The Youming Palace people secretly rejoiced: had the young miss not warned them, they might not have been able to hide their flaws in the presence of Prince Chen, who had emerged from blood-soaked battlefields.

Looking at everyone who had clearly become nervous and apprehensive, Yang Mengchen frowned slightly, "Since Uncle Heng has served as a second butler, from now on, he will be the head butler of the household, in charge of all external affairs. As for his daughter Shao Yao, she will stay by my side as a maid."

Uncle Heng was an official slave, originally the second butler in the household of a rank official in a border area. When that official was convicted and executed, his family and servants were all sold as official slaves.

She had reviewed the broker's records and knew Uncle Heng was very capable. He had managed the nearly bankrupt business of his former master to thrive spectacularly. Nobody under Uncle Heng dared to be lazy or deceitful, as they could never bypass his vigilance. Uncle Heng was always ruthless towards those who made mistakes.

The only issue was Uncle Heng's sole daughter, Shao Yao, who had unfortunately broken her right leg as a child and couldn't afford treatment, which resulted in her walking with a limp.

Since being sold as an official slave, Uncle Heng had only one condition for potential buyers: they had to purchase his daughter, who was nine years old at the time, as well, and he would be in charge of her marital affairs.

A third-generation official slave could not be freed, so Shao Yao could only marry a servant in the household or become a concubine, but Uncle Heng did not agree to her becoming a concubine.

Some who were interested in Uncle Heng's abilities refused because of his audacious condition, and others, although they bought the father and daughter, eventually resold them for various reasons. The two made several handovers before arriving at Yongchang Town.

Yet, Shao Yao was clever and capable and good at needlework and embroidery.

At that time, the broker had tried to talk her out of buying the father and daughter, but she politely declined his advice, believing she wouldn't misjudge people.

"The servant (maidservant) thanks the young miss for her great kindness and favor!" Uncle Heng, accompanied by his daughter Shao Yao, kowtowed three times to Yang Mengchen: "Please be assured, miss; we, the father-daughter pair, will surely work hard and remain forever loyal to our master!"

In reality, he had been anxious inside, for the young miss was young and he feared that the elders of the miss's family would reject his condition once they learned of it. He had not imagined that the new master's decisions would all be made by the young miss, which was unheard of in aristocratic families.

However, with his considerable experience in judging people, he could tell that the young miss was extraordinary. As long as he and his daughter served loyally and diligently, he believed the young miss would treat them well and they would have a stable life.

Most importantly, the new master usually renamed the servants, but the young miss allowed them to keep their original names, a sure sign of her generous and compassionate nature.

"Arise." Yang Mengchen raised her hand to signal the father and daughter to stand up, then turned to Qiao Niangzi: "The affairs of the inner court will be managed by Qiao Niangzi. If you encounter any difficulties, you may ask Sister Ke for guidance. You and Uncle Heng must manage the internal and external affairs wholeheartedly and with utmost effort."

"The servant (maidservant) obeys!" Uncle Heng and Qiao Niangzi said in unison with utmost respect.

"Tiemu will be responsible for looking after the cattle and horses, and Leshan and Li Zhong will assist him." Changxin Broker had recorded everything meticulously and comprehensively. Yang Mengchen had an exceptional memory; once she read something, she remembered it.

As she finished speaking, the honest-looking Tiemu and two smart young boys, Leshan and Li Zhong, stepped forward and respectfully accepted the task.

Yang Mengchen instructed them on several other matters, then tasked Uncle Heng and Qiao Niangzi with teaching the other servants the rules. As for who would be assigned which position, the decision was left to them, with Sister Ke overseeing, but Yang Mengchen subtly signaled them to place the Youming Palace people close to the family members.

Uncle Heng and Qiao Niangzi were indeed very capable. They quickly arranged manpower and established and implemented strict rules, making the affairs of the household orderly. Both Uncle Heng and Qiao Niangzi showed great respect to all members of the Yang family without any slackening. With butlers both inside and outside behaving this way, those below dared not take any chances.

Lady Xiao couldn't help but sigh in admiration, "Chenchen has truly an eye for talent, to find such capable and diligent people."

Even discerning individuals like Long Xuanmo and Nangong Lingfei were very satisfied with their abilities.

Initially, the Yang family members were not used to it, as having someone suddenly following them all the time felt uncomfortable, but they gradually got used to it.

Six days later, Xiao Hongtao sent over the fruit tree saplings that Yang Mengchen had entrusted him to purchase. Yang Mengchen went to Stone Village and, after signing contracts with the villagers, instructed them on planting methods.

Long Yingtong followed Yang Mengchen closely, and seeing her eager to try, Yang Mengchen handed her the shovel. Long Yingtong joyfully took it and carefully shoveled the soil around the tree pit into it, while Yang Mengchen watched with a smile, occasionally offering guidance.

Over the past six days, she had intentionally taken Long Yingtong around to see different places or to chat and play with people of her age in the village. Long Yingtong's smile gradually increased, and she began to open up and greet the villagers on her own initiative.

At first, the villagers were obviously very reserved, but after several interactions with Long Yingtong, they saw she never put on princess airs and was pure and adorable. They no longer felt restrained and would greet her whenever they saw her. The girls often came over to play with her, and the boys would bring her fun things.

Long Yingtong was very curious about life in the countryside and often asked questions. Yang Mengchen would explain things to everyone, leading them to believe she truly understood the meaning behind Long Yingtong's hand gestures.

In her previous life, she had indeed learned sign language, but Long Yingtong's sign language was quite different from what she had learned. The reason she could accurately interpret Long Yingtong's intentions was that she could see through people's hearts after consuming the Exotic Fruit.

After filling the soil and watering it, Long Yingtong looked up at Yang Mengchen with big eyes full of hope.

Yang Mengchen took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Long Yingtong's forehead and praised her capability, causing her to burst into blooming smiles.

Observing the harmonious sisters, a faint softness shimmered in the depths of Long Xuanmo's dark eyes.

A mountain chickadee suddenly landed on Yang Mengchen's shoulder. Immediately, Yang Mengchen instructed Mo Mei to prepare the carriage, and then told Yang Chengrong and Yang Chengning to stay behind to continue instructing and supervising the people of Stone Village in planting the saplings. After greeting Village Chief Dong, Han Lizheng, and the Liu family, she hurried home.

"What's the matter?" Long Xuanmo asked Yang Mengchen.

"Hua Ziyu has brought people," Yang Mengchen frowned slightly, "It'd be best for the Prince to have Mo Lei take some men and deal with the tail."

Upon hearing this, Long Xuanmo summoned Mo Lei and spoke a few words to him, and Mo Lei left swiftly.

Having returned home, no sooner had they descended from the carriage than they saw Yang Chengxuan getting ready to board another. Upon seeing his sister's return, he quickly stepped forward to meet her.

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