The Rui Wang's manor naturally had a garden. However, by the time it was handed over to her, the flowers had already bloomed, and there were many rare varieties within.
Therefore, these expenses were completely unnecessary.
These people were indeed bold, not even bothering to conceal their actions, and openly issued a warning.
Hmph... did they really think she was made of clay and had no temper?
Originally, she had thought of keeping these people in the outer court; after all, she could afford to feed them. But now she was displeased. She spent money to support people to help her work, not to have them bully her.
Qing Miao saw her rushing forward, "Miss, what are you planning to do?"
"I plan to give them another chance."
"Ah?" Qing Miao clearly didn't understand.
Lu Nian Fu didn't intend to explain, only asking, "Where is Qing Ya?"
"Qing Ya was called away by Master Song."
"Song Ming?"
Qing Miao smiled, "Naturally, it's him. Isn't he the only Master Song Qing Ya knows?"
"I thought it was Shou Cheng."
"Steward Wang was a step too late. Qing Ya had already been called away when he arrived."
Song Ming's martial arts were honed under Qing Ya's relentless training, and the two had always had a good relationship. Lu Nian Fu didn't think much of it. Qing Miao looked at the list in her hand, "Miss, are you planning to go out and buy things?"
She always preferred to take Qing Ya with her wherever she went; this was a consensus among everyone in the manor. Lu Nian Fu nodded.
"Why don't I let Mian Er accompany you?"
Just as Lu Nian Fu was about to agree, she saw Feng Xin Yao staring blankly under the eaves and changed her mind. This girl was solely focused on revenge and had not had any entertainment in the capital for months. Taking her out for a stroll today would be a way to relax.
So she beckoned to Feng Xin Yao, "Xin Yao, are you free? How about accompanying me for a walk in the city?"
Feng Xin Yao hesitated, "What if someone recognizes me?"
The fourth daughter of the Supervising Secretary of the Imperial Academy was sent out of the palace due to a serious illness. Shortly after returning to her manor, she had reported her death from illness. If she were to go out on the streets now and encounter any of the other imperial consorts she knew from the palace, wouldn't they think they were seeing a ghost?
Most of these imperial consorts had already been betrothed and released from the palace to prepare for marriage.
Lu Nian Fu thought for a moment, "It's fine, we can disguise ourselves."
So Feng Xin Yao changed into a maid's outfit and even used eyebrow powder to darken her complexion by several shades. The beauty in the mirror immediately looked rougher. Feng Xin Yao was satisfied, "I never thought that just darkening my skin would make such a difference. If I darken my skin more, I won't have to hide in the manor all the time."
"You're willing to do that."
A young lady's face was practically her life. They were too busy trying to whiten their skin; who would be willing to deliberately darken it.
Feng Xin Yao was just saying it. She still hoped to use this face to charm Situ Jue and then take the opportunity to kill him.
After a few casual laughs, the two of them left. Shuan Zi asked if a carriage was needed. Lu Nian Fu glanced at the not-too-intense sun and shook her head.
Autumn arrived earlier in the capital than in Jiangnan. Before the eighth month, there was already a chill in the mornings and evenings, and charcoal was being sold on the streets. Feng Xin Yao found it strange, "Isn't it a bit too early to be selling charcoal now? Will there be any business?"
Lu Nian Fu smiled, "The capital is not like Jiangnan; one cannot survive the winter without charcoal. While the charcoal price is cheap now, most families will stock up. Once winter arrives, charcoal won't be this price. Besides, besides heating in winter, charcoal is also indispensable for cooking and boiling water daily."
"Oh, Madam, you look noble and elegant, yet you are surprisingly knowledgeable. How about it? Does the manor need to stock some?" The charcoal vendor, a dark-skinned young man, spoke with a boyish tone. Hearing their conversation, he immediately started soliciting business.
Lu Nian Fu actually stopped to look, "How much is your charcoal?"
"Fifty wen per load. If Madam buys more, I can offer a further discount."
This was more than half cheaper than what was reported below. Lu Nian Fu nodded, took out her purse, and gave him one tael of silver, "Send it to the Rui Wang's manor with the quality as in this basket."
The charcoal vendor was stunned for a moment before reaching out to take the money, "The Rui, the Rui Wang Fei is personally coming to the street to buy charcoal?"
"You've misunderstood. I am a steward of the manor. When you deliver the charcoal, just say that Qing Ya asked you to deliver it."
"Alright, I'll deliver it to you shortly." The charcoal vendor felt that securing business with the manor was something he could boast about for a long time. If this could become a long-term business, he would earn a lot more money this winter.
Leaving the charcoal stall, Feng Xin Yao still hadn't quite processed it, "Wang Fei, such a small matter as buying charcoal doesn't require you to do it personally, does it?"
"I just happened to come across it, so I bought some on impulse." It was also a warning to the servants in the manor, so they wouldn't try to fool her as someone who didn't understand market prices. If they honestly apologized to her and submitted a new account book, this matter could be passed over.
After all, many people were keeping an eye on Gu Yan Chen recently. If she were to discipline her servants right after moving in, it might be used to make a fuss.