Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

Grandmother Jia was also taken aback, not expecting Jia Jing to suggest that Tan Chun take charge of the household affairs.

She frowned and asked doubtfully:

"Although the third daughter is a good person, she is still young. Can she handle all the big and small matters in the household?"

"Besides, wouldn't it damage her reputation and future marriage prospects if she, an unmarried young woman, showed herself in public like this?"

Although Grandmother Jia also believed that among her granddaughters, Tan Chun had the best temperament.

However, I still felt somewhat uneasy about entrusting her with the affairs of hundreds of people in the mansion.

Jia Jing said in a deep voice:

"If we let the third sister take charge and the second sister-in-law assist, even if there are some minor setbacks, there shouldn't be any major problems."

"As for reputation, my third sister is the daughter of a general, and it is her duty to manage the household. Anyone who dares to gossip or disobey orders should be warned, as Granny Xia is a prime example!"

"Girls from families like ours shouldn't just learn needlework; managing a household and handling affairs is the real skill they can rely on in the future."

Jia Jing's voice carried an undeniable determination, and he suggested that Wang Xifeng assist in the management.

The reason why Wang Xifeng was asked to assist in managing the household was that Tan Chun had no experience in managing household affairs, so she would have someone to discuss things with.

Although Wang Xifeng was illiterate and power-hungry, managing the household over the years had not been easy for her.

Given the decline of the Jia family, the fact that she managed to maintain their dignity for so many years deserves recognition, even if she didn't achieve great things. Her abilities and methods should not be completely dismissed.

Secondly, it was naturally to give Feng Jie a little something in return. Wang Xifeng had been actively trying to get closer to him, so she was considered one of his own in the Jia family.

This time, using the loan sharking incident to teach her a lesson is enough; we can't let the eldest son's wife completely lose her power.

Upon hearing Jia Jing's words, Feng Jie's expression changed, and she regained some of her composure.

After careful consideration, Grandmother Jia also felt that this arrangement was good, and did not say anything more.

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

"My third sister has always been decisive and capable, unlike those who are reserved and self-sufficient. Moreover, she is insightful and wise. I wonder if she dares to take on this responsibility?"

Tan Chun's bright eyes sparkled, and her curved eyelashes cast a shadow. She really hadn't expected that the power to manage the household would fall to her.

Although she had often dreamed of reforming her family's traditions, the reality of it still filled her with an overwhelming mix of excitement and heaviness.

"Third brother, your younger sister is too young to shoulder such a heavy responsibility!" Tan Chun curtsied, her voice clear and bright.

"Ambition knows no age! You are always ambitious, decisive, reasonable, and well-versed in literature."

"Governing a family is like governing a country; it depends not on seniority or age, but on impartiality and courage."

"As long as you keep your family in mind, maintain integrity, and handle matters diligently, you will surely succeed. Don't worry, just go for it, I will support you!"

Jia Jing encouraged Tan Chun.

He knew that Tan Chun didn't not want to manage the household, but rather that she had some concerns.

Seeing this, Grandmother Jia sighed and said:

"Third girl, since Jing-ge trusts you, then give it a try! With your second sister-in-law helping you, just learn and ask questions if you don't understand anything!"

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

Lady Wang's face darkened slightly. She had some reservations about Jia Jing letting Feng Jie assist in managing the household, but she had just been reprimanded by Grandmother Jia and dared not say anything more at this moment.

Faced with Grandmother Jia's question, he forced a smile and said:

"Tan Chun...is steady and considerate. The old lady has no objections, so naturally the daughter-in-law has no objections either."

Sister Feng felt half dejected and half delighted. Although she had lost her power as the housekeeper, she still retained the title of assistant manager, which was a pleasant surprise.

She twisted her silk handkerchief between her fingers and gave Grandmother Jia a slight smile, saying:

"Don't worry, Grandma! I will definitely take good care of my third sister."

Seeing that everyone had gone this far, Tan Chun no longer politely declined. Moreover, she had always considered herself a man and had long harbored the desire to share the burdens of her family and reform the family traditions.

"Since Third Brother, Old Madam, Madam, and Sister-in-law all support me, Tan Chun, though of humble rank and limited talent, dares not disobey!"

Tan Chun stepped forward, bowed to Jia Jing and Grandmother Jia, and spoke in a clear and resolute voice.

"Excellent! This is the kind of good girl from my Jia family."

Jia Jing sighed in admiration, then walked to Tan Chun's side and continued in a calm voice:

"Since your third brother has put you in charge of the household, he naturally won't make things difficult for you. I'll give you three things to help you manage the household's affairs!"

Looking at Jia Jing's tall figure before her, Tan Chun felt at ease. Her eyes sparkled as she said:

"Please give me your instructions, Third Brother!"

Jia Jing glanced at everyone present, then said:

"The first thing is people. I'm assigning you twenty personal guards to be at your command."

"They are my absolute confidants. No one in the manor can order them; they only obey your orders."

"You are responsible for guarding, supervising, and enforcing family rules. If any servant is arrogant and disobedient, you can have them arrested directly, either killed or punished. You can make the decision at your own discretion."

Upon hearing this, Tan Chun's breathing quickened slightly, and her hand clenched quietly in her sleeve. The power of her third brother's personal guards was evident to everyone in the mansion today.

Moreover, this will be the armed force of the household that directly obeys her orders and is not subject to the control of others.

This was tantamount to handing her a sharp knife, severing any possibility of interpersonal conflicts within the household.

Her biggest worry about the steward was actually the obstruction from Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and others.

Although everyone is now supporting her, she knows it's because of her third brother's influence and authority.

If her third brother is not at home, or if her ideas clash with those of Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and others, then many things will be difficult for a concubine's daughter of a lower generation like her.

They might outwardly show consideration for their third brother, but it's impossible to guard against their underhanded tactics and sabotage.

But now that she has a sharp weapon in her hand, she has gained some confidence to stand up to anyone.

"The second is money! I will allocate five thousand taels from the proceeds of today's confiscation of property, without using public funds, but with separate accounts, for you to manage."

"Whether you use it for rewards and punishments or for emergency cash flow, it's entirely up to you. All you need to do is keep the accounts."

"The third is power! From this day forward, you shall have sole authority over all personnel, expenditures, and rules within the manor, without needing to consult anyone."

"Including the elderly and the wife, if you are unsure about something, you can consult with someone, but you don't need to worry about anyone's feelings. If someone tries to pressure you with old customs or seniority, just refuse."

"If anyone is ungrateful and informs me, I will reason with them."

Jia Jing's voice was calm yet powerful, and his support was unreserved, bordering on domineering.

Tan Chun's heart was filled with surging emotions, yet she felt an even heavier burden on her shoulders. She bowed deeply to Jia Jing once more and said in a clear voice:

"Since my third brother trusts me so much, I, your younger sister... will certainly do my utmost to manage the household well and live up to your expectations."