After Qi Qingyao sent Li Qing off, she saw the black carriage leave not long after as well. The villagers were starting to file out from the banquet and Qi Qingyao was now free to go back to the new house to take a look. She noticed that there was already simple furniture inside.
Qi Qingyao scratched her head. “I didn’t ask them to buy furniture.”
Si Jin smiled and said, “They said they made them for you with the leftover timber.”
‘They made them?’
The masters were too kind.
Qi Qingyao hurried back to the banquet and made a toast with each of the masters one by one.
“Masters! You are all too kind, come come, let me salute you.”
“Missy, there’s no need~!” Master Bao took a look at the lady’s luxurious appearance and could not help but think that she really was a disciple of the Master Architect Li Qinglian! The master really knew how to pick a disciple; this woman had such good taste, was good-looking, smart, and had the talent for design.
“It’s almost Chinese New Year anyways so this is my red packet for everyone!” Qi Qingyao said as felt around her bosom for paper money. She gave each master a piece. In just a brief moment, a few hundred taels were given out. She had also gotten Si Jin to distribute compensation of a tael of silver to every worker.
Jiang Yeqian did not think that she would be so generous with her money.
The masters were also shocked at Qi Qingyao’s generosity. They tried to decline before eventually accepting it, praising her silently, ‘This lady is such a nice person!’ She did not disregard the hard work they had put into working on this small building this month.
Even less needed to be said for the workers.
They had just been learning skills from the masters. They never would have thought that they would receive reward money. The workers had been working for the masters and their monthly pay was just a few maces. Who would have thought that this time, the woman would put in an extra bonus and give them a tael? All the workers expressed their profuse thanks to Qi Qingyao.
Qi Qingyao waved her hand vigorously, “There’s no need for thanks. The masters have their merit but so you guys also worked hard! The credit belongs to everyone.”
The workers’ eyes were suddenly red.
“Oh Missy, actually….” Master Cao had begun to speak but stopped halfway, embarrassed.
Calm and composed, Qi Qingyao said, “If you have something to say, say it. Why is there a need to hide if you have something to ask? Just ask me confidently and if I know anything, I’ll definitely answer!”
Old Man Yuan coughed and somewhat sheepishly said, “Missy, we just wanted to ask if you really happen to know the Master Architect Li Qinglian? Where is he? We really want to pay an official visit to him to ask him for some professional knowledge.”
“Master, Master Architect Li Qinglian?” Why did they bring up the master’s name again?
“Yes.” The masters were all looking at her with eager expressions.
“About that…” Qi Qingyao paused for a bit before answering unhurriedly, “To tell you the truth, the master… he is currently in retreat to research the engineering of mechanisms. I mean, didn’t you see the myriad of mechanisms inside my house? This is according to the master’s latest design requirements. That’s why… the master is currently not taking any guests.”
Hearing that the great master was currently studying some curious mechanisms in retreat, the masters were beyond surprised.
They each began singing their praises.
“It’s alright if he’s not seeing any guests.”
“As expected of a great master, to be learning so long as he is living.”
“As expected, Missy really does know the master.”
…
A flow of praises followed.
However, this made Qi Qingyao a little embarrassed. “Uh.”
Master Cen clasped his fist and said, “If the master ever leaves his retreat, please let him know that we would like to meet him.”
Qi Qingyao laughed and echoed, “Of course, I will introduce you all to him when he leaves his retreat!”
