The carriage soon stopped outside Qinghui Garden in Baoqing Ward.
The three of them climbed down and gazed up at the vermilion-painted gates and the two imposing stone lions flanking the entrance. Aunt Qin whispered, "Goodness, this estate must have cost a fortune!"
Huang Tian smiled, led the two women inside, and walked through the estate. Carved beams and painted rafters adorned the buildings, flowers and trees filled the grounds, and their delicate fragrance wafted through the air. Aunt Qin and Heng'er were dazzled by the sights.
After wandering around at leisure, Huang Tian said to Aunt Qin, "The estate is large, and someone will have to manage it. For now, take charge. Hire some staff and bring a little life to the place."
Aunt Qin looked worried. "This servant has never managed anything before. I'm afraid I can't do it."
"It's fine. Managing an estate means managing people. If anyone gives you trouble, just dismiss them. Hire two or three clever people to help you, and you'll be able to run one courtyard just fine. If it really doesn't work out, you can hand the job over to someone else later."
Although Aunt Qin had never spent many years in formal schooling, she could read a little, so she had no trouble handling miscellaneous affairs. Besides, to Huang Tian, the most important thing in an employee was loyalty and not secretly playing tricks. Everything else came second.
"As for you, Heng'er, would you rather study martial arts or literature?" Huang Tian asked.
"This servant only wishes to serve Fourth Young Master," Heng'er said softly, lowering her head and pinching the fabric of her green skirt.
Huang Tian was at a loss for words. "Those things aren't mutually exclusive. Besides, only by learning to read can you manage the affairs