She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 554 - 552 A thankless task

Chapter 554: Chapter 552 A thankless task

Ye Xinyan paused, she sent craftsmen to the capital and must consider everything thoroughly, including keeping them out of the Crown Prince’s succession struggle. And even if there was nothing serious, the opportunity for these local craftsmen to visit the capital was something greatly envied. For several key members to take a tour in the capital, wasn’t that just like the Mechanical Workshop providing a benefit for model workers? What was wrong with that?

However, judging from Jiang Yifan’s expression, it seemed like sending many people to the capital was a preposterous thing to do, but Jiang Yifan was generous enough to indulge it... What was this about? Indeed, it was impossible to reason with or communicate with ancient people.

"No, how could Lord Jiang say something wrong?" Forget it, if it can’t be explained clearly, then don’t explain it. Ye Xinyan changed the subject and said, "Does Lord Jiang have anything else? If not, this humble wife will take her leave to arrange who will go to the capital."

"Additionally," Jiang Yifan hurriedly said, "a month ago, the concubine, Maternal Aunt Zhao, borne a son to your father, and Duke An named the child Ye Yuan. It is said that this child will be registered under the name of the wife of the heir apparent. Sixth Master estimates that Duke An will surely urge the wife of the heir apparent to return to the capital."

Ye Xinyan’s expression became somewhat solemn. Even without Maternal Aunt Zhao’s child, Madam Yin had to return to the capital. However, Madam Yin was only in her late thirties, and Ye Xinyan couldn’t just watch as Madam Yin used up her whole life on scum like Ye Hongyang. The matter of registering the name, she guessed, would disappoint Duke An.

If she accompanied Madam Yin back to the capital, should she leave Qi Younian and Qi Jiaer in Clear Water Village? She couldn’t let go of either.

Jiang Yifan softly said, "I’ve just discussed with Old Master Qi and suggested he try to develop the Construction Industry in the capital. Old Master Qi has already agreed to consider it."

"Ah? My grandpa agreed to go to the capital?" Ye Xinyan looked up.

Jiang Yifan was capable indeed, to have persuaded Grandpa. Considering that Old Master Qi had been away from home for forty years, especially the wandering in these past few years, he had always longed to return to his roots. She had subtly suggested a few times, asking if they should develop in the capital, but Old Master Qi did not respond, so she did not dare urge him further. However, she was anxious about it because, from her perspective, her bond with Qi Younian and Qi Jiaer was far stronger than with Duke An’s Mansion and Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion.

If Jiang Yifan could persuade Qi Younian and her to go to the capital together, it would solve her big problem.

"Hmm, Old Master Qi nodded," Jiang Yifan confirmed, "Plan it out, after the New Year Old Master Qi will not take any more work from outside and devote himself fully to laying the tracks. The Dairy Products Stores in Yuyuan Prefecture and Liaoyuan Prefecture have already arranged for personnel, you should think if there’s anything omitted. By next year, once the tracks can operate normally, you’ll bring Old Master Qi, Brother Jia, and Sanshun back to the capital, and then you’ll focus on conducting business in the capital."

For Jiang Yifan, having Ye Xinyan in the capital was the only way he could be at peace. Without Ye Xinyan, no matter how much work he did, no matter how many achievements he made, what would be the point? The key was Qi Younian and Qi Jiaer; as long as he could persuade Old Master Qi, the rest would be much easier to handle.

Jiang Yifan continued, "Old Master Qi will continue the Construction Industry in the capital. As for the construction business here in Yuyuan Prefecture, you should consider whether to keep it. If you choose to maintain it, think about who Old Master Qi will take with him and who will be left in charge. These issues need to be thought of sooner rather than later."

Ye Xinyan kept blinking as she listened. This meant... that Lord Jiang had already arranged everything, "Well, Lord Jiang, I still need to confirm with Grandpa. As for developing in the capital... we need to purchase property there first, as well as understand the rules of the Construction Industry in the capital, then consider moving the Construction Industry to the capital."

Jiang Yifan had indeed arranged everything, and he smiled and said, "You don’t need to worry so much. The capital won’t lack a residence for Old Master Qi. Let Old Master Qi and Brother Jia stay at my place first; if they feel comfortable, they can just stay there, and if not, we can take our time to look for a residence to buy. I will take care of the construction matters, none of these are problems."

"Wait, wait." Why did it seem to her that Jiang Yifan was getting more and more off-topic? "So, Lord Jiang, you’re making the arrangements? Does this mean that your reassignment to the capital has been decided?"

Jiang Yifan said, "Sixth Master asked me to draft a memorial, to compile the reasons and restrictive measures for the construction of the wooden track in Peach Grove, and to submit it directly to the Cabinet. Sixth Master has mentioned to His Majesty that if my performance in Qingyuan County this year is still rated as excellent, then at the beginning of next year, I will be directly transferred back to the capital, with plans to take up a post in the Ministry of Revenue."

"Ministry of Revenue, Crown Prince?" Ye Xinyan’s eyebrows twitched. Was Jinrong planning to make a move against the Crown Prince?

Ye Xinyan looked suspiciously at Jiang Yifan. Hadn’t it been said that Jinrong intended to secretly stay in the background, watching the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince fight, to directly reap the fruits of victory? Why would he take the initiative now?

Jiang Yifan was pleased with Ye Xinyan’s astuteness. From his reassignment back to the capital to taking a position in the Ministry of Revenue, she could immediately think of the Crown Prince.

"I don’t know what His Majesty is thinking. A few days ago, he suddenly ordered Sixth Master to assist the Ministry of Personnel," Jiang Yifan said. "You know about the Ministry of Personnel. Although there is a minister in charge, the final decisions have always been in the hands of the Cabinet and His Majesty. With this command from His Majesty, although it is merely assisting, he has also placed Sixth Master in the spotlight."

Ye Xinyan curled her lips and said, "Perhaps His Majesty feels that just two powers fighting in the Imperial Court isn’t lively enough, so he added another power to make things more exciting for everyone."

Jiang Yifan glanced at her and couldn’t help but laugh, "Such a fine imperial power struggle, yet you describe it like this."

Ye Xinyan scoffed. The life of an emperor, with little affection and nothing but schemes, who could blame them when the family business of a feudal emperor was the entire world? Such a vast realm fostered equally vast ambitions. Indeed, even the days of an emperor were not easy. Not only could they not indulge in rooster fights and pleasures, but they also lacked the authority of a typical family patriarch. Constantly worried about being usurped, their lives were truly bitter.

Yet, despite such bitterness, there were those who would go to any lengths to experience it firsthand, wishing to sit in a place devoid of family affection, filled only with cold authority.

Ye Xinyan shook her head on her own accord, "I still can’t understand to this day what’s wrong with living a carefree, leisurely life? Why go through all that trouble and effort to fight for such a thankless position."

The Emperor? Only a handful are praised by posterity, while the rest lead mediocre lives, confined within high palace walls. Packaged with fancy words like Three Palaces and Six Courts, seventy-two concubines, and three thousand beauties, in reality, they are manipulated by various women, drained of their health and vitality, almost all of them short-lived.

She hoped that Jinrong would rule with clarity and become one of the enlightened rulers who could be counted on one’s fingers.

Upon hearing Ye Xinyan’s sigh, Jiang Yifan was momentarily stunned, and then he said with a smile, "Perhaps it’s for the feeling of being able to look down upon all beings. To be the master of the world, could there be a more attractive position and future than this?"