TSWRLM -Chapter 259 The Madam Hired Someone for Master

“Are you really willing to keep Ying’er?”

Chun Xi agreed so quickly that Shen Jinhua immediately felt something was off.

Chun Xi asked back, “Little aunt brought her here specifically—wasn’t it to let me accept her? Are you having second thoughts?”

Shen Jinhua didn’t dare answer, only watched Chun Xi warily, as if one wrong word might get her into trouble. Finally, Ying’er couldn’t wait any longer and spoke anxiously: “Thank you, Sister Chun Xi. Ying’er will wholeheartedly serve you and Master from now on.”

Shen Jinhua shot Ying’er a glare, annoyed at her impatience, then cautiously asked Chun Xi, “So you’re just accepting her with no other conditions?”

“Of course there are conditions.”

Chun Xi nodded. Shen Jinhua sighed in relief, expecting Chun Xi to now make her demands.

Everyone in the Shen family had already seen Chun Xi’s capability. With her around, the Xiao family dowry could never return to the Shens, and Shen Qingyuan wouldn’t get close to them either. Ying’er was different.

Ying’er had been close to Shen Jinhua since childhood and was slightly younger than Chun Xi. If she gave Shen Qingyuan a son before Chun Xi did, and later found a way to gain his favor, the benefits for the Shen family would be enormous.

As long as Chun Xi’s demands weren’t too excessive, the Shen family would accept.

Shen Jinhua was just thinking this when she heard Chun Xi’s gentle voice: “If she wants to stay, fine. Have her sign a servitude contract.”

Ying’er’s smile vanished. Shen Jinhua’s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly protested: “I just said—Ying’er is my mother-in-law’s eldest daughter. How can you make her sign a servitude contract?”

“You all brought her here to serve in bed. What’s the problem with signing a contract?”

Chun Xi raised an eyebrow, speaking plainly and harshly.

Ying’er’s rosy face paled, and Shen Jinhua’s expression darkened. She frowned, retorting: “A-Xi, I only brought Ying’er to help you. Men are all unfaithful. Rather than letting some unscrupulous woman seduce Yuan’er, isn’t it better to have Ying’er serve alongside you?”

“I understand your intentions, little aunt, and I’m willing to agree. But hearts can change. What if Ying’er later relies on your support to team up with the Shen family and push me down? What then?”

Shen Jinhua, caught off guard, hurriedly said, “That’s impossible. Yuan’er dotes on you—how could he let anyone surpass you?”

“Words alone aren’t proof. If little aunt refuses to sign, then please leave. I can always buy two pretty maids later to serve Master—it’s no problem.”

After speaking, Chun Xi signaled to A-Li to escort them out. Shen Jinhua was still unsure, but Ying’er decisively said: “I am willing to sign the servitude contract for Sister.”

Though her face still looked youthful, her eyes already revealed a hunger for power and status.

Chun Xi had someone fetch brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and reminded Ying’er once more: “Think carefully. This contract will be registered with the authorities. Once you become a servant, you’ll be inferior in every way and must obey me in all matters.”

Ying’er licked her lips, still nervous, but said firmly: “Didn’t you also start as a maid in the Wei household before reaching where you are now?”

In other words, if Chun Xi could do it, so could she.

Chun Xi clicked her tongue silently. She had thought of herself as strong and unyielding, but here, Ying’er mirrored that image.

Still, with Madam Mo having historically risen through such means, and Shen Qingchi now following suit, it wasn’t really her fault if Ying’er went astray.

With that thought, Chun Xi said no more. She wrote the servitude contract for Ying’er to sign and had A-Li give Shen Jinhua ten taels of silver.

“I’ve accepted her. Little aunt, is there anything else?”

“…”

The contract was signed so quickly that Shen Jinhua had no time to stop it. Seeing Chun Xi’s face, her eyelids twitched uncontrollably.

Shen Jinhua dared not linger, mockingly giving Ying’er a few instructions before leaving in a hurry. She needed to report back to her sister-in-law. If Chun Xi later tricked Ying’er, it would be none of her responsibility.

—

The trade talks between Yuexi and Zhaoling were basically settled, and the envoy group would leave the capital in three days. A banquet was held today, so Shen Qingyuan would return a bit late.

As he passed through the front hall, he ran into A-Li holding a lantern to meet him.

Seeing the warm yellow glow, Shen Qingyuan’s lips lifted slightly. He asked gently: “Did anything happen at the Xiao household today? When did you return? Did she eat well?”

A-Li recounted in detail Chun Xi buying lamb to eat hot pot at the Xiao residence, and scolding Wei Lingze for his behavior.

Shen Qingyuan’s eyes flashed coldly. Amnesia and possession—Wei Lingze’s tactics were becoming increasingly despicable.

A-Li didn’t stop, also reporting about Shen Jinhua sending someone over.

Hearing that Chun Xi kept the girl, Shen Qingyuan stopped in his tracks, incredulous: “Madam really kept her?”

A-Li nodded. “Yes. But Madam had her sign a servitude contract, so even if she gains favor in the future, she can never surpass Madam.”

“…”

Shen Qingyuan’s aura suddenly turned icy. A-Li tried to speak further, but Shen Qingyuan snatched the lantern and said deeply: “I’ll return to the main residence myself. You can rest.”

With that, he strode toward the main residence, leaving A-Li far behind.

A-Li: “…”

Did he say something wrong? Why did it feel like Master was rushing back to confront Madam?

But Madam hadn’t said these matters couldn’t be shared with Master…

—

Inside the main residence, Chun Xi had finished bathing. She sat by the fire drying her hair while reviewing last season’s account books.

The shopkeepers given by Madam Xiao were capable. The business, previously mediocre under Madam Mo’s management, was now visibly more profitable. The fields she bought last year had no harvest yet, as the estate had just finished clearing weeds and tilling the soil—ready for spring planting.

Though there was no yield yet, year-end bonuses still needed distribution. Chun Xi was considering how much to give when Shen Qingyuan pushed open the door.

Outside, snow had begun falling again. The cold wind rushed in. Chun Xi shivered, set aside the books, and smiled warmly: “Husband, you’re back.”

Shen Qingyuan didn’t respond as usual. He first scanned the room with a cold expression, finally resting his gaze on Chun Xi: “Where is she?”

“Who?”

Chun Xi was puzzled. Shen Qingyuan’s eyes narrowed, filled with quiet reproach: “The person Madam accepted on my behalf without permission.”

Chun Xi raised an eyebrow: “I did accept someone—but who says it was for you?”