Lin Ruhai stood in the study of the governor's mansion, holding a secret report in his hand, his brows furrowed.

As the Governor-General of Jiangnan, he not only controlled local military and political power, but also had a keen understanding of the movements of the major families in Nanjing.

He was already fully aware of the Jia family's deficit.

"They really know how to cause trouble... They've actually lost over a million taels of silver." He murmured to himself, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.

This number is fatal even for the Jia family, a century-old and prestigious clan.

What worries him even more is that although Wang Xifeng is currently running a soap business with the help of the Empress and appears to be enjoying great success, her foundation is actually unstable. If the Jia family were to collapse completely, she might also be implicated.

He couldn't say whether it was to help the Jia family, for Yu'er, or for the woman in the palace who looked just like Jia Min.

He turned and walked to the bookshelf, took out an account book, and turned to the page marked "Jia Family".

The document contains detailed records of the Jia family's land rent, shop income, and various expenses over the past few years.

Land rents decreased year by year, shop profits were meager, yet the expenses of each household remained extravagant.

Lin Ruhai sighed softly and closed the ledger.

"Master, Lord Wang has arrived," came the butler's voice from outside the door.

Lin Ruhai collected his thoughts and said calmly, "Please come in."

A moment later, a middle-aged man dressed in plain clothes entered the study; it was none other than his trusted advisor, Wang Qian.

Wang Qian bowed respectfully and asked, "Sir, you wanted to see me?"

Lin Ruhai gestured for him to sit down and handed him the confidential report: "Take a look at this."

Wang Qian took the secret report, quickly glanced at it, and his expression changed slightly: "Has the Jia family's deficit reached such a level?"

Lin Ruhai nodded: "I roughly estimate that at least one million taels of silver are needed to fill the hole and maintain the status quo. Otherwise, the Jia family will surely fail within two years."

Wang Qian pondered for a moment and said, "Does Your Excellency intend to... secretly assist me?"

Lin Ruhai's gaze was profound: "Although the Jia family is gradually declining, it is still Yu'er's maternal grandparents' family."

If it falls, Yu'er will inevitably be criticized in the palace.

Moreover, Feng-ge'er is now managing the Empress's business; if she fails due to the Jia family's influence, it will not look good for the Empress.

Lin Ruhai remained calm as he presented this impeccable reason.

Wang Qian understood: "Does Your Excellency mean to use Wang Xifeng to secretly prolong the Jia family's life?"

Lin Ruhai smiled slightly: "Exactly. The soap business is doing very well right now, and if we can expand the scale, the profits will be considerable."

I have secretly ordered people to clear trade routes in various parts of Jiangnan to provide convenience for Feng Ge'er.

In addition, a batch of high-quality raw materials was prepared to supply her workshop, and the profits would then be used to supplement the Jia family through other means.

Wang Qian praised, "Your Excellency is brilliant! In this way, you save face for the Empress, help the Jia family, and avoid attracting attention."

Lin Ruhai shook his head: "We need to be careful about this. You know the nature of those people in the Jia family. If they find out that someone is secretly helping them, they will probably squander even more recklessly."

Wang Qian solemnly replied, "Your subordinate understands."

---

Inside the Jia family mansion, Yuan-chun was extremely worried about the family's financial deficit every day.

Monthly expenses, servants' wages, shop rent, social obligations... every expense was like a bottomless pit, devouring the little silver the Jia family had left.

"Miss, the old lady requests your presence," Yuanyang announced softly.

Yuan Chun rubbed her temples and forced herself to cheer up: "I'll go right now."

Inside Rongqing Hall, Grandmother Jia leaned against the couch, looking exhausted. Seeing Yuan Chun enter, she slowly asked, "How is the investigation of the accounts going?"

Yuan Chun smiled bitterly: "Your Majesty, the situation is worse than we imagined. If we don't cut expenses soon, I'm afraid we won't even be able to pay next month's wages."

Grandmother Jia closed her eyes and sighed deeply, "Over the years, I have spoiled them too much."

Yuan Chun lowered her head and remained silent. These elders were extravagant and never considered the future of the family.

A moment later, Grandmother Jia opened her eyes, her tone decisive and ruthless: "Starting tomorrow, the monthly allowances for each household will be halved, and all unnecessary banquets will be canceled."

Also, selling the garden to the west should raise some money.

Yuan Chun was shocked: "Grandmother, that's ancestral property!"

Besides, this is the master's property. Would the master agree to this?

Grandmother Jia waved her hand: "Ancestral property is not as important as saving lives. This matter is settled. Go and make the arrangements."

Yuan Chun had no choice but to accept this difficult task, but her heart ached. She never expected that the Jia family would have to sell off their property.

As soon as she stepped out of Rongxi Hall, she saw Wang Xifeng coming towards her, her face beaming with undisguised joy.

"Sister, is the old lady resting?" Wang Xifeng asked with a smile.

Yuan Chun nodded: "Not yet. Second sister-in-law, is there some good news?"

Wang Xifeng lowered her voice, her eyes gleaming: "We've secured another big soap deal. It's from a wealthy merchant in Suzhou, who ordered five thousand pieces in one go!"

Yuan Chun forced a smile: "Congratulations, Second Sister-in-law."

Wang Xifeng noticed her exhaustion and feigned concern, saying, "Sister, don't overwork yourself. Take your time with the affairs of the manor." After saying that, she hurriedly went into Rongxi Hall.

Yuan Chun watched her retreating figure, her heart filled with nothing but envy.

If she hadn't angered the Empress, this job might have been hers...

What's wrong with her securing a small share of the profits for the Jia family at that time?

Then she thought again, if that were the case, and the Empress found out, she probably wouldn't want her to do it.

Judging from this, the Empress probably knew Feng Jie's true nature long ago when she chose her.

Yuan Chun was so frightened that she broke out in a cold sweat and dared not think any further.

---

As night deepened, Jia Lian drank alone in his study, feeling dejected.

As Feng Ge'er's business grew bigger and bigger, his position in the mansion became increasingly awkward.

Today, I heard that she wants to expand her workshop, and I feel even more jealous and resentful.

"Second Master, Master Zhen has arrived," the servant announced from outside the door.

Jia Lian frowned: "What is he doing here so late?" But he still got up to greet him.

After Jia Zhen entered, he sat down directly, poured himself a cup of wine, and drank it all in one gulp: "Second Brother Lian, if we continue like this, sooner or later we'll be ridden on by women!"

Jia Lian smiled wryly: "So what? Her business has the Empress's backing, who dares to touch it?"

A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Jia Zhen's eyes: "If open methods don't work, we'll resort to covert ones. I know a few friends in the underworld; as long as the price is right..."

Jia Lian's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly waved his hand: "Brother Zhen, you can't say things like that! If word gets out, we'll be in deep trouble!"

After all, Feng Ge'er was his woman; he wasn't so heartless as to be that depraved.

Conspiring with others to harm his own woman? He must be insane!

Jia Zhen sneered, "You're scared? Then just watch all the money go into her pocket!"

Without a second thought, Jia Lian shook his head repeatedly: "Let's think of another way."

Jia Zhen snorted coldly and slammed the door shut as he left.

---

The following month, the dividend money was delivered to Lin Ruhai as scheduled, and he ordered people to carry the money into Daiyu's courtyard.

He stood alone in the courtyard, muttering to himself, "Yu'er, this is all I can do as your father."