Increase the servants' monthly wages by eight taels.

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Jiang Shuwan couldn’t help but feel sorrow for herself. The previous generation had truly lived in a haze. Even Liusu, a mere maid, could see through the false affection the Jiang family showed her, yet she still believed they loved her, obediently following their words and distancing herself from her maternal grandfather’s Shen family. Looking back now, she wished she could slap herself several times.

“Hmm, it won’t happen again,” she said, both to Liusu and to herself.

They walked along the long path paved with bluestone, passing through a garden blooming with roses before returning to the Magnolia Court where she lived. The Magnolia Court was on the east side of the Marquis Yongbo’s residence. It had originally belonged to her mother, but after her mother’s death, whether to show a charitable public image or for some other reason, Madam Li had placed Jiang Shuwan in the largest courtyard of the Marquis’s estate.

On the east side of the courtyard stood a kapok tree, while chrysanthemums and lilies grew on the west side. The rest of the space was empty.

Stepping onto the bluestone, Jiang Shuwan entered the room. It was cold inside, without any warmth at all.

Liusu helped Jiang Shuwan remove her cotton coat, fuming, “These people are too much. They know Miss, you’re not well, yet they won’t let you light a fire indoors.”

Jiang Shuwan cleared her throat lightly and moved to the desk. Her slender, fair hand picked up a brush pen and began writing on the rice paper, words unknown.

Liusu stoked the fire in the iron-wire copper brazier, adding two pieces of charcoal. Soon the brazier crackled and popped, warming the room considerably. Seeing the window was still open, she muttered as she went to close it, “These people are so lazy, not even closing the window on such a cold day.”

After shutting the window, Liusu poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to Jiang Shuwan. “Miss, you just came in from outside. Have some warm tea before you write.”

Jiang Shuwan paused her brush, looked at the steaming cup, then raised it and drank it down. The slightly scalding tea warmed her throat and stomach, and a comforting warmth spread through her body and heart.

She handed the empty cup back to Liusu and looked at her intently.

In the previous life, this girl had followed her and suffered many hardships because Jiang Shuwan was weak. Now that she had a second chance at life, she would not let Liusu be wronged again.

Jiang Shuwan said to Liusu, “Go bring everyone from the courtyard inside.”

Though unsure of her mistress’s intent, Liusu obediently went to call them.

Half an hour later, Liusu returned with fewer than ten people.

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Jiang Shuwan looked at the scattered three and formed an idea.

“I have had a fever these past few days. Everyone here is loyal and dutiful to Magnolia Court, as Liusu has told me. Starting today, I will increase each of your monthly wages by one hundred coins. As long as everyone works well, I will not treat you unfairly.”

Liusu looked puzzled.

The few servants present were also surprised, exchanging glances and whispering among themselves.

“Did I hear that right? The young miss is really raising our monthly wage?”

“It’s true. We used to get only two hundred coins a month. Now it’s increased by half.”

“Do you think she’s lost her mind because of the fever?”

“Don’t say that; I’m afraid the young miss might take back her words.”

Hearing their talk, Jiang Shuwan didn’t get angry but explained, “You are all senior staff in the courtyard; raising your wages is only proper. If you all follow my arrangements and manage the courtyard well, the pay will increase further.”

The group, no longer doubting their ears, smiled and promised, “We will obey the young miss’s orders and never slack off.”

“Good. Go register with Liusu. The increase starts this month. For those who didn’t come, deduct their entire wage to fifty copper coins a month.”

“Thank you, young miss!” The servants smiled broadly in gratitude.

Liusu, returning from registration, looked at Jiang Shuwan with confusion. “Miss, why suddenly raise their wages so much?”

The servants’ wages in Marquis Yongbo’s estate were fixed by the household. Such a sudden increase meant the funds would come from Jiang Shuwan’s personal treasury.

“You saw it just now. The servants here hardly work, and you had to call before only a few showed up. Notice that even these few usually obey you and me. The others don’t listen to anyone. If they work well, they deserve a good reward,” Jiang Shuwan explained.

Liusu reflected and realized it was true. Some servants in Magnolia Court acted more like masters than servants and were rarely moved to action.

Previously, Jiang Shuwan hadn’t cared and Liusu dared not say much.

“Miss, didn’t you usually ignore these things? Why suddenly take charge now?” Liusu asked, puzzled.

Jiang Shuwan couldn’t explain her reincarnation, so she made up an excuse.

“I just felt foolish before. Maybe I got smarter after falling into the pond.”

Seeing Jiang Shuwan lively and spirited now, Liusu was very happy. Her young mistress was no longer the naive person easily manipulated.

“Miss, I’m truly glad to see your change,” Liusu smiled.

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“All right, silly girl. Go close the door and stand guard outside. Don’t let a single person in.”

“Ah, who would come?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” Jiang Shuwan said meaningfully.

Liusu had no choice but to go out.

Jiang Shuwan returned to her desk and continued copying characters.

Suddenly, a breeze blew through the window, making her feel a chill. Thinking Liusu hadn’t closed the window tightly, she set down her brush and moved to close it when suddenly, a faint scent of sandalwood reached her nose, and then a pair of large hands covered her mouth.

Jiang Shuwan’s eyes widened in panic as she looked up.

Before her stood a man dressed in a black brocade robe, his weathered face showing signs of long outdoor exposure. His chiseled, angular features gave him a rugged, heroic air rather than any unattractiveness.

Jiang Shuwan whimpered, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

The man whispered in a low voice, “Don’t move. I won’t hurt you. I’ll leave after I ask a few questions.”

Jiang Shuwan nodded slightly.

The man slowly released his hands. Seeing she did not scream, he let go completely.

“Who are you?” Jiang Shuwan’s panic slowly faded as she fixed him with a steady gaze.

The man said nothing but asked in return, “Why do you want to marry a dead man?”

Could this man be a senior from the Marquis Pingning’s household, here to test her?

Jiang Shuwan composed herself before answering, “I have admired Master Gu San for a long time. Even if we cannot share life, we must share the same tomb in death.”

The man frowned slightly. “He is a dull man, already in his thirties, quite old. What is there to admire?”

He clasped his hands behind his back.

Jiang Shuwan lowered her eyes.

What could be interesting about a dead man?

Yet when she looked up, her eyes sparkled. “You don’t understand. Master Gu San holds a high office, excels in both civil and military affairs, and is the dream lover of many women in the capital. How could he be dull?”