I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

The spring sunshine shines on the newly-built manor, which is full of greenery and vitality. Chen Jue, dressed in a black brocade robe, is walking side by side with his wife Chen Jia on the path of the manor. Chen Jia is wearing a light pink silk skirt, with long black hair like a waterfall, and her eyebrows and eyes are gentle and smart.

"Husband, look at this garden. After some renovation, it has become such a pleasant scenery." Chen Jia stopped and pointed to the exquisite pavilion not far away, saying with a smile.

Chen Jue looked in the direction of her finger, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a gentle smile: "Madam, you have a unique vision. This garden can be what it is today, and you have made an indelible contribution. In the future, this will be our piece of pure land. In our spare time, we can cultivate our character here, which is quite pleasant."

"That's natural. Although this garden is beautiful, it also needs someone to take good care of it." Chen Jia frowned slightly, with a trace of worry in her eyes.

Chen Jue gently held her hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. I have already asked the housekeeper to select capable servants who will take good care of this garden."

As he was talking, the butler came hurriedly and bowed respectfully: "Duke, Madam, the servants have been gathered. Please give your orders."

Chen Jue nodded and went to the front yard with Chen Jia. They saw a group of servants standing in neat rows, looking reserved and nervous.

Chen Jue took a step forward and looked at everyone with a dignified look: "This manor is the property of the Duke's Mansion. Now that you have entered this mansion, you must perform your duties and fulfill your responsibilities. If you slack off, I will not forgive you easily."

Everyone lowered their heads and responded in unison: "Yes, Duke."

Chen Jia also stepped forward and said softly, "You don't have to be too nervous. As long as you work hard, the Duke and I will not treat you unfairly. If you have any difficulties, you can also tell the housekeeper."

After hearing Chen Jia's words, the servants' nervous expressions eased a lot and they all looked at her with gratitude.

After arranging the servants' work, Chen Jue and Chen Jia inspected the manor again. After confirming that everything was in place, they boarded the carriage and returned to the Duke's Mansion.

In the carriage, Chen Jia leaned on Chen Jue's shoulder and said softly, "I really don't want to leave this garden. I must come here often in the future."

Chen Jue put his arm around her waist and said gently, "Don't worry, Madam. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. This garden was originally built for you, so we must make you satisfied."

Chen Jia raised her head and looked at Chen Jue, her eyes full of love: "With my husband by my side, anywhere is a good place."

The two smiled at each other, and the carriage slowly drove towards the Duke's Mansion in the afterglow of the setting sun.

2. Welcoming and Sending Off Guests at the Duke's Mansion

Soon after returning to the Duke's Mansion, dignitaries came to visit. Chen Jue and Chen Jia were already accustomed to such welcoming and seeing off. They dressed in gorgeous clothes, smiled appropriately, and warmly welcomed the guests.

The living room was decorated lavishly and filled with the aroma of tea. A middle-aged man in official uniform sat in the main seat and said with a smile, "Duke, I heard that you have a new manor. It's really enviable. Not everyone can have such a paradise."

Chen Jue smiled modestly and said, "It's just a place to stay. Please forgive me for making fun of you. I am busy with government affairs and business on weekdays. Only in that garden can I find a moment of peace."

"You are joking, Duke. It shows his taste that he can have such refined taste," another official echoed.

Everyone was drinking tea and chatting in the living room, discussing the situation in the court and interesting things in the streets. Chen Jia was carefully pouring tea for the guests and occasionally saying a few appropriate words, showing her virtuous character.

A lady took Chen Jia's hand and said with a smile: "The Duke's wife is really virtuous. The Duke is so lucky to have the wife by his side."

Chen Jia smiled and replied, "Madam, you are too kind. I am just doing my duty. My husband is busy and tired outside. All I can do is to take care of the household chores for him and let him have no worries."

"Madam is so considerate, no wonder the Duke loves you so much." The lady said with a smile.

As they were talking, it was getting dark, and Chen Jue ordered to prepare dinner. The kitchen was busy, and soon, delicious dishes were served on the table.

At the dinner, everyone toasted and drank, and the atmosphere was lively. Chen Jue stood up and raised his glass and said, "Thank you all for coming today. I hope everyone can enjoy the meal and drink tonight. In the future, I hope you will take care of me."

Everyone responded and drank the wine in one gulp.

After three rounds of drinking, an official, under the influence of alcohol, said, "Duke, the situation in the court is unpredictable now. I wonder what plans you have?"

Chen Jue was slightly startled, then smiled and said, "The emperor will make the final decision on matters concerning the court. As his subjects, we only need to perform our duties faithfully and share the emperor's worries."

The official seemed dissatisfied with the answer and continued, "That being said, the forces of all parties are complicated and intertwined now. If the Duke does not make plans early, I am afraid..."

Chen Jue interrupted him, his face darkening: "The affairs of the court should not be discussed rashly. Today is a family dinner, everyone just needs to enjoy it and don't talk about these topics that will spoil the fun."

The official realized that he had spoken out of turn and apologized quickly: "I did speak out of turn. I hope the Duke will forgive me."

Chen Jue waved his hand and said, "Forget it, let's put today's matter behind us. Come on, let's continue drinking."

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, everyone began to talk and laugh again, and the dinner ended in laughter.

3. Dividends to Shareholders

The next day, Chen Jue's major shareholders came to the Duke's Mansion to discuss dividends. The atmosphere in the meeting room was a little tense.

Chen Jue sat in the main seat and said solemnly, "Dear shareholders, we invited you all here today to discuss this year's dividends. Although our business has faced many challenges in the past year, overall, we have achieved good results."

The CFO stood up and reported the company's earnings for the year in detail. The shareholders listened carefully and asked questions from time to time.

