Chapter 129: Three Tasks

Jia Mu frowned as she watched this scene of deep brother‑sister affection, giving people, giving money, giving authority; this grandson is determined to support Tan Chun in becoming the head of the household!

But Tan Chun is still a young lady who has not yet left the inner chambers; can she bear such a heavy responsibility?

Perhaps easing the transfer of authority gradually would be more appropriate?

Jia Mu felt a bit startled and doubtful, but though she opened her mouth, she said nothing.

She thought she had already said that Jia Jing should handle the household affairs, so let's first see the results!

Wang Xifeng was left gaping and tongue‑tied by Jia Jing's words: twenty personal soldiers, five thousand taels of silver, the power of unilateral decision?

This is not being the head of the house; it's practically being an emperor!

With such authority, who could ever restrain Tan Chun when she manages the household in the future?

Originally, most of the old servants had already been cleared out, so managing the household had already become much easier!

Now the Third Younger Brother also offers such strong support; it's as if he's feeding the rice right to the third girl's mouth.

If, when I was the steward, I had been supported so unreservedly, the whole Rong Guo Mansion would have long taken the surname "Wang".

Feng Jie clenched her fist, her nails digging into her palm; the sharp pain made her remorse deepen.

If I hadn't been reported, all this authority, wealth, and personal soldiers would have been mine.

I could truly hold great power and become the undisputed second mistress of Rong Guo Mansion.

Just one step away, and today's treatment would be worlds apart!

What a pity!

How hateful!

Feng Jie cursed Lady Wang in her heart, calling her a blood‑sucking hag! It's that "foolish woman" who caused me all this!

All the fighting ended up benefiting Tan Chun entirely.

No! I must not give up like this!

The Third Younger Brother values ability; besides being more literate than me, what else does Tan Chun excel at over me?

Later… later I must find a chance to let the Third Younger Brother see my usefulness!

Wang Xifeng's love for power comes from her very bones; as her thoughts shifted rapidly, that resentment turned into a series of shrewd calculations.

As for Jia Mu's warning just now, she had already tossed it far into the clouds in an instant!

At this moment, beside her, Xue Baichai's mind was also unsettled.

Watching Jia Jing's calm, abyss‑like demeanor and the few decisive words he just uttered.

Money, authority, and people gave decisive generosity; without seeking balance or compromise, without clinging to old sentiments, they single‑handedly lifted a stewardess with great power into her hands.

That is probably the magnanimous outlook of the men who act outside the household.

Unlike the women of the inner residence, who must consider everything repeatedly, hesitate, and worry about propriety and face.

I originally thought this was refined social skill and thorough handling, but after seeing Third Brother's thunderous method of reforming the family atmosphere today, I realized the inner‑house's petty tricks and thoughts are indeed a bit petty.

A complex emotion rose in Xue Baichai's heart: admiration, yearning, and a softening of the heart.

Perhaps… the one who will become the inner‑house steward's wife of Third Brother will be happier in the future!

At that moment, Jia Jing in the courtyard shifted his tone, his voice becoming solemn, and said:

"Support has been given, so responsibility follows. Tan Chun, I want you to accomplish three tasks within a year."

"First, revenue must exceed expenditure. In recent years the household's income has not covered its outgoings."

"Although there are reasons involving servants meddling, we cannot deny that the household's enterprises are on a downhill trend."

"You must sort out the household's fields, shops, and other enterprises, examine each internal manager, and reassign them."

"Also, regarding the household's expenses and personnel, you must increase revenue and cut costs, and push for major reforms."

"After a year, I want to see clear accounts and profits, not the muddled ledgers of previous years."

"Second, people's hearts must be united. The matriarch was right just now; the household's master must achieve unity from top to bottom, working hand in hand."

"There are not many male heirs in the Jia Family; Baoyu won't speak for him, and the others—Huan Ge'er'er, Cong Ge'er'er, Lan Ge'er'er—anyone who can be cultivated must be, in both literature and martial arts, with strong support."

"I heard the year‑end clan academic exam; Lan Ge'er'er performed very well. He has a talent for literature, so he should be encouraged, and both his study expenses and usual allowances should be fully met, providing him a good environment for progress."

"Huan Ge'er'er and Cong Ge'er'er are the same; they must be urged to be diligent, not indulge in play and waste precious time."

"If time permits, they can also be assigned some family affairs to train their practical abilities; the rise of the clan depends on having successors."

When Jia Jing finished speaking, Li Wan stood up and gave him a respectful bow.

Jia Mu felt considerably relieved; this slow‑witted grandson was indeed thinking of the family.

Although Huan Ge'er'er and Cong Ge'er'er are concubine's sons, Jia Mu does not care much about them.

But Jia Jing urging them to improve is also a good thing, and Jia Mu will not deliberately hinder it.

Lady Wang, however, frowned, asking why Baoyu should not manage them himself, yet these concubine's sons are allowed to engage in affairs and train their talents.

If in the future the concubine's sons surpass the legitimate sons, would that still be a good thing?

"Third, the family atmosphere must be reshaped; today I have dealt with some troublesome servants, but changing the family ethos is not a one‑day task!"

"You must establish practical systems to reverse the household's old customs; the servant ranks need continual pruning, promoting loyal and capable servants, and set strict rules for training, assessment, promotion, and rewards and punishments."

"Military law governing a household lies in clear rewards and punishments. I want the servants of Jia Mansion, when they go out, to be disciplined and capable, not a scourge!"

Tan Chun listened to Jia Jing's three points, feeling both a surge of fighting spirit and mounting pressure.

This is no longer a simple inner‑house steward role; it concerns the family's enterprises, the cultivation of the master, and the reorganization of servants—a profound family transformation.

Although Tan Chun felt the difficulty keenly, her clear face was full of resolve, and she declared without hesitation:

"The three matters Third Brother mentioned, I have recorded them all."

"The term is one year; if I cannot accomplish them, I will accept the penalty myself."

"I will use thunderous methods to act with public spirit, purge old evils, manage the household impartially, and prosper the family, living up to Third Brother's expectations!"

Jia Jing's face showed a faint smile as he said:

There is no difficulty in the world; only those with resolve fear it. Go ahead and do it—if you make a mistake, it's nothing; the sky won't fall!

If you encounter a major matter and are indecisive, you can come ask me. For minor matters, find someone to discuss and decide on your own; no need to shrink back in fear.

"Yes!" At that moment, Tan Chun's face showed only calm.

"Second sister-in-law, today just hand over the paired tiles and account books to Third sister!"

"From today onward, all affairs within the mansion will be fully entrusted to her; you just assist beside her," Jia Jing said to Feng Jie.

Feng Jie choked, her expression turning somber, and said in a sorrowful voice:

"…Fine!"

The wind in the courtyard grew increasingly noisy, and the sky over Rong Guo Mansion was forever changed from this day onward.