She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 393 - 392: Gloom and Despondency

Chapter 393: Chapter 392: Gloom and Despondency

Jiang Yifan pushed aside those annoying thoughts and changed the subject to discuss serious matters, "In fact, it’s quite good for the Sixth Master to go back for a bit. He can check on the status of the railway construction in the capital and see where the holdups are. The sooner the railway carriage is operational, the earlier we can move on the next steps in transport."

Jinrong snorted, "Where else could the work be held up? They’re all just following the usual order of doing things, being cautious and deliberative, delaying everything by fussing over minor details. Anyway, the two sections I purchased are completed. If necessary, I can bring a couple of engineers back with me to see if we can get at least my section of the route up and running."

Jiang Yifan nodded in agreement, "That could indeed be a solution. If the railway carriage starts generating income, the merchants involved in the other sections will naturally become anxious. Besides, starting earlier means seeing results sooner, which is better than it sitting idle."

As they talked, Shi Yu came in to add water, signaling for Hongzhi to step out. Hongzhi left the room.

Jiang Yifan asked, "What’s the matter?"

Shi Yu replied, "Someone from the Sixth Master’s home brought a message, informing Hongzhi that he needs to return to the village."

Jiang Yifan looked at Jinrong, who said, "Let them in."

The messenger was from Clear Water Village, stopping by the county office on other business, bringing a message along: "This morning, someone from the capital came, a messenger from Duke An’s Mansion, delivering a message for Nanny Jin to return to Duke An’s Mansion before the New Year, to await further inquiries."

Upon hearing this, Jinrong was momentarily stunned, then a smile spread across his face.

After dismissing the visitor, Jinrong turned to Jiang Yifan and asked with a smile, "What do you think, Yuanfan? Is there any chance Ye Zi will let Nanny Jin go back alone?"

Jiang Yifan rolled his eyes at Jinrong. Of course, that was impossible. Was there even need to ask? Ah Yan would never allow Nanny Jin to face Duke An’s unpredictable inquiries alone. This meant that not only would the Sixth Master need to return to the capital before the New Year, but Ah Yan would have to as well. Moreover, based on the timing of their return to the capital, they would have to travel together.

Both of them going so far away to the capital, once Ah Yan returned, she wouldn’t be in control of her situation, and it was uncertain whether Duke An would allow her to leave. Meanwhile, he still had over a year left in his term, and by that time, if the Sixth Master’s circumstances changed, he had no idea where he might be assigned.

Most importantly, Ah Yan had not shown him any indication of interest. If there was any indication, it was her telling him that they had nothing between them. Given these circumstances, if they didn’t see each other for a few years, would he lose all chances with her?

Thinking this, Jiang Yifan felt his heart starting to ache.

"I need to make a trip to Clear Water Village," Jiang Yifan said before standing up to leave.

Jinrong leaned forward, pulling him back into his seat, "It’s already late. By the time you get there, you’ll have missed dinner. You won’t be able to see Ye Zi this late at night, and you’ll just cause unnecessary trouble for the Qi family."

Jiang Yifan’s expression changed a few times before he settled back into his seat. Although his face had shifted twice, it remained unsightly.

After waving Shi Yu and Hongzhi away, Jinrong spoke slowly, "You need to take some time to think things through properly. This won’t do. Based on Ye Xinyan’s current demeanor, she has no plans to remarry, so she doesn’t care about anyone. But if one day she decides to marry, the chosen one may not necessarily be you. How will you cope then with the way you are now?"

It was unclear whether Jiang Yifan took Jinrong’s words to heart; he just sat there with a gloomy face, remaining silent.

Jinrong couldn’t help but feel amused and asked, "What’s this supposed to mean? If she one day decides to marry me, are you going to cut ties with me?"

Jiang Yifan finally showed some response, turned his face to the side, shot a glance at Jinrong, and said, "She won’t marry you. Just based on your identity, and the fact that you’ll end up sending her into the palace, she would never be willing to marry you."

"..." Those words, weren’t they just a bit too blunt, too undiplomatic? "You’re no better, I’m only trying to cheer you up because I see you’re upset. Is there really any need to provoke me with such comments and vent your personal anger?"

If he weren’t in a good mood about going back to the capital with Ye Zi soon, he would have lost his temper by now. To speak such unreserved words, this kid must be losing his mind.

It’s only because of his good mood that Jinrong gave Jiang Yifan some slack. And Jiang Yifan, whose mood was extremely foul, still didn’t give Jinrong any kind words, "What? Can’t handle the truth at this moment? How will you ever be a wise sovereign when you ascend to the utmost heights?"

"You!" Jinrong pointed at him, then bit his teeth fiercely and said, "Forget it. Out of consideration for your bad mood, I won’t argue with you. I’m leaving."

Jiang Yifan said coldly, "No need to see you out."

Although he spoke in such a manner, he couldn’t truly disregard the courtesies due to a prince, so Jiang Yifan, with a heart full of darkness, saw Jinrong out, and then sat alone in the room for a long time.

Ah Yan was already twenty years old, whether it was Duke An or the wife of the heir apparent, if they wanted her to remarry, they would not allow her to waste her youth any longer. What if she really couldn’t leave the capital again after this return? What would he do then?

Jiang Yifan calmed down, and his thoughts gradually returned. Perhaps he could put some effort into winning over Anshun’s household.

He could tell that compared to Prince Yu, Anshun’s household seemed more willing to let Ah Yan spend more time with him. As a servant of Anshun’s household, such behavior could hardly be her own wish; most likely, it was Duke An who harbored this intention.

Judging by Zhao Gang’s attitude the last time, it seemed futile to make an effort at Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion. However, it should be possible with the wife of the heir apparent. No matter how much resentment the wife of the heir apparent had towards him, as a mother wholly devoted to her daughter, she would probably set everything aside if it benefited her daughter.

It seems that the wife of the heir apparent would indeed wish for her daughter to be the primary wife, to bear children, and to grow old with her husband as the only one.

Jiang Yifan had never realized how beautiful the phrases ’raising children’ and ’growing old together’ could be—just the thought of it could make one’s heart stir. Yes, he wanted to raise children and grow old together with Ah Yan, to enjoy a fulfilling life surrounded by children and grandchildren when they both had turned grey.

The next day, Jiang Yifan arranged the county affairs early on, and then waited for Jinrong’s arrival.

Jinrong was cheerful at the county government office for just a moment, but after reflecting seriously on it, Ye Xinyan’s return to the capital did him no favors. Once back in the Duke’s Mansion, she certainly wouldn’t be in frequent contact with him as she was now. And if she were to become trapped in the capital, his loss would be great indeed.

Jinrong pondered the matter all night long; it was not a trivial matter. It was still preferable to go to Clear Water Village together and discuss it seriously.

For them, Nanny Jin’s return to the capital was not a significant event. But if Ye Xinyan went back, it would be different—not because of sentimental reasons, but because of the many implications involved. The cattle farm, the dairy product workshop, and even the Construction Industry were largely under her management at the moment. If she went back to the capital, all these affairs would need to be properly arranged.

Being absent for a month requires one set of arrangements, half a year requires another, and if she were to stay in the capital forever...sigh!

When Jinrong and Jiang Yifan’s party arrived at the Qi family in Clear Water Village, the Qi family’s faces were also clouded with worry.