Chapter 64: The Appraisal Mansion

Baihe finally felt at ease, and the two continued walking. Baihe glanced back seemingly casually and said, "Miss, someone is following us."

Zhao Erdong scoffed, "Given how vengeful that old dog Zhao is, how could he not send people to find out our whereabouts so he can watch for a chance to retaliate?"

"What should we do? Should we try to avoid them?" Baihe asked with a hint of worry. Although both of them possessed decent strength, going head-to-head with Zhao Tianjiang offered virtually no chance of winning.

"There's no need. We live in an estate bestowed by the imperial court; even if we evade them today, he would just find out tomorrow anyway. There's no point. Besides, he won't make a move against us in the short term. Since he loves trailing us, let him watch his fill." Zhao Erdong appeared completely indifferent. Some people simply loved engaging in such petty tricks—there was no helping it, given their inherently cheap bones!

Baihe suddenly understood and chuckled, "That's true! You made him lose all face in the court today. If anything happens to you right now, everyone will know who did it. Besides, you are now an imperial official; if you were to meet with any misfortune, he would probably have a hard time answering to the court!"

Located right in the middle of Yuanguangmen Street, the estate was not as luxurious and grand as the prime minister's residence, but it still qualified as a distinguished noble courtyard. At the vermilion lacquer gates, rows of servants stood respectfully, waiting for their new master to arrive.

Ever since she could remember, Baihe had known she was a servant, destined to spend her life serving masters. She had never imagined that there would come a day when she would be surrounded by throngs of servants waiting upon her...

Watching two young maids walk straight toward them—with the leading one even wearing the bright red court attire of the first rank—could the new master of the Treasure Appraisal Manor possibly be this little girl? Frowning slightly, the crowd sized up Zhao Erdong as she walked briskly over.

"May I ask who you are...?" the elderly head steward standing at the front asked respectfully.

"Zhao Erdong." She raised an eyebrow, swept her gaze across the gathered assembly, and drew a jade token from her bosom to verify her identity.

Disappointment instantly surfaced on the faces of the previously curious onlookers. The master of the Treasure Appraisal Manor had changed time and time again, and its former glory was long gone. Now that the manor had been in decline for so long, it desperately needed a true powerhouse in the realm of treasure appraisal to save the manor and rescue servants like them. If their master lacked prestige and distinction, how could the servants hope to gain any benefits?

Yet the young girl before them, though exuding nobility inside and out, was still far too young. Who would believe she was a powerhouse in treasure appraisal? How much glory could she bring to the manor, and how many perks could she offer them?

"Greetings, My Lord."

Despite their disappointment, etiquette could not be forgotten. Young as this child was, since she was able to secure this position, she certainly could not be entirely useless; perhaps she had a formidable backing behind her. Until the situation became clear, it was best not to offend her.

Zhao Erdong nodded, gesturing for them to rise, and instructed Baihe to hand a pouch of gold coins to the steward.

"This is a welcoming gift for everyone. I hope you will all faithfully discharge your duties and perform your jobs well in the future. Do not let me hear any dirty gossip, and nothing that happens within the Treasure Appraisal Manor is to be spread outside. Otherwise, be prepared to pay the price."

"Naturally, if everyone is loyal and dedicated to their duties, I, Zhao Erdong, will not treat you unfairly. Furthermore, this lady, Miss Baihe, is my elder sister. I trust I do not need to spell out how you should treat her. Dismissed."

Among the assembled servants, even the youngest was in their twenties and had served several master appraisers. Yet none had displayed the blend of grace and severity right upon arrival quite like Zhao Erdong. It left everyone deeply impressed, secretly whispering to themselves that this young master might just be the beacon of hope they had been waiting for.