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Jiang Mixia pondered this, and so did the other women attending the banquet. Each one was cautious and meticulous, attentive to etiquette, and careful not to make the slightest mistake.
It could be said that the atmosphere at the banquet was filled with formalities and restraint. Everyone wore polite smiles on their faces, engaging in superficial pleasantries.
The magistrate’s wife, Madame Wu, was accustomed to organizing such gatherings. With her tactful nature, she effortlessly presided over the banquet, gracefully moving among the women in attendance, striving to liven up the atmosphere.
Thanks to Madame Wu’s presence, the overly formal atmosphere of the banquet gained a sense of ease and casualness.
In addition to tending to the guests’ emotions, Madame Wu focused on assisting her husband and building closer relationships with the wives of several high-achieving candidates.
Among them was Jiang Mixia.
After all, with Song Jingyun being the top scorer in this round, he was sure to shine in the upcoming Spring Examinations and secure a decent official position.
“My husband mentioned the top scorer of this year’s Autumn Examinations and praised the original and majestic style of the essays written by Master Song. I initially thought Master Song must be a mature man of great wisdom, never imagining he is such a talented young individual.”
Madame Wu held Jiang Mixia’s hand, her face beaming with a smile. “This indeed shows that Lady Jiang is virtuous and skillful in managing the household, contributing significantly to her husband’s success.”
“You are too kind, Madame,” Jiang Mixia responded politely. “It is mainly due to my husband’s diligence in studying, combined with some stroke of luck, that I have been able to support him.”
This was the truth. Jiang Mixia felt somewhat detached from her husband’s success at the Autumn Examinations, attributing it to his natural intelligence, exceptional memory, and dedication to his studies.
She couldn’t shake off the feeling that her role in his achievements was minimal.
If there was any connection at all, it might be that she always ensured his favorite dishes were prepared to his liking.
“Such modesty,” Madame Wu’s smile widened. “At your young age, to possess such grace and humility is truly remarkable.”
“Speaking of which, I noticed you didn’t bring any servants with you, and many tasks require your personal attention, which must be quite tiring. I have trained a few diligent maids who are clever and quick learners. If Lady Jiang doesn’t mind, perhaps you could take one to assist you?” Madame Wu suggested, gesturing towards a charming maid of around fourteen or fifteen years old who stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Jiang Mixia. “This is Bani Xia. She greets Lady Jiang.”
Jiang Mixia squinted her eyes.
Madame Wu was indeed quite interesting.
To offer her a maid at the first banquet.
Was this maid being sent to serve her or to serve Song Jingyun, considering her youthful and pleasing appearance?
In modern business settings, using money and beautiful women as bribes to attract potential partners is a common tactic. It seemed that even in this era, such methods were not entirely unfamiliar.
It seems that the magistrate saw Song Jingyun’s success as the top scorer, predicting a bright future ahead. Believing that having multiple wives and concubines with a retinue of maids was a common practice for men, he thought of offering one to Song Jingyun.
If this maid sent to Song Jingyun could become his concubine in the future, even bear him a child or two, it would solidify their relationship with him.
Should Song Jingyun rise to prominence, they could benefit and climb the social ladder. If his success was more modest, she would simply be a beautiful servant girl, posing no significant investment but establishing a favorable connection.
This proactive investment strategy seemed more advantageous than simply currying favor with existing dignitaries.
However, investing in her husband…
Had she consulted the legitimate wife about this?
“Madame, your kindness is appreciated,” Jiang Mixia replied politely. “In truth, our household does lack someone to assist with more laborious tasks. Your generous offer indeed addresses an urgent need in my household.”
“However, if I may jest, our household is not affluent. We can hardly afford a maid, and upon her arrival, we might struggle even to pay her monthly wages, which could lead to ridicule.”
“It’s not a problem. I can arrange for her monthly wages to be paid from here,” Madame Wu smiled.
“In that case…”
Jiang Mixia chuckled, “Then, may I trouble you to provide me with five years’ worth of her monthly wages upfront? I can take it back and distribute it to Bani Xia monthly.”
Five years’ worth?
Madame Wu was momentarily surprised but quickly regained her composure with a smile. “Very well. I’ll have someone fetch fifty taels of silver for you from the account room.”
“Fifty taels?” Jiang Mixia widened her eyes. “That seems a bit insufficient. Bani Xia is lovely, and once she joins my household, she will have to handle various tasks. Giving her just one tael per month seems meager. How about we increase it to ten taels per month instead?”
“Considering she is a gift from you, Madame, it would be unfair for her to come to my house and receive inadequate wages. If I don’t provide her with a more substantial monthly sum, I would truly feel guilty…”
Ten taels per month?
That would amount to 120 taels per year, and for five years, it would total 600 taels.
She had only spent less than 20 taels to acquire Bani Xia initially…
“Hence, I would kindly ask you to provide me with the six hundred taels for five years’ worth of her monthly wages. This way, everyone can feel at ease,” Jiang Mixia continued. “Furthermore, since you are gifting her to me, I would also request that you hand over Bani Xia’s indenture to me.”
Hand over the indenture?
How would she control Bani Xia then?
She was not one to be taken advantage of…
Madame Wu’s handkerchief was nearly shredded from her tight grip.
As Jiang Mixia observed Madame Wu’s prolonged silence, she offered a hesitant smile. “My impulsive behavior has placed you in a difficult position, Madame. I mistakenly took your kind gesture seriously, failing to see through the polite facade. I have inadvertently caused you discomfort.”
“This is entirely my fault. Madame, please do not feel obligated to show such generosity. My household’s modest means cannot bear such lavish gifts…”
Madame Wu remained silent.
What had she said that led Jiang Mixia to speak at such length and then abruptly change her tune?
If she were to hand over the 600 taels and Bani Xia’s indenture, given Jiang Mixia’s cunning nature, she might immediately sell Bani Xia off. Madame Wu would be left empty-handed, a victim of her own misplaced trust.
Yet, if she refused now, wouldn’t all her earlier words become a laughingstock?
In a moment of dilemma for Madame Wu, a maid rushed over, whispering urgently, “Madame, the banquet in the front yard is almost over. The master seems quite drunk.”
“If he’s drunk, help him to bed to rest, and prepare some sobering soup,” Madame Wu replied impatiently.
“The master was taken to rest while intoxicated earlier, and I saw Caiyun assisting him inside the house. She hasn’t come out since…” The maid spoke hesitantly, casting a wary glance at Madame Wu.
Caiyun, Madame Wu’s maid, had been with her for years. Although she had considered sending her away to take advantage of an opportunity, the situation had now changed.
Madame Wu was on the verge of grinding her silver teeth in frustration.