Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 34 Awakening of Insects
Suo Chanzhi pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I brought more than just Granny Tu, but Granny Tu was the only one sent to me by the eldest branch of the family."

The implication was that the other nannies were all from her household and could be trusted.

She was fully capable of controlling an inner quarters within nine months, no problem.

As Suo Chanzhi spoke, she touched her lower abdomen, a tender maternal expression radiating from her face.

The sex of the fetus in her womb is undetermined, so for the next nine months, she can "use the emperor to command the feudal lords".

Yang Can nodded; he believed Suo Chanzhi had the ability.

Domestic infighting is a natural trial for women raised in seclusion.

Born into luxury, fighting in silence, strategizing within a small space, weaving a web of survival with resilience.

This is an ability etched into their genes.

The two then chatted for a while about what they might face in the future and the stance they should maintain in public.

Finally, Yang Can said, "That's all. In short, let's just see how things go."

"Maybe this kid's got guts and's a boy from birth, then we can just sit back and relax."

"Okay, I understand. You can go back now."

Suo Chanzhi didn't want to send people away; she even wanted Yang Can to give her a gentle hug.

Well, if I were to grab her by the ankle and forcefully throw her onto the bed, that wouldn't be out of the question either...

But reason told her that, at least until she had complete control of the inner quarters, she should try to avoid private contact with Yang Can.

Suo Chanzhi stood up: "It will be terrible if someone finds out. You should leave quickly."

Suo Chanzhi had a slender and graceful figure with excellent proportions, and her face was incredibly beautiful and charming.

There's a saying that "beauty is food for the eyes," and the face in front of Yang Can is the kind that would make even anorexic patients have a great appetite.

Yang Can looked down and saw not only a stunningly beautiful face, but also a towering, snow-white peak.

Yang Can suddenly seemed restless, and Suo Chanzhi immediately noticed his change and took a step back alertly.

As soon as Suo Chanzhi developed maternal consciousness, protecting her unborn child quickly became an instinct.

"Don't do anything reckless, not now."

Yang Can suddenly laughed out of the blue, because he heard Suo Chanzhi say, "Not now."

Sir, sir, sir, no, you can't.
Sir/Madam, sir/madam, where are you?

Dear customer, dear customer, I miss you!
Nothing more than that.

……

The news that the eldest son's wife was pregnant was quietly spread through a rather appropriate means.

The Yu family did not hold a grand celebration for this, because according to etiquette, the joy of a newborn is no greater than the sorrow of a funeral.

However, the fact that the eldest son of the Yu family had an heir was a very, very important matter, so it should be publicized.

Yang Can went to see Li Youcai on the third day after the news of Suo Chanzhi's pregnancy spread.

The spring sunlight slanted through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor.

Yang Can wore an indigo-blue long gown today, and in the bright spring sunshine, he looked even more handsome and refined.

Madam Xiaowan's mouth watered at the sight of him; this little devil was just the kind of person she wanted.

The thought that Li Youcai would soon leave the manor to inspect the Lingzhou Salt Lake and the Heishui Iron Smelting Workshop was unbearable.

Until then……

Madam Xiaowan's eyes were brimming with desire, and her full thighs beneath her skirt involuntarily clenched together.

"What? You mean... all those ledgers are sorted out? Li the accountant helped you with that?"

Li Youcai frowned. What was going on with Li Damu? Hadn't he been instructed to do something? How come...?

Yang Can smiled slightly and shook his head, saying, "To be honest, Brother, Accountant Li is too busy and hasn't had the time. I sorted out these accounts myself."

Li Youcai breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

With such a mess of accounts, even an experienced accountant wouldn't be able to sort it out in less than a month, yet Yang Can only spent a few days on it.

Li Youcai chuckled: "Huoshan, I know you're a new official and a little eager to show off, but don't rush."

Li Youcai took a sip of tea and said slowly, "When a new official takes office, he either doesn't act at all, or he does act, he has to be confident."

"Have you really sorted out your accounts?"

Yang Can smiled slightly and took out a book from his sleeve.

His spreadsheet couldn't be shown to anyone, so after sorting it out, he made a separate ledger.

"Brother, please take a look. This is the problem that I have sorted out."

Li Youcai took the ledger, flipped through it carefully, and became more and more surprised as he looked at it.

Having served as a deacon for many years, he was naturally familiar with account books.

He could tell that Yang Can had truly sorted things out and had indeed identified the problems.

Li Youcai hesitated and said, "Volcano, how do you plan to handle this matter?"

The farms and pastures that Yu Huanhu handed over were put under the management of Yang Can.

If Yang Can offends someone because of this, it's Yang Can who offends someone, and Li Youcai doesn't care much.

However, he was afraid that Yang Can would cause trouble, and he would have to clean up the mess.

Now that the young mistress has been confirmed to be pregnant, the eldest son's family has at least nine months of stable period.

He wanted to use this time to solidify his base: salt lakes and iron smelting.

In this way, regardless of whether the eldest branch of the family can be fully established or will be dismantled nine months later, he, having already made preparations, can reap even greater benefits. As for his good brother Yang Can, whom he had already pushed into the trap...

