Half a month after Qi Surong married into the Gu family, she basically recognized everyone in the Gu family. Combined with the memories of her previous life, she had a relatively comprehensive understanding of the situation in the Gu family's backyard.
The Gu family's house can only be considered a medium-sized house in the capital, with seventy-six servants and thirty-two nursing staff. Several owners of the Gu family, including Gu Jinyun, are relatively tolerant towards their servants and are not very particular about etiquette. As long as they do their jobs well, don't sneak around or cause trouble, most of them will turn a blind eye to minor mistakes. One eye, so the inner courtyard of the Gu family does not have strict classification and cumbersome rules like those of famous families.
If the Gu family was just an ordinary businessman's family, there would be nothing wrong with maintaining the status quo. But now the Gu family has gradually begun to contact the powerful people in the capital, and may often have to entertain some high-status people in the future. As a result, servant etiquette becomes even more important. If they are rude, they will lose the Gu family's face. The guests may not reprimand you face to face, but they will feel contempt and may even stop being invited to your door.
Qi Surong came from a well-known family, and all the servants in the house were strictly trained, and their words, deeds, etiquette, clothing, etc. were all in order. They are generally good at observing people's behavior, adapting to circumstances, and have a certain understanding of the dress, hobbies, habits, taboos, etc. of nobles and nobles, and will not neglect others at will.
As for the servants of the Gu family, they only need to know a little bit about the rules. For example, when Shuangshuang's girl Fanghe met Qi Surong for the first time, her attitude was arrogant, her behavior was casual, and she didn't know how to speak properly. Qi Surong's husband is the eldest young master of the Gu family. The old woman is no longer alive. She is the highest-status hostess of the Gu family, but Fang He treats her lightly. If they see a distinguished guest who behaves like this in the future, the Gu family may be blamed and ridiculed.
Qi Surong had experienced a lifetime of hardships, and his noble and standardized manners and etiquette had been worn away by time until only the bones remained. After her rebirth, she was no longer proud of this, but thorough etiquette was not only a reflection of self-cultivation, but also a sign of respect for others.
After half a month of observation, Qi Surong finally decided to start renovating the Gu family's inner courtyard. Of course, this matter must be reported to the father-in-law and husband first.
Gu Jinyun said: "You are the hostess, you have the final say on how to manage the house."
Gu Chang was even more refreshing and waved his hand, telling her to go ahead and do it.
With the support of the two of them, Qi Surong no longer had any worries.
The first step is to serve in unison. The house is mainly divided into six parts: hall, inner room, study, courtyard, kitchen and stables. Qi Surong plans to design six types of clothing, with the clothing for the hall, inner room and study room being the most particular. The servants in the hall are mainly responsible for receiving guests. Their clothes must be kept clean and tidy, and their appearance must be good. The main ones in the inner room are maids, who often come in and out of the bedroom and take care of the master's food and daily life. The servant in the study room is responsible for sorting out books and letters. He must be somewhat proficient in writing and have good character. As for the servants who manage courtyards, kitchens, stables and other places, they do rough work, and their services should be mainly in dark colors to withstand dirt.
Qi Surong did not plan to design clothes with too different styles. There were two styles for men and women, and then she made slight changes in color, skirt and some small accessories according to the different zones. The color of male servants' clothing is mainly blue, while the color of maid's clothing is mainly red, and different patterns are embroidered to distinguish them.
"Shuangshuang, come and try it on." Qi Surong picked up a skirt and gestured, "Your new clothes are ready."
They both touched their clothes with excitement on their faces.
"Sister-in-law, can I help you change your clothes?" Qi Surong said gently.
Both hesitated briefly before agreeing. During this period of time, he had been with Qi Surong, and both of them gradually developed dependence and trust on her.
Qi Surong smiled and motioned to Ping'er to guard the door. Then he pulled Shuangshuang to his side, helping her undress and talking to her to distract her attention.
Not long after, only the bellyband was left on Shuangshuang. Qi Surong turned behind her and saw at a glance several bruise marks of different shades on her back, like pinch marks from fingers. This kind of mark is not only on the back, but also on the front.
Qi Surong frowned and touched the marks with her hands. Both of them trembled and moved to the side, whispering: "No, both of them are afraid of pain..."
"Shuangshuang, who did this?" Qi Surong stroked her hair and asked, "Is it Fanghe?"
Both nodded, then shook their heads.
"Nanny?"
