Chapter 168: You Are Putting This Old Man in a Difficult Position

What does this "enough" mean, Miss? Xiaolian was puzzled. What did "enough" signify, and how was it related to asking her to lead the way?
Do you remember the "OK" gesture? Zhang Xiaolan forgot for a moment that Xiaolian was a curious creature, and began to explain with an example.
It has pretty much the same meaning. Now we have another secret code between us. You must remember it from now on, you hear?
With just a few casually spoken words, another "secret code" was added between them. In truth, it was just the most ordinary phrase, yet here it seemed extraordinary.
Understood! Miss, I will keep it firmly in mind.
Xiaolian nodded firmly. She sounded quite excited, thinking Zhang Xiaolan was amazing. She had learned a great deal from following her recently, and the secret codes between them were multiplying, making them feel increasingly close.
The two of them found Steward Chen, who was currently in the accounts room reconciling the ledgers. Seeing Xiaolian bring Zhang Xiaolan to him, Steward Chen looked somewhat surprised.
Steward Chen, is the estate still hiring people?
Zhang Xiaolan stood on no ceremony. Sporting a warm and cordial smile, she bluntly asked Steward Chen if they were still looking for help. Such directness left Steward Chen speechless; what on earth was this distinguished young lady up to this time?
Miss Zhang, the estate currently has sufficient staff, and there are no plans to take on anyone new in the near future.
Upon hearing this, Steward Chen roughly guessed Zhang Xiaolan's intent, but he could only state the facts of the situation, showing no inclination to flatter her or bend the rules.
Ah... I have a friend, a young woman of sixteen or seventeen, who is very diligent and sharp-looking. Could you make some adjustments and find something for her to do?
Although it was within her expectations, Zhang Xiaolan still appeared somewhat disappointed. However, she refused to give up and wanted to negotiate with Steward Chen—even just finding some random task for her would do!
Xiaolian remained calm; after all, the matter was sudden, and Steward Chen was merely speaking the truth. Why would the Prince's Mansion hire servants for no good reason?
This... the estate truly does not lack manpower.
Now Steward Chen found himself in a difficult spot. Although he managed all the affairs within the Prince's Mansion, he could not act arbitrarily. Knowing full well that no extra hands were needed yet inserting someone anyway—would that not be wasting the estate's resources?
Besides, Zhang Xiaolan was merely a "guest" in the estate. That was how Steward Chen had always viewed her. While he treated Zhang Xiaolan with courtesy under normal circumstances, he could not simply obey her wishes in matters like this.
This young lady also knows how to sing ballads. Why not recruit her just to sing and amuse Brother Li to pass the time? Zhang Xiaolan began to praise Yunyue vehemently, coming up with another job that suited her well.
Since the mansion did not lack maidservants for chores, she could be made a musical attendant within the estate, dedicated to singing ballads. Which of the noble and elite families nowadays did not keep a few songstresses in their households to sing and dance for their entertainment?
Of course, if Yunyue entered the mansion under such an identity, it would naturally be different from ordinary family songstresses—she would not have to serve any male master. Everyone understood the sort of arrangement it would likely be.
Miss Zhang, you are making things difficult for this old man. The estate does not lack people, and His Lordship does not care for small ditties. Alternatively, I can help you inquire if any other households are hiring.
Hearing a young lady speak in such a manner, Steward Chen also felt it was improper. If she was so eager to help her friend, he could offer to ask around for places looking for servants and help introduce her there.
Steward Chen, can't you just make a casual arrangement? One more person won't make that much of a difference!
Zhang Xiaolan simply did not want Yunyue to go to another family. With her own support in the Prince's Mansion, life would be easier; how hard would it be if she went elsewhere!