139. Entangling Affairs Before Departure

The next day, the imperial decree regarding the invasion by the Bai Rong tribe and the mobilization of national military forces to defend the capital arrived in Jiangzhou. Regardless of court struggles or the nation's decline, foreign invasion remained a matter of paramount importance. Consequently, the news spread rapidly, causing a sensation throughout Jiangzhou.

Meanwhile, under the persuasive reasoning and tender emotional offensive of Shen Yanxi, Lu Jin was forced to compromise. Together, they established the grand ambition of the married couple traveling to pacify Yunmeng.

However, organizing an excursion of this scale was no simple task. Aside from how Shen Yanxi would manage the Shen family's resources, Lu Jin had to arrange his own affairs as well, especially since there was no telling how long they would be staying there.

On Floating Cloud Terrace, Lu Jin turned his sights toward his eldest sister-in-law.

"Sister, Yanxi must have told you about us going out to live elsewhere for a period of time, right?" Lu Jin asked.

"Yes. How did the two of you suddenly think of going out to live? If you wanted to go, you should have gone sooner." Staying and visiting the branch estates was a regular leisure activity for the Shen family, so Shen Yanron was not surprised.

"We only just thought of it. We figured it coincides with autumn, the scenery is lovely, and we can go hunting and enjoy the scenery along the Lan River," Lu Jin said, his eyes narrowing with a look of longing.

Shen Yanron naturally desired this as well. Although there was no shortage of lodging at the branch estate, the young couple clearly wanted to live a life of just the two of them, leaving Shen Yanron with no appropriate way to bring herself along.

"That sounds wonderful, too. You are bustling about busily every day; it is indeed time for you to take a proper rest for a while."

"That is why I have a favor to ask of my sister," Lu Jin said with a smile.

"Ask a favor of me? What on earth can I help Nanqing with?" Shen Yanron’s charming eyes widened. She truly could not fathom how she could possibly be of assistance to Nanqing.

"I am planning to head out, but there are all these children, and I cannot simply abandon them. Therefore, I was thinking that since Sister is exceptionally learned and has also attended many of my lectures, might you be able to help tutor the children for a period of time?" Lu Jin asked.

Shen Yanron had never expected it to be this matter. Setting aside her other thoughts, given Lu Jin's care for her and his profound talent, she was certainly willing to help. However, she had not even fully grasped those concepts herself yet—how could she teach the children? Furthermore, she was a woman.

"Nanqing, why didn't you think of finding a private tutor or a master? Those are not difficult to find; we have them right within the family," Shen Yanron said.

"To be honest with Sister, although you have attended many of my lectures, the things I teach are actually vastly different from what conventional masters teach. It would be best if someone who has heard my lectures could help guide them for a time, and Sister is the most suitable candidate." If he could have simply found a conventional master, he would have done so long ago.

"But I am a woman, and I am only just learning those subjects myself," Shen Yanron hesitated.

"Sister is overthinking it. You only need to teach them how to read and write using the *Three Character Classics* I wrote, and help them understand the principles within. As for scientific knowledge, that can simply be paused for a while," Lu Jin said helplessly.

"Among women in this world, there are many heroines whose brilliance and talent surpass that of men. In my eyes, Sister is not inferior in the slightest to the men of prominent clans."

Shen Yanron blushed at Lu Jin's words, her naturally alluring face taking on an array of captivating expressions. She had not expected Nanqing to hold her in such high regard.

In truth, given their relationship, Lu Jin had to mind his boundaries. Otherwise, based purely on his eldest sister-in-law's personal charms, Lu Jin could have praised her endlessly.

Even Tantai Yue, standing nearby, felt greatly encouraged. Who says women are inferior to men!

"But those children are so mischievous, I..." Shen Yanron shuddered just thinking about it.

"Sister need not worry. I will have Shen Yanlun and Lu Caiwei each manage a team of boys and girls to assist Sister in keeping them in line. They will certainly listen to Sister." Lu Jin had already considered such matters. After all, there was indeed no precedent for a female tutor.

Lu Jin had no other choices left, which meant he had to win over his eldest sister-in-law.

