The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 575: Titles Matter, Right?

Chapter 575: Titles Matter, Right?

"Ah, sorry." Xu Feng shook himself from his thoughts and turned back to Lee Hua. "What do you think about Zhang Hui?"

"She is deaf," Lee Hua said.

Xu Feng made a face.

’I know that. Please don’t be one of those people.’

He had been hoping the ger he’d just given an official title in his home wasn’t that kind of person... but given the norms in this world, he wouldn’t have been surprised.

Before he could say anything, though, Lee Hua continued.

"—But it doesn’t stop her from working hard to protect her younger brothers or care for those weaker than her." His voice had lost its earlier hesitation, now carrying a quiet certainty. "She helps anyone who needs it. Not because others are watching, but because it’s in her nature."

Xu Feng’s brows lifted slightly.

That was... a surprisingly thoughtful answer.

"She ignored the other servants’ sharp words and actions toward her and immediately started washing their old clothes to keep their new residence clean," Lee Hua added.

"She wasn’t ashamed of their status, nor did she try to fit in with the existing staff. She’s focused on cleanliness and making sure those around her are taken care of."

Xu Feng’s lips curled into a slow smile.

’Nice.’

He had picked right.

And Lee Hua—who hadn’t even officially accepted his title yet—was already watching over Nanshan like a hawk.

"You’ll make a great steward... or head maid... nanny?" Xu Feng trailed off, suddenly realizing that he had no idea what the title should be.

Lee Hua just stared at him.

Xu Feng frowned. "What do I even call you?"

Lee Hua let out a small, incredulous laugh, shaking his head. "Just tell me what you need, Master Feng. I’ll do it."

Xu Feng huffed. "I’ll ask San."

Lee Hua chuckled softly, but there was something more settled about his expression now.

Xu Feng leaned back, exhaling. What mattered was that the right people were in place to make Nanshan home.

But still...

Titles were important, right?

If they were all calling him Master Feng here, there, and everywhere... shouldn’t they have proper titles too?

.

.

.

Xu Feng had intended to find San first. That would have been the logical next step. She and Si, the two pillars of Blooming Courtyard, would have been his first stop—San especially, given her usual role in handling estate affairs when he was away.

But before he could even take a step in her direction, his plans derailed.

His gaze locked onto a familiar figure standing near the doorway, lingering with the patience of a scholar who had either been waiting or—more likely—eavesdropping.

Xuan Yang.

He had more than enough time to make himself scarce, but he didn’t.

Neither did Xu Feng.

They stared each other down, unspoken words lingering between them.

His husband had stayed behind on purpose. Whether it was to let Xu Feng know he had been listening in or because he had something to say, Xu Feng wasn’t quite sure.

He didn’t even glance back at Lee Hua, who remained at a respectable distance behind him. The midwife—no, steward?—was human, after all. His senses wouldn’t have picked up on Xuan Yang’s presence at all.

Instead, without preamble, Xu Feng turned fully to his husband and asked, "What should Midwife Lee... I should stop calling you that. What should Lee Hua’s title be?"

There was no condemnation in his voice, no scolding for the eavesdropping. He was just as direct as always.

Xuan Yang tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes assessing. But he didn’t hesitate.

"Lee Hua would be a steward," he said easily. "And San should be promoted to Chief Attendant."

That was all Xu Feng expected to get, but apparently, today his husband was feeling unusually generous with information. That hadn’t been the case three months ago. Back then, he had to fight both Jian and Yang for even the smallest piece of information.

Xuan Yang continued, his tone smooth and deliberate as he laid out the reasoning behind the positions with the patience of a man who had already thought of everything.

"San is perfect for this role because she will manage all stewards and report directly to you. She’ll ensure rules are followed, problems are addressed, and efficiency is maintained. Without a Chief Attendant, you would need to personally oversee everything."

Xu Feng pursed his lips.

That was something he definitely wanted to avoid.

He was still too involved in estate matters, and that was one of the reasons their home couldn’t sustain itself. He wasn’t doing his part and was leaning too heavily on Si, San, and Xu Hu Zhe—they needed work-life balance too!

Luckily, Xuan Yang wasn’t done.

"Si should also receive a new title—Personnel Steward. She will handle servant management, discipline, hiring, wages, and assignments."

Xu Feng arched a brow. "Sounds like a headache."

"Necessary," Xuan Yang corrected smoothly. "She’ll also be important in training. While she is still young and free-spirited, she is skilled at learning new skills and teaching others. She is also the most..." He searched for the word.

