She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 506 - 504 Yield to Prince Fu

Chapter 506: Chapter 504 Yield to Prince Fu

Madam Yin was particularly pleased with Jiang Yifan’s belief that as long as his daughter was happy, everything would be fine. She spoke to Jiang Yifan in an increasingly gentle tone, "I really don’t understand these matters. Yuanfan, please keep an eye on them for me. If Ah Yan finds the work tough, let me know, and I’ll let her rest for a few days before continuing."

Jiang Yifan quickly bowed and agreed, "I will faithfully follow Madam’s instructions. Xiao Ke will pay extra attention, and if Ah Yan is tired or finds the work tough, I will certainly inform Madam first."

He considered for a moment. With several unfamiliar craftsmen now in the house, it would be better to inform Madam Yin earlier, "Ah Yan lacks skilled craftsmen here. This time, I have brought three craftsmen whose skills are quite good. I have already explained to Wong Qiao, hoping they can be of help to Ah Yan."

Madam Yin nodded, "Hmm, as a man, you should be more considerate of Ah Yan, and help her with some matters. She will always be grateful for your kindness." If it had not been for the divorce back then, Jiang Yifan would indeed have been a good husband. However, some twists and turns might be for the better—good things come to those who wait. The harder one works to obtain something, the more one tends to cherish it.

Now, the biggest obstacle between the two of them was ironically Ah Yan.

Back then, Ah Yan wasn’t even fifteen and was still an ignorant child, yet she insisted on marrying Jiang Yifan, kicking up a fuss. Although Jiang Yifan was impeccably polite to the Ye Family, his expression was always indifferent, clearly unwilling to enter into the marriage. At that time, they all doubted the marriage would work, but who could persuade her? And look at the result that came of it.

Now, since Jiang Yifan is willing to put effort into their relationship, she had high hopes for this son-in-law of hers, but Ah Yan was unwilling. This child always had to go against others. What would she do in the future?

......

Since Zhou Biyao was working in the office, some matters were inappropriate to discuss, so Ye Xinyan received Jiang Yifan in the guest room.

Jiu Yue served tea, and Ye Xinyan dismissed the attendants, retelling the events of the day to Jiang Yifan. Then, with a hint of confusion, she said, "His Highness Prince Fu has always had a good reputation, known for his diligence and integrity, but in the matter of the rail transportation, he seemed too eager, going so far as to send his own people from Prince Fu’s Mansion all the way to Clear Water Village. No matter how I look at it, something feels off."

Moreover, after saying so much, he only mentioned lending Prince Fu’s craftsmen and stewards to help with her work, without any mention of using her workforce.

She did not believe that they were unaware of the role Wong Qiao played in the Qi Family Construction Business. Even Jinrong had thought about placing Wong Qiao in the Ministry of Works, yet the people sent by Prince Fu didn’t even mention recruiting Wong Qiao. Even when she proactively offered Wong Qiao’s help for Prince Fu’s work, there was no response.

Imagine, if she had made such a proposal to Jinrong two years ago, Jinrong would have hastily agreed to let Wong Qiao work for him.

Jiang Yifan said, "Ah Yan, you’re not wrong in your thinking. It’s very possible that Prince Fu wants to monopolize the rail transportation project and keep the entire project within his power. Having been in charge of the Ministry of Works for many years, he probably senses a great opportunity." Speaking of the great opportunity, a smug smile appeared on the corners of Jiang Yifan’s mouth.

Ye Xinyan inquired, "A great opportunity? It’s just a lucrative post after all. The biggest benefit is to place and cultivate loyal followers, isn’t that what Sixth Master also thinks?" Do you really need to smile so sinisterly?

For once, Jiang Yifan genuinely smiled darkly, "Judging from the exchange you had yesterday, having been in the Ministry of Works for many years, Prince Fu’s appetite has grown a bit too large; the term ’lucrative post’ is insufficient to satisfy His Highness Prince Fu."

Jiang Yifan saw that Ye Xinyan still didn’t understand and explained more clearly, "In the past, maintaining waterways, embankments, and roads, such tasks came with a standard annual amount of silver. Even if it was a lucrative position, as long as one wasn’t insanely corrupt, one couldn’t embezzle a lot of silver. However, rail transportation is different; it is a new project, without any precedent. In such a large project, embezzling silver is simply too easy to operate."

After pondering for a while, Ye Xinyan asked, "If Prince Fu has the audacity to entertain such a thought, he probably wasn’t clean before, was he? Is it possible that Prince Fu had already dipped his hands into the court’s construction projects before this?"

Jiang Yifan shook his head with a wry smile, "Getting involved is definite, not only with Prince Fu and the present, but it has always been routine. Managing construction projects is an easy task for making silver, otherwise, where would the term ’lucrative position’ even come from? Prince Fu oversees the Ministry of Works, even if he doesn’t personally get involved, his subordinates would do it, and he would profit."

Ye Xinyan curled his lip, "Truly dark." The matters of this world cannot withstand scrutiny; the term ’lucrative position’ is something even the Emperor must know about. Yet for so many years, this term has persisted, which shows that those in power tacitly consent to this title and phenomenon; imperial power... how complex and dark.

Jiang Yifan, watching Ye Xinyan’s expression, found it somewhat amusing. Such an astute woman, yet she plays the fool about such universally known matters.

"Yes, a lot of things are indeed helpless," Jiang Yifan said, his face unexpectedly breaking into a smile, "As a prince devoted to the imperial power, courting subordinates, and befriending court officials require substantial financial support. As for Prince Fu, due to his reputation for integrity, his previous earnings probably weren’t as much as he hoped. Now, seeing such a rare opportunity, he harbors the thought of making a big score."

It seemed His Highness Prince Fu had quite the opportunities in the Ministry of Works. It would be best to let His Highness handle the railroad project, allowing him to fill his coffers and satisfy his thirst for silver.

Jiang Yifan’s smile contained a satisfactorily pleased component.

Ye Xinyan, observing Jiang Yifan’s gleeful smile, secretly held him in contempt. What sort of person was this? As an Imperial Appointed Official, faced with a project that could be skimmed, his attitude was completely chaotic, hoping for a world in disorder.

Having analyzed the situation thoroughly, Jiang Yifan didn’t stay longer. He stood up and said, "This matter must be reported to Sixth Master promptly. I will arrange for someone to go back immediately, at full speed, to deliver the letter to Sixth Master."

Ye Xinyan also stood up but asked, "Which matter?" Could it be she had to recount the detailed exchange she had with the visitor from Prince Fu’s Mansion?

Jiang Yifan laughed, "Of course, it’s about letting Sixth Master transfer the rail transport project to His Highness Prince Fu."

"Why?" The question barely left Ye Xinyan’s lips when she understood Jiang Yifan’s implication. She raised her hand to point at Jiang Yifan but then let it fall limply, "Didn’t you say that this achievement that will go down in history should be attributed to Sixth Master’s subordinate officials?"

Jiang Yifan looked at Ye Xinyan’s expression and sighed, "These are all just strategies. If we’re talking about making a name through the railroad project, it should really be credited to you, Ah Yan. Allowing Sixth Master’s officials to enjoy this accomplishment simply adds to Sixth Master’s stature, enabling him to outdo the Crown Prince and Prince Fu. If we can use this matter to take down Prince Fu, it would be more effective and direct than those uncertain reputations."

As Jiang Yifan was about to step out of the room, he paused and came back, asking in a low voice, "Last time I returned from here, I thought about it; those two pieces of equipment you mentioned, were they also from your previous life?"