BXG - 8

The Housekeeper

She slowly turned, looking at Zhou Tan. “What do you think I want?”

Zhou Tan lowered his head, absently rubbing the white jade ring on his finger. His tone betrayed no emotion: “I’ve already promised to save your father. Beyond that—money, status, or perhaps… a letter of divorce years from now.”

Qu You’s brow furrowed slightly. She gracefully returned to sit at the table beside his bed and poured herself a cup of tea.

Seeing her silence, Zhou Tan continued: “Our marriage is new. If we were to divorce now, it would displease the palace. Wait a while longer, and I’ll find a way to resolve this. What do you think?”

He raised his head, looking at the woman seated before him. She was stunningly beautiful; her bright eyes shimmered under the flickering candlelight.

He glanced at her only briefly before shifting his gaze away.

Qu You stared at Zhou Tan across from her, feeling a spark of irritation. “Do you really think I saved your life just to bargain with you?”

“What else could it be?” Zhou Tan calmly countered.

“Perhaps I pitied you, felt sympathy for you,” Qu You replied.

“I don’t need anyone’s pity,” Zhou Tan paused, then let out a derisive laugh. “Besides… you’re the daughter of an upright scholar. Why would you pity me?”

When Zhou Tan had faced Liang An and Zhou Yang earlier, his demeanor had been icy and unyielding, refusing to budge an inch. Now, alone with her, though his expression softened somewhat, his tone remained firm and dismissive, as if he suspected ulterior motives.

Qu You immediately crushed any sympathy she had previously felt for him. Recalling the cold words in historical records, she began to understand phrases like “upright and detached” and “emotionally indifferent.”

The Zhou Tan she had dreamed of—handsome, virtuous, fragile, like pristine snow beneath a spring flower—was clearly just her own fanciful imagination.

“This marriage is absurd. Had I been awake, I would have stopped it,” Zhou Tan suddenly added, his tone softening slightly. “Wasting your youth was never my intention. If you resent me, it’s understandable.”

Qu You rolled her eyes and changed the subject: “Fine. If you truly wish to repay me for saving your life, I’ll ask for one thing.”

Zhou Tan nodded. “What is it?”

“Freedom,” Qu You stood up, staring at him. “Before, confined to the inner chambers, I found many things inconvenient. Now, I hope to live a different kind of life. I have friends in the city. Perhaps I’ll travel with them to distant mountains and rivers, or start small businesses here in Bianjing. There’s so much I want to do. Since we’re only nominally married, I hope Lord Zhou won’t confine me to the inner quarters.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Zhou Tan’s face, but he quickly composed himself. “That’s fine. I won’t interfere. If needed, I can assign some guards to protect you.”

Qu You sat brazenly on the table, noticing Zhou Tan’s slight frown.

Her tone carried a hint of mockery: “Lord Zhou isn’t like ordinary men. I thought even in a nominal marriage, you’d insist I guard my reputation, adhere to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, and follow the principle of ‘the husband as the wife’s guiding star.’”

Zhou Tan shot back: “You’re not like ordinary women either.”

“Still… pursuing your own path, exploring famous mountains and rivers, free from the constraints of serving a husband and raising children, adhering to the Three Obediences and Four Virtues—a wonderful life indeed.”

Qu You said, “Thank you for the compliment.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Zhou Tan turned around, rummaging through a finely carved cabinet beside his bed. He retrieved a rosewood box and gestured for her to take it.

“These are the indentures of my household servants, along with property deeds. Several shops in Bianjing and paddy fields in the suburbs were bestowed by the Emperor. You may use them as you see fit without informing me. If you don’t wish to manage them, leave them to Aunt Yun.”

Qu You took the box, opened it, and glanced inside.

Was this all of Zhou Tan’s wealth? He had just mentioned a future divorce. Why hand over the box now? Was he testing whether she coveted his riches?

Qu You flipped through it briefly, then closed the box. “Why give this to me?”

“The inner quarters are mostly managed by Aunt Yun. She’s not mobile, unfamiliar with Bianjing, and has struggled to maintain things. If you’re interested, take over. It’ll be more convenient for you to access,” Zhou Tan explained.

She did have many expenses, but Zhou Tan’s words made it sound as if he were bestowing charity, hiring her to manage the household.

Clutching the box, Qu You hopped off the table. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll run off with all your assets and return to my family?”

Zhou Tan gave her a fleeting glance, his tone indifferent. “Feel free to try.”

Historical texts described Zhou Tan as “greedy for wealth and fond of beauty.” The greed for wealth seemed evident, but there was no sign of his fondness for beauty. Was it because she wasn’t beautiful enough?

Frustrated, Qu You placed the box on the table and left the room.

Alone, Zhou Tan sat where he was, suddenly realizing he had forgotten to ask her name.

Unexpectedly, Qu You returned shortly after, carrying two bowls of egg drop soup. She handed him one and kept the other for herself, sitting at the table to review the deeds in Zhou Tan’s box.

Zhou Tan held the bowl, took a sip, and found it tasted different from what he usually drank. He couldn’t believe it: “Is this… made by you?”

“Afraid you’d starve,” Qu You didn’t even look up, replying indifferently. “The cooks in your estate must be someone’s relatives. Their cooking is atrocious. Since you’ve handed these matters over to me, I’ll hire new cooks tomorrow.”

The egg drop soup was exquisitely tender, without a trace of fishiness, at just the right temperature—not too hot, not too cold. Though Zhou Tan rarely indulged in food, he felt he had never tasted a better soup.

After finishing the bowl, he finally remembered to ask: “By the way, what’s your name?”

He didn’t even know her name yet.