Shuangshuang still nodded and shook his head.
"Who is it? Can Shuangshuang tell my sister-in-law? My sister-in-law promises not to tell anyone else and treats it as our secret."
Shuangshuang frowned and pouted, "Shuangshuang can't tell sister-in-law."
"Why?"
"Fangfang said that if she told others, Shuangshuang would be sold to a place far, far away, and she would never see her father and brother again."
"Nonsense, who has the guts to sell Shuangshuang." Qi Surong touched her head and said, "Don't be afraid, just tell your sister-in-law and everything will be fine."
Shuangshuang flattened his mouth and cried: "Wuwu, Shuangshuang, don't say it, don't say it... wu..."
"Okay, okay, don't say it, don't say it." Qi Surong quickly wiped her tears, "Both of you, don't cry. Your face is stained with tears. Let's put on new clothes, okay?"
They both sobbed and nodded.
Qi Surong picked up the clothes and helped her put them on one by one. Both eyes were filled with tears, and they stared at her blankly, with a hint of admiration in their eyes.
"Okay, come and look in the mirror." Qi Surong pulled her to the mirror.
The dresses on both pairs were made of light pink with a dark blue band. Several dancing butterflies were embroidered on the skirt and cuffs. The sleeves were wide and the waist was thin, fresh and unique.
Qi Surong picked out a butterfly hairpin from the jewelry box, inserted it into both of them, and then tied a butterfly tassel around her waist.
"We are both so beautiful," she praised with a smile.
"Really?" They both smiled broadly, "I'm going to show dad and the others a look."
"Wait a minute." Qi Surong grabbed her, pressed her down on the chair, scratched her face and said, "The tears on her face are not even dry. If your father and brother don't feel distressed when they see it, my sister-in-law will wipe it for you." .”
Both nodded happily and swung their legs, seemingly impatient.
Qi Surong wiped her face with a towel, then applied powder, drew eyebrows, and dotted her lips... her movements were skillful and elegant.
They both watched intently, their eyes full of admiration. My sister-in-law is so good, her fingers feel like they are playing the piano.
"Okay, let Ping'er take you to find daddy."
"Okay!" They both jumped up, the pendants on their heads swayed, then opened their hands and flew out like butterflies.
"Miss Third, slow down." Ping'er hurriedly chased after her.
At this time, Gu Chang and Gu Jinyun were entertaining guests in the courtyard. The person who came was Gu Jinyun's good friend xx. He had not handed over a greeting card before, and the servant did not notify Qi Surong in time, so she did not know, otherwise they would not let them know. Go ahead and bother.
"Dad, big brother!" Both excited voices came from far away.
The three people in the courtyard followed the sound and saw a girl in pink running happily towards this side, her long sleeves and belt swaying, and she passed through the flowers like a dancing butterfly.
As we got closer, a burst of floral fragrance hit our nostrils.
Gu Jinyun stepped forward to help her to prevent her from falling.
Both cheeks are flushed, and the eyes are shining and full of vitality, making people smile unconsciously at the first sight.
"How many times have I told you, girls should be more dignified and stop running around wildly." Gu Chang scolded with a smile.
Shuangshuang jumped in front of his father, spun around happily, and asked, "Dad, do you think Shuangshuang's new clothes look good?"
"It looks good." Although Gu Chang was a rough man, he felt his eyes brightened when he saw his daughter dressed like this.
"Brother, what do you think? Do Shuangshuang's new clothes look good?" Shuangshuang turned to Gu Jinyun again.
Gu Jinyun nodded: "It looks good."
"Hehe." Both of them were in high spirits and looked at xx with a smile. Regardless of whether they knew him or not, they asked the same question, "Does the new clothes look good?"
"Good-looking." xx looked at her in a daze, "The clothes are good-looking, and the person is better-looking."
Satisfied, they both flew away and danced lightly in the garden.
"She is Jinyun's little sister, the third young lady of your house?" xx asked.
"It's my sister-in-law." Gu Jinyun said, "I'm sorry, my sister-in-law has a childish heart and behaves erratically. Don't be offended."
"No, no." xx shook his head and smiled, "The third lady is lively and cheerful, and she is very lovely."
Gu Jinyun glanced at him and found that he was still looking dreamily in the direction where they disappeared. His eyes were gloomy and his heart was filled with reluctance. Although she was cute, her flaws meant that she couldn't care for her husband and raise children like an ordinary woman. I'm afraid no good family in this life would be willing to tolerate her and love her.