"—She’s the most light handed with currency. Much like you."

Xu Feng wasn’t sure if he should be offended or not, but it was true. Si was less affected by his spending habits and would be able to handle estate finances without their kitchen ending up as bare as when San managed it.

"Most importantly, she will track who is trustworthy and who is a potential informant. She’ll need to work closely with Lee Hua to accomplish this smoothly."

Xu Feng huffed in reluctant agreement.

Alright, that did sound necessary.

"As for Lee Hua," Xuan Yang continued, "he should take the role of Household Affairs Steward. He’ll oversee daily domestic affairs—cooking, cleaning, supplies, and organizing the courtyards. He will supervise the maids, kitchen staff, laundry workers, and cleaning staff."

That part, at least, had been expected. Xu Feng nodded, already envisioning the shifts in responsibility.

Then, Xuan Yang’s tone took on a sharper edge.

"There are two more positions that need to be filled posthaste. The Outer Estate Steward will manage the barnyard, animals, greenhouse, ponds, farmland, and deliveries, and the Security Captain will be in charge of all estate guards and security."

Xu Feng exhaled through his nose. "I take it you don’t want Xu Hu Zhe to handle both?" Xu Hu Zhe was already juggling more responsibilities than any one person should.

"It wouldn’t be balanced," Xuan Yang admitted. "One of these roles should go to Xuan Jian’s men to divide the workload more evenly."

Their conversation naturally moved toward the study, where Lee Hua hovered awkwardly near the doorway. His posture was stiff, his eyes shifting between the two husbands as if uncertain whether he should excuse himself or wait for further instruction.

Xu Feng could only stand his awkward presence for so long.

"Sit down," he said, waving him toward the seating area. "Comfortably."

Lee Hua hesitated but eventually took a seat. He still looked as if he were sitting on eggshells, but at least he wasn’t standing stiffly in the corner anymore.

The study was quiet for a moment before Xu Feng finally spoke again.

"I think you and Jian know I want to do more than just overhaul the servants."

Xuan Yang regarded him carefully before nodding once. "Whatever you want to do, we will support you wholeheartedly."

Xu Feng’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "Then we should also plan for the wedding."

Xuan Yang’s brows lifted slightly.

Xu Feng’s grin widened. He was enjoying this.

"I wasn’t joking."

Xuan Yang exhaled, but his black eyes softened in a way that made something in Xu Feng’s chest tighten.

"We’ll handle our home first," Xu Feng continued. "But after that...".

This time, their wedding would be on their terms.

...

Xu Feng had no intention of getting carried away.

Really.

But the moment Xuan Yang said, "Whatever you want to do, we will support you wholeheartedly," something inside him melted.

It wasn’t just the words—it was the way he said them. The absolute certainty. That was hot.

Before his mind could catch up, his body had already moved.

He surged forward, grabbed Xuan Yang’s shoulders, and pulled him into a firm kiss.

The warmth of his husband’s lips sent a shiver down his spine, and for a fleeting moment, Xu Feng let himself get lost in it. The scent of ink and sandalwood, the strong yet precise hands that immediately steadied him at the waist—everything about Xuan Yang was intoxicating.

Smart, deadly, and devoted to him.

How was that fair?

Xuan Yang exhaled against his lips, amusement clear even through the kiss. "Feng’er—"

And that was when it hit him. They weren’t alone.

There were three people in the room.

Xu Feng stiffened, his eyes widening slightly as the realization washed over him like ice water.

Aish.

Very, very slowly, he withdrew, putting an acceptable amount of distance between them while keeping his expression perfectly controlled.

His ears, however, were burning.

Xuan Yang, on the other hand, looked absolutely delighted.

Not just pleased—radiant.

Like he had just been handed the most entertaining moment of his life.

Clearing his throat, Xu Feng smoothed down his robes as if nothing had happened, refusing to acknowledge the stupid grin now stretched across his husband’s face.

While Xuan Yang, still very much beaming, Xu Feng finally broke the silence.

"While the children are asleep, I’d like the servants we are letting go of to leave."

His tone was perfectly even—controlled, even—but the shifting of his eyes said otherwise.

"I need to speak to our people first, but Si, San, and Hu Zhe can be gathered now. After that, we’ll call everyone together."

It needed to be done. If they were restructuring the estate, then certain people needed to go.

"Is Xuan Jian going to be away for long?"

Xuan Yang hummed. "He is in the servant’s quarters, going over some details with his men."