Dream of the Red Chamber: I can see the hidden labels of the beauties.

a long time.

Only then did peace return to the boudoir.

Qin Keqing leaned lazily against Jia Can, her face flushed and slightly haggard, yet still exuding charm. Her beautiful eyes were filled with satisfaction and happiness, and although only a corner of her fair and delicate shoulder was visible under the embroidered quilt, it was enough to attract attention.

Jia Can noticed this, reached out and pulled the blanket up to cover her bare shoulder, looking extremely satisfied and relaxed.

In stark contrast to his usual composed and calm demeanor in public, he now resembled an ordinary young master, content and at ease, embracing his beloved.

Qin Keqing felt Jia Can's gentleness and thoughtfulness, and felt even more comforted and happy. She rested her head on his chest and said something in a sweet and coquettish voice.

Jia Can responded promptly, sometimes with a soft laugh, sometimes with a whisper, and the two of them began to whisper sweet nothings in this private space.

Their words were tender and intimate, known only to the two of them. Qin Keqing's cheeks flushed red, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips, seemingly enjoying it immensely.

After speaking for a while, Qin Keqing suddenly raised her eyes, a sly glint in them, and said with a charming smile:

"It's funny to talk about Lord She of the West Mansion. He was obsessed with seizing the East Mansion, but he ended up losing more than he gained. Not only was he stripped of his title, but he also had to fill the hole left by the funeral expenses."

"I've done the math, and this funeral will cost at least 50,000 taels. If there are many people in the funeral procession, it might cost 80,000 taels."

In the end, he snorted and shook his head slightly, showing both schadenfreude and a touch of regret.

After all, Jia She was the eldest master of the Rongguo Mansion, and by all accounts, he was her elder. He used to be so high and mighty, but now he has fallen to such a state, which is naturally lamentable.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Jia Can's lips:

"Hmph... He brought this on himself. He has no one to blame but himself. If he hadn't been so greedy and wanted to seize our East Mansion, he wouldn't have ended up like this today."

"However, the way the old lady of the West Mansion handled it did save us a lot of money, which can be considered as compensation for us."

"Ke'er, you should also know that the daily expenses of this huge mansion are not small. Although I have inherited the title and family business, if I do not increase income and reduce expenditure, I am afraid that I will just be sitting and eating away my wealth and will eventually perish."

Upon hearing this, Qin Keqing pursed her lips and softly comforted her:

"Canlang, don't worry. I believe that with your abilities, you can definitely do better than Jia Zhen and Jia Rong."

"Moreover, there are only four of us masters in the manor now. Aunt Xichun is still living in the West Mansion and has not moved back, so the expenses are even less. If it really doesn't work, we can think of another way. There will definitely be a way."

Upon hearing this, Jia Can was both touched and tender. A warm feeling welled up in his heart. He gently hugged her, leaned in and kissed her forehead, then softly said:

"Ke'er, I was just saying that, don't take it to heart. Don't worry, I'll take care of the household expenses, you don't need to worry about it."

"You just need to be a good wife and live a peaceful life. I'll take care of everything else."

Qin Keqing naturally believed him. Over the past few days, she had personally witnessed Jia Can's rise to his current position, all of which proved his capabilities. Hearing this, she gave a soft "hmm" and said no more.

She buried her pretty face in his chest, feeling his comfort and warmth, and the two gradually fell asleep in each other's arms.

In the following days, Jia Can continued to control the overall situation, handling the funeral and household affairs in an orderly manner. In his spare time, he would spend time with Qin Keqing, enjoying a fulfilling and satisfying life.

Of course, outsiders did not know that he and Qin Keqing had already consummated their marriage. In front of outsiders, the two of them behaved in accordance with the rules and did not overstep any boundaries.

That day, Jia Can was reviewing the accounts for the past few days in his study when a familiar figure appeared silently in the room—it was Yu Hui.

Jia Can put down the account book in his hand, stood up and bowed: "Lord Yu."

Yu Hui didn't say much, and went straight to the point: "Young Master, the Emperor Emeritus sent me to tell you that he has something to say to you when we meet at Gu Bao Zhai tomorrow."

Jia Can's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied:

"Yes, thank you for making this trip, Lord Yu. I will definitely go tomorrow without fail."

Yu Hui smiled slightly:

"Young master, there's no need to be nervous. You did an excellent job this time. Not only did you kill Jia Zhen and his son Jia Rong, but you also caused Jia She to suffer a great setback. The Emperor Emeritus is quite satisfied with your actions these days, and he will surely praise you when we meet tomorrow."

Jia Can's heart skipped a beat, guessing that the Emperor Emeritus's summons was likely to bring up the matter of going south to reorganize the salt administration. With these thoughts swirling in his mind, he remained respectful on the surface and expressed his gratitude a few more times.

After finishing his instructions, Yu Hui didn't linger. He vanished from the house in a flash, as swift and silent as the wind.

After Yu Hui left, Jia Can paced around the room for a few steps, sorted out his thoughts, then got up and left the study to go to the backyard to find Madam You.

The current You family is in a very proper position. Ever since Jia Can officially inherited the Ningguo Mansion, everything has been done with Jia Can in mind, and she never oversteps her bounds.

Jia Can also appreciated her abilities and sensibility, so he delegated authority to her to manage all matters in the backyard, never interfering or asking questions, and giving her enough respect and trust.

This made Lady You admire Jia Can even more. When Jia Zhen was alive, he would not have treated her like this. Whenever she raised any objection, whether it was good or bad, right or wrong, Jia Zhen would impatiently refute her, and even scold her at the drop of a hat, never taking her words seriously.

Now things are different. Jia Can not only doesn't hinder her, but also respects her opinions in every way, giving her a great deal of autonomy.

Sometimes, when she thought about it privately, Madam You felt that only now had she truly become the mistress of the Ningguo Mansion, rather than a figurehead in name only.

Upon hearing that Jia Can had arrived, Madam You quickly put down her work, rose to greet him, and gave him a slight curtsy.

"Greetings, Brother Can."

Jia Can waved his hand and responded gently:

"Sister-in-law, you're too kind. Please sit down. I have something to tell you."

Having gotten to know Jia Can better over the past few days, Madam You had figured out his decisive and efficient style of doing things. So she stopped exchanging pleasantries, sat down to the side, looked at Jia Can, and quietly waited for his instructions.

Jia Can didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:

"I have to go out tomorrow to meet an important person, and I may not be back until the afternoon or even later. For the time being, you will be in charge of everything in the mansion, sister-in-law."

Lady You was slightly startled upon hearing this. Someone who could be addressed as an important figure by Jia Can with such solemnity must be no ordinary person.

But she didn't ask any further questions, simply nodding and readily agreeing.

"Alright, you can go out without worry. Everything in the manor is being done according to the rules you set, so nothing will happen. Besides, the funeral is almost over, so there's nothing serious."

"Just go and do your thing, but make sure you have a few extra people with you when you go out, and be sure to take care of your safety."

In his final words, Mr. You spoke earnestly, showing his heartfelt concern.

After all, Jia Can is the only man left in the Ningguo Mansion, and the entire household depends on him for support.

These past few days, as You Shi spent more and more time with Jia Can, she felt that he was far better than Jia Zhen and Jia Rong. He was responsible, capable, and sincere.

Such a rare pillar of support must not be allowed to suffer any more mishaps.