My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 395: Chapter 188: Steward

"Master..."

A few other Maids also bowed nervously.

’These people had clearly all been arranged by Qian Ruhai... This Chief Steward really is thorough.’

Qin Fang nodded and walked straight through the front courtyard into the back courtyard.

The back courtyard was immense. A winding, covered walkway connected it to the main building. A small channel of running water had even been diverted into the yard, forming a modest pond. The water was clear, and several Spiritual fish swam within, adding a touch of life.

A few craggy Taihu rocks were artfully arranged by the pond’s edge. Beside them grew some hardy green bamboo and orchids, adding a touch of quiet charm.

In a corner of the back courtyard, there was even a small two-story pavilion. From the top, one could overlook most of the estate and, in the distance, see the rooftops of other manors in Liuyun Square and the silhouette of the Inner City beyond. The view was superb.

The entire estate was grandly designed and fully functional. Every stone and tree, every stream and pavilion, was perfectly placed.

Just being here was enough to calm one’s mind and spirit...

It was truly a superior place for both cultivation and living.

There was a considerable number of male and female servants, perhaps twenty or thirty in all. They had all come out and were now standing respectfully in place, as if waiting for Qin Fang to address them.

Qin Fang had reached the main house. "Go on with your work," he said.

He waved his hand dismissively.

The servants exchanged glances, but in the end, they bowed respectfully. "Yes..."

Some of them dispersed, but two of the Maids glanced at each other before gracefully stepping forward. They stopped a few paces before Qin Fang and gave a delicate curtsy.

Qin Fang looked over. These two were different from the other Maids. They were quite beautiful, and their clothes were more refined than those of the other servants—their moon-white dresses accentuated their slender figures.

One of them, a Maid with a goose-egg-shaped face and spiritual eyes, hesitated for a moment before finally taking a Half-Step forward. She curtsied, her voice soft and respectful. "I am Qing Zhu. Greetings, Master."

She turned slightly, indicating the other Maid beside her, who had a quieter, more gentle demeanor. "This is Lan Xin. The two of us were specially selected by Steward Qian to attend to your daily needs and manage the inner courtyard, Master..."

The Maid named Lan Xin also curtsied, her voice a little softer but just as clear. "I am Lan Xin. I wish you peace, Master..."

Both held themselves in a respectful posture, with downcast eyes, yet their manner was not overly timid. They had clearly been meticulously trained from a young age.

’...How thoughtful of him.’

Qin Fang felt a bit resigned as he thought this, but in the end, he just gave a slight nod.

Seeing Qin Fang’s reaction, the two Maids were a little unsure of what to do and could only stand respectfully to the side.

Qin Fang entered the house. They followed carefully behind him, not daring to disturb him.

Qin Fang did a lap around the room. It was spotless, with bright windows and clean furniture. There wasn’t even a speck of dust on the tabletops, a clear sign that it was cleaned regularly.

’...’ Qin Fang thought to himself, running his hand over a tabletop and then looking at his fingers.

"Master, please have some tea..."

Just then, Lan Xin’s somewhat anxious voice sounded from behind him.

Qin Fang turned his head and saw Lan Xin holding a cup of fragrant tea, offering it to him nervously.

He raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, but didn’t refuse. He took the cup and had a sip...

’...I can tell it’s good tea. The flavor is excellent.’

"Not bad."

He nodded, placed the cup on the table, and took a seat.

Qin Fang’s "not bad" made her let out a long sigh of relief. A shy smile appeared on her face, which, surprisingly, revealed a small snaggletooth.

After Qin Fang sat down, she quickly became nervous again and stood waiting respectfully in place with Qing Zhu.

"Don’t be nervous... Let’s just chat. How long have you two been here?"

Since he had to wait for Qian Ruhai to arrive anyway, Qin Fang decided he might as well ask about the situation...

’...After all, this estate is under my name now.’

’It’s my ’home.’’

"To answer your question, Master."

Seeing Qin Fang’s calm tone, Qing Zhu relaxed slightly, her voice still gentle. "Lan Xin and I were chosen by Steward Qian a year ago and brought to this estate. Since then, we have been here learning the rules and managing the property, awaiting your return, Master."

Lan Xin nodded lightly beside her and picked up the conversation, her voice soft. "Steward Qian instructed us that you prefer quiet, Master, so we only need to keep the courtyard clean and tidy on a daily basis. Over the past year, besides cleaning and organizing, the two of us have also learned the placement of books and items you might use... Steward Qian brought many things over that day, all of which have been stored in the warehouse and cataloged..."

As she spoke, she quietly glanced up at Qin Fang’s expression before quickly lowering her head again. "We just don’t know if it is to your liking, Master."

Qin Fang raised an eyebrow.

’A year ago?’

’Qian Ruhai made these arrangements right after I reached the entry-level?’

’This Chief Steward is truly on top of things.’

He thought with some amusement.

"On a typical day, is it just you all here in the estate?"

"Yes."

Qing Zhu replied, "Besides the Gatekeeper, the cleaning women, and the young servants, only the two of us reside permanently in the inner courtyard... All purchasing and external affairs are handled by people sent periodically by the Steward."

Qin Fang grunted in acknowledgment. ’This arrangement certainly saves a lot of trouble.’

He then asked casually, "When Qian Ruhai usually comes by, what does he normally instruct you to do?"

Qing Zhu thought for a moment before answering cautiously, "The Steward comes once or twice a month, mainly to inspect the estate’s maintenance, ask if we are short on anything, and remind us to be diligent in our duties."

A flicker of movement in Qin Fang’s eyes. ’This Chief Steward really knows his place and is very tactful.’

Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside the courtyard. The servant who had gone to announce him hurried back, panting, and said respectfully from outside the door, "Master, Steward Qian has arrived... He is waiting in the front hall."

’Waiting in the front hall?’

Qin Fang was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and let out a wry laugh.

’...Right. My status is different now. It seems Qian Ruhai doesn’t dare to treat me the same way he did before.’

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