Chapter 176: Servitude Contract

 Chapter 176: Servitude Contract

In the main courtyard.

“Second Brother, what are you laughing at?”

Madam Li looked speechlessly at Li Xingnian, who hadn’t stopped smiling ever since they left the Old Madam’s courtyard. 

Li Xingnian restrained his grin slightly. “I was just thinking, how is Daohua so capable!” He couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of his brother-in-law’s embarrassed and awkward expression earlier.

A concubine taking household goods to support her maiden family would normally go unnoticed, but calling it out—especially in front of him, a proper maternal uncle—was undeniably humiliating.

Daohua had dared to bring it up, and she didn’t even try to sugarcoat it, not even sparing her father a shred of dignity.

Hearing this, Madam Li couldn’t help but laugh as well, but soon sighed. “I really don’t know if that girl’s temperament is a blessing or a curse.”

Li Xingnian’s expression turned serious. “Of course, it’s a blessing. With a personality like hers, she won’t be easily bullied. As for the concubine’s issue, that’s one thing, but then there’s your second brother-in-law. Just because he’s older, he thinks he can act all high and mighty. Neither you nor your brother-in-law even said a word, yet he’s already pointing fingers and bossing people around—he’s truly insufferable.”

“Those three kids did something good for the family, bringing in extra help, yet in his mouth, it turned into causing trouble. If Daohua hadn’t stood up for herself and her two brothers, wouldn’t that have been such an injustice?”

Madam Li, also annoyed with Yan Zhiyuan, said with some displeasure, “Second Brother used to know his place, but ever since Wenxiu and the other two went to Wangyue Academy, he’s been sulking and constantly finding fault with Daohua.”

“Oh?” Li Xingnian frowned. “You didn’t elaborate much about the academy in your letters. What exactly happened?”

Madam Li then recounted the matter of the academy slots in detail before indignantly adding, “The slots were given by the young prince. What does it have to do with Daohua? What right does he have to blame her?”

Li Xingnian’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t comment, instead sipping his tea.

Was it truly an inconvenience for the young prince to let the second household’s Wenjie and the concubine-born Wenbin study at Wangyue Academy?
In his view, absolutely not.

If Daohua wanted to ask, she’d certainly get it.

Even her brother-in-law probably realized this.

Madam Li continued, “Ever since Wenxiu and the others started studying at Wangyue Academy and frequently stayed by the young prince’s side, their demeanor and manners have completely transformed. When they come home and stand next to Wenjie and Wenbin, the difference is glaringly obvious.”

“Before, everyone seemed more or less the same. But now, seeing Wenxiu and the others improving while Wenjie remains stagnant, Second Brother naturally feels discontented.”

Li Xingnian snorted coldly. “One reaps what one sows. What has the second household ever done for Daohua? Why should she treat Wenjie the same as her own brothers?”

He paused for a moment and added, “On this point, your husband sees things quite clearly.” He didn’t force Daohua to request a slot for his concubine-born son.

Wenjie not getting into Wangyue Academy might not have been intentional on Daohua’s part, but Wenbin’s exclusion was definitely deliberate.

Her brother-in-law likely understood this as well, which was why he didn’t push the matter.

Madam Li chuckled without commenting further.

Li Xingnian glanced at her. Seeing her rosy complexion and relaxed demeanor—unlike before, when her eyes always carried a trace of worry—he knew she had been living comfortably lately.

“Seeing you like this, Big Brother and I can finally set our minds at ease.”

Madam Li smiled. “The children are growing up and know how to protect me, their mother. Second Brother and Big Brother can worry less about me now.” 

Li Xingnian stayed at the Yan family home for several days, during which he purchased new farmland and shops before leaving.

The matter of Daohua selling her grape wine recipe and the Li family giving her three plots of land and a shop was mentioned by Madam Li only in private to Old Madam Yan and Yan Zhigao.

“That Daohua is still young; you need to keep an eye on her,” the Old Madam reminded her.

Madam Li smiled and said, “That girl listens only to you, Mother. I wouldn’t dare try to manage her.”

The Old Madam was pleased by this and laughed, chatting warmly with her daughter-in-law for a while.

