Mrs. Qiao addressed the servants in the hall, "Except for the Old Madam's Shou'an Hall, all of the mansion's procurement budgets are to be cut by twenty percent. Each of you must manage your accounts carefully. If you have any problems, first report to Housekeeper Liu. If he can't solve it, you may come to me. You are all dismissed."
The servant women bowed their heads in acknowledgment and then filed out of the room in an orderly fashion.
Ji Qingwu walked over and sat down at the opposite side of the low table, looking at the pile of account books on it.
She said in surprise, "Mother, why have you suddenly pulled out all the old account books from previous years?"
Mrs. Qiao waved her hand, and Chunhua went to stand guard at the door.
Ji Qingwu looked at her mother and instantly caught the deep-seated worry in her eyes.
