Chapter 128: Three Supports

Jia Mu also paled in surprise; she hadn't expected Jia Jing to propose that Tan Chun take charge of the household.

She furrowed her brows and asked:

"Third Young Lady may be good, but she's still young; can she handle all the affairs of the mansion?"

"And as an unmarried maiden, would exposing herself publicly harm her reputation and future marriage…"

Jia Mu, though, also thought Tan Chun had the best temperament among the granddaughters.

But entrusting her with the affairs of hundreds in the household still left her uneasy.

Jia Jing said in a deep voice:

"If Third Sister oversees and Second Sister-in-law assists, even if there are minor setbacks, no major problem should arise."

"As for reputation, Third Sister is a tiger‑daughter of our military family; she deserves the steward role. Anyone who dares to gossip or disobey, like Xia Pozi, serves as a cautionary tale!"

"Girls from families like ours shouldn't merely learn needlework; managing the household is the true skill they can rely on later."

Jia Jing's tone carried an unrefusable resolve, and he also suggested that Wang Xifeng assist as co‑steward.

The reason for letting Wang Xifeng co‑manage was, first, Tan Chun lacked steward experience, so she would have someone to consult.

Although Wang Xifeng is illiterate and power‑hungry, managing the household these years has not been easy for her.

Given the Jia Family's declining fortunes, she has managed to keep its dignity for many years; despite lacking credit, her hard work should not be wholly dismissed.

Second, it gives Feng Jie a small favor; Wang Xifeng has been eager to align with him, essentially making her his ally within the Jia Family.

Using the recent embezzlement incident as a lesson is enough; the main branch must not be stripped of all power.

Hearing Jia Jing say that, Feng Jie's complexion flickered, and a spark of spirit returned to her face.

Jia Mu thought it over carefully and agreed the arrangement was fine, saying nothing further.

Jia Jing looked at Tan Chun and asked in a low voice:

"Third Sister has always been decisive and capable, incomparable to those who merely hide away; she understands principles and has ambition—does she dare to accept this responsibility?"

Tan Chun's bright eyes shone, her curved lashes casting a shadow; she truly hadn't expected the steward's authority to fall upon her.

Although she had often imagined reforming the family's customs, the moment's reality still filled her with an unstoppable surge and heaviness.

"Third Brother, I am still young and fear I cannot bear the heavy task!" Tan Chun bowed and spoke with a clear voice.

"Ambition does not depend on age! You are usually full of resolve, decisive, understand principles, and are well‑versed in poetry and books."

"Managing a household is like governing a state; it depends not on seniority or age, but on public spirit and boldness."

"If you can keep the family in mind, act upright, and handle matters earnestly, you will surely succeed. Do not worry; just go ahead, and I will support you!"

Jia Jing encouraged Tan Chun.

He knew Tan Chun did not refuse the steward role, but harbored some concerns.

Jia Mu sighed at the sight and said:

"Third Young Lady, since Brother Jia trusts you, give it a try! With Second Sister-in-law by your side to assist, you can learn and ask whenever you're unsure, that's all!"

"Baoyu's mother, Feng Maid, what do you think?"

Lady Wang's expression darkened slightly; she had some objections to Jia Jing letting Feng Jie co‑manage, but after Jia Mu's outburst earlier, she dared not speak further.

Facing Jia Mu's question, she forced a faint smile and said:

"Tan Chun… is steady and appropriate; Grandma has no objection, and the daughter‑in‑law naturally has none either."

Feng Jie felt half despondent, half delighted; although she lost the steward title, she retained the co‑steward designation, which was a pleasant surprise.

She twisted a brocade handkerchief, smiled at Jia Mu and said:

"Grandma, rest assured! I will wholeheartedly support Third Sister."

Tan Chun, seeing everyone had spoken, no longer hesitated; she has always compared herself to a man, already eager to share the family's burdens and reform its customs.

"Since Third Brother, Grandma, Madam, and Sister-in-law all support, though Tan Chun is low‑born and inexperienced, how could I disobey!"

Tan Chun stepped forward, bowed to Jia Jing and Jia Mu, and said in a clear, decisive voice:

"Good! This is the fine daughter of the Jia Family."

Jia Jing praised briefly, paced to Tan Chun's side, and continued in a calm voice:

"Since Third Brother has appointed you steward, I will not make it hard for you; I will give you three things to help you control the mansion's authority!"

Tan Chun looked at Jia Jing's towering figure before her, felt steadied, and said:

"Please, Third Brother, show them!"

Jia Jing scanned the assembled people with a glance and then said:

"First, people: I assign you twenty personal soldiers, awaiting your orders."

"They are my absolute confidants; no one in the mansion can command them except you."

"They handle protection, surveillance, and enforcement of house law; if anyone rebels or pretends compliance, you may have them seized, killed, or punished at your sole discretion."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun's breath quickened, her hand in her sleeve tightened silently; the power of Third Brother's soldiers would be evident to everyone in the mansion today.

Moreover, this will be an armed force that answers directly to her, unrestrained by others.

It is as if a sharp blade has been handed to her, cutting off any possible hindrance from the inner household's relationships.

Her greatest worry about stewarding actually stems from obstacles posed by Jia Mu, Lady Wang, and others.

Although everyone now voices support, she knows it is due to Third Brother's favor and authority.

If Third Brother is absent or her ideas clash with Jia Mu, Lady Wang, etc., many matters will be difficult for a low‑born concubine like her.

Perhaps outwardly they will heed Third Brother, but secretly they may feign compliance while undermining her, which is hard to guard against.

Now, with a sharp blade in hand, she gains some confidence to oppose anyone.

"Second, money! I will allocate five thousand taels from today's confiscated loot, kept out of the public accounts, set up a separate ledger, and place it under your control."

"Whether for rewards, punishments, incentives, or emergency cash flow, you decide entirely, as long as there is an account record."

"Third, authority! From today onward, all personnel matters, expenses, and regulations within the mansion are at your sole discretion, without needing to consult anyone."

Including the old lady and the madam, if you're unsure about something you can consult someone, but you don't need to watch anyone's face; if someone tries to pressure you with precedent or seniority, just reject it.

If someone is unreasonable and informs me, I will personally reason with her.

Jia Jing's voice was calm and powerful, and his support was given without reservation, almost overbearing.

Tan Chun felt a surge of heat in her heart, yet she felt even more the weight on her shoulders. She again bowed deeply to Jia Jing and spoke loudly:

Third Brother trusts me so much, sister... I will surely do my utmost, manage the household well, and not betray the trust.