She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 551 - 549: The Reverse Scale

Chapter 551: Chapter 549: The Reverse Scale

Qi Younian of course couldn’t bear to part with his granddaughter Ye Xinyan. If Ye Zi returned to the capital to live her life as the young lady of Duke An’s Mansion once more, and he and Brother Jia stayed behind in Clear Water Village, he didn’t know if they would ever have the chance to see each other again.

It was this granddaughter, who had come to him out of necessity, who worked alongside him to make a living, who gave him hope and a prosperous future.

Seeing the forlorn look on Qi Younian’s face, Jiang Yifan also felt compassion. Especially hearing Qi Jiaer’s tender and soft voice, he would feel very disappointed if he could never hear it again. Was Old Master Qi reluctant to go to the capital due to an attachment to his homeland, and also because of the huge gap in status with Duke An’s Mansion, hesitant to go to the capital?

If it weren’t for such considerations, he imagined that going to the capital would not only allow him to stay close to his granddaughter but also rapidly develop the construction business and showcase Old Master Qi’s true talents. The old master would certainly be willing then.

Jiang Yifan said, "According to what Sixth Master wrote in his letter, the wife of the heir apparent of Duke An has given birth to a son. It seems Duke An intends to acknowledge the child as the wife of the heir apparent’s, wanting Ah Yan to raise him just like she does with Brother Jia and Sanshun. From this perspective, it is imperative for Ah Yan to return to the capital. My suggestion is, once Ah Yan has settled her affairs here, it would be best for Old Master Qi and Brother Jia to accompany Ye Zi to the capital."

Jiang Yifan paused, looking at Qi Younian.

Qi Younian also paused, surprised. His Brother Jia and Sanshun were quite well-liked? But they were just two country lads, could they really compare with the rich and noble young men of the capital, to the point that even Duke An cherished them? However, what reason or status did he and Qi Jiaer have to follow Ye Zi to the capital?

Jiang Yifan further persuaded, saying: "You must have heard from Ah Yan, not only does Duke An and General Zhenyuan like Brother Jia, they also have high hopes for Sanshun. If these two youngsters could grow up and study in the capital, it would be countless times better than in Clear Water Village. You surely want Brother Jia and Sanshun to be successful and one day bring glory to their ancestors and return home in splendor, right?"

Old Master Qi’s expression indeed started to soften, and he said hesitantly, "The two lads stayed with Ye Zi at Duke An’s Mansion before, but that was a temporary arrangement, and it was eventually brief. If Ye Zi goes back this time, she will truly be the young lady of Duke An’s Mansion. If Brother Jia settles in the capital, it’ll mean that they are truly children of peasant origin, just like when they temporarily stayed at Duke An’s Mansion."

Hearing this, Jiang Yifan laughed, "If Ah Yan heard these concerns of yours, she would be heartbroken. No matter the status, Ah Yan considers you her grandfather and Brother Jia her own little brother. If you move to the capital, of course, you would buy your own residence. By that time, perhaps Ah Yan would even choose to stay in Qi Mansion in the capital with her grandfather and younger brother, not necessarily remaining in Duke An’s Mansion."

Jiang Yifan’s words moved Qi Younian, his eyes beginning to moisten: this child was one who valued relationships deeply, and it was indeed probable she would do such a thing.

"How could that be?" Qi Younian said anxiously, "Ye Zi is of high status, how can she distance herself from Duke An’s Mansion because of us?"

"Ah Yan can be stubborn at times, but she would listen to what you say. When the time comes, simply persuade her with your words," Jiang Yifan suggested as he refilled Qi Younian’s tea cup and continued gently, "Your health is still robust, and you wish to earn a fortune for Ye Zi and Brother Jia. To earn that fortune, the capital is far more convenient than Yuyuan Prefecture. The wealthy households in the capital are not comparable to those in Yuyuan. With your and Old Master Cheung’s craftsmanship, and with the support of Ah Qiao and Ah Yan, you can surely expand your construction business in the capital to become the unique brand in the world."

Qi Younian was immediately excited by the idea. Ye Zi had once said the same to him, and he had harbored such hopes as well.

His and Wusi’s craftsmanship were indeed commendable, and together with Ah Qiao, they could establish a decent construction business. However, without Ah Yan, this construction business would only remain decent and far from top-notch, let alone the unique and unparalleled family enterprise they dreamt of. That remained nothing but a fantasy.

If he chose not to follow Ye Zi to the capital, he would have to accept that the construction business would continue on the old and uninspired path of the craftsmanship industry, returning to mediocrity and burying their skills in the same old ways of many past years.

Jiang Yifan smiled and said, "Although you and Ah Yan have only lived together for three years, in times of hardship you supported and trusted each other, which counts for much more than a lifetime of affection in a stable household. Old Master, are you willing to never see Ah Yan again, and are you willing to let Brother Jia part from the sister he has always trusted and relied upon?"

Qi Younian was prompted to look at Jiang Yifan. Thinking about his young grandson being without his caring sister, never to see her again in years or possibly for life... The status of the Qi family in Clear Water Village and that of Duke An’s Mansion in the capital were worlds apart, and it was inevitable that their paths would not cross.

Jiang Yifan continued to persuade, "Even if Old Master goes to the capital, it’s not about sponging off anyone. We rely on our skills, our capability to earn our keep and build a family business, not on watching anyone’s face. Didn’t Ah Yan say she wanted to start with the Qi Family Construction Business to earn the respect and remuneration craftsmen deserve? If you stay in Qingyuan County, who will help her realize this dream?"

He was an adept negotiator, especially with these last few sentences that truly touched Qi Younian’s heart. The Qi Family Construction Business stood out for its fast and high-quality work, thanks to Wong Qiao’s organized work sequence, meticulously categorized materials, and the use of several unique tools, all of which were implemented under Ye Zi’s leadership.

It was under this leadership that the craftsmen could perform at their best. Especially at the end of this year, when the temporary workers received their generous wages and year-end bonuses, the joy and smiles on their faces were rarely seen in his lifetime. As the craftsmen left, they confirmed the start date for next year’s work over and over again, fearing that they would miss it and the construction projects, thus losing their livelihood.

Qi Younian looked up at Jiang Yifan, perhaps... for the sake of these craftsmen, he too should rally himself. For the Qi family, for Ye Zi and Brother Jia, and especially for those craftsmen who earn meager wages through hard work, he should strive to make the construction industry top-tier, to elevate the pay and status of the craftsmen, and to ensure that when people speak of craftsmen, they see it as a respectable profession.

Jiang Yifan successfully persuaded Qi Younian, and under Guan He’s mocking, seemingly amused gaze, he went to find Ye Xinyan in the office to arrange the main matters of Jinrong’s letter.

In the office, Zhou Biyao, who was thrilled by Qi Younian’s sending someone to invite Wong Qiao’s mother, was inappropriately concerned about Ye Xinyan’s future, "Sister Qi, the Emperor must have already seen the bolts and nuts and the hand-operated Chain Inversion Device, right? Do you think the Emperor will summon you to the capital immediately? If that were the case, wouldn’t you be unable to start your journey with Lord Jiang?"

"Little girl, didn’t your father, the Prefect, ever tell you that speculating about the imperial will could get you beheaded?" Ye Xinyan cautioned coolly as she looked over the wooden track accounts and specifications. It seemed that Second Miss Zhou had too little to do these days; she’d need to find something to keep her so busy she wouldn’t have time for idle thoughts.

Zhou Biyao, with her straightforward nature, undeterred by Ye Xinyan’s intimidation, retorted, "Pfft, what’s the harm in a young lady like me chatting idly with my sister in a remote place thousands of miles away from the capital? His Majesty the Emperor is so wise and open-minded; he certainly wouldn’t be angered and punished for this."

Calling her "sister" again, Zhou Biyao’s presumptuous ways seemed unchangeable. Ye Xinyan glanced at her and laughed, "I never expected Second Miss Zhou to have learned the art of flattery."

Zhou Biyao replied cheerfully, "It’s all thanks to your excellent teaching, Sister. I haven’t gone home yet, but once I do, I’ll definitely show my father this invaluable skill. He will surely praise Sister for her guidance." She didn’t stop there, but went on to touch upon Ye Xinyan’s sensitive topic, "Sister, if you return to the capital, will Duke An’s Mansion arrange your marriage?"