Jia Lian was considered one of the more outstanding members of the Jia family, while Jia Baoyu was a joke—a shut-in who only knew how to loiter in the mansion; what achievements could he possibly make?
It's a pity, though. The only reason he wasn't successful was because he had a good wife. Wang Xifeng's abilities were undeniable; she was beautiful, assertive but never unfaithful, and managed the vast Jia household impeccably.
In an era before Arabic numerals, advanced arithmetic, and widespread use of paper, her abilities were truly remarkable.
Most importantly, Wang Xifeng was well-liked; she got along well with everyone, which speaks volumes about her abilities.
However, in Lu Ming's mission, among the Twelve Golden Forks, Wang Xifeng was listed.
As a married woman, her status and position meant she wouldn't be easy to win over.
Therefore, winning her over would require considerable time and effort.
But this wasn't the most important thing; this was just the beginning.
Lu Ming would then subtly show Empress He the correspondence between the four great families and Liu Xie.
Empress He, already furious and irritable, would certainly make an example of the four great families if she knew their true colors!
He would conveniently have Empress He act as a scapegoat, while he carried out the plan, letting the four powerful families experience the wrath of the imperial family.
Even though Empress He was no longer as powerful, her authority as empress was still considerable. A simple pretext to show disrespect to the imperial family would be enough to discipline the other noble families.
It might not be effective against the Yuan family; their subordinates were either Yuan's protégés or Yang's followers. Expecting them to turn against their superiors and backers was unrealistic.
However, in Chang'an, and on Lu Ming's territory, it didn't matter.
They were all greasy-mouthed, mostly disillusioned or fallen nobles. Without Lu Ming's help, their next generation might have lost their titles and faded into obscurity.
"Better to sacrifice a friend than myself," as the saying goes. Lu Ming only needed to ask, and those willing to finish them off would be everywhere.
At this moment, Lu Ming had no interest in the affairs of the four great families; his mind was solely focused on the wedding night.
So, after bringing Shuangchun back to the mansion, he couldn't wait to go to Jia Tanchun's boudoir.
Meiyu was summoned to keep Xichun company.
In *Dream of the Red Chamber*, Xichun's fate was marriage, becoming the abbess of the Longcui Nunnery.
Land and property of the Longcui Nunnery, being of a temple nature, would not be confiscated.
In ancient times, there was a reasonable principle of avoiding suspicion; one shouldn't harm one's ancestors. No one would dare to act against such a mysterious place; everyone feared bad luck.
Entering Tan Chun's boudoir, Lu Ming eagerly lifted the red veil, revealing a stunningly beautiful and charming face. Her figure was well-proportioned, her height perfect, her shoulders narrow and slender, her waist slim and graceful, and her fair neck exposed.
She wore no makeup, her hair piled high, her eyebrows long and arched, her lips red and moist, her teeth white and luscious. Her eyes sparkled with a captivating light, and sweet dimples graced her cheeks.
Her posture was elegant and alluring, her demeanor gentle and serene, her expression tender and compliant, and her words appropriate and pleasing.
"Greetings, husband," Tan Chun's voice was soft and sweet, gentle yet with a hint of strength.
She was a young woman of strong will and determination.
In her later life, she married far away to Jiangnan, becoming a princess, and ultimately a wise woman like Grandmother Jia. A woman's ability to bring prosperity to her family depends on her control over the household and her education of her children. Without a doubt, Grandmother Jia was successful.
Tan Chun was the girl most like Grandmother Jia, having perfectly learned her methods and emotional intelligence.
"Tan Chun, the three ladies are far away in Liangzhou, pregnant, and unable to come. You will temporarily manage the residence and affairs in Chang'an in their place. While they are gone, you will be the face of the household." Lu Ming stroked Jia Tan Chun's cheek; she was a beauty that could drive men wild.
If Lin Daiyu was a delicate flower, she was a resilient rose.
She was excellent in every way, impeccable, except for being born of a concubine; everything else was perfect.
"When they come, you'll be in charge here too. The mistress has many things to do, so you'll need to keep an eye on things at home. Your food, clothing, daily necessities, the manor's finances, and personnel will all be arranged by you. I won't interfere, so you can do as you please. Buy whatever you want, treat yourself well."
Jia Tanchun's mouth opened slightly in surprise, revealing her neat, white teeth. She blinked her bright eyes, seemingly incredulous. "Husband, when the mistresses return, Tanchun will hand this matter back to them."
An ordinary woman would have already been smug and even fantasizing about becoming the principal wife.
But Tanchun didn't. She was shrewd, knowing which things she could touch and which she couldn't.
And management was temporary, because there was no one to manage it properly, which was irregular.
And this situation wouldn't last long. When Lu Ming's wives and concubines arrived, she would definitely have to relinquish her power.
Therefore, she understood clearly and was open-minded, so she didn't have much lingering attachment.
Seeing the intelligent and virtuous Tan Chun, Lu Ming was even more captivated.
"In the future, Chang'an will surely establish three departments, and you will be in charge of one of them. Don't underestimate yourself. I trust your family the most." He then began to stroke Tan Chun's cheek, inhaling the scent of her rouge, his mind becoming somewhat aroused. "It's getting late, it's time to consummate our marriage!"
Tan Chun looked outside; it was still past noon. How could it be late? Wasn't this daytime debauchery? Despite her shyness, she still rose to help Lu Ming undress. "Let me undress you, my husband!"
"Mmm!" Lu Ming opened his arms, enjoying Tan Chun's small hands tracing his body, and removed his robe, revealing a large, erect penis!
Tan Chun stared at this large penis in utter astonishment. She even forgot to think, only feeling incredibly surprised and somewhat afraid. Could something so large really fit inside?
"Mmm!" When Tan Chun's clothes were completely removed, Lu Ming pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
He kissed her soft, red lips, tightly embracing her fair, slender body. He thrust his tongue in, prying open her tightly closed teeth, and into her small mouth, stirring her saliva, finding her hidden little tongue, teasing and seducing it, igniting her desire.
In the beginning, there was no love to speak of; it was all cultivated later. She was merely curious about Lu Ming, and upon seeing his handsome features, she felt a liking for him. These feelings would gradually ferment, transforming into love and obsession amidst lust!