"A marriage that involves too much self-interest is destined to be unhappy from the start."

Jiang Nuan's tone was somewhat wistful.

It's a real pity that couples who initially had some affection for each other end up becoming strangers or even enemies due to various reasons.

“We can’t generalize,” Liu An shook his head. “Husbands and wives are bound together by the bond of two families. Mutual benefits will strengthen their relationship. We are too special. She never trusted me from the moment she married into the family. You can’t find another one like her in the whole of Zhou.”

At the beginning, he was weak and unable to change the situation.

Later, even if you wanted to, it was too late.

It's not that I don't want a loving and devoted marriage, it's just that I'm not lucky enough to have that kind of relationship.

“The past is gone, there’s no point in talking about it anymore, let’s get back to business,” Liu An continued his analysis. “There is another reason for taking concubines. Most of the women who are sent here or bought are not valued by their families. They are either used as a cash cow or as a tool for their fathers and brothers to seek benefits. Being a concubine may not be as good as being a concubine at home.”

If even one's closest relatives, one's father and brothers, are not valued, then others are even less likely to be respected. That's how unfair it is.

Liu An felt that he had done much better than others in this regard, at least he had provided them with protection, made sure they were well-fed and clothed and had someone to take care of them, and they didn't have to be beaten or scolded all the time.

As for not being able to have children, that's not a big deal.

However, even if a concubine is born, there is no guarantee of survival; the chances of survival are slim. It's better to live a good life yourself.

“Reincarnation is indeed important,” Jiang Nuan exclaimed, “It really can determine a person’s life.”

“That’s right. Most people in the world are ordinary people, and most of them can only listen to their fathers and brothers’ arrangements. There are very few capable girls. The vast majority are noble ladies carefully cultivated by wealthy families,” Liu An said earnestly. “I have seen many people in my life, and there are only a few girls who can turn their lives around on their own. All of them are the result of spending countless amounts of money and hiring famous teachers to carefully teach them for more than ten years.”

Grand Secretary An's granddaughter, whether in poetry, prose, or political discourse, far surpassed most men of her time. This was not only due to her talent but also to Grand Secretary An's meticulous guidance. He even swallowed his pride and asked the old nanny who served the Empress Dowager to return and teach the young girl the ways of the inner court.

"I really can't believe that a girl who has never even left the village can control the world and make waves just by being smart."

"Therefore, when choosing a wife, it is essential to be of equal social standing!"

"The last sentence is the key point, isn't it?" Jiang Nuan was speechless. "You still haven't stopped the boss from taking a concubine?"

“Wang’s vision is too narrow; she only cares about herself,” Liu An said solemnly. “I don’t want her to jeopardize Xiao Chuan’s future.”

“Let’s not bring this up again. The eldest doesn’t need a marriage alliance to solidify his position,” Jiang Nuan explained earnestly. “His starting point is already very high, something others might not achieve even after a lifetime of hard work. He should strive to improve himself; he can’t just sit back and win forever, can he?”

At home, you rely on your parents; in officialdom, you rely on your wife. What good can you possibly hope for?

"Isn't Wang supposed to do something?"

"Let your two aunts teach you. Practice hard during this time. Don't expect them to excel in everything. Just know how to behave and know when to advance and retreat."

"We still need someone to keep an eye on it."

"We'll have them go with us then, and they can offer guidance from the sidelines."

"Okay... fine!"

Liu An had no choice but to compromise.

He felt that this method was only a temporary solution and too risky, since even the most senior servant couldn't go against the stubborn master.

However, he was ultimately just a manager.

The pros and cons have been explained, and if the host doesn't listen, there's no point in forcing them to listen.

"Never mind that. Quickly think of how to arrange these delicate beauties. I plan to put them in the same courtyard, but I'm afraid they'll cause conflicts."

"Just arrange them in one courtyard. Let them make a fuss if they want, just don't bother this old man," Liu An continued in his shrewd words. "They'll have to adapt to the inner quarters sooner or later. Anyway, they're not pregnant. As long as they don't cause any deaths, let them be."

They don't even live in the same yard as me. Out of sight, out of mind. Why bother with so much?

This is like raising parasites; they just want to reap the benefits without sowing.

That's awful, really awful!

Jiang Nuan suddenly felt that Han Qi's womanizing ways were actually quite good; at least he didn't treat beautiful women like tools that he could discard at any time.

Very strong!

Such a delicate beauty, yet he showed no mercy or tenderness.

At this moment, Jiang Nuan truly believed Liu An's statement that he was not interested in women!

“Now only the westernmost side courtyard is empty, let them live there,” Jiang Nuan thought for a moment and then asked tentatively, “No one has lived there for a long time, the furnishings are very basic, do you want to buy anything?”

"No need, they won't mind, don't worry."

It's the worst of the worst, no doubt about it.

Jiang Nuan's gaze towards Liu An changed. She must have been out of her mind to help this scumbag recuperate so he could harm even more girls.

"How are you feeling? What did Doctor Gu say?"

"Dr. Gu said things have improved a lot," Liu An said in a low voice, embarrassed. "He told me to give it a try, and if nothing unexpected happens, I should hear good news within six months."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nuan coughed awkwardly and asked uncomfortably, "Did they mention any requirements regarding sex?"

"No, not too often," Liu An felt embarrassed by such a lewd topic. "Indulgence harms the body and is detrimental to offspring."

"Let me give you a reminder," Jiang Nuan said after exhaling to dispel the awkwardness, "An eighteen-year-old bride and an eighty-year-old groom, white hair against red makeup; a pair of mandarin ducks in the quilt, a pear tree in full bloom pressing down on a crabapple."

Cough, cough...

Liu An was frightened by the poem and kept coughing.

I used to think that taking a concubine was a romantic and prestigious thing, but now I feel extremely ashamed.

The phrase "a pear tree in full bloom overshadows a crabapple tree" is so apt; just hearing this one line evokes the scene.

"Madam, my hair is slowly turning black; it won't stay white forever."

However, even if his hair turned black, he wouldn't dare to indulge in the bliss of having multiple wives.

I really can't bear the shame.

"Your hair may turn white, but you won't get any younger. Have some decency and stop ruining the young talents of the Great Zhou," Jiang Nuan said, pursing her lips. "When you kick the bucket, you'll leave these young women in the prime of their lives without children or clan protection. What good will they do? Are you sure they won't be sold off again?"

"I..." Liu An was so ashamed by these words that he couldn't lift his head. "I will not take any more concubines."

"Anything else?"

Liu An asked, puzzled, "What else?"

"These days, don't you treat men well? They're all ready to be your granddaughters, and you're expected to smile and serve this old geezer like me. Aren't you being treated unfairly?"

"..."

He's actually not that old; there have been very few people of his age who have been granted a cabinet position throughout history.

Unfortunately, he was no match for the young girl and was left speechless after being rebuked.

After stammering for a while, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "I know what to do."

"Not old anymore?" Jiang Nuan asked jokingly.

Old my ass! He's not old at all. He'll get angry if anyone ever tells him he's old again!