Chapter 10: Sister Feng Manages the Household
Wang Xifeng, known to everyone as Sister Feng, was one of the most powerful people in the Jia mansion. She was the wife of Jia Lian and managed the daily affairs of the household with a sharp mind and a strong will. Nothing happened in the mansion without her knowledge.
Sister Feng was beautiful and clever, but she was also ruthless when it came to money and power. She kept careful records of every coin that entered and left the household. Servants who made mistakes were punished without mercy, while those who pleased her were rewarded with gifts and good positions.
One day, the family faced a serious money problem. The income from their lands was not enough to cover the expenses of the large household. Sister Feng called a meeting of the senior servants and announced new rules. "From now on, every department must reduce its spending," she declared. "No one is above these rules."
Some servants complained about her strict measures, but most respected her ability to keep the household running smoothly. Without Sister Feng, the Jia family would have fallen into chaos long ago. She was like a strong pillar holding up a great but weakening building.
Baoyu admired Sister Feng's intelligence but was sometimes afraid of her. "She sees everything," he told Daiyu. "Nothing can hide from her sharp eyes." Daiyu nodded quietly. She knew that in this great house, survival required both wisdom and caution.