A fat shareholder frowned and said, "Duke, this year's profit seems to be a little less than expected. Why is that? In my opinion, something must have gone wrong."

Chen Jue patiently explained: "This year's market has been quite volatile, and our business has also been affected. However, we adjusted our strategy in a timely manner, so that our profits did not decline sharply. In addition, we have also invested in some new projects. Although we cannot see obvious returns in the short term, in the long run, these projects will bring us huge benefits."

Another shareholder also said: "What the Duke said is very true. Doing business is inherently risky and we cannot only look at the immediate benefits. We should focus on the future and support the Duke's decision."

After determining the profit, everyone began to discuss the dividend ratio. Shareholders expressed their opinions and argued endlessly.

"I think we should distribute dividends according to the proportion of investment, which is fair," said a shareholder.

"Having said that, the Duke has put in a lot of effort in running the business and deserves more in return," another shareholder retorted.

Chen Jue listened to the debate quietly, and had already figured out everything in his mind. He cleared his throat and said, "Everyone, I understand your thoughts. But when we do business, we must not only consider the immediate benefits, but also the long-term development. I propose that on the basis of dividends distributed according to the investment ratio, a part of the profits be set aside as a development fund to expand our business. In this way, we can be invincible in the market competition."

After hearing what Chen Jue said, everyone fell into deep thought. After a while, the fat shareholder said, "The Duke's proposal makes sense. We can't just focus on the immediate interests and ignore future development. I agree with the Duke's proposal."

Seeing someone taking the lead, other shareholders also expressed their agreement. Finally, under Chen Jue's coordination, everyone reached a consensus and determined the dividend ratio.

After the dividends were determined, the financial officer began to distribute the dividends. After receiving the dividends, the shareholders all showed satisfied smiles on their faces.

A shareholder said happily: "The Duke is indeed a capable person. It is right to do business with him. I hope we can continue to cooperate and create brilliance together in the future."

Chen Jue responded with a smile: "This is the result of our joint efforts. I hope we can continue to work together in the future to make the business bigger and stronger."

4. Daily Trivia and Fun

At night, Chen Jue and Chen Jia rested in the room. Chen Jia leaned in Chen Jue's arms and said softly, "Husband, those shareholders are really difficult to deal with today. They argue endlessly. I feel tired for you when I watch from the side."

Chen Jue smiled and comforted her: "Madam, please don't be angry. This is how it is in the business world. Everyone wants to get more dividends. This is also human nature. As the person in charge, I naturally have to balance the interests of all parties."

Chen Jia said coquettishly: "Humph, our manor is still better, there are no such troubles. There, we can enjoy life freely, how wonderful."

Chen Jue kissed her forehead gently and said, "Madam is right. Let's go to the manor and stay there for a few days to relax. When the time comes, we can invite some friends to go with us and hold a banquet in the garden. It will definitely be very lively."

Chen Jia's eyes lit up and she said excitedly, "Okay, I was just thinking about going there to have another look. Maybe we can plant some flowers and plants in the garden and raise some small animals to make it more lively."

As the two were talking, a cute puppy ran in and wagged its tail happily at their feet.

Chen Jia happily picked up the puppy and said, "Look at our little cutie, you are still the best behaved. With you around, our lives are much more fun."

Chen Jue also smiled and patted the puppy's head: "This little guy always brings us joy. Let it accompany Madam from now on, so as to relieve her boredom."

"Of course, I like it very much." Chen Jia hugged the puppy with a happy smile on her face.

The two chatted for a while, then turned off the lights and went to rest.

After dealing with the affairs of the Duke's Mansion, Chen Jue began to think about the expansion of his business. He summoned his advisers to discuss new business plans.

In the conference room, the advisers sat together and the atmosphere was lively.

One of the counselors said, "Duke, maritime trade is booming now. Why don't we make some efforts in this regard? We can purchase ships, form a fleet, and conduct maritime trade."

Another counselor expressed a different opinion: "Although maritime trade has potential, it also has great risks. We might as well expand our business domestically, such as opening shops, operating restaurants, banks, etc."

Chen Jue listened carefully to the advice of his advisers and put forward his own opinions from time to time. After some discussion, they finally determined a new business direction and prepared to enter the maritime trade.

Just when Chen Jue was preparing to make a big move, some changes occurred in the court. New policies were introduced, which imposed strict restrictions on maritime trade.

Chen Jue was very anxious when he heard the news. He immediately went to the palace to meet the emperor and tried to persuade him to change his mind.

In the palace, Chen Jue knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, maritime trade is now the general trend. If we restrict it, it will not only affect our economic development, but also make us lose the opportunity to compete with other countries. I hope Your Majesty will think twice."

The emperor sat on the dragon throne and said solemnly, "I understand the importance of maritime trade, but the current maritime situation is complicated and pirates are rampant. If we don't restrict them, there may be accidents. I am also concerned about the safety of the country."

Chen Jue was disappointed after hearing His Majesty's words, but he also understood His Majesty's difficulties. He said: "Your Majesty is right. I understand your concerns. But I think we can strengthen patrols and defenses at sea, and cooperate with other countries to fight pirates. In this way, we can ensure the safety of maritime trade and promote economic development."

After hearing what Chen Jue said, His Majesty nodded slightly: "What you said makes sense. I will consider it. You can leave first."

After expressing his gratitude, Chen Jue left the palace.

When they returned to the Duke's Mansion, Chen Jia saw that he looked serious, so she asked, "Husband, what happened?"

Chen Jue told Chen Jia about the court's policies and his conversation with the emperor.

Chen Jia frowned slightly after hearing this and said, "My husband, since the emperor has such concerns, we can only temporarily put aside the plan of maritime trade. However, we can't just sit there and wait for death. Perhaps we can look for opportunities in other areas."