The night had fallen, and Qiao Mai hadn't inquired about the family's affairs.
She would need to find a reliable steward among the servants to handle matters. This way, she wouldn't have to keep asking around, and the steward could come to her for discussions or reports.
After a good night's rest, Qiao Mai had Yue Xia summon fifteen maids from the household after breakfast.
They stood in the courtyard, arranged in three rows. Qiao Mai stood on the steps, observing each of them. She knew who was the most proactive, who was the most articulate, and who had a keen eye among them.
She pointed to one of the maids in the middle. "You, step forward!"
The maid's face remained composed, with her hands placed in front of her orderly.
"Mistress, I am here."
"What is your name?"
"I am Xi Juan."
"That surname is quite rare, and your name is nice. Can you read?"
"I can read a little, and I can also do some accounting."
