All Hail Cousin Brother

130 A whole new level of respect

Yesterday, Yao Yao had single-handedly arranged a big show. Even Mother Yang and Steward Zhou, who were old servants, were under her control. How could the stewards in the manor dare to put on airs in front of Yao Yao?

Besides, this method was brilliant because it was a win-win situation. The stewards’ interests were maximized. When their power was high, who wouldn’t want a fair and square dividend?

Even if some people had ulterior motives and did not want to agree, it was probably not up to him.

Yu Youyao nodded and picked up her pen to increase the punishment.

After discussing with her for a while, Old Madam Yu asked Nanny Xu to prepare breakfast.

After breakfast, Madam Yao came over to greet Old Madam Yu. “I heard that Eldest Sister-in-law is sick. Now that Yao Yao is helping to manage the household, I came over to see if there’s anything I can help with. Yao Yao is also a half-grown child, so she won’t be tired.”

The first and second branches were only separated by a door. There had been a commotion in the residence the entire afternoon yesterday, so how could she not know?

When Old Madam Yu heard this, she smiled. “You’re too kind.” This second daughter-in-law of hers was a considerate person. She did and spoke very respectfully. She turned to look at her granddaughter. “Your second aunt is a capable person. She’s good at managing people. You have to learn from her.”

Before Yu Youyao could say anything, Madam Yao had already blushed and waved her hand. “Old Madam, you’re really embarrassing me. When I first married into the family, I didn’t know anything either. It was Old Madam who didn’t mind and taught me step by step. Now, I can still be of some use. In terms of managing the household, Old Madam is the best. Yao Yao has grown up by your side and can already help manage the household at a young age. It’s obvious that she’s learned a lot from you.”

Not only did she praise Old Madam quietly, but she also praised Yu Youyao. Anyone who heard this would be happy.

Old Madam Yu thought of Madam Yang.

When Madam Yang had first entered the family, she did not like her for not staying in her own room. She had already gotten together with her eldest son and even had a secret affair. However, since she had already married into the family, she could only teach her a little more in the interest of peace and prosperity in the family.

However, Yang Shuwan was not someone who was willing to be taught. After keeping her by his side for a few days, Eldest Son thought that Madam Yang had suffered a huge grievance in front of her. In less than two years, he had also fallen out with her, his mother.

From then on, she gave up on teaching her and let her do whatever she wanted.

It could be seen that not everyone was like Madam Yao and Yao Yao, who were willing to be taught. After comparing them, she naturally taught Madam Yao more diligently.

Madam Yao turned to look at Yu Youyao. “Good child. You’re so young, but you already know how to share your grandmother’s and mother’s burdens.”

Yu Youyao pursed her lips and smiled. “It’s only right.”

Madam Yao held her hand. “You don’t know how hard it is to be in charge, but my heart aches for you. It’s really hard on you to learn to help manage the household at such a young age. I don’t have any experience in managing the household, but I’ve been in charge for a few years. I still have some experience, so I’ll tell you.”

Yu Youyao was very happy. “Thank you, Second Aunt!”

The two of them chatted for a while. Seeing that it was getting late, Madam Yao got up. “Old Madam, have a good rest. I’ll go to the main courtyard to visit Eldest Sister-in-law. Do you want Yao Yao to come along?”

Yang Shuwan was sick. As a sister-in-law, she had to go over and visit her.

Yu Youyao shook her head. “There are still some unfinished matters in the residence. Second Aunt, you can go first!”

Madam Yao’s smile deepened. Without saying anything, she took some supplements and herbs and left for the main courtyard.

Yesterday, she heard about what had happened in the main residence. She felt that Yu Youyao had used Mother Yang and Steward Zhou to establish her authority in the residence on the first day because of Old Madam’s guidance.

But now, she no longer thought that way.

When Yu Youyao talked about the butler’s matters, she was very organized and confident. When she asked her for advice regarding her experience with butlers, every word was said and done in a commanding manner. The way she handled the butler matters was really impressive.

In the first two months, Yao Yao was still a child. Now that she had fallen sick and broken through the gates of hell, she had grown up.

Madam Yao then thought of Yu Shuangbai at home. They were both half-grown children, and their ages were not far apart. However, Shuangbai was still a child. She was greedy, lazy, and fun loving. She was taught the rules from Nanny for a long time, but she did not learn anything well. Her embroidery was a mess, and her kitchen skills could start a fire.

Madam Yao shook her head. A family of sisters couldn’t be too far apart. She couldn’t let outsiders talk about it. She had to be stricter with Shuangbai later.

After chatting with her grandmother for a while, Yu Youyao returned to the Jade Courtyard. She wanted to study the Four Systems of Mourning from the Book of Rites, and the third chapter of the Analects, Eight rows, in advance.

During this period of time, in addition to teaching her how to write, her cousin would also guide her in her studies. She gradually caught up with the lessons she had missed in the past.

The Four Books and Five Classics were profound, but there were many similarities. Even if she hadn’t learned them before, she could still understand a little. If there was anything she didn’t understand, Yu Youyao would memorize it and ask her cousin for guidance when he came over in the afternoon.

Sunlight shone through the window, illuminating the quiet area. The incense in the incense burner rose meticulously.

Xia Tao walked over quietly. “Young Miss, the new steward of Zhouzhuang is here.”

Yu Youyao paused for a moment and put down the pen in her hand.

Last night, Zhou Yongniu and the others had returned to Zhouzhuang in the dark. Without even bothering to return home, they had gone to look for Zhouzhuang’s Li Zheng and told him everything that had happened in the Yu Residence.

When Li Zheng heard this, he was so shocked that he did not even bother to put on his clothes properly. He gathered all the people that Zhouzhuang could speak to and sent more than thirty people to look for Elder Zhuang.

Zhouzhuang’s Elder Zhuang was an old scholar in his sixties. He had taken the examination a few times when he was young and did not manage to pass the provincial civil service examination, so he returned to the village to start a school.

Zhouzhuang had the Yu Residence behind it, so its days were pretty good. That was why he had the confidence to set up a school.

Old Master Zhuang was knowledgeable and had seen the world. He was very knowledgeable about Zhouzhuang and the person to speak to if one had questions. As time passed, Old Master Zhuang became a resident of Zhouzhuang.

Elder Zhuang stroked his long beard and listened as Zhou Yongniu recounted what had happened in the residence.

Everyone in the main room was talking at once, complaining that the Yu Residence had increased the harvest and rent. Many people were cursing Zhou Yongchang for being wicked. He had embezzled money and even implicated them.

Elder Zhuang listened without saying anything.

After listening to everyone talk for the time it took to burn an incense stick, Old Master Zhuang finally said, “Zhou Yongchang has embezzled the main family’s money, which is equivalent to betraying the main family. He has to be punished with 30 strokes of the paddle first and sent to the government. Then, he will be punished with 30 strokes of the paddle and sent to the Shangyang Castle for exile. Now that the main family has resolved the contract with the steward, they want him to plant trees in the mountains and receive money every month. It can be considered a job. If he works well, he can also support his family.”

As soon as he spoke, no one else spoke. They all lowered their heads to listen to him.