Chapter 53: The Steward Who Clings to Power

Seven days later, the Emperor’s palace would hold a grand banquet, and all officials were required to bring their families and heirs to attend. Now that everyone knew he had gained a daughter, the little demon had to be brought along as well.

But this matter was not entirely up to him. If the little demon was unwilling, he couldn’t possibly tie her up and drag her there, could he? With a deep sigh, he decided he’d better first ask the little demon for her opinion.

Ji Huaili couldn’t help but marvel at himself—it was hard to believe there would come a day when he, Ji Huaili, would tread so carefully.

He composed himself, ready to step into the Southern Courtyard.

“General, Miss Tianxin has gone out and hasn’t returned yet,” the only servant responsible for cleaning the Southern Courtyard hastily informed Ji Huaili upon seeing him.

Ji Huaili fell silent.

When Ji Tianxin and Su Qing returned to the General’s Manor, it was just past the hour of the afternoon meal.

“Miss Tianxin.”

Seeing Ji Tianxin return, the servants bowed so deeply they seemed on the verge of kneeling.

The funeral for Lady Chen, the General’s wife, had been conducted swiftly and without ostentation. Apart from a change in the mistress managing household affairs, little else seemed different from before in the General’s Manor.

It was simply that someone new was now issuing orders within the household.

Ji Yuanruo and Ji Yucheng, the young siblings, had both been placed under house arrest by Ji Huaili these days, lest they cause further trouble in the Southern Courtyard. Thus, Ji Tianxin had enjoyed a few relatively peaceful days.

“Oh, Miss Tianxin has returned!” A slightly portly, middle-aged man hurried forward, ingratiatingly inquiring, “How was your outing, Miss? Are you hungry? If you are, I’ll have the kitchen prepare something for you immediately.”

Ji Tianxin glanced at the man, immediately noticing the lingering redness and swelling on Ji Fu’s face.

Su Qing frowned—wasn’t this the steward who had fainted after being trampled by the mistress the other day?

“No need,” Ji Tianxin replied coolly.

Ji Fu nodded and bowed, smiling obsequiously. “Very well, Miss. If you need anything in the future, just command me directly. Of everyone in the General’s Manor, I know the ins and outs best. Whether it concerns the ladies or any household affairs—whatever Miss wishes to know, I will tell you everything.”

His oily, sycophantic manner made Su Qing wish she could land a punch on him. But the mistress probably had already forgotten about this man—after all, his features were quite unremarkable.

Ji Tianxin gave him a perfunctory glance. “Hmm.”

Only after Ji Tianxin and Su Qing departed did Ji Fu straighten his back and let out a long breath. Thankfully, Miss Tianxin hadn’t held a grudge about the past, nor had she sought to make trouble for him. Clearly, his tactic of proactively currying favor was working.

Nearby, a few servants who witnessed Ji Fu’s rapid change of demeanor whispered quietly among themselves.

Ji Fu snorted coldly, sweeping a disdainful gaze over them.

“What do you know! From now on, Miss Tianxin is the one who gives orders in this manor!” With that, he looked at the servants with contempt, clasped his hands behind his back, and swaggered off.

This, after all, was why he was the steward, while these others would forever remain lowly servants.

Fools!

Now, currying favor with Miss Tianxin was the only wise course!

Although he’d initially feared being targeted by her, there was no use hiding. After all, Miss Tianxin was now living in the General’s Manor—she was the master here. If he wanted to survive and thrive, flattering her was his only option.

As a steward, and one well-versed in the art of household intrigue, it was only right to—cling to the right patron at the right time!