She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 265 - 264: Take a Look on the Way

Chapter 265: Chapter 264: Take a Look on the Way

Jinrong thought of the scene in the fields, where cattle were laboring everywhere thanks to his efforts, and felt quite proud of himself. He said to Jiang Yifan, "When I first started the cattle farm, I didn’t think there would be so many troublesome matters. If it weren’t for Ye Zi later proposing to produce dairy products, it could have indeed attracted unwanted attention. Then, even if we were accused of having sinister motives, any defense would have likely aroused suspicion."

An autographed letter from His Majesty the Emperor was a rarity, naturally it wouldn’t be several pages long. Jiang Yifan read the letter carefully twice, and it didn’t take much time.

Jiang Yifan returned the letter to Jinrong, "Even now, we can’t be certain that people won’t covet what we have, but with His Majesty on your side, there are no obstacles in your way. After a year or two, when the cattle farm in Clear Water Village has gained experience, you can expand the operation beyond Yuyuan Prefecture. Not only will it be profitable, but it will also allow you to accomplish great things in agriculture. The Sixth Master was right; this letter is indeed important. In critical moments, it can be of great use."

After watching Jinrong safely store the letter, Jiang Yifan asked, "So, does that mean the butter taken from the Qi family can be used and hasn’t spoiled?"

Jinrong nodded, "It’s still fresh. Zhang Baokui and his people did a good job with the butter. Zhang Baokui said that as long as the water content in the butter is thoroughly removed, it can be preserved for a longer time. However, Qi Ye also mentioned that it’s nearly late autumn, and the cooling weather contributes to the freshness of the butter."

Jiang Yifan pondered for a moment, then asked, "What about in the future? Does Sixth Master plan to suggest to the palace to purchase butter and dried cheese from the Northern Barbarians, or will you frequently send it to the capital yourself?"

"Isn’t that obvious? Of course, I’ll be the one to frequently send it to the palace. How can my filial piety be compared to the produce from barbarian lands?" After saying this, Jinrong sighed, "It would be great if there were a few cattle farms near the capital. With the capital’s prosperity, dairy products would certainly have a good market, and I could make some silver. It would also save the long journey from Yuyuan Prefecture to the capital. Just traveling that distance is arduous, let alone ensuring the goods stay fresh. I’m not sure we’d be able to deliver them in the heat of summer."

Jiang Yifan gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Is that even a problem? Just use more cotton packing and change the ice along the way during the summer. Why worry so much? Sixth Master agreed to collaborate with Ye Zi on dairy products merely to divert the attention of the capital. Hasn’t that goal already been achieved? You should focus on the important things.

You should also know that when Lian Gui left, Ye Zi brought a cookbook for small eats to the wife of the heir of Duke An. If the wife of the heir apparent opens an ornate shop in the capital, specializing in the small eats and soups of the Qi Family’s snack shop, are you worried the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince won’t use the same things to please His Majesty? It’s possible that by next summer, pastry and soup shops will have already opened in the capital. You should worry more about how to promote plow cattle in agriculture and how to acquire more dairy cattle for the farms."

Jinrong spoke proudly, "Acquiring more dairy cattle is a must, and the people I’ve sent out have already started herding the cattle back. As for whether the wife of Duke’s Heir Apparent starts a business, I’m not worried at all. My brothers can use the same methods I’ve used, but it’s only picking up scraps of wisdom; they won’t achieve any remarkable results."

Jiang Yifan, holding a teacup, smiled and said, "You are quite open-minded."

Jinrong answered heartily, "Of course. If I were bothered by it, wouldn’t I be just like my foolish brothers, huddling in the capital, living a tasteless life in fear? It’s better for me to roam around freely. Next year, when my courtyard is finished, I’ll enjoy myself there for a couple of years before planning anything else."

As Jiang Yifan thought about Jinrong’s distant courtyard in Yuyuan City, he felt a hint of melancholy. That courtyard was exquisitely beautiful, and it was built for this fellow. Thinking of the time when Jinrong would enjoy the beautiful courtyard planned by Ye Xinyan, while he was left guarding a shabby Yamen, wasn’t it too desolate?

Jiang Yifan gave Jinrong another glance. Staying in Yuyuan City wasn’t too bad; there were benefits to being away.

"Will your courtyard be finished by next year?" Jiang Yifan asked.

"Most likely. By then, I’ll have a comfortable courtyard to relax in." Jinrong shook his hands to loosen up his muscles, "The Qi family has two clerks from my side, and they’ve also been helping with the construction documents for the courtyard. They’ve sent word that the documents are well-prepared, no need for further review, and can be used directly.

"Now, we have started to prepare materials according to the list, doing some groundwork before winter comes. Things like stone carving can also be done in winter, so next spring we can start formal construction. Qi Younian’s construction business works fast; I reckon it will take half a year, or just over half a year at the most, to finish."

Remembering the news about the Dairy Products Store, Jinrong continued, "Once Zhou Bingyi takes that young lady of his away, the construction documents for the courtyard should also be completed. Then we can take a trip over there and also check out the fermented soft cheese that Zhang Baokui has been experimenting with. It’s said that this type of cheese preserves a certain level of moisture while remaining preserved for a long time. The first batch of soft cheese has been sitting for over a month now without spoiling. Ye Zi said, with this product, we can truly call it cheese, which can be widely used."

Jiang Yifan nodded and smiled, "I heard them mention this the last time I visited. Of course, it would be best if we had something like that. The biggest challenge with food is preservation. If we can make cheese into an ingredient that is ready to use anytime, then the hard cheese made by the grassland herdsmen will be out of the picture, and Sixth Master wouldn’t have to worry about other princes winning His Majesty’s favor."

Jinrong hummed twice, "Even without this cheese, I, Sixth Master, am not afraid of them. There are benefits to being idle. In the eyes of Imperial Father, I am the filial child who does not covet his throne."

......

With the case of Liang Qiyuan settled, Zhou Bingyi lingered for a few more days before taking Zhou Biyao back to Yuyuan City.

When leaving, Zhou Biyao was filled with reluctance, shedding tears while saying goodbye to Ye Xinyan. This time she didn’t clutch at Ye Xinyan; instead, she continuously wiped her face with her own sleeves, trying to discreetly dab her tears on the fabric.

Zhou Bingyi also spent a bit more time in the guest room, taking another look at the courtyard Jinrong was renovating. He thought to himself that of course, he couldn’t just stroll into His Highness Prince Yu’s courtyard at his leisure. But once the Qi Family Construction Business started working, he could use the excuse of accompanying the Yamen’s junior officials to inspect the project, visiting more often when it was near completion. The courtyard wouldn’t be much different from when it was handed over, and he would ensure he got his fill of visits.

Hardly had Zhou Bingyi left when Jinrong and Jiang Yifan arrived. The two of them didn’t bring many followers this time, just two young servants and Jinrong’s two guards.

The Qi family’s premises were now much more spacious, and Qi Younian had the confidence to receive guests. He had the servants and guards settled in the wing rooms with tea and snacks provided. He and Cheung Wusi entertained the two distinguished guests with tea and rest in a temporary guest room, before moving to the formal guest room to review the railway transportation and the construction documents for the courtyard.