Qu You mentally rolled her eyes but patiently replied: “My surname is Qu, my given name is You, and my courtesy name is Yilian. ‘You’ comes from the phrase ‘a lone cloud floats away leisurely.’ You can call me Youyou—my friends all do.”

She added, “Though it seems we’re not that familiar.”

Such a familiar term.

Zhou Tan tested the name on his tongue but didn’t say it aloud. Instead, he said, “I need to rest.”

Qu You yawned and, standing up, remembered to inform him: “On our wedding night, I slept on the floor beneath your bed. For the following days, Aunt Yun arranged for me to stay in Fanghua Pavilion. Lord Zhou, see you tomorrow.”

Zhou Tan replied, “There’s no need to see me tomorrow. I’ll be reading documents in the Songfeng Pavilion. I hope no one disturbs me.”

With that, Qu You turned and left, carrying her empty bowl.

Long after she had gone, Zhou Tan shifted his gaze to the floor.

He clenched the bedding, a flicker of helplessness crossing his face, but quickly suppressed his emotions, his eyes growing cold again.

She… was completely unlike the noblewomen he had imagined.

________________________________________

The next day, Liang An didn’t dare visit personally but sent someone to deliver a box of documents to Zhou Tan.

Zhou Tan stayed in the Songfeng Pavilion, reading documents and recuperating in peace. Meanwhile, Qu You wandered around for a few days before summoning Hexing to Xinji Hall.

Hexing bowed to her and reported softly: “Mistress, I’ve investigated the matter you entrusted me with.”

Qu You poured her a cup of tea and gestured for her to sit opposite. Hexing hesitated, but Qu You insisted, pulling her down into a bamboo chair. “If you stand in front of me, I’ll have to crane my neck. Don’t be so formal—sit.”

“There are thirty servants of various kinds in the estate. De Shu is the only steward, while Aunt Yun manages the inner quarters,” Hexing whispered. “Five handle sweeping, five work in the kitchen, six are maidservants…”

As she spoke, Qu You mentally calculated.

Zhou Tan’s estate had far too few people. In her wanderings over the past few days, she had discovered many courtyards completely devoid of occupants.

Though the number of servants was small, they covered the most essential tasks: cleaning, cooking, purchasing supplies, and attending to duties. With Aunt Yun managing efficiently, everything ran smoothly.

Qu You realized that Zhou Tan excelled at simplifying complexities. He retained the bare minimum of servants necessary to maintain daily operations. If not for his sudden assassination attempt, the estate would have maintained its balance indefinitely.

Fewer people meant fewer conflicts and easier management.

However, such minimal staffing inevitably led to oversights. The estate lacked sufficient servants: no gardeners in the front courtyard, resulting in neglect; the kitchen food was terrible; purchase accounts were unclear…

Though the Qu family also dealt with similar matters, everyone was preoccupied with survival.

But Zhou’s estate was different. The vast front courtyard lay desolate. Since she was living here and Zhou Tan allowed her to make changes, she decided to summon Aunt Yun and discuss hiring additional servants.

Aunt Yun hesitated: “I’ve tried organizing this before, but I’m not from Bianjing. I’m unfamiliar with local brokers, and my attempts failed repeatedly.”

“Don’t go through brokers,” Qu You took a stack of silver coins from the nearby box and handed them to Aunt Yun. “Today, distribute this as a reward on my behalf. Ask around—if anyone wishes to leave the estate or get married, let them go. When recruiting new staff, first consider the tenant farmers’ children near the suburban paddy fields. If none are available, I’ll ask my mother to recommend some.”

Holding the stack of coins, Aunt Yun was at a loss: “On what grounds should I distribute this reward?”

“It’s my first time managing the household—a greeting gift,” Qu You explained. “When recruiting new staff, I’ll establish clear rules for rewards, punishments, promotions, shifts, and duties. Perform well and receive a reward; perform poorly and face penalties. No favoritism or scheming to please the master will be tolerated.”

“Everyone should fulfill their roles. My goal is to prevent resentment among the servants. When hiring, I’ll investigate their backgrounds thoroughly. Aunt Yun, please keep an eye out. Those of questionable character, especially those who can’t keep secrets, must not be hired. All previous ambiguities are forgiven; under the new rules, everyone has something to strive for. I hope we can unite as one. What do you think, Aunt Yun?”

“Excellent,” Aunt Yun inwardly praised her. “With me keeping watch, there won’t be any trouble. Mistress, rest assured.”

“That’s good,” Qu You sighed in relief, grateful for Aunt Yun’s presence, which allowed her to slack off a bit. “Aunt Yun, there’s no need to seek out overly young recruits. You’re an old hand in the Zhou household, far more experienced than I. I’ll rely on you heavily for household affairs going forward.”

Despite her youth, the mistress was decisive, considerate of the servants, and unpretentious. Managing the estate would surely become easier.

Aunt Yun quickly responded: “Mistress, don’t speak so humbly. Excuse my boldness, but our late master passed away early, and I have no children of my own. In my heart, I’ve long regarded Young Master Zhou as my own child.”

Qu You sighed: “Aunt Yun truly cares for him deeply.”

She wondered how Zhou Tan, who appeared cold and detached, regarded Aunt Yun.

As they conversed, a servant rushed into the hall, breathless and stammering: “Mistress, someone from the palace has arrived! They heard that Master Zhou has awakened and have come to deliver a reward!”

Who was sending the reward? The Empress Consort? The Emperor? Or someone else?

No reward upon marriage, but now that he had awakened? This didn’t seem like good news.

Qu You rose from her chair in front of Xinji Hall. Turning around, she saw Zhou Tan leaning against the doorpost of the Songfeng Pavilion, gazing at her across the mottled stone path.

Suddenly recalling her dream, she decided, somewhat inappropriately, that since the courtyard was neglected, planting a few apricot trees might be nice.