Chapter 36: Compensation Gold [Vote Please]

Excluding the three cooks, there were also six ordinary maids; fifteen people gathered in the front courtyard, and after Sima Yi briefly assigned management, he let them each go about their business.

Among the attendants, Jin Huo was the leader; although he was the youngest, he was the strongest, and the other five were very obedient.

The kitchen was headed by Yu Zhibo Qianxia, and the maids were led by Yu Zhibo Xuehua.

After everyone dispersed, Sima Yi narrowed his eyes as he looked at the information on the two extra maids.

These two were not sent by him to be found; they came on their own after hearing the news and volunteered.

One of them was Yu Zhibo Xuehua, the other was named Yu Zhibo Meihua; the twins were fourteen‑year‑old charming girls, with delicate, jade‑like looks, and were quite obedient and skilled at household chores.

It can be confirmed that both are members of the Uchiha clan and are not ninja, but when Sima Yi flipped through the roster, he was sure he had not seen their names that morning.

"The guard department's roster does not list them; I just don't know whether they were sent by the Grand Elder or by the clan head,"

Sima Yi pondered for a moment, then set the matter aside; Shisui is still young, so this is not urgent.

By evening, everyone anxiously awaited Shisui's return.

Led by Yu Zhibo Qianxia, the three waited in the kitchen; they had already prepared a large table of dishes.

Although at noon Sima Yi said the three's cooking was decent, since their main charge was Shisui, they still could not calm down.

Such a good job was truly hard to come by for them.

"Lord Shisui!"

In the nervous hush, a slight sound came from the front courtyard.

Shisui stared at the two who jumped down from the courtyard gate, momentarily stunned, then realized they must be the attendants Sima Yi had summoned.

He wore a gentle expression, gave a slight nod, and greeted each person.

After he left, the two became somewhat excited.

"Did you see? Lord Shisui just greeted us!"

"No wonder it's Lord Shisui; what a gentle person!"

"Being able to come here is truly a gain; those few will definitely envy us."

"Shh, lower your voice, stand guard properly; if we displeased Lord Shisui, it would be a lifelong regret for me!"

Shisui entered the courtyard, his mouth twitched slightly; he heard the two's conversation clearly, and the exaggerated talk made him wish to leave immediately.

"Lord Shisui, we are here to remove your armor."

Just beyond the front courtyard, Shisui saw two charming young girls in the hallway; they knelt on a wooden board to greet him, bowed, then rose slowly. Their movements were light as they removed his armor and changed him into a warm kimono despite his discomfort.

After putting on the kimono, the two stayed close behind Shisui until they neared the room door, where Meihua finally stopped at the doorway and slowly stepped back.

Xuehua then obediently sat right behind Shisui to be ready to serve at any moment.

Sima Yi observed their behavior; they were clearly well‑trained, far beyond the other four, which is why, despite knowing the two had issues, he still chose Xuehua as the leader.

"Grandfather, this..."

Shisui felt a bit uneasy; he had thought they were just hiring people to cook and clean, not expecting personal maids.

"If you find it uncomfortable, I will drive them out tomorrow."

Sima Yi looked at Shisui, smiled, and kindly suggested.

"No, since they've already been summoned, let it be as it is," Shisui quickly objected; he remembered Sima Yi had said that mistreating a servant's household after granting favors within the clan would cause greater guilt if they were expelled for a single misstep.

"Very well, then let's eat first; after the meal there are some matters you need to handle personally."

As soon as Sima Yi finished speaking, Meihua, who had just left, returned with the others, carrying the steaming dishes and placing them on both sides.

Yu Zhibo Qianxia and the other two were also among them, sitting quietly in a corner of the doorway waiting. Outside the house, Jin Huo had arrived at some point, standing silently in the hallway.

Although having so many people sitting around while eating made him a bit uneasy, Shisui focused most of his thoughts on the matters Sima Yi had just mentioned.

He acted swiftly, and the whole table of food was cleared in no time, while Sima Yi opposite him remained leisurely, graceful, savoring each bite.

"How does it taste? Are you satisfied?"

Seeing Shisui pause, Sima Yi also set down his chopsticks and asked.

"Honestly, the flavor is average, nothing special," but Shisui didn't mind.

He nodded, "It's acceptable."

Hearing Shisui's assessment, the three near the doorway visibly relaxed.

"Since Shisui is satisfied, you three may stay without worry."

The three, upon hearing this, turned around, knelt and bowed again, "Thank you, Lord Shisui."

It was only then that Shisui vaguely guessed what matters Sima Yi had referred to.

Shisui puffed out his chest, feigned seriousness, and nodded, "Hmm, you all go down and eat as well."

Sima Yi gently shook his head; although Shisui's expression was solemn, his words failed to command authority.

But he was used to it and said nothing.

The three withdrew, and the surrounding maids also left, leaving only Xuehua and Meihua.

Jin Huo on the hallway timed his move, stepped forward quietly, and bowed outside the door.

"Jin Huo?"

Shisui was a bit surprised; as far as he knew, Jin Huo was Tie Huo's nephew, from a decent family, so why was he here?

He looked at Sima Yi, but saw Sima Yi's eyes on his nose, nose on his heart, as if in a feigned sleep, seemingly unaware.

"Are you accustomed to being here?"

"Yes, it is an honor to serve as Lord Shisui's attendant."

"Very well, I will find time to guide your cultivation."

Jin Huo's face brightened, and he immediately said, "Thank you, Lord Shisui."

But after speaking, he regretted it and quickly corrected himself, "Lord Shisui is busy with affairs; how could I take up your time?"

"Eh?" Shisui raised an eyebrow, suspicion arising; Sima Yi's lesson had not been in vain, and he immediately sensed something was off.

"Jin Huo, is there something you wish to speak to me about?"

Jin Huo's heart tightened; he had still wanted to ease into it, never expecting to be seen through at once, and his unease immediately deepened.

"Yes — as expected, nothing escapes Lord Shisui."

Then Jin Huo laid out the whole matter of Ying Shu: "Ying Shu's father and older brother both died on the Hidden Mist front, yet the Village and the clan have not fully disbursed their survivor benefits, so his training has been very difficult.

But I can guarantee that Ying Shu is absolutely a qualified ninja — if Lord Shisui is willing to give him a chance, he will fulfill his duties even at the cost of his life!

Please, Lord Shisui!"

Boom— The words had barely faded when terrifying chakra spilled from Shisui, and a killing intent so dense it seemed substantial enveloped everyone.

Xuehua, the nearest, instantly collapsed to the ground, feeling as though her heart were gripped tight in someone's hand, unable to breathe.

"Are you saying that the Village and the clan have not fully disbursed the survivor benefits?"

(End of this chapter)