Yang Can was just someone who was used to fill holes and take the blame; he'll be buried alive with a shovel of dirt eventually.

But he discovered that, with the young mistress pregnant, the second steward seemed to want to struggle a bit more?
Yang Can said, "Now that the accounts are clear, I think it's time to visit those estates and ranches to check on the actual situation."

Li Youcai's heart sank; the thing he feared most had finally happened.

Why don't you just stay here and wait to be buried? Why bother struggling?

Li Youcai's gaze sharpened, and he said, "Volcano, are you going to inspect the farms and pastures?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Xiaowan couldn't help but cast a resentful glance at Yang Can.

That old man was about to leave the manor. He thought this was a great opportunity. Why are you leaving too?

Yang Can nodded and said, "Yes, I plan to inspect the three estates closest to Phoenix Manor first."

Yes, mainly Feng'anzhuang, Qingyuanli, and Luboling.

Li Youcai pondered for a moment and said, "Since you're in charge of these estates, it's only right that you go and inspect them."

However, although the managers of these farms and ranches are all elders of the Ermai lineage, it is now the crucial time for spring plowing.

In my humble opinion, as long as they understand the rules and are willing to listen, we should prioritize stability and avoid major conflict.

Yang Can smiled and said, "Brother is right, that's what I think too."

Those who need a reprimand should be reprimanded, but I don't intend to take drastic measures to deal with them.

Ultimately, we are here to share the burdens of the tycoon, not to create trouble for him.

What the lord needs is what we retainers should be concerned with.

Madam Xiaowan curled her lip upon hearing this. She was already dissatisfied with Yang Can leaving the manor, so she spoke with a double meaning.

"Is what you're saying true, Uncle? Only someone who is truly understanding can go further and achieve more."

But the problem is that some people can talk a good game about principles, but when it comes to actually doing them, even the person right in front of them can't understand them.

Yang Can glanced at Pan Xiaowan.

Pan Xiaowan wore her hair in a "fallen horse" style today, with a gold hairpin swaying gently with her coquettish laughter.

Her beautiful eyes glanced at him with a mixture of resentment and reproach, as if they were silk threads, trying to entwine his soul.

Li Youcai held the teacup, smiled, and nodded, agreeing with his wife's words.

"Hehe, my wife, Volcano is a smart man, he'll know what to do."

After casually praising Yang Can, Li Youcai added, "Volcano, if you want to establish your authority, you must also know how to bestow favors."

Show kindness to the obedient and discipline the disobedient; this combination of firmness and gentle persuasion is the way to manage people.

"Brother's words of wisdom are invaluable; I will remember them."

Li Youcai nodded: "I was just planning to go to Lingzhou and Heishui. Let's stagger our departure times a little."

Otherwise, it would seem like we brothers had already discussed it, and if the young mistress found out, she might have some negative opinions.

“Brother’s idea is the most prudent. Let’s do it that way.” Yang Can smiled broadly.

After all, Li Youcai had received a generous gift from Master Zhang, and he was quite capable of doing favors for people after accepting gifts.

He wasn't sure if Yang Can truly understood what he meant.

Because... Yang Can's bright smile was really unsettling.

That smile was so radiant!

Those eyes were so clear!
It looks just like that donkey in the stable.

Li Youcai had a sudden inspiration and finally came up with a way to remind Yang Can more directly.

He turned to Pan Xiaowan and said, "Wife, when Zhang Yunyi from Feng'an Village came to pay his respects a few days ago, he gave me a pot of nourishing medicinal wine. You can take half of it and give it to Huoshan."

Pan Niangzi glanced at Li Youcai's face and scoffed, "Husband, you never seem to get rid of this habit of wanting to part with things."

"Uncle, you look very young. This medicinal wine was originally a gift from Master Zhang to you. Would you like to share it with him?"

Li Youcai was a little embarrassed: "Hey, what do you mean by that?"

Who are others? Volcano is my beloved family and friends, my brothers and sisters.

Besides, even if the volcano is young, does that mean I'm weak?

Find that bottle of medicinal wine and send it all to the volcano!

After finishing his sentence, Li Youcai turned to Yang Can and said with a smile, "Volcano, I'm not saying you're weak, it's just..."

He chuckled twice and winked at Yang Can: "Master Zhang is the most generous and hospitable man."

"You must take good care of yourself while you're away."

Madam Pan snorted coldly, propped herself up on the table, and gracefully walked towards the bedroom.

She seemed a little angry because her husband was so generous.

Her ample hips swayed all the way, swaying with only charm, not fire.

Li Youcai said somewhat awkwardly, "I've spoiled your sister-in-law. After all, she's much younger than me and doesn't know any better. Please don't take offense, brother."

Yang Can withdrew his gaze from those ample breasts.

Wow! They're like ripe bean pods, seemingly ready to burst open with a "pop" at the slightest touch. It looks really exciting.

Yang Can smiled slightly at Deacon Li: "Brother, don't worry, I think that Master Zhang is a sensible and discerning person."

This combination of kindness and severity works very well on him!

(End of this chapter)