She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 503 - 501: Intentions?

Chapter 503: Chapter 501: Intentions?

Two years ago, the people of His Highness Prince Fu were able to follow Jinrong to Qingyuan County and get a clear picture of her every move, such that she prematurely revealed her whereabouts. The Qi Family Construction Business, a civilian institution, was virtually transparent in their eyes.

The new-style tools used by the Qi Family Construction Business were not hidden by Qi Younian and Ye Xinyan. With many artisans employed in the construction industry, finding out about the affairs and equipment used by them was quite simple. Even now, other construction companies had begun using their own pulleys and pulley blocks.

Last year, when Qi Younian led people to build the royal mansion’s courtyard in Yuyuan City, officials from the yamen responsible for public works entered numerous times and inspected countless times. In the eyes of their peers, the Qi Family Construction Business held no secrets.

Therefore, when Mr. Fang made clear his intentions and finished speaking, Ye Xinyan agreed without hesitation, immediately drafting a letter to be sent to Grandfather Qi, asking him to cooperate with Mr. Fang and his two companions. She allowed Mr. Fang to freely examine all the tools in the construction business or even join in the work if he wished.

Mr. Fang and the two clerks exchanged glances, not picking up on what Ye Xinyan had said, but instead probing, "I’ve heard that Miss Ye is short of craftsmen here, may I know if this is the case?"

Ye Xinyan’s eyes swept over the three men. She hadn’t openly recruited a large number of craftsmen; the fact that these people knew about it indicated that they had taken considerable effort to investigate and had come prepared.

Ye Xinyan nodded and replied, "Mr. Fang is correct. We are currently preparing to establish a workshop specializing in the production of construction tools, and indeed we are in need of skillful craftsmen. However, this matter is still in the preparatory stage and has not been announced publicly. I wonder how Mr. Fang came to know of this?"

Mr. Fang chuckled dryly, his eyes betraying his excitement, "When visiting Miss Ye, one should always inquire if Miss Ye is at her convenience to receive guests. It was by coincidence that I learned about the need for craftsmen here—an absolute coincidence."

His Highness Prince Fu sent them to approach Miss Ye, to find out how much she knew about construction or imperial workshop techniques, and then to arrange for the skilled workers they brought to stay at the Qi family for a while. They aimed to understand what made Miss Ye exceptional in preparation for the upcoming railway transportation project.

Listening to Miss Ye, it seemed she was already planning to establish a workshop specializing in the production of tools, which likely meant that she had decided on what tools to manufacture.

"Oh, I see," Ye Xinyan responded to Mr. Fang’s explanation, purposely changing the subject, "Mr. Fang, please have some tea and try our local pastries. These snacks are made according to a recipe from a casual eatery in the county town. They taste quite good and have a unique flavor."

Mr. Fang exchanged a few meaningless replies with Ye Xinyan, and seeing that she refused to discuss matters of construction and tools, he brought up the topic again, "May I ask what kind of tools your workshop plans to make, and if we might be able to take a look?"

Ye Xinyan put down her teacup, her expression apologetic, and hesitantly said, "I’m afraid that’s not quite appropriate. The workshop is a joint venture among several people and, as a minor woman in charge of affairs, it’s not for me to make unilateral decisions on this matter."

The corner of Mr. Fang’s mouth twitched. Everyone knew the temperament of Duke An’s Mansion’s Miss Ye, yet here she was, acting as if she were hard-pressed before us commoners...

"The few people Miss Ye mentioned who are in partnership... who could possibly be qualified to partner with you, Miss Ye?" Mr. Fang cautiously inquired. Hopefully, it wasn’t His Highness Prince Yu; with others, excuses involving the Ministry of Works or state affairs could be used to apply some pressure. However, if the partner was His Highness Prince Yu, that would be a different story.

His Highness Prince Yu was not involved in government affairs and always kept himself clearly separated from them. If he was not willing, he would never surrender the devices he controlled to the Ministry of Works. Unless His Majesty spoke; whatever His Majesty requested belonged to the entire world, and then His Highness Prince Fu would have no advantage.

Ye Xinyan showed a look of difficulty, "This matter, which I’ve just begun to consider and is still without form, wouldn’t be appropriate to discuss with His Highness Prince Fu, would it? Perhaps, after I go back, I can ask the other stakeholders to see if they are willing to reveal their identities?"

Even if Mr. Fang knew that this lady’s words were an evasion, given her status, he really couldn’t say it outright.

He again indirectly changed the topic, "Around the time of the New Year, Miss Ye used less than two months to resolve the railway carriage crisis that had troubled the capital for nearly a year. His Highness Prince Fu greatly admires Miss Ye’s skill. Now, by sending us, he sincerely wishes to learn from you and acquire the ability to handle affairs like you do."

Mr. Fang gave a respectful bow to Wong Qiao, who was sitting to the left of Ye Xinyan, "And the skills of Brother Wong have also long been known to us. The court is currently planning a major project, and if the equipment made by Miss Ye and Brother Wong could be used in the court’s construction, contributing to the court’s efforts, I believe His Majesty and His Highness Prince Fu would certainly acknowledge your contributions."

Ye Xinyan coughed lightly, covering the corner of her lips with a handkerchief. Internally, she couldn’t help but scorn. Just a few days ago, relying on her so-called skills, she had managed to acquire a twenty percent share from Jinrong and Jiang Yifan for essentially nothing.

From Mr. Fang’s implications, it seemed that His Highness Prince Fu was even more ruthless and unscrupulous than she was; without any skills of his own, he also wanted to gain something for nothing and casually take away the things she had brought across time and space for free.

Ye Xinyan withdrew her handkerchief, apologizing as she spoke, "I must be honest with Mr. Fang, the workshops I mentioned earlier will solely undertake the production of all the large and small equipment used by the Construction Industry. These workshops will operate as an independent business, and the devices made will be sold to earn silver." Ye Xinyan spread her hands in a helpless gesture, "You see, Mr. Fang, when it comes to business... unique secrets, if given away just like that... how would one make money to support a family? Please, Mr. Fang, understand the difficulty of a small woman like me."

Wong Qiao had been mentioned by Mr. Fang and had been on alert ever since the court was brought up. No matter how he thought about it, he felt it was not right to agree.

But Ye Zi had said it. She wanted to make money and genuinely couldn’t give what she had to the court; moreover, Ye Zi also needed to... support a family.

Wong Qiao sat upright with a serious expression, scrutinizing Mr. Fang with earnest eyes, wondering what else he would say.

Mr. Fang coughed, unprepared for Miss Ye’s words. Without instructions from His Highness Prince Fu, he dared not make any rash promises. He spoke with slight embarrassment, "The court’s project this time is very important. Duke An devoted his life to the country, and Miss Ye would surely be willing to make a contribution as well, right?"

Ye Xinyan nodded, "Of course I am willing. If our workshop can produce practical equipment, we will certainly prioritize supplying the court’s projects."

One of Mr. Fang’s subordinates couldn’t help but interject, "Can Miss Ye tell us what kind of equipment your workshop intends to make? If Miss Ye is short of hands, this humble official can bring people to help. Please rest assured Miss Ye, they are all craftsmen of exquisite skill and will not delay your affairs."

Ye Xinyan twirled the teacup in her hand, silently observing the three men sent by His Highness Prince Fu, without replying. Was this their purpose for coming here? The court’s clerks bringing the court’s craftsmen to work in her place, once the equipment was tried and tested, to whom would it belong?