"If Miss Tantai is interested, she could also join Sister. To impart knowledge, teach, and resolve doubts is inherently a joyful pursuit in life. Why not give it a try?" Lu Jin cajoled.

"Young Master Lu, Sister Yun'er and I will give it a try," Tantai Yue said, suddenly eager to try.

"Splendid, splendid! Tomorrow, the two of you can give a preliminary lecture, and we will figure out any issues as they arise," Lu Jin said excitedly.

***

Shen Manor, Xi Garden, Cloud-Viewing Tower.

Lu Jin sat restlessly on the couch. Why did he suddenly feel a guilty conscience? He shouldn't! It was all because that Nie Wuci was simply too outrageous.

"Brother-in-law, Young Miss!" Liang Muxue and Nie Wuci entered and bowed.

"No need for such formal courtesies, two younger sisters, please rise and be seated," Shen Yanxi hurriedly descended from the couch to support the two women. After all, there were certain matters to be clarified today, and she could not accept this formal greeting.

***

"Please, both of you sit and speak," Lu Jin also said courteously.

Once each was seated and the maidservants had served tea, the conversation moved to the core matter.

"Muxue, over the past few days, my husband and I have figured out the reason behind your arrival at the Zhichun House. Speaking of which, it is quite a twist of fate. Muxue, my Shen family actually has some ties with your late father. It just so happened that family members in the capital saw an opportunity and brought the two of you directly to the Zhichun House, and later sent you to Jianglin to prevent you from truly coming to harm."

"This?" Liang Muxue, usually intellectual and composed, was stunned dumb. When the two sisters had fallen into misfortune, they were like startled birds. Although they had felt things were inexplicable, they truly lacked the composure to ponder it deeply. Furthermore, what good place could a brothel be considered, let alone one where they could perceive any goodwill?

"Therefore, even if the two younger sisters stayed at the Zhichun House, it would have been of no real consequence. The family would never have allowed the two of you to genuinely sink into the dust of the demimonde. When the political situation shifts in the future, the two of you aren't without the possibility of having your slave status revoked." Shen Yanxi recounted the sequence of events.

Liang Muxue and Nie Wuci had long since burst into tears. Ever since their downfall, they had witnessed too much of the fickleness of human relationships. Never had they expected that there was goodwill hidden within it all; this human world was ultimately not so utterly despairing.

"The two younger sisters can rest easy and stay in the manor, watching to see if the political landscape changes in the future. Do not speak of being maidservants anymore." This was the prerequisite for Shen Yanxi and Lu Jin to discuss other matters with the two sisters today. Some things were better clarified, and the Shen family's goodwill naturally could not remain buried.

"Brother-in-law, Young Miss!" At this moment, Liang Muxue and Nie Wuci could no longer remain seated; in a few steps, they reached the center of the hall and knelt down.

"The boundless, earth-shattering grace of the Shen family is something our sisters could never repay even with a thousand deaths. Brother-in-law and Young Miss are kind-hearted to keep us in the manor, which already entails immense risks. Furthermore, our sisters are still bearing criminal charges; how can we accept this with a calm conscience? Our sisters' original resolve remains unchanged, unwavering. We beg Brother-in-law and Young Miss to grant our wish!"

To put it plainly, from both an emotional and a practical standpoint, the two sisters essentially had no choice. If they left the Shen family, where could they go? They could only find a place to hide in fear, and should they be discovered, the situation would become even graver.

Yet here in the Shen family, from the Bureau of Music to the brothel, and from the brothel to becoming servants in the Shen family, it was a compliant and orderly process; in terms of status, they still belonged to the lowly class. If the master's family was benevolent, there was no better place to go.

Moreover, the hearts of both women had already been stolen by that smiling man sitting on the couch.

Shen Yanxi and the maidservants hurriedly helped the two to their feet, and after comforting them for quite a while, they finally managed to have them sit back down in their chairs.

"On that day, I simply thought that two daughters of prominent families ought not to suffer such grievances, so I intended to grant you complete freedom, though I never anticipated there was such a backstory to it," Lu Jin explained.

"My husband understands little of worldly affairs and acted purely out of a kind heart, believing that this would completely liberate the two of you. In truth, it resulted in a comical misunderstanding; I must ask the two younger sisters not to blame him," Shen Yanxi added in harmony.

