That cheap father? Forget it. Wang Yutong dismissed the thought.
He valued the marquis household more than his own children, and with Madam Cui constantly dragging things down, he wasn’t someone worth forming a deep alliance with.
The old marquis, on the other hand, was generous—and worth building a connection with.
Yes, he was old and might not remain useful for many years…
But wasn’t that exactly what she needed?
A few years of shelter under his protection would be enough for her to grow quietly and rapidly.
By the time he could no longer “wield the blade,” her own strength would be enough to take control of her destiny.
Having made up her mind, Wang Yutong turned to Hong Shan.
“Hong Shan, go back tomorrow. Quietly visit Grandfather at the manor and ask him to select ten people for me. Preferably one or two with strong martial ability.”
Hong Shan was overjoyed and immediately bowed. “Thank you, Miss, for your kindness!”
“Don’t thank me yet,” she said calmly. “When they arrive, I’ll test them for a month. Those who are capable will stay.
If anyone tries to throw their weight around using Grandfather’s name, they can leave immediately.
Also, tell Grandfather I want people bound by lifetime contracts. Their deeds must be given to me—and I’ll pay for them.
If he doesn’t have suitable candidates, go to the broker.
Whether there are candidates or not, the requirements cannot be lowered.
I need absolute loyalty. Lower martial skill is acceptable—but insufficient loyalty is not. Better none than the wrong ones. Understood?”
Hong Shan nodded repeatedly. “Rest assured, Miss. I’ll deliver your message and find suitable people.”
Wang Yutong gave a satisfied nod. “Handle this discreetly. No one must know—not even the Marquis.”
Hong Shan acknowledged and withdrew.
After he left, Wang Yutong began planning to visit the two tenant families on the estate.
Meanwhile, Hong Shan hurried back to the capital.
Instead of going straight to the old marquis, he first returned to the residence to inform Cuifen that they would be staying at the estate for some time.
Only after nightfall did he quietly slip into the old marquis’s courtyard through the back gate.
“Old Marquis, Hong Shan has come. He says he has something to report,” a guard whispered.
The old marquis frowned slightly. “Hong Shan? Wasn’t he assigned to the Sixth girl’s residence? Why come at this hour?”
“He didn’t say.”
“Very well, let him in.”
Hong Shan entered and knelt. “Old Marquis, Sixth Miss asked me to deliver a message.
She requests your help in selecting ten people—preferably one or two with strong martial skills. They must be bound by lifetime contracts, with ownership transferred to her. She will pay for them.”
“Oh? With such a small estate, how does she plan to support so many people?” the old marquis asked, both puzzled and slightly annoyed.
Hong Shan quickly explained, “Please calm your anger, Old Marquis. Yesterday, when Miss went to take over the estate, she happened upon two nearby hills for sale.
She purchased them—along with a second-courtyard residence—for over a thousand taels.
The house is somewhat dilapidated and needs repairs and guards, which is why she requires additional people.”
Hearing this, the old marquis relaxed.
As long as she wasn’t wasting money, he didn’t mind. In fact, he approved of acquiring property—even if the location wasn’t ideal.
Land near the capital was rare; when an opportunity arose, one had to act quickly.
The reason those hills hadn’t sold was simple: the location was remote, the land unproductive, and few people even knew they were for sale.
Otherwise, Wang Yutong wouldn’t have gotten such a bargain.
“Very well,” he said after a moment. “But gathering suitable people will take time. Tell her to wait—once they’re selected, they’ll be sent to the estate.”
Hong Shan quickly added, “Miss also said that if you don’t have suitable people, I should purchase them from a broker.
And those from the manor must be absolutely loyal. They’ll be tested for a month—if they try to rely on your name to act arrogantly, they shouldn’t come at all.”
The old marquis nearly laughed.
After stroking his beard thoughtfully, he nodded. “That girl has a mind of her own. At such a young age, she already understands the importance of loyalty.
Very well—I’ll handle it.
But tell her: once she settles the estate matters, she must attend school properly and not disgrace the family.”
“Yes, I will pass on your words,” Hong Shan replied.
After Hong Shan left, the old marquis sat in his study and calmly said, “A-Wu, take Nineteen and select eight more. From now on, you’ll follow the Sixth girl.”
As his words fell, a middle-aged man in black appeared silently.
“Understood,” A-Wu said respectfully.
“A-Wu, you and Nineteen are no longer shadow guards of the manor. How the Sixth girl uses you is her decision. Go.”
“Master…” A-Wu hesitated.
There had originally been twenty shadow guards. When the title passed to Wang Yuanwu, two were assigned to him, and others to the grandsons. With some already dead, only six remained by the old marquis’s side.
Now, two of them were being sent away—equal to the Marquis himself. It was hard to understand.
The old marquis sighed. “I am old. Yuanwu struggles to support the household. We must prepare a way out.”
A-Wu, who had served him for over thirty years, fell silent.
“Yes, Master. I will arrange for A-Nine to replace me,” he said finally.
“Good. Also, take this box to the Sixth girl. Tell her to keep her distance from the manor unless necessary.”
Three days later, at the southern estate, Wang Yutong stood before ten people.
She observed them carefully. The two at the front were calm and sharp-eyed—clearly skilled. The other eight also looked capable.
The leading man stepped forward. “Miss, I am A-Wu. This is Nineteen. The others are former retainers of the manor.
We have come under the old marquis’s orders to serve you.”
He handed her a box. “The old marquis asked me to give you this—and to tell you to contact the manor as little as possible.”
Wang Yutong opened it. Inside were banknotes and a token.
She quickly closed it and said, “Very well. You will be on probation for one month.
During this time, you”—she looked at A-Wu—“will be in charge. All arrangements are your responsibility.
If anyone slacks off or causes trouble, I will hold you accountable. Don’t blame me for being merciless.”
“Yes, Miss,” they replied in unison.