As I was speaking, a commotion suddenly erupted from the princess's courtyard. Following the sound, I saw several palace maids arguing.
"Ding! Side quest triggered: Resolve the palace maids' dispute! Completion reward: 200 points!"
My eyes lit up. "Isn't this the perfect opportunity to test my management skills?"
Having navigated the workplace for so long, handling conflicts among subordinates should be a piece of cake for me. As I approached, it became clear that the issue was a common one—disparity in work distribution—several maids were vying for the easier tasks.
"What are you all doing?" I cleared my throat.
"Li Sister!" one of the Little Palace Maids hurried over. "They’re all fighting to clean the corridor and refuse to go to the main hall..."
I nodded inwardly; this was just like the "plum jobs" competition in any workplace.
"Let me help you with the assignments," I said, pulling out my small notebook and starting to implement modern management techniques.
"First, all tasks will be rotated to ensure fairness; second, everyone must learn different skills to enhance their competitiveness; and finally..." I paused for effect, "those who perform well will be given priority for promotions and raises... oh no, I mean they’ll get first dibs on time off."
The maids exchanged glances, clearly bewildered by this modern management approach.
"What? Do you have any objections?" I raised an eyebrow.
"No... none," they replied in unison.
Watching them obediently return to work, I felt a swell of pride. Who would have thought that what I learned in the workplace could also apply in ancient times?
"Ding! Side quest completed!" The system chimed in. "By the way, Xiao Yuan has been watching from the wall this whole time."
"What!" I nearly stumbled. "Why is he always lurking around?"
The system chuckled mischievously. "He probably finds you suspicious. After all, how could an ordinary palace maid possess such professional management skills?"
I sighed. "So here I am trying to showcase my leadership abilities in the workplace, and I'm being seen as having ulterior motives?"
" Commander Xiao is a dangerous person," the system suddenly warned. "He excels at probing suspicious individuals in various ways."
"In what way is he dangerous?"
"Well..."
Before the system could finish its sentence, a stir erupted behind me.
"Lord Commander has arrived!"
I thought to myself: "...Great, just what I needed—your ominous predictions are spot on!"
"Li Sister, the Lord Commander wants to inspect our work!" The little palace maids were in a flurry.
Inspect our work? I instantly shifted into work mode. Isn't this just a surprise inspection from the boss? I'm quite adept at handling these situations at the company!
"Everyone, just stick to your assigned tasks and act natural. I'll go greet the leader," I quietly instructed before turning to face Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan was dressed in a dark outfit that accentuated his stern demeanor. However, having encountered many intimidating leaders in my career, I felt less intimidated.
"Lord Commander, thank you for your hard work on the inspection," I said respectfully as I bowed.
He walked over to the corridor and casually wiped the railing, which was spotless.
"What did you just tell them?" Xiao Yuan asked nonchalantly.
"Reporting to you, my lord," I feigned a look of confusion, "I just assigned the cleaning areas."
"Is that so?" He replied with a hint of amusement, "How did This Official hear terms like 'rotation' and 'competitiveness'?"
Wow, he has sharp ears! I secretly wiped my brow. The survival rule in the workplace: when caught by the boss, one must adapt to the situation.
"Reporting to you, my lord, this is something I learned while working in the Imperial Kitchen," I said earnestly. "The head chef mentioned that only when everyone can cook different dishes can we... ensure the quality of meals."
Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow. "The Imperial Kitchen? How does This Official remember you saying you were a new palace maid?"
Oh no, I've slipped up! Why does this straight-laced man dwell on these details?
"Lord Commander!" A guard rushed over. "His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence for a meeting."
Saved! I sighed in relief internally.
Xiao Yuan stared at me for a moment before turning away and leaving with a parting remark: "This Official will be watching to see what new tricks you come up with."
Once he was out of earshot, I dared to mutter, "Why is this straight-laced commander so difficult to deal with?"
"He seems to have taken an interest in you," the system remarked softly.
"What kind of interest? The kind that suspects I'm a spy?"
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