Although xx has a good character, he may not be able to accept both of his flaws.
"What? Dad and husband are meeting guests?" Qi Surong looked at Ping'er.
"Yes, the third lady ran too fast just now, and it was too late for me to stop her," Ping'er replied.
"Did those pairs bother them?"
"It seems like everything will be fine." Ping'er thought for a while and said, "That guest seems to be familiar with the young master."
"That's good." Then she frowned again. When guests came to her door, no servant reported to her. It seemed that it was time for her to establish her authority as the mistress of the house. It would be a dereliction of duty on her part if the same thing happened again.
Such a thing had never happened in the Qi family before, so Qi Surong was negligent. Besides, she had just married into the Gu family not long ago, and she hadn't officially taken charge yet.
"Ping'er, please help me draw up a list in the past few days and record the names and daily routines of all the servants in the inner room." Qi Surong ordered, "I will find Liuzi to assist you."
Liuzi is Gu Jinyun's personal servant.
"yes."
The next day, Qi Surong called the housekeeper over.
The Gu family's housekeeper, whose surname is Li, is a middle-aged man in his forties who has been with the Gu family for seven or eight years.
"Steward Li, bring over the account books from the inner courtyard. I want to check them."
"Madam, you need the permission of the master and the eldest young master to check the account books. The younger ones don't dare to make the decision."
"Since I said I wanted to check it out, I have naturally obtained permission from my father and husband. Just follow the instructions and don't ask any more questions." Qi Surong looked at him with a cold face.
"Yes, little one, let's do it right now."
Within a moment, Butler Li sent over the account books.
Qi Surong said: "You go down, I will return it to you after reading it."
"Madam, don't you need me to explain it to you?"
Qi Surong looked at him coldly, and Ping'er immediately said: "Didn't you hear what Madam said? Butler Li, please step aside first. Madam will call you after reading."
Butler Li then retreated hesitantly.
Qi Surong took a deep breath and slowly opened the account book.
In the evening, when Gu Jinyun came back, Qi Surong didn't greet him as usual, so he couldn't help but be surprised.
When I walked into the house, I found her sitting in the candlelight, embroidering.
"At night, embroidery can easily hurt your eyes." Gu Jinyun said.
Qi Surong ignored her and continued to embroider.
Gu Jinyun walked up to her and asked, "Are you in a bad mood?"
"I'll talk to you after I finish the embroidery. All that's left is the finishing touches." Qi Surong said.
Gu Jinyun then sat aside, drinking tea and waiting quietly. Su Rong rarely treated him coldly, but now he was a little uncomfortable with her behavior.
"Okay." Qi Surong cut off the thread and handed the embroidered thing to Gu Jinyun, "This handkerchief is specially embroidered for you."
Gu Jinyun's eyes lit up, he took the embroidered handkerchief over and unfolded it. Unexpectedly, there was a cute little pig embroidered on it.
He looked at his wife innocently, why did she embroider a pig for him
"As the saying goes, you are just a fat little pig who broke your promise." Qi Surong poked his chest with her finger.
"When did I break my promise?" Gu Jinyun felt that he had been wronged.
"You said that I am the mistress of the Gu family, and you promised to let me take care of the house."
Gu Jinyun nodded.
"But these days, you haven't mentioned it to the servants to let them question my behavior." Qi Surong raised an eyebrow and said, "How can a mistress who is questioned manage the house?"
Gu Jinyun touched his nose: "It's true that I didn't consider it well for my husband. Please forgive me, madam."
"It's too late." Qi Surong stood up, raised her chin and said, "My wife is very angry and asked your husband to lay the floor today."
Gu Jinyun stretched out his arms and hugged her: "Can I ask you to be lenient and spare my husband this time?"
"No, small mistakes will not be punished, big mistakes will come later. You must lay the floor today."
Qi Surong pushed him away, took out the mat and bedding from the cabinet, spread them out for him in a long-winded manner, then turned around and got on the bed, hanging the gauze curtain down smoothly.
Gu Jinyun looked at the soft floor and then at the soft bed, feeling a chill in his heart.
However, he is not so easy to dismiss. After Su Rong fell asleep, he sneaked back to the bed. When he woke up in the morning, before Su Rong could get angry, Gu Jinyun struck preemptively, eating her up and wiping her dry, and then rushed out like the wind, taking away the fragrance in the room.