Chapter 324: Chapter 323: You Could Even Build a Crystal Palace

Shi Tou brought in the thank-you gifts.

A piece of brocade with fresh powder and embroidered flowers, a piece of sky-blue satin, two pieces of fine white cotton cloth, five sets of the Four Treasures of the Study, a tray of dried goods such as dried longan and red dates, and a pair of silver bracelets inlaid with green jade, along with two copper-plate warm hand stoves with Cymbidium patterns.

Each item was presented to Qin Yao for inspection, and then placed on an empty table beside her.

The first two pieces of satin alone made Qin Yao momentarily startled.

After seeing that pair of silver bracelets inlaid with green jade, she felt that Qi Xian’s thank-you gift was full of sincerity, even a bit excessive.

It’s not that she was inexperienced, but seeing Qi Xian’s indifferent demeanor, along with the accustomed expressions of the surrounding servants and guards, made her think of an old saying—

A tiny bit of what leaks from the fingers of the ancient wealthy is enough to enable ordinary people to live a prosperous life.

However, these thoughts quickly passed, and Qin Yao soon regained her usual composure, graciously accepting the thank-you gift and asking Ah Wang to help take it to her room, preparing to start the meal.

The sky had already darkened, and lamps were lit both inside and outside the house, making the entire small courtyard bright and cheerful.

Qin Yao waited for Ah Wang to come out of her room, instructed him to serve food to everyone in the old house, and to inform her of the progress of the renovation, so she could lead the people in the courtyard there afterward.

Thanks to the presence of Qi Xian and Gongliang Liao, two people from the aristocratic class, Qin Yao’s family of six experienced their first dinner served by maids and servants.

Though they were merely lending a hand, primarily serving Qi Xian and Gongliang Liao, the experience of having someone move the dish you were just about to pick up was truly memorable.

Just now, Qin Yao hadn’t paid attention to these two maids who had come along, but now, observing secretly, she realized their ability to gauge expressions and reactions was exceptionally well-trained.

They seemed to lower their heads slightly, yet their eyes were sharp, noticing the movements of everyone at the table and promptly responding.

Qin Yao was curious and couldn’t help asking Qi Xian, “Young Master Qi, how much do these two maids in your house earn per month?”

Qi Xian was taken aback, as it was the first time someone asked him this question.

He turned to the maids and asked, “How much is your monthly salary?”

The maid replied with a slight smile, “Responding to madam, thanks to the master’s kindness, my monthly salary is three taels of silver, plus a set of clothes for each of the four seasons.”

The maid didn’t mention some of the invisible benefits, which were all rewards from the master, often with a single item worth the monthly salary.

However, these were privileges for a high-ranking maid serving closely around the master; other maids were far from having such benefits.

Liu Ji listened with glowing eyes, wishing if he could, he would also become a maid like that!

Qin Yao nodded to show she understood, smiled at Qi Xian, and gestured him to continue eating and eat more.

Ah Wang’s cooking was quite impressive. Although it was a simple meal, for Qi Xian and Gongliang Liao, who were accustomed to gourmet delicacies, it was rather tempting and opened up their appetite.

If not for the fear of indigestion, Gongliang Liao could have eaten three bowls of rice.

After filling their stomachs and putting down the bowls and chopsticks, they reminded Liu Ji to have their servant named Ah Wang prepare breakfast for them in the morning, as the old man wanted to try the rural delicacies.

Liu Ji readily agreed, “Leave it to me!”

And boasted, “There may not be much else in our rural place, but fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-raised chickens and ducks are abundant.”

After the meal, Qin Yao cut up the last three watermelons at home and brought them out for everyone to share.

The guards didn’t dare to take them until Qi Xian nodded, after which they quickly finished eating and continued to stand guard, their dedication quite discomforting.

Ah Wang returned, exchanging a glance with Qin Yao, indicating that the guest house was ready, and it was time to take everyone there.

