Chapter 176: Chapter 176

"Speaking of which, host, although your scumbag father is indeed scummy, this time he surprisingly didn't choose to take action against you!"

The next day at Prince Jin's mansion, observing her host leisurely tending to flowers and plants while comparing her to the scumbag father next door who was constantly worried and nearly bald from cleaning up after his daughter, the system suddenly realized something.

After all, in these times, having women serve as officials—especially by the Sage Emperor's personal decree—could implicate nine generations if mishandled!

Given the scumbag father's cold-hearted nature, it was surprising he didn't immediately choose to permanently deal with his host. Even his attitude these days hadn't changed much.

In fact, he'd become even more reliant on her.

"You said it yourself—he's a scumbag, not stupid, okay?"

An Ning casually placed the newly trimmed branches aside with her fair hands, neither confirming nor denying.

Risk? When profits reached a certain level, what did mere risk matter?

Especially for someone like Father Chu, a purebred merchant whose greatest wish in life was to elevate his family's status. Just look at how he spent vast sums trying to imitate scholarly elegance despite his age.

In fact, the original host first gained his attention precisely because of her talent in classics and history...

Unfortunately, although this era saw merchants' status rise due to regional divisions facilitating trade, various states also imposed restrictions to prevent them from becoming too powerful through wealth.

Aside from limits on guards, the imperial examinations posed another major obstacle. A merchant's son becoming an official through exams like in the Song dynasty was impossible.

For someone like An Ning to enter officialdom today was rarer than one in ten thousand.

Just look at how frequently the other Chu family branches and even married female relatives had been visiting since An Ning became an official.

If they didn't seize this opportunity...

"Besides..." An Ning chuckled lightly, "Do you really think the current situation is safe?"

Right—when war came, merchants, especially major ones like the Chu family, would be the fattest sheep for slaughter.

The system nodded thoughtfully.

Tsk, and here it was considering lowering its dislike for the scumbag father just a tiny bit!

That old man with more schemes than a sieve deserved to stay bald forever.

As they chatted, the hour of Si (9-11am) approached, and An Ning finally set down her flower shears.

"Chief Administrator!"

"Chief Administrator, you're here early today—any special instructions?"

Early? Glancing unconsciously at the dazzlingly bright sun outside, An Ning's lips twitched slightly.

It had been half a year since she assumed office. For a teenager to directly take the high position of Right Chief Administrator, second only to Prince Jin and the other Chief Administrator Xie in the mansion's hierarchy—and being these people's superior to boot—one might expect some friction initially.

Yet everything had gone smoother than imagined, with none of the expected resistance or troublemaking.

Even Prince Jin's renowned people skills couldn't fully explain this.

Later she learned news of her victory over Xie Heng had somehow leaked beforehand.

Thus, even before An Ning officially entered the mansion, rumors of her being a sly old fox with countless schemes had spread throughout the Chief Administrator's Office and Prince Jin's mansion.

Even now, their acceptance of her habitual lateness benefited from Chief Administrator Xie's earlier groundwork.

Well... not bad at all.

One generation plants trees; another enjoys the shade.

Casually accepting the hot tea offered by her fifty-something subordinate, An Ning began reviewing the documents.

A series of orders followed.

Watching their superior clear over half the piled documents in under two hours, the staff weren't surprised but couldn't help marveling internally.

No wonder she had such confidence!

Unlike them, lacking such mental prowess, they could only resign themselves to hard labor.

At exactly Si hour (10am), the frequently mentioned other Chief Administrator Xie Heng sauntered in leisurely.

Grabbing a subordinate's document for a glance, Xie Heng's smiling fox-like eyes soon turned toward the handsome youth opposite him.

"Who would've thought Brother Chu, despite his youth, excels not only in economics but also agriculture!"

Qizhou had many mountainous areas with frequent droughts—not exactly barren but certainly not prosperous, especially regarding food.

With enemies eyeing the borders and war potentially imminent, food supplies were crucial.

Yet within just half a year, An Ning's improved terraced fields had shown remarkable results.

How could this not excite and astonish?

This was also why An Ning's status had risen so rapidly.

Even His Highness hadn't indulged in drinking for quite some time.

Detecting alcohol as Xie Heng approached, An Ning instinctively frowned. Her folding fan unceremoniously pressed against his shoulder to push him back before she casually closed her documents.

"Our family used to handle such businesses!"

Meaning she'd studied it for livelihood.

As major merchants, the Chu family naturally lacked no money, so purchasing land was common.

Later, when circumstances changed...

Without powerful backing, a merchant family couldn't retain good farmland, while the worthless mountainous plots—with their meager yields—were beneath Master Chu's notice.

The original host had suggested developing them, but Master Chu deemed it too labor-intensive without worthwhile returns.

"So that's how it was!"

Though knowing An Ning might be withholding details, Xie Heng tactfully refrained from further questions.

After sniffing his sleeve, he wisely floated farther away.

What a pity—the decade-old pear blossom wine would have to wait for another occasion.

In September, celebrating the bountiful harvest, Prince Jin happily granted all officials an extra year's salary. The main contributor An Ning, though unable to rise further in rank, saw her authority and trust increase exponentially.

To protect such talent, Xiao Qi even assigned elite guards.

But joy was short-lived.

By late October, neighboring Northern Yue fell.

Instantly, all celebrations ceased.

