Xi Qiao paused, a hint of embarrassment on his face: "You two must have already recognized who Granny Sun is who is following me."

The two of them recognized her immediately; she was the Empress Dowager's most favored palace maid, someone everyone in the palace knew.

"Yes, our two servants have met Granny Sun Zhuxi."

The two old women felt a sense of unease once again, and a bad feeling arose in their hearts.

Is this guy going to stay after teaching the rules?

Just as doubts began to arise in their hearts, they heard Xi Qiao say:

"You two may not know this, but the Empress Dowager was afraid that I was too young and inexperienced, so when the imperial decree of marriage was issued, she gave me Granny Sun to help me manage all the affairs of the Prince's mansion."

The two old women's expressions twisted for a moment.

But Xi Qiao was in a good mood.

"Both of you are seasoned veterans of the palace, and you should understand the importance of Granny Sun. Moreover, with the Empress Dowager's decree before us, the Prince's Mansion cannot afford to neglect Granny Sun. However, in doing so, I'm afraid it will be unfair to the two of you."

After Xi Qiao finished speaking, he looked at them apologetically, waiting for their response.

The two old women appeared calm, but were actually extremely distressed.

Although the words were spoken in a subtle and veiled manner, the intention to seize power was already very clear.

Moreover, they could not resist, nor did they have any way to resist.

Kang Mama gritted her teeth and suppressed her resentment, respectfully saying, "Princess, rest assured, we servants are not ignorant. Sun Mama's status is extraordinary, so it is only right that you make this arrangement."

“Even if you, Princess, do not make such arrangements, we two, as the head maids, must remind you.”

Although she willingly accepted this huge loss, Granny Kang was still unwilling to be sidelined and subtly reminded Xi Qiao that although they were not as powerful as Sun Zhuxi, they were still the head nannies.

When Granny Liu heard what Granny Kang said, her eyes flickered slightly. Her colleague was getting anxious!

Her gaze shifted slightly upwards, stealthily glancing at Xi Qiao's face, but unexpectedly, the moment she looked up, she met Xi Qiao's dark, icy eyes.

Granny Liu was startled, and a chill inexplicably rose in her heart.

This person is even more formidable than she anticipated!

Granny Liu's emotions surged, but she quickly suppressed them.

They merely adopted a submissive and obedient demeanor, lowering their stance as they said, "Although we are the head maids assigned to the princess, we are still her servants. How can we possibly have the right to interfere in the affairs of our master?"

The meaning of recognizing God is very clear.

Upon seeing this, Granny Kang could not hide the astonishment on her face.

No, they are, after all, high-ranking stewardesses in the Imperial Household Department. They are not some cats or dogs. How can they be worthy of the efforts they have made over the years to climb to this position if they cannot wield power?

Granny Liu didn't have time to care about her colleagues' feelings, and just smiled and recommended herself: "When I came, I heard from Steward Huang that Your Highness is quite particular about food. My ancestors were imperial chefs, so I have some experience in cooking. I humbly request Your Highness to give me a chance."

Granny Liu was secretly pleased, as she and Huang Guiquan were quite close. Huang Guiquan had often told her about Princess Yu Jia's deeds.

The Empress Dowager had used her confidante for twelve years. At the young age of twenty-five, she was promoted to head maid and helped her younger sister secure her position as a concubine and give birth to the first prince after the Emperor ascended the throne. Now, she has transformed from a bondservant to a noblewoman of the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner and is the designated wife of a prince.

These things, one by one, cannot be accomplished simply by having some tricks and skills.

Even if Granny Liu had a high opinion of herself, she would never think that she could fool or manipulate such a capable person.

Moreover, Huang Guiquan specifically instructed her to take good care of this man.

Who is Huang Guiquan?

The Chief Steward of the Imperial Household Department!

Aside from the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, Consort Hua, and Yinzi, who else could he possibly think highly of?

Ironically, this greedy, opportunistic, and bullying person was surprisingly respectful when talking about Princess Yu Jia, even subtly giving her advice and warnings, as if afraid that she might have any improper thoughts or neglect Princess Yu Jia.

Even if Granny Liu had any ulterior motives, they had long since vanished. She only wanted to do her job well, to have a respectable position under Princess Yu Jia, and to earn more rewards so she could save money for her retirement.

But the moment she saw Sun Zhuxi, her little hope vanished.

How could these head maids sent by the Imperial Household Department possibly compete with Sun Zhuxi, the head maid in the Empress Dowager's palace?

However, people still have to live. Since we can't be glamorous, we should at least make some practical changes.

You always need to have some job in your hands.

Although she belittled herself terribly, as if she were eager to become a cook, she didn't believe that someone as capable as Princess Yu Jia would be so brainless as to use a high-ranking nanny like her as a cook.

Xi Qiao raised an eyebrow and looked at Granny Liu. She was a smart person who knew how to read the situation and made people feel comfortable.

"I never imagined that the old nanny had a past relationship with Steward Huang."

Xi Qiao selectively forgot about Granny Liu's self-recommendation and said with a beaming smile, "The person that Steward Huang chose for me is quite good. I was just thinking about who would be suitable to send to deliver the thank-you gift, and it just so happens that Granny Liu is a ready-made candidate."

It just so happened that she wanted to investigate these people's backgrounds. Although Huang Guiquan was greedy, he was very sensible. She sent someone to investigate, and Huang Guiquan naturally understood her intentions.

As for this Granny Liu...

"Please trouble you, Granny, to find the precious elephant vase in my trunk later and send it to Steward Huang's residence along with a thousand taels of silver. Also, please pass on a message to Steward Huang that I would like to ask if the Prince's residence could have a greenhouse of a sufficient size."

Although the Ministry of Rites was responsible for repairing the Prince's residence, she didn't know the relevant departments, so she had to ask Huang Guiquan to pass on a message.

"Yes, this servant will convey the princess's words to Steward Huang without missing a single one."

Granny Liu smiled and agreed, but she couldn't help feeling anxious and uneasy inside, as the princess hadn't yet expressed her opinion on the matter in the kitchen.

After explaining the matter, Xi Qiao sighed in annoyance, "Look at me, we were talking about serious business. The two nannies are very understanding, and I thank them both."

The two women quickly bowed and said, "We dare not, Your Highness is too kind to us."

Xi Qiao helped them up: "There's no need for you two old ladies to do this. Let's be frank, it's really the Prince's mansion that has wronged you two old ladies."

"But don't worry, Granny Sun is a sensible and tactful person. She only manages the maids and eunuchs who serve me. She doesn't interfere with the two of you."

The two women felt a chill run down their spines. They had forgotten that Sun Zhuxi could not only manage the palace maids and eunuchs, but also discipline them!

They couldn't help but feel fortunate; otherwise, they would have lost all face and dignity.

Xi Qiao seemed oblivious to their change in attitude, and said quietly, "But you two are my managers after all. If you are powerless, not only will you lose face, but I will also lose face. After thinking it over, I have come up with a solution that satisfies both sides."

"From now on, the responsibilities on my shoulders will include not only those in the backyard, but also those in the frontyard and outside the mansion."

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