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After joining three boards, the frame’s edges were carved.

Chu Qingzhi planned to carve cloud patterns on the edge, a technique similar to array carving, an area in which Chu Qingzhi had some experience, although not very proficient. However, it was more than enough for carving patterns.

Carpenter Chu, upon seeing the small section of the pattern already carved, was full of admiration. “Qingzhi, what is it that you can’t do?”

Chu Qingzhi humbly replied, “You flatter me. I simply learn quickly and am not that remarkable.”

“Not remarkable?” Carpenter Chu widened his eyes and emphasized, “If you’re not remarkable, then the rest of us are fools!”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Uncle Chu, let’s keep a low profile.”

Understanding her intent, Carpenter Chu quickly agreed, “Yes, yes, low profile, low profile.”

After carving the frame, the middle characters of the plaque were carved, only requiring the words Seal Office Chu Qingzhi chose the “Running Script” font, which looked very imposing.

Next was the coloring step.

The entire plaque was dyed a reddish-brown, while the cloud patterns and characters on the border were dyed in a dark gold color. This color, with a hint of darkness mixed with gold, wasn’t as bright or vulgar as pure gold, giving the plaque a dignified and tasteful appearance, which was to Chu Qingzhi’s liking.

Chu Qingzhi hung the plaque above the bamboo house’s entrance, instantly raising the property’s value, drawing many onlookers.

Subsequently, Chu Qingzhi also hung her landscape paintings inside the bamboo house, all of which were very vivid. The atmosphere inside the house seemed to liven up with the addition of the paintings, relaxing everyone’s mood.

Wang Yuanping, unable to take his eyes off the paintings, said to Chu Qingzhi, “Miss, hanging these paintings here might attract thieves.”

Chu Qingzhi, looking at the paintings on the wall, said, “No one dares to steal from my fief, rest assured.”

This reminded Wang Yuanping of the dozen wolves in the village, majestic and fierce, guarding places like the workshop area, the old mansion, and the medicinal herb store. He had never heard of thefts in the village, “Perhaps I was overthinking.”

“Notify them to organize the documents and move them to the Seal Office later. From now on, you will handle official duties there.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Once the furniture was set up, everything looked proper and in place.

Chu Qingzhi toured the bamboo house, growing fonder of it the more she looked around, deciding to use it as her office from then on. It would be a pity to tear it down.

Then, she diverted some water to the house for daily use.

Everything was considered and arranged.

After settling in, Chu Qingzhi had several people report on their recent work, starting with Wang Yuanping.

Wang Yuanping was in charge of tax collection. “Aside from Miss’s household, there are three other families doing business. Yesterday, Landlord Sun came to pay the business tax, twenty taels…”

He gave a detailed report on the tax collection within the fief over the past few days, clearly taking his duties seriously.

Chu Qingzhi nodded at him, then asked Wang Yuanlin to report.

Wang Yuanlin was responsible for the farmland. “Recently, two families came to sell their land, intending to sell off the farther plots and buy new ones. I recorded it, but it hasn’t been sold yet. There are three families in Xu Village who have started to reclaim land, each opening up an acre. I went to measure it and recorded it…”

“Hmm,” Chu Qingzhi looked towards Qin Yuming, “And you?”

Qin Yumingwas in charge of the population. “In the past few days, two children were born, and an elderly passed away. I’ve registered them all. Additionally, ten people have applied to join Miss’s fief.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Verify their identities carefully. If their character and all other aspects are satisfactory, allow them to join.”

“Yes.”

Xia Zongxian had always been slacking off, wandering around every day without attending to the affairs of the fief.

Upon being questioned by Chu Qingzhi, he quickly claimed, “Everything in the fief is peaceful, and the villagers get along harmoniously; all is well!”

This immediately angered the usually good-natured Chu Qingzhi, “Just yesterday, in Zhou Village, Zhou Hai and Zhou Ming fought. Zhou Hai stabbed Zhou Ming with a knife. If not for the timely intervention of the villagers, Zhou Ming would have been killed. My fief was nearly the site of a homicide, and you tell me all is well?!!”

Xia Zongxian guiltily lowered his head, not daring to speak.

The three others were also silent, having never seen Chu Qingzhi angry before, making breathing seem difficult due to the tension.

Further criticism now would be futile; what Chu Qingzhi sought was a solution, “Speak, how should this matter be resolved?”

Xia Zongxian looked towards Qin Yuming, then, under Chu Qingzhi’s formidable pressure, said, “This is all my responsibility. I am willing to accept punishment.”

Chu Qingzhi imposed a heavy penalty, “First, no salary for three months; second, take the feudal laws I’ve drafted and ensure they are known in all four villages; third, cancel a month’s leave; do you accept this?”

Xia Zongxian replied softly, “I accept!”

Chu Qingzhi made it clear, “If I find you neglecting your duties again, being irresponsible, then I’m sorry, but I cannot employ someone like you. We will then discuss repayment.”

“I understand,” Xia Zongxian thought to himself, this wasn’t just some young girl; she was more terrifying than the Empress Dowager! He had underestimated Chu Qingzhi!

To the other three, Chu Qingzhi said, “I recognize your capabilities. The bonus for the New Year will be doubled; keep up the good work.”

Wang Yuanping and Wang Yuanlin were especially delighted; with the bonus doubled, their families could enjoy a good New Year.

Chu Qingzhi walked out from the medicinal herb store and gestured to Li Zhang’an, who was waiting nearby.

Li Zhang’an immediately came over, looking up, “Sister Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi, seeing the hopeful look in the young boy’s eyes, said, “You’ve been asking me for work; now, there’s something for you. Clean Seal Office, open and close the doors, greet and assist visitors, in short, take care of miscellaneous tasks in Seal Office. Are you willing?”

“Absolutely,” Li Zhang’an replied without hesitation, “As long as it’s arranged by Sister Qingzhi, I’m willing to do anything.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Then you’ll start with these tasks for now. When you’re older, I’ll arrange something else for you. Also, when you have time, study and learn to read; it will open up more options for you in the future.”

Li Zhang’an was extremely excited, “I understand, I will do my best.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “For matters regarding the Seal Office, you can go to Wang Yuanping. If you can’t resolve something, come to me. You’ll start work tomorrow, with a daily wage of one hundred copper coins. If you do well, there will be a bonus.”

Li Zhang’an bowed deeply to Chu Qingzhi, “I’ve memorized all you said, thank you, Sister Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and left Seal Office.