Chapter 57 – Young Xu Xiaoyu (1)
“Answering Young Master, this humble one’s courtesy name is Xiaoyu.”
Xu Ke lowered his head, trying hard to hide the hatred in his eyes.
Jiang Pengji mocked, “Xiaoyu? Why not Foolish Xiaoyu? Seeking revenge for your mother is understandable, but after years of studying, did you lose your mind? Just because you have some skills, you dare bring a knife to seek revenge? If you could kill your enemy, that’d be one thing. But instead, you ended up losing a mere house servant to your enemy and losing yourself in the process. Brain… if I were to buy you, I’d feel a bit cheated right now.”
Stowaway Non-Money: Hhhhh, the host’s words hit hard; you said just a minute ago that buying him was a good deal!
Non-Money Encounter Welcome: Host, let me tell you, if anyone crosses over, they’d surely find top talents at the Tooth Shop. I think this Xu Ke has a bright future _(:з)∠)_ even if he doesn’t have a brain; he can still keep the bed warm. Who knows, he might just be the male lead!
Farmer Spring Water Is A Bit Suspicious: Eh, why not a female lead (/ω╲)?
Ignoring the young boy’s sudden lift of his head, she waved her hand, and naturally, someone classified Xu Ke into the “shopping cart.”
Another round of picky selection, adding Xu Ke, she picked six more people, totaling twenty.
“Did you note everyone down?” Jiang Pengji asked the Old Steward, “First, settle those people at the outer farmhouse, and teach them properly.”
The Old Steward felt a bit overwhelmed but couldn’t show any expressions on his wrinkled face, since the master said today all decisions would be made by Jiang Pengji; he only needed to take care of his own duties, “In response to Young Master, everything has been noted.”
“By the way, buy two sturdy matrons who can handle big pots of food.” Jiang Pengji hadn’t taken two steps before she turned to the Tooth Matron, “It’s best if they’re diligent and tight-lipped; don’t consider those who like to slack off.”
The Old Steward was puzzled; Liu Residence wasn’t big, and there were only a few masters to serve, so the current servants were sufficient.
Jiang Pengji’s sudden request for two more matrons was unclear in purpose.
Buying twenty-two people in one go was a big business for the Tooth Shop, not to mention that twenty of them were valuable young men; the price of adults was the highest, and the younger ones were a bit cheaper, while sturdy matrons could sell for about eight or nine taels.
This was legitimate business; they still needed to go through the official records, which wouldn’t take too long.
Settling debts, Jiang Pengji received a stack of indentures from the Tooth Matron, specifically pulling out the one for Xu Xiaoyu.
“Have the farmhouse people keep an eye on that Xu Xiaoyu; don’t let him escape.” Jiang Pengji tucked away that indenture, a meaningful smile curving her lips, and specially reminded, “If you catch him at midnight, be sure to notify me right away. If he escapes, I’ll hold you accountable.”
Having bought people from the Tooth Shop, Jiang Pengji had more tasks to handle.
Liu Zhi’s test was not finished just because she bought the people; there were still a series of follow-ups to consider, such as how to settle people, daily training, and expenses… Speaking of expenses, she also needed to understand the purchasing aspect and market prices to more rationally use that budget.
“It feels like being tormented by a boss again…” Jiang Pengji sat in the carriage, with paper and pen spread out on the table. She opened the new notebook given by the Old Steward, meticulously recording every house servant’s name, origins, and purchase prices.
The barrage was filled with laughter, rare to see the once unstoppable host facing a setback, so they hastened to enjoy the moment.
“…The farmland isn’t small; it can allow them to train while farming, trying to achieve self-sufficiency, balance expenses and income… every quarter’s clothing is another expense, and tools needed for training must be prepared… to encourage training enthusiasm, a reward and punishment system could be established…” Jiang Pengji copied her pre-written draft onto bamboo paper.
In the end, looking at the filled bamboo sheets, Jiang Pengji finally felt some satisfaction.
Next was understanding basic market prices, aiming to effectively utilize the budget in hand, minimizing unnecessary waste.
Besides these arrangements, she needed to devise a training plan; otherwise, how could she turn a bunch of sheep into real lions?
Unfortunately, people of ancient times had poor genetic quality, and their physical fitness was far inferior to her era. Many training methods popular in the future couldn’t be promoted, and she couldn’t rigidly apply them; she had to adjust based on the conditions of this era.
To put it bluntly, the training difficulties at the baby level of her time would be the hell level of this era.
Excitedly, she licked her lips, her eyes shimmering with intense interest. She loved challenges like these; they could stir the dormant blood within her, making it impossible not to feel exhilarated, “I’m really looking forward to this.”
Stowaway Non-Money: Why do I have a feeling something ominous is coming? Watching the host smile, I feel the air around us getting colder…
One Meter Sunshine: You’re not alone; I feel chilly too. The newbie is shivering.
Is it true that the more naive the person, the stronger the intuition?
Watching the flying bullet comments on the screen, Jiang Pengji finally decided to rein in her emotions, retracting her smiling lips.
Now it was early March; the days were still darkening early. Life in ancient times was quite dull; wealthy families could light a lamp to read or listen to plays, finding ways to entertain themselves, while ordinary folks had early dinners, preparing for bed.
Calculating the time, it was almost dinner time; the steward urged her to return early to accompany Liu Zhi for a meal. Before Liu Zhi returned, everyone in the Liu residence usually ate separately. But now that the head of the male household had returned, the whole family shouldn’t keep eating in separate rooms.
Upon arriving at the main hall, Jiang Pengji was surprised to find Lady Die, who usually stayed in her own courtyard, actually seated in the lower left position of Liu Zhi.
As for the Stepmother, she was still recuperating in her own courtyard due to health reasons.
Following the etiquette of this era, Jiang Pengji greeted Liu Zhi before nodding to Lady Die, just as a servant brought up the dining setup.
“Are your younger brother and sister eating in their rooms?” Taking advantage of the servant’s preparations, Jiang Pengji asked.
This era values silence during meals; although the rules of the Liu residence weren’t as strict as the family’s clan, basic etiquette still had to be observed.
Jiang Pengji could only ask questions before the meal began, or she’d have to remain silent until the meal concluded.
Lady Die’s eyes were slightly downcast, seemingly admiring the exquisite embroidery on her clothes, while Liu Zhi’s brow furrowed but he didn’t speak.
Finally, Lady Die smiled, breaking the tense silence, “Your younger brother was playing around a few days ago and hurt his face. According to the Young Doctor’s instructions, he needs to rest and recuperate at home for a while, and his meals should be particularly restrained; otherwise, scars will easily remain. Your younger sister is quite young, timid in nature; even speaking a few words can make her blush. Your cousin is usually serious; if he keeps that stern face, won’t he scare the girl to tears?”