Qin Yao nodded, walked into the house, and said to Qi Xian, “The guest house is ready. I see the guards are also tired, why not let them go rest first?”

To allay Qi Xian’s concerns, she added, “Our rural area isn’t dangerous – one guard and someone to serve Mr. Gongliang is enough.”

“Any other instructions, just ask Liu Ji,” she said warmly.

Liu Ji grinned at his teacher, assuring him that he could call on him for anything, as he wasn’t afraid of hard work and could manage any task.

Gongliang Liao had no doubt in this. He decided to leave the attendant student with him, while the two maids and guards went to the guest house.

At this moment, Qi Xian realized that the guest house was meant for the guards and servants, looking at Qin Yao with confusion, “Then where will I stay?”

Given the small size of Liu Ji’s family house, there’s no room at all!

Qi Xian suggested, “Teacher stays, I’ll go to the guest house too.”

Qin Yao didn’t refuse, saying, “Let’s go take a look first and discuss afterward.”

“Alright.” Qi Xian stood up with anticipation.

At this moment, he still trusted Liu Ji’s words about it being “very large and livable” completely.

But, who could explain to him how that decrepit building emanating a ghastly glow amidst the dark forest could be called a house?

Qin Yao smiled and explained, “It’s dark now; wait until daylight, and the scenery here will be absolutely stunning.”

Qi Xian reluctantly believed her and cautiously stepped through the shaky door under the protection of the guards.

The courtyard was so empty that it echoed, amplifying any slight sound to the extent it could scare oneself to death.

Upon seeing the rooms with a single candle each, the dim light seemed better unlit, as the flickering candlelit against the mottled walls created menacing shadows.

Qi Xian silently retracted the leg he was about to step with.

Then, furiously, he turned around to glare at the approaching Liu Ji and coldly questioned, “Is this the ’very large and livable’ guest house you mentioned?”

Liu Ji thought that it was because Qi Xian hadn’t seen the original version of this house; this improved one was already a sophisticated version, which was quite impressive.

Liu Ji gave Qin Yao a thumbs up, praising her efficiency in renovation.

Seeing Liu Ji didn’t respond to him, Qi Xian was genuinely annoyed and immediately rushed out to find Gongliang Liao to complain about Liu Ji’s deceit!

“Oh dear!” Liu Ji quickly ran forward to stop his senior brother. “Brother, do not rush. We should look at things from multiple perspectives. How can we make a judgment based on just one side?”

“Come, come!” Liu Ji put an arm around his senior brother’s shoulder, urging him to face the house and started his persuasive talk, “Brother, look, this house is square and has an excellent layout. If you arrange it according to your own preferences, wouldn’t it become an ideal place for practice?”

The angry Qi Xian paused, “Arrange according to my preference?”

“Exactly!” Liu Ji pulled him back through the wobbly door, “Starting with this door, how would you like to remodel it, brother?”

Qi Xian said, “Being rural, harmony with nature is key, so naturally a wooden door in a bamboo-fenced courtyard would be best.”

“Brilliant!” Liu Ji gave a thumbs up, “Brother, your idea is superb, I’m impressed. Come, let’s look at the courtyard; it is empty now, but precisely because it is empty, you can add anything you like, isn’t it another wonder?”

Qi Xian, slightly skeptical, asked, “Can I dig a pond and plant white lotuses here?”

Liu Ji replied, “Oh brother, be adventurous! You could even transform the entire house into a pond and build a Crystal Palace underwater if you wish!”

“Because this estate is a little gift from the entire Liu Family Village to you and the teacher – you and the teacher can remodel it however you wish. With the accompanying mountain scenery, once you and the teacher settle in, you won’t want to leave…”

Seeing the twinkle of stars in the senior brother’s eyes, Liu Ji quickly sought Qin Yao’s gaze. With her approving smile, his pride soared, and he continued his persuasive efforts more passionately.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep