Granny Qian

She handled affairs reliably, too. Of every ten tasks the chief steward assigned her, she completed eight or nine to his satisfaction. Her performance consistently ranked among the best, making her one of the more dependable people in Ten Thousand Treasures Hall.

"Chief Steward, I would be willing to give this a try." Granny Qian spoke steadily, a measured smile on her face as she bowed with cupped hands. "Why not let me visit Lin Fan? I'll offer him the generous terms Ten Thousand Treasures Hall can provide and do my best to persuade him to join us instead."

The chief steward looked up at Granny Qian as she stepped forward, and much of his worry lifted at once.

He trusted Granny Qian. She was indeed the best person to approach Lin Fan. If he sent some rash steward instead, a careless remark might ruin the whole affair.

After a moment's thought, the chief steward nodded slowly.

"Good. Granny Qian, I'll leave this matter entirely in your hands."

He picked up a gilded bronze token from his desk, one that conferred authority to act on behalf of the Main Hall, and handed it to her. "With this token, you may represent Ten Thousand Treasures Hall's Commandery City Main Hall in negotiating terms with Lin Fan. A monthly stipend, medicinal ingredients, a residence—if his demands are reasonable, you may promise them in advance. Remember, make certain he understands that joining Ten Thousand Treasures Hall offers a far broader future than relying on little Azure Elixir Hall."

Granny Qian lowered her head slightly and accepted the token respectfully with both hands, gripping it tight. Her expression was solemn, but the chief steward failed to notice the trace of coldness that flickered deep in her eyes.

"Rest assured, Chief Steward. I will do