Zheng Wei and the other person returned at noon, bringing five more people with them.
"Who are these people?" Shen Xiaoyan and Yue Qingxin asked, looking at the five strangers with curiosity.
"These are the family we just bought. We were worried about leaving just the three of you at home, so we bought this family to help with chores and keep an eye on things," Zheng Wei explained.
"How much did they cost?" Yue Qingxin inquired.
"We were fortunate. They are a complete family from further north. They said their hometown was devastated by heavy snow this year and they were fleeing disaster," Sima Han said, sitting down next to Yue Qingxin. "These five cost a total of 80 taels of silver."
Yue Qingxin nodded, thinking it wasn't too expensive.
Zheng Wei noticed Shen Xiaoyan's continued silence and found it strange. He gently patted her shoulder and whispered, "Mimi, what's wrong?"
Shen Xiaoyan finally snapped out of her daze and smiled, shaking her head. "I'm fine. What are all their names?"
Zheng Wei turned to the five people standing and said, "Please introduce yourselves."
The elder man among the five spoke, "My name is Huo Si, I'm 42 this year. This is my wife, Qu Shi, who is 40."
Huo Si then pointed to the three children. "These three are our twin daughters, both 13 this year. One is named Huo Fen, and the other is Huo Ying. Our son is 11, named Huo Cheng."
As Huo Si introduced them, Shen Xiaoyan observed the family. They were all very thin, appearing gaunt despite wearing padded jackets. Their faces were sallow, showing signs of hardship. Huo Si looked like an honest man, and his speech was orderly and unpretentious. Shen Xiaoyan found herself liking him.
Zheng Wei's act of buying people made Shen Xiaoyan realize that this era was not just a different time but a real feudal dynasty, where many people lacked freedom, and even human beings could be treated as commodities. She knew she had to adapt. After all, hadn't she always dreamed of having servants and living a landlord's life? It seemed it was just happening a bit sooner than planned.
"Since you are here, it is fate. I only hope that you will conduct yourselves honestly. Our household is a common one, not wealthy, but we have enough to eat. As long as you do not make mistakes, we will never mistreat you," Shen Xiaoyan said with a smile.
Huo Si and Qu Shi both smiled and bowed slightly to Shen Xiaoyan. "Please be assured, madam, we will work diligently." The three children, however, looked somewhat fearful. Shen Xiaoyan decided not to say anything more to them for now; everything would come in time.
Next, they needed to arrange living quarters for the family. Shen Xiaoyan had already planned to buy servants and had built a row of back rooms in the third courtyard. However, she didn't intend for them all to stay there for now. Previously, the front gatehouse had been unoccupied, and a bell had been installed in the courtyard to alert them of arrivals. Now that they had suitable people, it was best for them to move in there.
This was not urgent, though. Shen Xiaoyan asked the family to go to the back courtyard to wash up while she found some old clothes for them to change into. While the family was washing, Shen Xiaoyan and the others went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. With more people, cooking would require larger quantities and be more troublesome. Shen Xiaoyan steamed a large pot of rice and stir-fried several dishes, ensuring there was plenty to eat.
When Shen Xiaoming returned for lunch, he naturally met the Huo family. He was quite surprised to see new people in the house. Upon seeing Huo Cheng, Shen Xiaoming became happy. He understood what servants were, as Lu Taobao often had Wu Yong and others with him. However, the idea of someone his age living in the house excited him. Even though their statuses were different, he would finally have someone to play with.
In the afternoon, Zheng Wei took some gifts bought from town to the village. He went to inform the village head, Bai Yonggui, not expecting any special favors, but hoping that the village head's influence would deter any trouble from the villagers. Shen Xiaoyan and Yue Qingxin busied themselves with settling the Huo family.
First, it was accommodation. Huo Si, Qu Shi, and Huo Cheng were assigned to the gatehouse, which had two rooms, enough for them. However, there was little furniture inside, only a kang bed. Shen Xiaoyan took them to the old courtyard and moved tables, benches, and cabinets from one of the rooms to the gatehouse. They were given a cabinet, a table, several wooden stools, and bedding, so they could sleep comfortably. Any other necessities would be added later.
The twin sisters, Huo Fen and Huo Ying, were given rooms in the back row house. Although there were plenty of rooms, the sisters insisted on staying together. Shen Xiaoyan understood; perhaps arriving in a new place made them feel more secure staying with someone close. Their room contained the remaining cabinet, a small table, and two wooden stools. They didn't even have clothes, so there was nothing to put away. They were wearing Shen Xiaoming's old clothes. Although two years older than Shen Xiaoming, the girls were shorter and unusually thin due to malnutrition, so the clothes fit reasonably well.
After arranging their living situation, Shen Xiaoyan told them to rest and that they didn't need to do any work today. Qu Shi stepped forward with a smile and said, "Madam Shen, Madam Yue, though I am just a common woman, I know how to cook and do laundry. I'm not boasting, but my skills are good. May I cook dinner tonight? My daughters have been cooking with me since they were young and can help."
Shen Xiaoyan smiled. She thought this woman was proactive. Shen Xiaoyan had intended to have Qu Shi do the cooking so she wouldn't have to, a life of leisure seemed wonderful. "There's no rush for now. You can rest first, and we'll sort things out later," Shen Xiaoyan said.
"Madam is kind, and that is our good fortune. I am not tired, and cooking is a small matter," Qu Shi said gratefully, looking at Shen Xiaoyan, still insisting. Since it had come to this, Shen Xiaoyan said no more, lest she seem insincere. Seeing Shen Xiaoyan agree, Qu Shi took Huo Fen and Huo Ying out of the main room and headed towards the auxiliary rooms in the back courtyard. She needed to make up their beds and give them some instructions.
With nothing else to do here, Yue Qingxin returned to the west side room, where Sima Han was waiting for her. Sima Han and Zheng Wei were leaving tomorrow, and Shen Xiaoyan knew she and Sima Han would have much to discuss, so she didn't keep her. Not long after Yue Qingxin left, Zheng Wei returned from the village head's house.
"Is everything arranged?" Zheng Wei asked when he entered the room and saw Shen Xiaoyan alone.
"Yes, everything is arranged," Shen Xiaoyan nodded. They sat side by side, suddenly unsure of what to say. They had exchanged sweet nothings throughout the month, and now, they truly didn't know what else to say.