Yang Ruxin handed everyone over to Du Chengxiu and the Ye Family, who registered and organized the records before assigning them. However, the first day was not meant for work; instead, everyone gathered together for training. The training covered the Yang Familyâs house rules and various reward and punishment measures, which were mandatory for all newly recruited servants to memorize. Future tasks and practices would strictly adhere to these regulations.
"Young Miss, ever since Shanzi and Ge Jie left, there havenât been any boys of appropriate age in the household. But Young Master Xiaofeng and Young Master Zhou Xiao really need boys to accompany themâit would be better for them," Ye Family approached Yang Ruxin and said. "You can get two maids to handle their daily needs, but if there are only maids, it might not be beneficial for the two young mastersâ growth."
Yang Ruxin looked at Ye Family in astonishment, not expecting her to have considered things so thoroughly. "So, Aunt Ye, what do you think we should do?"
"You could buy a few boys to act as attendants and train them from a young ageâitâs easier to cultivate loyalty this way. However, such boys can only serve as servants. My proposal, Young Miss, is that you should find children of similar age to be companions for the young masters. They could be drawn from the village or the clan. Having been recipients of your kindness, these children could become strong allies for the young masters in the future. But, of course, you must make sure they have excellent character."
"Thatâs a good idea." Yang Ruxin nodded. Not only did large families practice this, but even the Princes in the Palace had companions. Hence, this was certainly feasible.
After running through the boys from familiar households in the village in her mind, she already had suitable candidates in mind.
However, whether it would work out still required discussions with the village head, clan elders, and the childrenâs parents.
Although such companions wouldnât be considered sold into slavery or part of a low social status, they would still need to sign a contract stipulating loyalty to the household. In the future, no matter what happens, they must share the fate of the household. Therefore, this matter needed careful consideration.
Of course, if any party expressed even the slightest unwillingness, Yang Ruxin would not force it.
Since the matter couldnât be delayed, Yang Ruxin went to the village headâs house that very day. After all, it was better for the village head to handle the situation.
"Ah, Iâll help you ask around about this," Yang Mancang agreed readily. "The boys youâve mentioned have decent character. However, while itâs a good thing, thereâs no guarantee their families will agree right away. After all..."
"Village Head Uncle, I understand," Yang Ruxin quickly responded. "This matter must be handled with mutual consent, or there could be resentment later..." For companions, all expenses would be borne by her household, but she didnât want to raise an ungrateful troublemaker.
Yang Mancang was quite invested in Yang Ruxinâs affairs and visited all the targeted families that very evening.
Surprisingly, initially, Yang Ruxin had selected just four childrenâtwo were the great-grandsons of her third-granduncle and fourth-granduncle, while one was the clan leaderâs grandson from Budong Village. But in the end, two other children were proposed as well. Left with no choice, Yang Mancang summoned Yang Ruxin to discuss the matter.
Yang Ruxin went along with Zhou Xiao and Xiaofeng.
The two boys were very familiar with the six candidates. Those children often trailed after them, running behind them wherever they went. Now, upon hearing that they could spend every day together, the group of children was unexpectedly delighted.
Zhou Xiao remained indifferent, but Xiaofeng was thrilled to have companions to play with, while the other children were happy to join the Yang Family, as that meant good food.
Of course, Yang Ruxin explained both the advantages and disadvantages thoroughly. If everyone had no objections, the next step would be signing the agreements.