Junior Edina started writing in the account books. Her tasks included drafting proper salary estimates for the Jinwei Mansion staff, recording daily expenses such as ingredients for cooking, coal and firewood used for heating, repairs, and any other necessary expenditures. This meticulous accounting ensured the sect had a complete record of how much each mansion was spending, allowing for accurate allocation and filing of taxes. Personal accounts were also included, as the laws of the Central Plains mandated that every business and governing body maintain detailed records of purchases and expenses to uphold imperial oversight. These accounts were typically audited every two years to check for fraud and other illegal transactions by the imperial authorities.

Junior Edina was using Leonese calculation techniques, from Senior Edina’s letters. These methods included Leonese numbers, graphical charts, and avyaktagaṇita (algebra) equations. Although this was only her second time using these advanced techniques, she found them far more manageable than the sect's traditional manual calculations. Despite the difficulty, she was determined to master these methods.

She knew that even if she didn't perform perfectly, her grandfather would somehow ensure she passed the trial, making her control over the finances a permanent arrangement. However, she didn't want to give Aunt Li Mei any reason, no matter how small, to regain control over the finances. She also knew that Senior Edina would correct any mistakes she made the next day when she took over, but Junior Edina wanted to prove herself. She wanted to show that she was not just a scared, worthless person but someone who could learn, be useful, and stand on her own.

When the door suddenly slid open, a chill ran down Junior Edina’s spine. This was a lingering effect of Xiao Min’s daily torment, which had conditioned her to be on guard whenever the sliding doors opened. However, seeing Lian Hua, she quickly reminded herself that Xiao Min no longer worked there and she didn't need to be on edge anymore.

Lian Hua noticed Edina's tense expression and said, "I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you, Young Mistress Edina." Junior Edina shook her head slightly to indicate that it was fine. Lian Hua continued, "The new head maid wanted to meet with you to discuss some arrangements and other functions of the Jinwei Mansion."

Junior Edina nodded and said, "Br... bring her in." Lian Hua smiled and signaled for the new head maid to enter. The new head maid, appearing to be in her late thirties, walked in gracefully. She bowed and greeted, "This servant greets the young mistress."

Junior Edina acknowledged her with a nod. The head maid continued, "I am Mei Lin, the newly assigned head maid taking over from Xiao Min, Young Mistress Edina. I have finished assigning tasks to all the other staff and made necessary arrangements. Here are all the details in this report." She handed Junior Edina the report.

Junior Edina reviewed the report and saw that Mei Lin had meticulously detailed everything, which would greatly aid in her accounting. Mei Lin then added, "I apologize for the delay in informing you, but I had to send a copy of the report to Mistress Li Mei, as she still holds administrative control over the Jinwei Mansion and your custody, Young Mistress Edina."

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Junior Edina was a bit surprised but nodded. It was standard procedure to inform the administrative authority about the people working in the mansion. This arrangement reminded her of how her father had been the administrative authority and her mother the financial authority of Jinwei Mansion when they were alive.

Then Mei Lin said, "Young Mistress, what should we do with the dark room in the courtyard? It’s completely dark inside with no light reaching it, and every corner of the walls is painted black. I never knew a torture chamber existed in Jinwei Mansion before taking over. I asked around and checked the records," she paused, "It seems only a select few had access to the room, even before Mistress Li Mei took control of Jinwei Mansion. Only Master Jinwei, Mistress Elara, and their personal servants had access to it before that. So I have forbidden anyone from going near it."

Junior Edina, hearing Mei Lin’s question and her investigation, thought about it. It was true that she didn't know why the dark room was there in the first place. Even after experiencing it, she had always thought it was meant to hold assassins or spies, and Aunt Li Mei had used it to torment her. But now that Mei Lin brought it up, she realized she had never heard of any assassins being thrown in there by her parents or anyone else. It had just always been there.

Nevertheless, Junior Edina didn’t want the dark room there anymore. It was a constant reminder and still terrified her to look in its direction. She decided, "Ah... h-have the staff use it as a storage room, re-repaint the walls and construct a window in it."

Mei Lin smiled and replied, "I will see to it then, Young Mistress Edina. I will need to send a report and request for this change to Mistress Li Mei. Would you like to add anything to the request or change it?"

Junior Edina shook her head to indicate no. It was true that significant changes like this would have to go through the administrative authority of the mansion. However, Aunt Li Mei couldn’t easily stop it since she was just a “temporary” authority of Jinwei Mansion until Edina came of age and didn’t live in the mansion. If she denied any changes requested by the rightful owner in an official document, her image of a caring aunt that she had built would crumble in an instant. Previously, Li Mei could have dismissed such requests since they were verbal and undocumented, but now that Edina was managing the accounts, it would be in official statements, obligating Aunt Li Mei to allow Junior Edina to use Edina’s money.

Mei Lin left to handle the tasks, and Junior Edina felt a small sense of accomplishment. For the first time, she felt like she had some control over her own life.

Next Day, in Jinwei Mansion

Senior Edina moved around the bed, feeling its soft and fluffy texture. It reminded her of the luxurious comfort back in the Leon Empire, which suddenly jolted her awake. As she looked around the room, she realized she was still in her childhood home, but it was now clean, the bed was soft, and the broken window was fixed. A smile crept onto her face as she muttered, "I am a genius."

She glanced to her left and saw a letter left by Junior Edina. She didn't need to read it to know the plan had been successful. The fact that everything had gone so smoothly was quite shocking.

"Alright, on to the next phase, I guess," she said to herself, grabbing her cane and preparing to continue with their plans.