"Ahem."
As though worried that the people in the other courtyards might hear him, Steward Zhao cleared his throat, then lowered his voice as he addressed the four newly arrived servants. "Although there are three brides in our estate right now, that's only because of a few complications along the way. Once the master returns, one of those three brides will become the mistress of the estate."
"That was what you were discussing when you gathered together just now, wasn't it?" Steward Zhao wore an expression that suggested he had seen right through Lin Wenhua and the others. "So I must tell you that the most important thing for a servant is not to gossip too much about the affairs of those above you. If you spread exaggerated, half-true stories about what happens in the Back Courtyard to people outside, not only will the master hold you accountable, but you'll never find another job around here with such generous pay. After all, no household wants to employ servants who wag their tongues."
Knowing that Steward Zhao was part of the game's storyline, the four new players listened quietly, but paid little heed to the rules he laid out.
"But sometimes, I can understand how you feel. Asking about these things is the only entertainment we servants have in our daily lives." Steward Zhao changed his tune, his expression softening. "Besides, knowing about the affairs of those above us isn't necessarily a bad thing. It might even help us do our work more smoothly."
"So there are some things I'll tell you in secret even if you don't ask." Steward Zhao glanced around, then lowered his voice to a near whisper. "The three brides in the Back Courtyard all come from poor families, just like you. Now that they've moved in,