New widow

"What do you know?" Su Qiao asked softly, and a smile appeared on Song Zhen's lips: "I know that people in the world are snobbish, and you are not willing to marry me to such a person just for profit."

With the reputation of being the daughter of the Duke's family, if Su Qiao was willing, she could naturally find someone willing to spend a lot of money to marry Song Zhen.

If nothing else, let's just say that the Marquis of Yongning was willing to give up Mr. Chu San to become someone else's son-in-law for a large dowry. As for the daughters of the Hou Mansion, they also married similar wealthy businessmen.

Madam Huang felt relieved and said to Su Qiao, "I originally thought that the girl would refute what you said."

Suqiao's lips moved, but she didn't say anything. Song Zhen had already smiled: "Ms. Huang, I have been watching with cold eyes these days. From top to bottom, there are many people in the Duke's mansion who are enjoying their glory, but there are not many people who are willing to support the Duke's mansion."

There are rules everywhere and everything must be done with pomp and ceremony. Aunt Wu told Song Zhen that according to the status of the daughter of the Duke of Guo, Song Zhen should have two nannies, four big maids and eight little maids, as well as a few mothers-in-law who would serve as roughnecks inside and outside the house. It takes about twenty people to serve in order for it to be impressive.

Instead of just Nanny Wu and Chunhua Qiuyue, there is only one woman running errands. Of course Song Zhen knew that Mother Wu said this to her, with the purpose of asking her to tell Su Qiao that Su Qiao had arranged for such people to come.

But what's the use of having so many people come? But it's the same as eating three meals and sleeping, which is a waste of manpower and money, just for the sake of being praised. Such a dignified appearance is really boring.

Aunt Wu heard that Song Zhen was not

She was willing to go, but also wanted to retort a few words. After all, because Song Zhen was the master, Nanny Wu did not say those rebuttals.

At this time, Mrs. Huang heard what Song Zhen said, nodded and said: "It's just that it's easy to reduce the ostentation. When others mention it in the future, they will inevitably say that the Duke's mansion has fallen to this."

Pomp and dignity all require money to maintain. Suqiao reached out and touched the teacup on the table. These teacups were all of the best quality. The porcelain was so delicate and white. A teacup like this was worth two taels of silver. Teacups like this were broken every year and had to be purchased every year.

Those who broke it, those who bought it, and some people benefited greatly from it. Countless people rely on the Duke's Mansion to make a living, but no one has thought that even if the Duke's Mansion contains gold and silver, it will be emptied out after many years.

"You must live your life first, otherwise, everything others say will be in vain." Su Qiao's words made Huang Niangzi open her lips and stop talking. From just now to now, Huang Niangzi knew that Su Qiao was different from others, not like that. People who have lived in prosperity for a long time regard money as dirt. They are not the kind of people who take money seriously when they are poor but suddenly become rich. They are the kind of people who should spend and save money.

Madam Huang pondered for a while, secretly glad that she did not despise Su Qiao like those people before. Otherwise, if she followed Su Qiao's methods, she would be thrown out of the Duke's Mansion by Su Qiao, and even have to carry some other people on her back. reputation.

Therefore, Madam Huang said respectfully: "What do you mean, madam?"

"As for the fifth wife, I have already agreed to allocate five hundred acres of land to her. From now on, all the supplies for the nunnery will come from the five hundred acres of land." Su Qiao's words made Madam Huang nod: "That's it.

By the way, the nunnery can save two hundred silver a year. "

"Check other temples carefully. Those who want to continue to give alms, continue to give alms. Those with a bad reputation don't need to give alms anymore." Madam Huang already understood what Su Qiao meant. She wanted to stop giving alms. He found a way to be responsible for the people in the family temple.

Then Suqiao added: "As for the child in our house at the moment, the girl and I, the three of us, are fully prepared, leaving about ten maids, seven or eight servants will be enough, and those who are empty Leave a few people to clean these empty rooms and keep them clean. Only one servant will be left to clean the Duke's study."

This is about to lay off another wave of people. Madam Huang couldn't help but feel a little frightened after hearing Su Qiao's instructions. Su Qiao looked at her and said, "You don't have to be frightened. These things will have to be done sooner or later. If it weren't for me, If you do it now, it will be harder to deal with later.”

"Where are those shops and farms?" Madam Huang knew that she could no longer object to Su Qiao at this time, and asked directly to the most critical point.

"I think you also have the account from Ji Tian." Su Qiao did not answer the question, but asked Ji Tian instead. Madam Huang only frowned and nodded: "Of course there is."

"Since there are accounts for the field sacrifice, let's put the accounts for the field sacrifice and the accounts of our current farms together and make a pair. I want to see why the farm's income has been getting less and less over the years."

Madam Huang took a breath of air and heard Su Qiao say again: "Have those three shops been returned to the Wu family?"

"It's been sorted out. If I want to pay it back, it's up to you, madam, to come forward." Madam Huang's

The words made Su Qiao nod: "That's right, then you can post a message and ask Madam-uncle to come and talk about it." Mrs. Huang responded, Su Qiao supported her forehead with her hands: "When these things are taken care of, it will be fine." It will be quieter.”

After saying that, Su Qiao smiled and said, "It's just a pity that so many things in the warehouse can only be kept in vain."

Things in the warehouse cannot be taken out and sold. As for dismissing servants and tightening some expenses, it is quite common. In the capital, when the master dies and the children are still young, this is often done.

Seeing that Su Qiao had no other instructions, Mrs. Huang resigned.

"Mother, such an arrangement will definitely be laughed at." Song Zhen's words made Suqiao smile: "I'm not worried about others' ridicule at all."

"When can I be like my mother and not care about other people's ridicule?" Song Zhen said, leaning on Su Qiao's lap, Su Qiao gently patted her back: "Don't blame me for giving away all your dowry. ”

"Mom, I want to marry someone who doesn't care about my dowry or the fact that my family has no one to help me." Song Zhen's words made Suqiao laugh again. Such thoughts are really only thoughts that young people can have. She also thought the same way at the beginning. Marry a man you like and live with him until old age.

Her husband was a good man who made Suqiao feel cared for like never before since her mother passed away. Unfortunately, this time was too short. In the years that followed, Su Qiao felt as if she was living in an illusion. She often had to fight and plan so as not to be bullied.

"I just want to live in a small town with two or three people in a small courtyard for the rest of their lives.

. Su Qiao's voice was filled with confusion, and Song Zhen smiled: "I also want to have such a small courtyard, where my mother and I can live together." "