Junior Edina woke up in the comfy bed of Shun Mansion, but as soon as she stirred, she knew there was no time to appreciate the luxury. She needed to get ready. Taking her cane, she walked into the bath prepared by the Shun Mansion staff. The water was warm and soothing, a stark contrast to the lukewarm baths she endured at Jinwei Mansion under the rough hands of Xiao Min. Here, the servants helped her dress in her Hanfu, a kindness she rarely experienced at home.

Once she was ready, she was about to rush to Blazing Sun Mansion when Aunt Qin appeared with a smile. Without a word, Aunt Qin picked her up. Once in her arms, she said, "Where are you going, Edina? Let me carry you. It's easier, right?"

Junior Edina's face turned bright red with embarrassment. She had never been carried like this, even when Lu Shun offered. Of course, she knew from Senior Edina's letters that she would have been more than happy to be carried by Lu Shun, but this situation was mortifying for her. She simply nodded and said, "Blazing Sun Mansion."

Aunt Qin smiled, understanding completely. She knew Edina would want to go to Blazing Sun Mansion. That's why she was there so early in the morning, despite leaving for Mingfe Mansion so late the previous night.

After a few minutes of walking, Aunt Qin gently placed Junior Edina down, allowing her to stand with the help of her cane. Aunt Qin had to leave now since important people from Mount Hua were coming to the sect, and she had to entertain them. She looked at Edina with a reassuring smile and said, "Stand your ground." With that, she left. Junior Edina nodded firmly.

As she walked into the Blazing Sun Mansion, she was met with an impressive sight. The mansion was grand, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and large windows that let in streams of sunlight, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden floors. The walls were lined with tapestries depicting the sect's glorious history, and the air was filled with the scent of incense.

The moment she entered, all the administrative staff halted their work. Heads turned, and conversations stopped as they looked at her. Their surprise was palpable, as they were not accustomed to seeing her here, especially without her aunt. The room fell into a respectful silence, and the atmosphere became charged with curiosity and anticipation.

Junior Edina took a deep breath, steadied herself on her cane, and stepped forward, ready to take on the challenge ahead. Senior Edina hadn’t left Junior Edina any lines to recite, understanding that all her time had been consumed by preparations for the banquet. This was a situation Junior Edina would have to navigate on her own. She approached the table marked "Financial Department" in Han characters.

She mustered her courage and addressed the staff member, who was busy writing numbers and making calculations. "Di... did Aunt Li Mei hand over the account books? Can I take them?" Her voice was meek, but she tried to sound as assertive as possible.

The staff member stopped working and was about to respond when a voice interrupted from behind. "No, I haven't yet," came the sound of Li Mei. She walked in, and it was easy to spot the dark circles under her eyes, indicating she must have stayed up all night covering up her embezzlement of Jinwei Mansion funds. Behind her, Wei and Lin walked side by side, and Xiao Min followed, holding the account books.

"My, my, I didn’t expect my niece to be so eager to manage her own money," Li Mei said with a smirk.

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Junior Edina felt a wave of anxiety but steeled herself. She knew this was a crucial moment. "Yes, Aunt Li Mei," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Grandfather asked me to start today, so I need the account books to get started."

Li Mei's smile faltered slightly, Li Mei maintained her composed demeanor. "Of course, dear," she said smoothly. "Xiao Min, give the accountant the account books."

Xiao Min immediately handed the books and the remaining 14 gold teals, the balance of Jinwei Mansion’s budget that needed to be presented, over to the staff member. Li Mei then said, “It will take some time for the financial department to check the books and issue new ones for you, Edina. Why don’t we sit and wait until then?”

Junior Edina subconsciously nodded, her ingrained fear of Li Mei overriding her thoughts. Both she and Li Mei sat down on a bench, while Wei and Lin sat on the next bench. Xiao Min stood next to Li Mei.

Li Mei leaned in close to Junior Edina and whispered, “You played well, didn’t you, bitch...” She exuded an intimidating Qi aura that felt choking to those around her. Wei and Lin looked terrified, having only seen their mother this angry once before. Edina, though not physically affected by the Qi aura—finding it merely ticklish—felt a profound psychological fear of Li Mei.

Junior Edina's hands trembled slightly as she clutched the hem of her Hanfu. Her mind raced, but she knew she had to stay strong. She took a deep breath, trying to

steady her nerves. "I just want to do what's best for Jinwei Mansion," she said quietly, her voice shaking but determined.

Li Mei's eyes narrowed further, her aura still oppressive. "You think you can manage it better than me?" she hissed.

Junior Edina swallowed hard, meeting her aunt's gaze. "I... I believe I can learn," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'll do my best to prove it."

Li Mei was about to intimidate Edina further when a voice interrupted, "Wow, the whole family is here today. Even before me. I think the young ones are excited to manage their own funds, huh?" It was Liang Feng walking in.

Li Mei quickly masked her anger, forcing a smile. "Good morning, Father," she greeted him with a slight bow. "Yes, we were just discussing Edina's new responsibilities."

Liang Feng nodded, his eyes briefly meeting Edina's with a reassuring glint. "That's good to hear," he said. "It's important for our youth to learn and grow. Edina, I trust you are ready to take on this responsibility?"

Junior Edina stood a bit straighter, drawing strength from Liang Feng's presence. "Yes, Grandfather," she replied, her voice a little steadier now. "I am ready."

Liang Feng smiled warmly. "Excellent. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll learn. I'm confident you'll do well."

He turned to the staff member. "Are the account books ready?"

The staff member nodded, handing the books over to Edina. "Here they are, Sect Leader."

Liang Feng said, “Li Mei, I trust you have returned the leftover funds as well?” He continued, “Well then, here are your account books, kids.”

Li Mei responded, “Of course, Father. Why would you doubt me?”

Liang Feng handed the account books to Wei, Lin, and Edina. “There are instructions on the first few pages on how to record the funds and enter your spending. Make sure to write everything properly for the new week. I will review them to see who is worthy to handle their own funds.”

All three nodded and took the books. Liang Feng added, “If you have any requests related to money matters, send for the financial department using your seal. Especially you, Edina, we can’t have you discomforting yourself by walking all the way here for small changes.”

Gathering all her courage, Junior Edina said, “Actually, Grandfather, I do have a request. It concerns the staff of Jinwei Mansion.”