Only during New Year's could An Ning spare time to visit the Chu family. As she prepared to leave, a shrill voice stopped her.

Amused by the frail, pale woman's "heartbroken" expression, An Ning felt sorrow for the original host—used her whole life only to be discarded.

Was this woman's acting good?

Not really. Years of resentment had left Madam Yang's once-gentle features sharp and gloomy.

Her current performance could hardly be called masterful—her pleading still carried subconscious domineering tones toward the original host.

Even realizing her schemes were exposed, she still believed this daughter wouldn't abandon her.

Would save her from misery again.

Studying the woman's slightly twisted lips, An Ning finally understood why she could harm the original host without fear of consequences.

Simple—the original host had treated her too well, making such kindness seem cheap and disposable in her eyes.

And she thought there'd be no cost to betrayal...

Realizing this, An Ning nearly laughed aloud.

How she underestimated the original host! In her final moments after discovering the betrayal, none of the original's dying wishes concerned these two...

Smoothing her slightly wrinkled sleeves, An Ning said, "Mother means you want me, as elder brother, to assist Third Brother in controlling the Chu family? So we can support each other later?"

As if hearing some grand joke—really...

Was her brother some prodigy?

An Ning couldn't be bothered to respond, but remembering the original host, she smiled at the woman blocking her path:

"Mother, I truly don't understand—why the hurry?"

"Didn't you always believe Third Brother lacked attention because I stole his 'legitimate heir' status? Now that I'm withdrawing, doesn't that suit you perfectly?"

"Surely without my influence, Third Brother can seize power from the West Courtyard himself, with a bright future ahead."

"Let this elder brother offer early congratulations!"

Ignoring her undisguised mockery, An Ning's words held some sincerity.

Belatedly realizing she'd been provoked, Madam Yang paled. Staring at the familiar face, she shook her head violently:

"An'er—no, you're not An'er! Who are you?"

"Who are you really?"

"Why deceive yourself? You should've considered the consequences before acting."

Without another glance at her hysterics, An Ning stepped onto the waiting carriage.

The youth's faint voice carried on the cold wind:

"Mother, you'd best return quickly. My sisters won't be able to cover for you much longer..."

And you'll get no more chances.

Soon after, news came of the madam's "serious illness" making her unfit for visitors. Even the two elder sisters had their maids replaced.

Hearing this while analyzing scout reports with Prince Jin about enemy invasion timing, An Ning wasn't surprised:

Scumbag father acted swiftly indeed—and heartlessly toward his lawful wife.

Recalling Third Brother seen occasionally, one could understand the mother's near-madness—as Chu family young masters, the original host had the legitimate heir status and elders' favor.

Second Young Master Chu Zixu had their father's doting—never lacking clothes, food, or ample spending money to socialize freely, if not extravagantly.

Naturally popular outside.

Only Third Young Master, bearing their father's resentment since birth, received no attention—his sole hope being when the original's excellence briefly made Master Chu fantasize.

But this vanished when his mediocre talent was confirmed.

Thereafter ignored completely.

With the household head's attitude thus, the powerless madam, and even the grandmother focusing most care on the "eldest young master," others followed suit.

Only the original host's attitude prevented worse treatment.

Perhaps to Madam Yang, the original's every generous act only stung more.

Dismissing these thoughts, An Ning knew with scumbag father's capabilities and forewarning, any repeat incidents would mean he should retire as family head immediately!

With Northern Yue destroyed, Great Zhou's forces had long amassed at the borders, ready to march south after recuperating.

Yet court reinforcements never came. The imperial envoy leisurely sipped tea before speaking:

"After deliberation, the ministers believe sudden troop increases at the border may be seen as provocation."

"Having just conquered Yue, Great Zhou needs recuperation—attacking another sovereign state so soon would alarm others, possibly uniting them against us."

"Damn it, what nonsense is this!"

The moment he left, Prince Jin's study fell silent. Despite anticipating this, Xiao Qi's face still frosted over.

Xie Heng's fox-like eyes held no mirth as he tapped the table thoughtfully.

Junior officer An Ning also stayed silent.

Finally, a young general couldn't restrain himself:

"Provocation? As if staying passive would make them spare us!"

Everyone knew Great Zhou's military merit system thrived on war—those warmongering soldiers wouldn't rest for years to let us recover!

"Zi'an, when do you think Zhou will invade?"

And how much preparation time do we have?

Casually placing a white jade piece, Xie Heng seemed to ask idly.

"Doesn't Brother Xie already have guesses?"

"As they say, momentum flags after initial efforts—with Great Zhou's current structure, I'd say within two years..."

"Of course, whether we get that depends on how long Yue's 'rebellions' persist."

Tsk—who was he fooling? Hadn't she noticed his maneuvers these months? Speaking, An Ning ruthlessly blocked all his retreats...

Facing this dilemma, Xie Heng remained calm, fox eyes even smiling:

"Zhou's forces act brutally—with life-and-death grudges and public fury, this disaster won't be easily resolved."

The question was—were two years enough for you? Staring directly, Xie Heng didn't hesitate to expose weaknesses:

"Even His Highness knows—while I may excel in schemes and personnel, regarding governance, ten Xie Zigu's couldn't match Zi'an!"

Meeting his certain gaze, An Ning didn't modestly demur this time. Rubbing a game piece, the youth's slightly upturned phoenix eyes gleamed darkly:

"What if I said I need one more year?"

His immediate response: "Done!"