The Marquis suddenly released a killing aura, making everyone tremble with fear, and they all said in unison, "We understand, my lord."

"That’s good then!"

The Marquis swiftly stood up.

"You are to follow the lady’s orders. If there is any overstepping, it will be like this tree."

As his gaze swept over them, he lightly swung his arm, and an old tree on the outer side of the courtyard cracked with a sound and then fell heavily to the ground.

This scene made everyone as silent as cicadas in cold weather, not daring to speak.

The Marquis folded his hands behind his back, gave everyone a glance, and then said to Qin Yuan, "You stay here, Sixteen is waiting for me."

Qin Yuan got up to see him off outside the courtyard gate.

The Marquis asked, "What do you think of this strike of mine?"

Qin Yuan smiled softly, lips slightly curved.

"Husband is very mighty."

Only then did the Marquis leave with satisfaction.

Qin Yuan returned, and the courtyard was still so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.

It was evident that the Marquis’ tactic was indeed effective.

After the intimidation, it was her turn to be gentle.

Qin Yuan sat down, took a moment, and said, "The Marquis did this to prevent everyone from becoming complacent in their work, lost in trivial daily matters, and disrupting the order."

Housekeeper Han said, "Rest assured, madam, we understand."

Housekeeper Qian quickly said, "Yes, the Marquis was just issuing a warning. We all remind each other. Some mistakes the master can forgive, but some cannot be tolerated."

Housekeeper Cao said, "The Marquis rewards and punishes clearly, remembering those who work diligently and make great achievements in his heart, and never tolerates those who spoil the group. This is a good thing! Only with a wise master will our Marquis Mansion get better and better."

When it came to Wan Accountant, he coughed a few times before saying, "Without rules, nothing can be done."

Qin Yuan nodded.

"Since everyone is aware of the Marquis’ hard intentions, I won’t elaborate any further. These days everyone has been quite tired. This month, we will issue two months’ worth of monthly silver. Soon it will be Mid-Autumn Festival, and all festival rewards will be according to old customs."

Everyone’s faces lit up with joy.

Qin Yuan said, "If there’s nothing else, you may leave. Housekeepers Han, Cao, Qian, and Wan Accountant, please stay. There’s something to discuss."

Everyone quietly and swiftly dispersed.

Housekeeper Han asked, "Madam, what instructions do you have for calling us together?"

Qin Yuan replied, "It’s not anything major. Soon it will be Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Empress Dowager’s birthday is approaching. We should also present lanterns as requested by the Capital Governor Mansion. Additionally, we need a plan for procurement and other preparations in the mansion."

Housekeeper Qian said, "The inner courtyard is simple, just follow the old rules. But the outer courtyard is a bit troublesome. The Marquis just distributed money and grain to the old folks this year. Should we add rewards for Mid-Autumn Festival? How much should we give? Once this starts, it’ll be an annual occurrence and will become quite a significant expense."

Housekeeper Cao took a sharp breath.

Goodness, this newly appointed housekeeper is already taking on all of their work, leaving them nothing to say.

He quickly added, "That’s right. Once it starts, it’ll have to be given every year. Right now, we’re not short of money, but we can’t predict how future generations will spend it. If people don’t receive their regular benefits, they will surely harbor resentment."

Housekeeper Han also said, "It needs to be considered carefully."

Qin Yuan was very pleased in her heart.

These three housekeepers were very fair and long-sighted in their discussions.

Great.

She looked at Wan Accountant and said, "When it comes to this, it really depends on how you plan it."

Wan Accountant thought for a moment and said, "Actually, this matter mainly involves consistency. Now that the money and grain have just been distributed, everyone naturally remembers the goodness of their master. During Mid-Autumn Festival, according to customs, some festival gifts are also distributed. But in the past, it was only given to those working in the mansion, not those who had retired. If the master wants to show compassion and distribute to the elders, this will become a standard practice. In the short term, the money can still support it, but long-term, it’s not a small sum. I think, why not acquire some clan sacrificial fields, allocate them for farming, and annually they submit some yield, while keeping the rest, as a subsidy."

This statement analyzed the causes and consequences, the pros and cons clearly, and proposed a solution, making everyone reveal a look of admiration.

Qin Yuan said, "This may be the only way. However, to avoid disputes, the clan’s ceremonial fields should be managed by each family in turn, responsible for the rituals. Once these fields are classified as sacrificial lands, it will be hard for the Marquis Mansion to assert control later."

Once something is given away, it’s not your decision anymore.

Although the Marquis Mansion carries significant weight in the clan now, nothing lasts forever. If the Marquis Mansion’s status declines, the use of these lands might not be up to them anymore.

Should someone invoke clan rules to reclaim these sacrificial fields and drive out the elder’s descendants, it’s not impossible.

Wan Accountant showed an expression of admiration and said, "The madam considers things from a long-term perspective."

Qin Yuan added, "Keeping these properties with the Marquis Mansion also has a downside. If something unfortunate happens in the future, there will be nothing left. But if left within the clan, there will be at least a place to rely on through hardship, and descendants can always have a chance for resurgence through hard work and study."

Housekeeper Han said appreciatively, "Madam is absolutely right. Now that the Northern Border has stabilized, there likely won’t be any more wars. Although the Marquis’s title is hereditary and unchangeable, real power will probably continue to decline."

The saying goes, a new emperor brings in new courtiers.

Now the Holy Emperor remembers Dingbei Marquis’s achievements, but future emperors might not think the same.

No wars mean the Emperor will appoint his trusted people to military power.

Who knows when the Dingbei Marquis Mansion will only be left with an empty title.

Qin Yuan nodded, "That’s why we need to plan long-term. Now, by carefully strategizing for the future generations, we ensure a lasting legacy."

Some things Qin Yuan couldn’t say.

There’s a balance between master and servant; when the master falls on hard times, servants might not share the hardships, and she’s seen instances of servants oppressing their masters in her previous life.

Zhejiang is wealthy and loves business, prioritizing making money, so there are numerous cases where servants become wealthy and then conspire with outsiders to oppress their former masters.

In the north, where status matters, such occurrences are still rare.

But who can predict the future?

With the large sum suddenly acquired from the Yelv Clan, Qin Yuan thought it might be better to use it to strengthen the Marquis Mansion, to hold onto people’s hearts and shield future descendants from adversity.

Wan Accountant sighed and said, "With madam’s long-term considerations, this matter cannot be simply handled by coming up with a quick plan. Let us report back after careful consideration."

The three housekeepers nodded heavily.

This matter must be done, but how to do it best requires careful thought indeed. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Qin Yuan said, "It’s fine, it’s not something that can be completed overnight. Just buying farmland now would take several years. I mentioned it to get more of your ideas for a thorough discussion."

Wan Accountant said, "This needs to be planned slowly."

Qin Yuan nodded.

"There’s one more important matter, however, that needs to be done now. Once done well, everyone can happily celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival."