She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 476 - 474: Don’t Let Any Details Slip Through

Chapter 476: Chapter 474: Don’t Let Any Details Slip Through

Prince Fu and Princess Fu have always been cautious in their dealings; they wouldn’t mistreat a controversial woman without a good reason. This development, neither too significant nor too trivial, allowed some officials in the capital to sense a different air.

After Madam Yin and her daughter visited Prince Fu’s Mansion for a banquet on the eighth day of the lunar month, by the morning of the tenth, Ye Xinyan had already received six invitations. These included a poetry gathering hosted by Liu Chengzhi of the Cabinet, a garden party hosted by the Xu Family of Marquis Jingyuan’s Mansion, and a tea tasting meeting for young ladies of the capital hosted by the daughter-in-law of the Vice Minister of Personnel... the list went on.

For Ye Xinyan, no matter where she stood within the circle of the capital’s noble ladies, she had no intention of claiming a place for herself. Her goal in returning this time was very clear: to shield Nanny Jin from disaster. The operation of the Railway Carriage and the recognition of her identity were unexpected joys.

With only twenty short days left before she would leave the capital and return to Clear Water Village, she certainly wouldn’t spend her time socializing with a group of idle highborn ladies, let alone considering that while these ladies might not be adept at serious matters, they were very skilled at setting traps and ruining plans.

Furthermore, after the eighth day, businesses and trade signs across the capital had gradually resumed. The Railway Carriage service had also started operating on that very day.

Following the trial operation before the new year and nearly ten days of suspension during the festive period, three different types of carriages approached the starting station on the morning of the eighth, ushering in another round of opening prosperity rivaling the bustling scenes seen on the day of the inaugural trial operation.

Although the management of the rail line had been handed over to Prince Yu’s Mansion, as the Railway Carriage service had been operational for only a short time, it was still going through its trial phase. Although no major malfunctions had occurred, there were still minor issues. Having taken two thousand taels of silver from His Highness Prince Yu for operating costs, Ye Xinyan didn’t need to show up on time for work, but it was still essential to stop by and inspect things regularly.

The business of Madam Yin’s Pastry House had always been good, and inquiries about its reopening had been made long ago. After the eighth, the Pastry House would also open its doors for business again.

As the beloved daughter of Madam Yin, Ye Xinyan had not had a chance to observe her mother’s business before the new year, and now with some time on her hands, visiting her mother’s business more often, lavishly praising her mother’s capabilities and the delicacies of the Pastry House, was an indisputable duty of hers as a daughter.

So, where would she find the time for those tedious banquets?

Duke An did not want her to waste her efforts on such matters. No matter whether the invitations were delivered by a maid or an old woman servant, Lian Gui received all of them. The excuse for declining was simple: Miss Ye was still burdened with duties and would soon return to Yuyuan Prefecture. Currently, she was busy preparing for the journey and genuinely didn’t have time to visit other households.

Once this message was out, the people of the capital were once again astonished. Two years ago, Miss Ye had only fled the capital in a hurry because she was facing an unsolvable dilemma. Now, with such favorable circumstances, she was actually planning to return to the remote village in Yuyuan Prefecture... Wasn’t the capital prosperous enough? Not wealthy enough? Was her status not high enough? Didn’t she receive enough praise?

Burdened with duties? Could that even be considered a reason? Now that the daughter of Duke An’s Mansion had her status restored, did she still need to bear such errands? If she were unwilling, even His Highness Prince Yu had no reason to force a lady to come out and work, right?

......

Prince Fu and Princess Fu sat on a couch in the simply decorated but warmly styled living room.

Prince Fu pondered before speaking to Princess Fu, "Shen Yongzhen’s qualifications are quite decent, and he would be an excellent match for Ye Xinyan, especially considering her divorce and return home. The biggest problem is that Madam Shen isn’t in the capital, and matters of children’s marriage are traditionally arranged by the womenfolk. As a father, Shen Qixiang really shouldn’t be discussing marriage proposals with matchmakers. If we allow Ye Xinyan to return to Clear Water County, we’d also have to worry about Jiang Yifan lurking around, adding too much uncertainty to the situation."

Princess Fu couldn’t understand why Prince Fu was placing so much importance on Ye Xinyan and felt puzzled, "No matter how capable Ye Xinyan is, she’s still a woman, and there’s a limit to what she can do. Is she really worth all this effort?"

Prince Fu didn’t elaborate on Ye Xinyan’s role to the princess consort but only calmed her by holding her hand, saying, "We are simply bringing all the people we can under our influence to be thoroughly prepared. The Yin Family is inquiring about eligible bachelors, isn’t it? You should have someone drop a hint to Madam Sun."

"If the Yin Family takes a liking to Shen Yongzhen, it’s possible for the two families to exchange tokens and make a verbal agreement first. It would be even better if this matter could keep Ye Xinyan in the capital. Since it’s been said that Ye Xinyan will soon leave the capital, as heard from Duke An’s Mansion, I imagine she would not stay much longer. There’s no time to waste. I would appreciate it, Princess, if you could arrange for someone to pass the message to Madam Sun immediately."

After settling matters with the princess consort, Prince Fu went on to the front yard to discuss with his advisors and the chief clerk of the prince’s mansion.

In the front hall of Prince Fu’s Mansion, advisors Liu Yu and the chief clerk Shi Dong were waiting. As soon as Prince Fu sat down, he asked Shi Dong, "Any news from the person arranged to contact Dong Bolin?"

Shi Dong replied, "Yes, Dong Bolin said that he has written all his thoughts and knowledge about railway transportation in the memorials submitted to the Cabinet. As for the rest, he said he might not know as much as those in the capital who manage railway construction and the craftsmen involved."

Prince Fu frowned slightly but didn’t say much more. He had skimmed through the memorials Dong Bolin submitted to the court, and the description regarding railway transportation was rather detailed. For an official who climbed up the ranks through the imperial examination, explaining engineering matters so clearly was no small feat. Indeed, the craftsmen and managers who specialize in the field would have a clearer and better understanding of the construction details.

"Then have people thoroughly investigate the managers and craftsmen involved in building the railway carriages in the capital. If anyone stands out, find a way to recruit them. Start by giving them miscellaneous tasks for now. Once the court officially initiates railway transportation, these craftsmen will be very useful," Prince Fu ordered.

Shi Dong nodded in compliance, and Prince Fu then inquired of Liu Yu, "Has Shen Qixiang said when his wife might arrive? If Ye Xinyan is truly the mastermind behind railway carriage and transportation, this woman becomes crucial."

Liu Yu answered, "Madam Shen is already en route and is expected to arrive within half a month."

Prince Fu nodded, "For the sake of caution, have him send someone to meet her along the way and hasten her arrival to the capital. Finalize Ye Xinyan’s remarriage as soon as possible. We must not underestimate Ye Xinyan’s matters, not just regarding railway transportation. I suspect she is extremely talented in other matters as well. Qi Younian, who is over sixty, came to know her and then revitalized the Construction Industry, with drastically improved techniques and craftsmanship. It certainly isn’t something he could have achieved alone at his age."

Prince Fu then tasked Shi Dong, "In secret, have someone copy the memorials Dong Bolin submitted to the Cabinet, and engage someone skilled in engineering to start planning. Railway transportation is a major undertaking; it’s critical to have the right people to commence the project. If the initial construction goes smoothly, the court will expand the transportation network using these people as the foundation. Completing the entire project can lead to the rise of many officials and competent bureaucrats. It’s an excellent opportunity for promotion and appointment before the Crown Prince’s faction catches on, so we should make our move first."

"Also, despite Shen Yongzhen not having the typical vices of the dandies, he must be cautious during this time. It would be a pity for us to put in all this effort only to have it fall apart because of him," Prince Fu cautioned Liu Yu once more.