Chapter 1229: Benevolence
Editor: Henyee Translations
Qiao Xuan smiled, her demeanor calm and composed, as she addressed the gathering. “Alright, that’s all for now. Go back to your homes and attend to your duties. Just remember that, from this moment onward, I am your master. The mulberry garden is no longer associated with the Zheng Family or the Zhao Family.”
She continued, “If there’s anyone among you who wishes to remain loyal to the previous owner, you are free to leave. I won’t stand in your way. The terms of your tenancy are clear; if the old owner wishes to reclaim you, they can do so at the original price. I won’t create any obstacles.”
“But if you choose to stay, you must acknowledge me as your master. If I discover any treachery or hidden agendas, I won’t be lenient. Betraying one’s master is an irreversible path, and I hope all of you will conduct yourselves accordingly.”
“Now, you may depart.”
Her words left everyone in the audience taken aback. They retreated quietly, no longer causing the commotion they had earlier. It was evident that their new master had a stern disposition and was not to be underestimated. Honesty seemed to be the best policy.
After all, for those willing to work diligently, there were annual bonuses to look forward to—a pleasant surprise indeed. Nobody was foolish enough to walk away from such treatment.
Once the tenants were reassured, Qiao Xuan turned her attention to the estate’s managers. She instructed the household staff to have them wait in the wing-room, intending to meet with each of them individually.
The first on her list was Manager Zheng, and Uncle Qing accompanied them. Qiao Xuan held the contract in her hands, aware that she needed to deal with the local power broker tactfully.
Zhao Mu had firmly convinced himself that the 100,000 mu mulberry garden was within his grasp. He was determined not to relinquish it easily, even if it meant resorting to unscrupulous tactics.
In his mind, he couldn’t afford to be seen as inferior to Madame Shao, a newcomer to Yangzhou. Admitting such a status would subject him to ridicule from the local populace, a humiliation he couldn’t tolerate any longer.
Furthermore, the financial prospects were too enticing to ignore. With an annual income of more than 1,000,000 liang, after accounting for expenses, there would still be a substantial profit, around 700,000 liang annually. No one in their right mind would reject such a substantial fortune.
However, touching Qiao Xuan would only invite her to retaliate in kind. As the saying goes, “civilians should not engage with officials.” While Zhao Mu might command respect and awe, he was still a civilian in Yangzhou. On the other hand, Shao Yunduan held an influential position in the capital and was the Crown Prince’s favorite. Ignorantly crossing paths with him would surely lead to Zhao Mu’s demise.
Qiao Xuan, well aware of the potential dangers, remained vigilant, concerned that Zhao Mu might react angrily and attempt to sabotage the mulberry garden.
Butler Zheng was in high spirits as he conversed with them, his mood lifted considerably. He was no longer as anxious as before, as he believed that kindness and the Zheng Family’s virtuous history would bring them blessings. Their ancestors seemed to be watching over Young Master Yuezheng, allowing him to turn adversity into prosperity.
As Qiao Xuan continued to meet with about half of the managers, Zhao Mu, Zhao Zhai, and Zhao Ye finally made their entrance, accompanied by 30 pageboys and servants.
