Chapter 98: Discussions Over Breakfast

The mouth-watering aroma of steaming herb broth and sizzling spiced flatbreads soon drifted through every corner of the estate main hall. With the kitchen’s newly installed obsidian-iron stove operating at peak efficiency, Lu Feng and Han Lin had managed to whip up a massive feast in record time.

Rows of long wooden tables in the dining hall were set with steaming bowls of fragrant rice, platters of thinly sliced cured meat, and big ceramic pots filled with rich, bubbling vegetable stew.

Zhou Ran, along with the newly arrived servants, guards, and the coachman, sat respectfully around the lower tables.

Though initially hesitant to sit and dine alongside the estate’s master, Lu Feng’s calm insistence quickly put them at ease. The crisp morning air outside was completely forgotten as everyone dug into the delicious, hot meal, filling the room with a warm, lively atmosphere.

Just as the meal reached its peak, a low groan echoed from the adjoining living parlor.

Lin Laifu stirred on the soft silk couch, rubbing the back of his neck with a pained grimace. He slowly pushed himself upright, blinking his bloodshot eyes against the bright sunlight streaming through the windows. The lingering haze of alcohol still made his head throb, but the rich, intoxicating scent of fresh food acted like a beacon, pulling him out of his stupor.

He wobbled into the dining hall, holding his head with one hand while sniffing the air like a hound.

"Is that... spiced marrow stew?" Lin Laifu muttered, his voice hoarse.

"Ah, Master Lin," Zhou Ran called out, standing up quickly from his seat to offer a supportive arm. "You are finally awake."

Lin Laifu winced, pressing a palm to his temple. "Zhou Ran? What... where am I? Why does my neck feel like an ox stepped on it?"

Sitting at the head table, Lu Feng casually took a sip of hot tea, offering the grand merchant a dry, unbothered smile. "You arrived at my gates before dawn, completely drunk, shouting at the top of your lungs. I simply helped you get some rest."

Memory flooded back into Lin Laifu’s mind in a sudden, embarrassing rush. His eyes widened, and his flushed cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. He coughed awkwardly into his fist, smoothing down his wrinkled silk robes as he tried to reclaim an ounce of his usual dignity.

"Right... yes. A minor miscalculation with refined wine last night," Lin Laifu stammered, quickly sliding into an empty chair across from Lu Feng. Han Lin immediately brought him a fresh bowl of hot broth and a cup of warm tea, which the merchant accepted with profound gratitude. "My deepest apologies, Young Master Lu. I was... overly enthusiastic about keeping my word."

"Drink your tea," Lu Feng said calmly. "Then we can get down to business."

Lin Laifu gulped down the herbal tea, feeling the warm liquid soothe his parched throat and clear the remaining fog from his mind. After taking a few bites of food to settle his stomach, he let out a long sigh of relief and straightened his posture, returning to his familiar, sharp-eyed persona.

"Now then," Lin Laifu began, gesturing toward the eight individuals seated at the lower tables. "Allow me to formally introduce the personnel I have brought for your estate, Young Master Lu." ℯ

He stood up and walked toward the staff, pointing them out one by one.

"First, these two gentlemen are Song Heng and Bai Bao," Lin Laifu introduced, nodding toward two tall, broad-shouldered men dressed in practical leather armor, with polished iron spears resting beside them. "They are veteran guards formerly attached to my merchant house’s secondary escort division. Both are disciplined, skilled in basic formation techniques, and entirely loyal. They will handle the main gate, perimeter patrols, and ensure no unauthorized onlookers pry into your property."

Song Heng and Bai Bao immediately stood up, placing their fists together and bowing deeply toward Lu Feng. "We greet the Master!" they declared in unison, their voices firm and resonant.

"Next, we have the indoor household staff," Lin Laifu continued, guiding Lu Feng’s gaze toward four neatly dressed individuals—two middle-aged men and two younger women. "This is Uncle Gao and his wife, Auntie Gao. Gao has decades of experience managing estate grounds, maintaining timber structures, and overseeing storage inventory. Auntie Gao is an exceptional cook and handles laundry, linen care, and general household maintenance. Beside them are Xiao Yun and Xiao Ru, two diligent young women who will assist with daily cleaning, sweeping, and serving meals."

The four servants bowed respectfully, their expressions polite and attentive.

"And finally," Lin Laifu added, gesturing toward a lean, sharp-eyed man sitting near the end of the table, "this is Old Ma, an expert driver who knows every road, alley, and trade route in and out of Crimson Vale. Beside the hall is the black-and-gold carriage I promised, pulled by a pair of finely selected and inbred horses. Old Ma will handle all your transport needs whenever you or your companions wish to travel."

Lu Feng observed the group carefully. Each of them possessed a grounded, disciplined air, showing none of the sloppiness or arrogance often found in temporary hires. It was clear Lin Laifu had personally handpicked reliable people rather than simply dumping random workers onto the estate.

"You have done well, Master Lin," Lu Feng acknowledged, nodding in approval. "This is precisely what we needed."

"Only the best for my most valued partner," Lin Laifu replied with a proud grin.

With the introductions complete, Lu Feng lost no time in assigning their specific daily responsibilities.

"Song Heng, Bai Bao," Lu Feng addressed the two guards directly. "Your primary duty is the front gate and the outer walls. The estate features an active spiritual gathering array, which may draw curious eyes from nearby paths. No strangers are to be admitted without my explicit permission or Han Lin’s approval. If anyone attempts to force entry, hold the gate and trigger the perimeter alarm immediately."

"Understood, Master!" Song Heng responded sharply.

Turning to the household team, Lu Feng continued. "Uncle Gao, you will take charge of the storerooms, firewood supplies, and general property repairs. Auntie Gao, Xiao Yun, and Xiao Ru will manage the living quarters, guest rooms, and routine cleaning. However..." Lu Feng paused, looking over at Han Lin with a faint smile, "...Han Lin retains final oversight of all domestic matters. You will report directly to her."

Han Lin sat up a little straighter, her eyes sparkling with pride at the responsibility.

"As for meals," Lu Feng added, "you may assist in the kitchen, but our private dining arrangements will remain flexible. Old Ma, keep the carriage prepped and the horses fed. We may need to head into the city’s commercial district on short notice."

"It shall be done, Master Lu," Old Ma replied with a confident bow.

With their tasks clearly defined, the atmosphere in the dining hall turned remarkably smooth and organized. The new workers quickly finished their food, eager to begin their duties and prove their worth to their new master. Under Uncle Gao and Han Lin’s guidance, they began dividing up the cleaning supplies and touring the property to familiarize themselves with the layout.

Lin Laifu leaned back in his chair, dabbing his mouth with a silk napkin, a thoroughly satisfied expression on his face.

"Well, Young Master Lu," Lin Laifu said in a hushed tone, leaning closer across the table as the room emptied out. "Now that your household is officially running like a proper noble estate... perhaps we can discuss the other reason I rushed over here today?"