In a sense, speaking reasonably with the household servants is utterly useless.
They will only escalate, thinking you're indulgent, believing you're weak, and sometimes push back, thinking they've struck a nerve, hence their behavior.
That's why Gu Tong's novel approach to handling matters is practically textbook-perfect.
No hitting or scolding, just sending you to cook, putting you through the wringer! It's a classic case of killing the chicken to scare the monkey; after witnessing this, the others wouldn't dare be so presumptuous.
The servant, crestfallen, said, "Young, young mistress... I can't finish this much... The chefs at home are experts in various local cuisines; why not let them do it instead..."
Gu Tong pressed her slender index finger to her red lips, then smiled, "Locally prepared dishes have more character than the Academy style, so it's still up to you."
After speaking, she didn't give the servant any chance to plead, and simply left the stairway.
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