As for Yan Zhigao, although he was astonished by the Li family’s generosity, he had no intention of getting involved, and the matter passed just like that.

After Li Xingnian’s departure, Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wenkai, and Yan Wentao were also preparing to report to the academy. Meanwhile, Daohua and the Yan sisters began their lessons as well, with Teacher Shen returning from his hometown a few days earlier.

On the 29th of the first month, Qin Wu brought Qin Xiao Liu and six others to Xingzhou.

They dared not keep their employer waiting. After resting at home for one night, they immediately set off.

Standing before the imposing and grand Prefect Magistrate office, the group hesitated to step forward.
“Fifth Brother, are we really going to work here in the future?” Qin Xiao Liu asked, pointing at the office.

Qin Wu shook his head. “This is the Prefecture office. We’ll probably be responsible for the back courtyard. Come on, let’s check out the back street.” 

In the main courtyard.

Daohua was about to head to her lesson when Ping Tong entered to inform her that Qin Wu and his group had arrived. She immediately sat back down and called Wang Man’er to ask Teacher Shen for a leave of absence.

Seeing this, Madam Li wasn’t annoyed. She merely smiled and said, “They arrived rather quickly.” Turning to Ping Tong, she added, “Have Steward Sun take them to see the master first. If he approves, then bring them here.”

Ping Tong quickly left.

More than half an hour later, Ping Tong returned with Steward Sun, bringing Qin Wu and his group to the main courtyard.

“You wait here in the courtyard. I’ll inform Madam and the young lady,” Ping Tong instructed.

Qin Wu and the others stood silently with their heads lowered, not daring to look around.

Soon, the sound of a curtain being lifted reached their ears. Maids came out carrying tables and chairs, and shortly after, Daohua helped Madam Li out.

“What did the master say?” Madam Li sat down and looked at Steward Sun.

Steward Sun smiled. “The master tested their martial skills in the front courtyard and said they were good.”

Madam Li nodded and glanced at Ping Tong, who promptly placed eight contract papers on the table.

Seeing this, Daohua widened her eyes in surprise.

Madam Li gave her a look, signaling her to remain silent, then turned to Qin Wu and the others. “Your situation has already been explained to us by the eldest young master. As for why we hired you, you should be aware of the purpose, right?”

Qin Wu nodded. “Madam, we are aware.”

Madam Li smiled. “That’s good. Working in our household requires signing a service contract, especially since you’ll be tasked with protecting the Yan family. This is essential.” She signaled Ping Tong to hand the prepared contracts to Qin Wu and his group.

Hearing about signing contracts, the group hesitated. This hadn’t been mentioned before, and they held the contracts without responding.

Noticing their reaction, Madam Li chuckled. “It’s the eldest master’s first time hiring people outside, so some details may have been overlooked. Our family isn’t forcing you to sign. If you’re unwilling, we won’t insist.”

“However, the 1,000 taels of silver we spent to redeem you from the Prefecture office must be repaid.”

Qin Wu glanced at the elegant and kind-looking Madam Li, then at Daohua, who was staring at them with wide eyes. After a brief pause, he decisively said, “Madam, we’ll sign.”

For ordinary folk like them, working for an official’s family—even under a contract—was a great opportunity.

Hearing this, Madam Li smiled and gestured for Ping Tong to hand over the pen. “Don’t worry, we’re not tying you to the Yan family forever. The contracts are for twenty years. After that, you’re free to leave if you wish.”

“Of course, if you find the Yan family to your liking, you’re welcome to stay.”

Hearing this, Qin Wu and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Madam Li continued, “Qin Wu, from today onward, you’ll be the head guard of the Yan family. Your monthly salary will be ten taels, while the others will receive five taels each. I hope you all work hard to protect the Yan family.”

The group was thrilled to hear about such generous wages.

Madam Li then added, “As for the 1,000 taels used to redeem you, half of your monthly salaries will be deducted until the debt is fully repaid. Do you have any objections?”

Qin Wu and the others shook their heads in unison.

Madam Li smiled. “Good. Steward Sun, take the guards to rest.”

(End of Chapter)