running around like headless flies.”

Yan Zhigao waved his hand, smiling, “I know, you all have worked hard this time. Once your sister-in-law has bought the servants, you won’t need to attend to everything personally next time.”

After a moment’s reflection, Yan Zhigao looked at Madam Li and said, “Madam, everyone needs people around them. I think, with this purchase of servants, there should be at least two for each master. What do you think?”

On hearing this, Daohua, unable to hold back any longer, asked her stepfather, “Father, can our family afford to keep so many servants?”

She was worried that if she didn’t speak up, her mother would take on the burden again, and if they ran out of silver, they would have to cover the shortage with her dowry.

In the Yan Family’s third branch, counting all the masters big and small, there were 18 people. With two servants for each, that made 36.

For 36 people, they would need to provide monthly wages and clothing; it was not a small expense!

On hearing this, Yan Zhigao was taken aback.

Since Madam Li had married him, he had rarely had to worry about financial matters. In the past, whenever there was a need for silver, he would just mention it, and Madam Li would have it ready immediately.

The thought of not being able to afford the servants had never crossed his mind.

Everyone else in the room glanced at Daohua, then turned their eyes to Yan Zhigao and Madam Li, naturally wanting the servant purchase to go through, as it would make their lives easier.

Yan Zhigao looked at Madam Li, as if asking for her opinion.

Madam Li remained silent for a moment before finally saying, “Your Lordship, the household’s finances are indeed tight. Perhaps we could do this: accompany the gentlemen who venture outside with two servants each, but as for the women in the inner court, let’s not add more servants for now.”

Before Yan Zhigao could reply, elderly Madam Yan made a decisive call, “That settles it. Men who go out cannot do without help, so it’s proper to add servants; but for the women who stay in the inner court behind closed doors, where’s the need for so many attendants?”

Once the elderly lady had spoken, Yan Zhigao held his tongue.

Feeling the room’s atmosphere turn slightly tense, Daohua lightened the mood with a smile, “Grandmother, Manman has prepared some sweet soup. Would you like a bowl?”

Madam Yan nodded, “Bring me a bowl! Eating with those officials’ wives, I worried about losing decorum one moment and feared being laughed at for coarse manners the next; I didn’t have enough to eat at both lunch and dinner, so hurry and serve me a bowl.” After speaking, she glanced at the others, “Would any of you like a bowl as well?”

Yan Wenkai quickly jumped out and ran in front of the old lady, “Of course, Grandmother, you don’t know, your grandson also hasn’t had his fill. Big sister’s sweet soup is just perfect for a late-night treat.”

The younger ones also expressed their desire to eat, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed again.

Soon, the sweet soup was served, and as everyone ate and talked, the awkwardness from before seemed as if it had never occurred.

After finishing the sweet soup, Madam Yan addressed everyone, “Alright, you are all tired from today, go back and rest.”

Each branch of the family dispersed.

During this time, Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin intended to pull Yan Zhigao aside to the Shuangxin Courtyard but as soon as the old lady gave the command to disperse, he left shoulder to shoulder with Madam Li, without exchanging a word with them.

Main Courtyard.

Madam Li stole a glance at Yan Zhigao’s expression, which seemed fair, before she began, “My lord, don’t be angry with Daohua. She’s straightforward and blunt, and doesn’t beat around the bush. She didn’t mean any disrespect against you.”

Yan Zhigao patted Madam Li’s hand, “I know, there is no need for you to come over and explain. It was my lack of thorough consideration regarding the purchase of servants; I should have discussed it privately with you beforehand.”

Madam Li smiled, “The household affairs should not trouble my lord; it’s my shortcoming. I have not managed to save much for the Yan Family over the years.”

Yan Zhigao shook his head, sighing, “How could that be your fault? It is I who have not fulfilled my duty as the head of the family.”

Madam Li quickly said, “My lord is busy bringing prosperity to the people; the household burdens should rightly fall on me. Rest assured, my lord, the family has me. Although finances are tight at the moment, once we stabilize our footing in Xingzhou, life will get better.”

Yan Zhigao held Madam Li’s hand, expressing his regret, “My lady, you have worked hard!”

Madam Li responded with a smile, “I am my lord’s wife, and managing household affairs is my responsibility. Why talk of hardship?”

Yan Zhigao nodded, then as if he suddenly thought of something, he said with a smile, “Wenxiu and Daohua’s performance today was indeed commendable. I had been worried Daohua couldn’t handle the interactions with the other young ladies, but she did not lose to Wenxiu in the slightest in social interaction.”

Madam Li’s smile immediately grew wider, “The old lady has taught her well.”

Yan Zhigao agreed, “It’s just that her personality is a bit too forthright, it’s fine at home, but when out, it’s not good to be unable to keep things private. You need to take the time to find good husbands for the girls.”

Madam Li seriously replied, “I will inquire carefully.”

Shuangxin Courtyard.

Concubine Lin, upon seeing that Yan Zhigao did not follow Yan Yishuang and Yan Wenbin over, looked extremely disappointed.

The Yan Family had held a banquet today, and everyone attended, except for her, simply because she was a concubine and did not have the status to meet guests.

Never before had Concubine Lin minded her status as a concubine so much.

In the past when they were in Linyi County, even though she was a concubine, there were officials’ wives who would befriend her; yet, since coming to Xingzhou, she realized for the first time the clear distinction between a wife and a concubine.

During the day, when Yan Yishuang faced humiliation among the other young ladies, she immediately returned to seek consolation from her.

It was then that she truly understood the sorrow of being a concubine, where not only does she have no dignity, but even the children she bore are considered inferior to others..