"What? What do you mean a committee?" Master Su, one of the rice merchants, frowned when he heard the Governor's man.

He had just gotten the news of the Governor planning to set up a committee for the Rice Merchant Association instead of appointing someone to take over Magistrate Ho.

That would be bad news for him right now.

Master Su knew what the Governor was up to, but he didn't show his displeasure on his face.

It would ensure that the Governor had a seat on the committee for controlling the future direction of the association and entice the other rice merchants to release their rice supplies to have an advantage for getting the seat.

"Please inform the Governor that I will consider it carefully," Master Su said with a smile to the Governor's man.

The Governor's man bowed and said, "Consider it carefully, Master Su.

"The Governor has sent his men to all the rice merchants, and from what I've heard from my colleagues, some have already promised to release their rice supplies tomorrow.

"Do check on the rice available on the market tomorrow for confirmation if you have any doubts."

Master Su frowned and nearly crushed the teacup he had in his hand due to his tightening grip.

The Governor must have asked his man to try and cause the other rice merchants to become anxious with what his man had said.

It was one of the oldest tricks in the book, but Master Su wasn't confident in his compatriots' intelligence to know it.

Some of them might fall for it and release their rice supplies.

And when that happens...

Master Su stood up and paced around anxiously.

He knew what was going on, but he was already in two minds about it.

Even if he sent his men to warn the rice merchants of what the Governor was doing, they might take it that he was trying to bluff them while he released his rice supplies instead.

What happened to the Governor? he thought.

The Governor had changed, and he was now even more cunning.

Or he had someone behind him...

He couldn't decide on it, but it wasn't the most important thing for him now.

Should he release his rice supplies?

Master Su glanced out of his doors at the moon that was behind some dark clouds.

All over the city, the other rice merchants were tossing and turning from side to side in their beds due to the news they'd received from the Governor.

There was, however, an exception.

Hun Xiong Kun had gotten the news from the Governor, and he was losing sleep from excitement instead.

With what he had done, his chance of getting a seat on the committee was high, and he wouldn't be afraid of being ostracized by the other rice merchants anymore.

Lin Xuan Qi's men also came and informed him of the increase in the rice supplies tomorrow, and it should be over very soon.

He couldn't wait for the day to begin.

...

Next day.

Lin Xuan Qi woke up to a flurry of activities in the mansion.

But it was due to the new servants getting used to their new jobs.

Yue Jie had ordered the servants to take the measurements of everyone and take them down.

It was her job to ensure that they got a few new sets of clothes for hygiene purposes and to prepare for the autumn and winter.

The thin rags they had on them wouldn't be enough in the autumn and winter.

When she saw Lin Xuan Qi, that reminded her that he was also in need of thicker clothes.

"Master Lin, I will make a few sets of winter clothing for you... Do you need me to take new measurements?" Yue Jie asked when he approached her to see what she was doing.

Lin Xuan Qi raised an eyebrow and said with a sheepish smile, "So, you mean you have my measurements remembered in your mind?"

He teased her, and Yue Jie quickly turned away, fearing the other servants would hear him.

Lucky for her that he had said it softly, and the other servants were busy doing their work.

"Go and have breakfast. Sister Xue Cong asked Auntie Sue to prepare a good meal for you.

"She was up early in the morning to make sure everything was done accordingly," Yue Jie said, and Lin Xuan Qi felt happy at what he heard.

Seems like it would be a cordial marriage life for him.

He nodded and walked over to the dining hall.

"Master Lin." Some of the new servants cleaning the dining hall saw him and greeted him.

Yue Xin was sitting at the side, supervising them, and when she saw him, she quickly pulled him to the dining table.

"Master Lin, finally you came. I'm starving." She had been waiting for him since this morning.

He shook his head and said, "You can have your breakfast first if you are hungry and not wait for me."

Yue Xin sighed and sat down in her seat.

What can't he understand? she thought silently to herself.

"What about Yue Jie? Did she have her breakfast?"

"She will be here after she is done with the work," Yue Xin replied.

Lin Xuan Qi shook his head and thought, well, maybe not that cordial.

Yue Xin had always been the youngest, and he didn't mind that much with her character.

She had some of the temper of a young mistress but was growing up slowly.

In a way, it felt like an accomplishment to him whenever she became more mature.

And most importantly, life in the mansion might get too boring for him without someone like Yue Xin around.

"Master Lin, I got too busy and didn't want to disturb your sleep," Xue Cong finally came in and said.

Lin Xuan Qi gave her a smile and gestured for her to take a seat.

He saw that her hair was messy and there were some beads of sweat on her forehead.

It must have been stressful for her to oversee the daily operation of the mansion.

But Lin Xuan Qi knew that it was necessary for her to learn and be able to do so. It wouldn't be easy, but being the mistress of the clan required her to be capable enough.

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