She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 316 - 315: Put Some Effort into Farming Work

Chapter 316: Chapter 315: Put Some Effort into Farming Work

Although some officials and members of the Imperial Power were dissatisfied, believing that this action ruined a profitable position and raised objections, hoping to take it back for the court to undertake the construction,

how could they refute when the Emperor also expected a return? Since no one could come up with a better solution, and there was already such an excellent method that didn’t involve the State Treasury and yet could get the job done, why would they take it back and spend their own silver? How foolish would that be?

All matters had been settled, and it was time for Wan Yan to return to serve His Highness Prince Yu.

Wan Yan was chosen from the palace and had served Jinrong since he was a child. His Majesty the Emperor was also familiar with Wan Yan, so naturally, Wan Yan had to pay his respects to His Majesty the Emperor before leaving the capital to serve Prince Yu.

In the past, His Majesty would merely acknowledge and send people away, but on this occasion, feeling good, he broke precedent by granting an audience with Wan Yan.

No wonder the Emperor had this leisure; it was because recently, all matters were going smoothly. Near the end of the year, when everything should be winding down, a proposal for a railway transport was unexpectedly raised, showing that the ministers were deeply concerned for the world and the court, the epitome of loyalty and goodness.

If the rail transport in the capital were successful, would it not become a spectacle of the capital? And if built more solid and robust, it could last a century. To operate for a hundred years without decline would be a merit of the current reign, and such a great accomplishment didn’t require spending from the State Treasury, so how could His Majesty not be pleased?

Tracking back to the source, the incident regarding the railway’s use happened precisely in the carefree Jinrong’s territory. It seemed that having a son who was somewhat unruly and spent silver on building a barely useful courtyard wasn’t entirely without benefits. In the end, the son had made some progress, and it was essential to remind Jinrong’s servants.

Therefore, His Majesty the Emperor allowed Wan Yan to be presented, asked about Jinrong’s current business and his living conditions in detail, and then in a good mood, gave many instructions to Wan Yan. Things like serving His Highness well, persuading His Highness to devote more attention to state affairs, mentioning that he wasn’t young anymore, as a prince, he couldn’t always think about enjoying wealth and honor, and should also contribute to the well-being of the world and so on.

Wan Yan nodded repeatedly, agreeing that he would definitely serve His Highness with devotion and would unquestionably persuade His Highness to share His Majesty’s concerns.

In the end, His Majesty remembered the rumors about that strangely flavored cheese.

Upon hearing the Emperor enquire about this, Wan Yan was overjoyed and quickly explained, "Actually, it’s just a dairy product, nothing strange. Cow’s milk and cheese are ingredients that are not easy to store, and to produce this kind of cheese that retains moisture while being stored for a long time is quite difficult, so the price is very high; it’s not because the taste is exceptionally good.

The smell of this cheese is indeed rich, but many people do not like it, so the prince did not dare to send it to Your Majesty. It’s not that the prince wasn’t thinking of Your Majesty, but he was overly cautious because he cares too much for Your Majesty."

His Majesty scolded with a laugh, "Look at what you are saying, like I, as his father, would compete with him for a bite of food."

Wan Yan didn’t dare to lift his head, quickly bowing and saying, "This old servant is not eloquent, Your Majesty. I am simply relaying what the prince normally says to Your Majesty, with no other meaning."

His Majesty waved his hand and laughed, "Alright, alright, there isn’t that much nonsense. Go back and tell Jinrong what I said, understanding how to manage industries and make silver is good. However, he should not spend too much effort on these merchant affairs, as competing with the citizens for profit as a prince is ultimately unseemly. It is not the way of the Imperial Family."

"Yes, this old servant will surely convey Your Majesty’s decree to the prince."

But then again, His Majesty the Emperor also said later, fortunately, the cow farm isn’t solely for profit-seeking; the breeding of bulls could be used for farming, which was also indirectly a good deed that benefited the people. Jinrong could devote more effort to this matter.

Then, Steward Wan, who completed his mission beyond expectations, set off to return to Yuyuan Prefecture with many gifts prepared for the New Year and festive occasions.

......

His Majesty actually granted an audience to that servant, Wan Yan? And gave so many instructions to Jinrong, who was leisurely residing in Yuyuan Prefecture.

This news greatly annoyed the Crown Prince and Prince Fu.

The two had learned of Jinrong’s cattle farming enterprise and, after analysis by their trusted aides, concluded that profiting from cattle farming was outlandish and virtually impossible; Sixth Master’s actions could only aim at gaining a reputation for virtue through agricultural efforts.

If Jinrong, who was far from the capital, dared to do this, it threatened not only their positions as princes but was also a taboo for His Majesty the Emperor. Before they could trip up Jinrong, news came from Yuyuan Prefecture that his cattle farming was for business, to produce cow’s milk and dairy products. Soon after, butter and cheese pastries were also sent to the palace, legitimizing the purpose of Jinrong’s cattle farming.

Jinrong was managing the cattle farm for dairy product profits, not to participate in the struggle for the throne, a realization that greatly relieved the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince but also deprived them of the chance to completely topple Jinrong.

And now, the Imperial Father chose this moment to give Jinrong a hint, advising him to exert effort in cattle farming and agriculture.

Even if the Imperial Father was confident about Jinrong, this was not the right way to do things. Agriculture is a significant matter; if Jinrong handled it well, spreading the breeding of farming cattle throughout the realm would be a substantial merit. With a bit of embellishment, it could earn a lot of prestige and favor among the people. This was detrimental to the rule of the Imperial power, and the Imperial Father, always astute in all matters, had made such a mistake, which was truly infuriating.

Now, it was too late to say anything. These were instructions given by His Majesty the Emperor to Prince Yu, and once spoken, they became imperial edicts, with several ministers also present at the time. Now, even if Jinrong genuinely devoted himself to breeding draft cattle, no one would dare to object.

Interestingly, places like Yuyuan Prefecture and Qingyuan County, long overlooked and remote, had never been so scrutinized, attracting so much attention and covetous views.

Wan Yan’s trip to the capital was a complete success, stirring up quite the scene. Meanwhile, in the rural territories of Clear Water Village in Yuyuan Prefecture, the Qi family and Ye Xinyan received honored guests sent from Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion in the capital with great fanfare.