"How could our sisters ever blame Brother-in-law? Were it not for Brother-in-law, we would not know how much longer we would have had to endure the suffering." Comforted by Shen Yanxi and restrained by their remaining shred of personal dignity, they reached a tacit understanding that they would henceforth refrain from addressing themselves as maidservants.

"Over the past few days, my wife has told me that Muxue possesses considerable wisdom and talent. Since Muxue is not one to sit idly by, and I happen to have some matters that need handling, I wonder if Muxue might be able to take them on." Lu Jin finally broached the true purpose of today's conversation.

"Please give your orders, Brother-in-law! Muxue will not shrink from any danger."

"Muxue flatters us. My husband, together with several other prominent families, has jointly opened a few commercial houses, and the Jiangzhou Brewing Bureau is one of them..." Shen Yanxi continued. Since these two women were to be employed, there was no need to keep such matters hidden from them anymore.

"The Jiangzhou Brewing Bureau?" Liang Muxue asked in astonishment.

"Oh? Muxue has heard of it?" Lu Jin asked with mild surprise.

"Brother-in-law, I accidentally overheard customers mentioning it at the Zhichun House. So that Lan River Spring wine was actually crafted by Brother-in-law," Liang Muxue sighed.

"My husband tinkered with improving the wine recipe during his leisure time, which is how Lan River Spring came to be. The Jiangzhou Brewing Bureau was specifically established to brew Lan River Spring and other such spirits, and this wine is completely unique throughout the Great Liang dynasty. And not only that..." Shen Yanxi fluidly introduced the Brewing Bureau, the Salt Administration Bureau, the Freight Transport Bureau, and various other enterprises to the two women.

The two women wore looks of utter shock. What grand vision and scope!

"However, my husband and I lack trustworthy manpower, especially since the Salt Administration Bureau is my husband's heart and soul, yet we have been unable to find anyone to oversee it. It is somewhat inconvenient for me to step forward frequently, and my husband is constantly bogged down by miscellaneous affairs. Therefore, since Muxue has expressed such a willingness, why not give it a try?"

"Me?" Liang Muxue cried out in alarm. Leaving aside the fact that she was a woman, an enterprise of such magnitude was to be handed over to her to manage?

"Yes, both my wife and I hold Muxue in high regard. It's just that Muxue might find it inconvenient to frequently show her face in public..."

"If Brother-in-law and Young Miss trust Muxue, Muxue is willing to give it a try," Liang Muxue hurriedly interrupted. While staying behind was partly driven by necessity, wasn't the most important reason that her heart was tied to this man? If he trusted her, how could she shrink back?

"Look, Wife, didn't I say that Muxue is a heroine who yields nothing to men?" Lu Jin smiled.

"What Husband says is true; Husband's discernment is naturally exceptional. Muxue is indeed worthy of this," Shen Yanxi echoed.

"If Muxue feels it inconvenient on account of being a woman, she may also dress in men's attire." Lu Jin drew this inspiration from his sworn brother, Wu You.

Liang Muxue blushed and lowered her head. She had never dressed in such a manner before, but upon reflection, it also felt rather interesting.

***

Shen Yanxi cast a coy, reproachful glare at her husband. Are you getting addicted to playing dress-up? Liang Muxue stepping forward would not mean she was acting alone; she would inevitably be attended by an entourage, so neither safety nor dignity would be lacking.

"Muxue, the Brewing Bureau and the Freight Transport Bureau are currently expanding their operations. I will introduce two people for you to get acquainted with, and you can take this time to follow them, learn, and familiarize yourself with the work. Shuqing, invite Shen Yi and Jiang Shaonian to come in."

This was the reason why Lu Jin had sought out Liang Muxue today; he could not wait any longer. He intended to take advantage of the period while he was away to have Liang Muxue shadow Jiang Shaonian and Shen Yi to learn the ropes, so that by the time he returned, the Salt Administration Bureau could be launched.

Entrusting this undertaking to Liang Muxue was not a reckless whim on Lu Jin's part.

