Chapter 525: Bootlicking

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "When you send someone there, tell Xiao Dong that the Marquis is taking my younger brother horse riding today. If he’s free, he should come and join the fun."

Cui Ming replied, "Xiao Dong will be thrilled. Even if Doctor Li locks him in the small dark room, he’ll find a way to sneak out."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, "You might as well say that even if he had to crawl, he would still crawl over."

Cui Ming laughed as well.

Qin Yuan further instructed, "Remember to send someone to the Imperial College and ask Brother Heng to come to the mansion for horse riding after his studies. Let him know early, so he can make arrangements."

Qin Heng had been spending a lot of time with Xu Tang lately. It was unsettling, so it was best to call him over and get some clarity.

Cui Ming agreed to everything, her expression visibly more at ease.

Only then did Qin Yuan feel at ease to head to the meeting room for discussions.

Wan Accountant and others were already waiting there. Housekeeper Han and Housekeeper Cao both had heavy dark circles under their eyes. Seeing her walk in looking so refreshed, they quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Yuan smiled and asked, "Why are you all gathered here waiting for me so early?"

Housekeeper Qian smiled obsequiously as he brought a chair over for Qin Yuan and said attentively, "Isn’t it for the discussion of the proposal? After several days of deliberation, we finally have some results to present to you, madam."

Housekeeper Cao immediately added, "It’s mostly Wan Accountant’s proposal. We just assisted in spotting any gaps."

Wan Accountant coughed lightly and slowly said, "Housekeeper Cao is being humble. If it weren’t for you all, many issues wouldn’t have been detected."

Housekeeper Qian remarked with a smile, "Yes, yes, yes, as the saying goes, many hands make light work."

Qin Yuan glanced at the silent Housekeeper Han with a slightly amused expression and said, "So, it seems everyone’s satisfied with this proposal."

"Satisfied, satisfied,"

Everyone nodded.

Housekeeper Han spoke pragmatically, "If the master has this intention, it’s a blessing for us servants no matter what. Additionally, though thinking long-term is beneficial, we can’t foresee everything."

Qin Yuan nodded.

"Let’s deliberate within our means first, then present it to the Old Madam for her input. Lately, the Old Madam and the family elders have been discussing various matters, but nothing conclusive has come up. Even if we find it favorable, it must also be agreeable to the family."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Housekeeper Cao urged Wan Accountant to explain the proposal to the master. Qin Yuan listened carefully, nodding in approval at the brilliant parts.

"Indeed, this is meticulous and well-arranged. If it works out, we ought to follow it. Even if the family has doubts, we can start implementing it ourselves."

Housekeeper Han agreed, "Approaching it from two fronts is indeed more secure."

No one knows what the future holds. If the Gu Family collapses, where would people like them, who depend on it, end up? Without the skin, what would the hair attach itself to?

We should try to sustain it as long as possible.

Qin Yuan nodded.

"Plans can’t compare to the unpredictable nature of things. We don’t need to count every penny. If future generations can maintain peace while being vigilant, not ruin the foundation, and build on it, they can last long. Moreover, each generation has its fortune. Only by accumulating virtue and kindness, and passing on dedication and learning, can we hope for longevity."

Upon hearing this, Housekeeper Han nodded emphatically.

The madam, although young, thinks far ahead and doesn’t insist on achieving the best outcome, which is indeed a rare quality.

The smarter people are, the more they like to exploit their intelligence to the fullest, ultimately leaving no room and making things difficult for themselves and others.

Such wisdom in knowing when to stop surpasses countless others.

He took a deep breath and said, "With such plans by madam, the future generations are already blessed. As the saying goes, a house of virtue accumulates prosperous celebrations. In the future, if the descendants accumulate and cherish blessings, study, and act with loyalty towards the master, blessings will naturally follow."

The proposal by Wan Accountant included a clause where their descendants could study in the Gu Family’s clan school, learning literacy and skills from the elderly, and be selected to work in various enterprises of the Marquis Mansion.

This was a beneficial plan that could last for generations.

As long as the title of the Dingbei Marquis Mansion remains securely passed down, their heirs would have a solid future. Although they might not be as favored as those luxurious servants of the royal kin and nobles, it’s stable and lasting.

Housekeeper Cao also said, "Yes, after all, we’re not deities. Who can manage affairs several generations down the line? Madam’s calculations are already a blessing for the descendants. In the future, they must work diligently. Otherwise, even if they were lying on gold and silver mountains, they couldn’t hold on to it."

Wan Accountant nodded slowly.

Seeing that everyone had a say, Housekeeper Qian’s eyes turned, and he smiled, "For us old slaves to be able to work alongside madam is already a stroke of fortune cultivated from a previous life, ensuring our descendants have a promising outlook."

The flattery made Housekeeper Cao’s face twitch a little.

Qin Yuan smiled and said, "I’m young and know little about many matters. Even with such vision, I rely on you to implement it. Essentially, it’s you all accumulating virtue for your own descendants and everyone’s descendants."

Housekeeper Cao solemnly said, "Madam speaks the truth. If this matter is realized, it’s truly a great virtue."

Qin Yuan then chatted with them for a bit before saying, "Let me report to the Marquis and Old Madam first, and we’ll discuss further. If you have matters to attend to, go ahead and get busy."

Everyone took their leave.

Housekeeper Qian stayed behind and said to Qin Yuan with a pleading smile, "This old slave has a matter to seek madam’s favor."

Qin Yuan asked curiously, "What matter? Just say it."

Housekeeper Qian explained, "Previously, I worked under Housekeeper Zhang, not having the opportunity to make connections in front of you, madam. Hence, I didn’t dare join Madam’s venture in buying pepper. Now, upon hearing Madam wants to acquire shares from those folks, I’ve become interested too and wish to join in. May I request madam’s favor?"

Qin Yuan laughed, "Is it because you know about Miss Hong Mian’s contribution for her mother?"

Housekeeper Qian was startled, but seeing Qin Yuan’s gentle expression, he quickly explained, "I saw Miss Hong Mian was all smiles, so I asked her what good news she had. I thought, with Madam’s kind nature, if you’d agree for Miss Hong Mian, there might be a chance you’d agree for me too, allowing this old slave to earn a bit for a coffin fund."

Qin Yuan then asked, "This is not a big deal. Even if we’re not allowing others to buy shares, we won’t prevent you. But are you aware that this business has no guarantees for sure profit? That’s what I also told Hong Mian."

Housekeeper Qian visibly relaxed and happily said, "Thank you for Madam’s kindness. This old slave is not unreasonable and understands the risks."

After expressing his gratitude many times, Qin Yuan asked, "If you aren’t contributing much, you could have transferred shares at Wan Accountant instead. Why did you come to me?"

Housekeeper Qian smiled, "Madam may not know, but this old slave is contributing quite a bit. I have several brothers who haven’t had the same good fortune to work at the mansion like me. Naturally, I’d want to support my family if there’s a good opportunity. Also, I still have a few sons at home, and their future weddings will cost a lot, so I have to think of ways to save more now."

Qin Yuan understood immediately.

It seemed that the past work under Housekeeper Zhang wasn’t very lucrative.

Plus, now that he’s become a housekeeper, he probably wants to elevate his son’s marriage status.

"Do you already have any potential daughters-in-law in mind?"