Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

“We have faith in you, Uncle Qing! Your trust means the world to us!”

“Yes, I share that belief! We’re committed to putting in our best efforts!”

“Please, I implore you not to cast me aside; without this place, I’ll have nowhere to go!”

“I hope Madame Shao possesses the same compassion as Madame Zheng…”

“But will Uncle Qing still have control over the mulberry garden? Can his assurances be trusted?”

“Agreed!”

“Yes, I share those concerns!”

“…”

Their conversations continued, with growing unease among them. Placing their trust in a young madam they had never met before was a daunting prospect.

Some discreetly slipped away from the gathering, quickly departing.

Uncle Qing raised his voice after saying what he needed to. “Everyone, please be quiet! Madame Shao has something important to convey, please be quiet!”

She was their new proprietor!

Almost instantly, a hush fell over the entire courtyard.

Qiao Xuan emerged from the room with assistance from Lixia and Liqiu.

Sun Qian and Sun Bai followed closely behind.

The remaining ten or so attendants stood in formation on both sides of the corridor.

The managers respectfully bowed and withdrew, their nerves palpable as they turned their attention to Qiao Xuan.

Qiao Xuan stood her ground and cast a glance at the assembled crowd. She declared, “Uncle Qing has already made it clear: from today onward, I am your new mistress. Just as he assured you, nothing will change in the mulberry garden, and operations will proceed as usual. Carry on with your work, and there will be no disruptions.”

“To demonstrate my sincerity, I will maintain the name of Zheng’s Mulberry Garden unchanged! The treatment for everyone will remain consistent. Furthermore, every year during Dragon Boat Festival, mid-autumn, and New Year, each of you will receive two sets of cotton cloth, five kilograms of premium flour, 20 eggs, and one liang of silver! Manager Zheng, Manager Lin, please record this. This will be our annual tradition moving forward. When you receive these items, you will need to sign with your fingerprint in the ledger we’ll maintain for this purpose. These provisions are for everyone, and anyone attempting to amass wealth at the expense of others will be promptly dismissed!”

Manager Zheng and Manager Lin, being the top two leaders of the mulberry garden, smiled and nodded in agreement. They had already conferred with Uncle Qing in secret, so their sentiments differed from the rest.

However, they had not anticipated Madame Shao’s generous offer.

But the impact was remarkably positive!

The farmers and tenants, who had been harboring anxiety, erupted in joyful cheers as though they were celebrating a festival.

Madame Shao harbored no concerns.

“Madame Shao, is this for real?”

“Goodness gracious, we’re not just farmers; we’re shareholders too? Madame Shao, we’re shareholders too!”

“And what about the children and elderly? Do they receive the same?”

“Yes, can the children also benefit?”

Qiao Xuan beamed. “Please calm down, everyone is included. The elderly, children, and tenants—all will receive the same. Rest assured, this will commence this very year and continue annually!”

“That’s fantastic!”

“Yes, that’s absolutely wonderful!”

“Madame Shao is such a nice person!”

Everyone cheered.