As a member of the Shen family, Shen Yi was already in charge of the Brewing Bureau. If another member of the Shen family were appointed to head the Salt Administration Bureau, leaving aside whether Lu Jin felt entirely secure about it, how would the other prominent families view the move? The principles of neutrality and joint management that Lu Jin had consistently sought to build would be called into question.

As for appointing someone from another family to take charge, apart from the fact that he currently only knew Tantai Ming, it remained uncertain whether the latter was even willing to join. Furthermore, for an enterprise as colossal as the salt industry, Lu Jin lacked the audacity to hand it over so casually. The Salt Administration Bureau had to remain entirely under his own control.

Consequently, Lu Jin was left with virtually no other candidates, making Liang Muxue the sole choice. Beyond considerations of her immediate status and circumstances, given Liang Muxue's deep affection for Lu Jin—which he could not reciprocate, yet could entirely trust—she was the ideal fit.

Within moments, Shen Yi and Jiang Shaonian entered the room.

"Brother-in-law, Young Miss!"

"Greetings, Madame Lu!" Jiang Shaonian directly ignored Lu Jin and greeted only Shen Yanxi. With his sworn brother sitting right there looking so brazen, it would look ridiculous to address him formally.

Shen Yanxi hurriedly and politely returned the greeting.

"Muxue, this is Shen Yi, the Director-General of the Jiangzhou Brewing Bureau, and this is Jiang Shaonian, the Director-General of the Jiangzhou Freight Transport Bureau." Lu Jin stood up and introduced them to his subordinates.

Jiang Shaonian’s mouth twitched violently. Please, stop mentioning any Director-General; he was nothing more than a beast of burden, what Director-General was he talking about?

"This is Liang Muxue, whom I intend to appoint as the acting Director-General of the Jiangzhou Salt Administration Bureau. You may address her as Miss Liang or Director-General Liang."

Following the introductions, the individuals exchanged greetings while harboring their own thoughts and took their seats. Lu Jin then explained the arrangement for Liang Muxue to shadow them and learn. To prevent empty bureaucracy where Liang Muxue was merely a figurehead, Lu Jin directly appointed her as the Deputy Director-General of both bureaus for the time being, allowing her to learn through practical experience.

After seeing Jiang Shaonian and Shen Yi out, the remaining occupants sat down once more.

"Muxue, during this period, my wife and I will be away for a while. Siqi and Huanyan will remain behind to assist you. Having studied by my side for some time, they can help you familiarize yourself with the work and take over. As for deputy administrators, guards, and other personnel, I have already made the proper arrangements. Muxue need only act boldly without any misgivings. My wife and I place our complete trust in Muxue, and Muxue must keep this firmly in mind," Shen Yanxi emphasized.

Liang Muxue readily gave her assent.

Before his departure, Lu Jin would also seize every available moment to instruct Liang Muxue. Thus, the commercial affairs were essentially settled.

Nie Wuci, who had been acting merely as an audience member throughout, grew anxious. Listening this way, there seemed to be nothing arranged for her; she had been completely ignored by this man.

"Brother-in-law, Young Miss!"

Hm? Why was she rising with tear-filled eyes to stand in the center of the room?

"What is the matter, Wuci?" Shen Yanxi hurried over to soothe her.

"Brother-in-law, Young Miss! Although I cannot compare to my sister, I am not entirely useless..." the spirited Nie Wuci said, her grievance growing deeper with every word.

"Pfft! So Wuci felt wronged. Wuci is exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship—how about staying by my husband's side?"

"Wife..." Lu Jin protested anxiously. They had clearly agreed beforehand that Nie Wuci and Su Nian would stay by Shen Yanxi's side as bodyguards. Why had the plan changed yet again?

However, no sooner had the words left his mouth than he was silenced by a glare from his own wife, forcing Lu Jin to sit back down sheepishly.

Hearing that she would remain by Lu Jin's side, Nie Wuci instantly brightened up. She hurriedly wiped away her tears and said, "Young Miss, rest assured, I will protect Brother-in-law well."

Lu Jin’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. It was yet to be decided who would be protecting whom. As long as she didn't seduce him, that was already pushing his self-restraint to the absolute limit.