She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 555 - 553: Settled in Mind

Chapter 555: Chapter 553: Settled in Mind

Jiang Yifan was right. Perhaps it’s because she lacked ambition, she couldn’t understand this feeling. It’s true, not just in ancient times, but even in the modern era where various institutional constraints make people relatively more equal and money speaks volumes, the pursuit of status has never ceased.

Ye Xinyan shook her head and brought the conversation back to the main point, "Does Sixth Master want you to take up a post at the Ministry of Revenue to look for faults and pinpoint the Crown Prince’s mistakes? Sixth Master has spent the last two years in Qingyuan County, and everyone knows about his relationship with you. Once you enter the Ministry of Revenue, who knows how many will be on guard against you. I’m afraid Sixth Master’s efforts will be in vain." Failing to meet the expectations of Jinrong or the Emperor would show incompetence. But should the truth be approached and revealed, there may be danger. This job is no easy task.

Ye Xinyan thought she spoke calmly and was simply stating the facts, but Jiang Yifan saw concern in her eyes and heard the implications in her words.

Jiang Yifan was overjoyed inwardly, yet he dared not show the slightest bit. Ah Yan, with her contrary nature, probably didn’t even understand her own worries. If he were to point them out too soon, she might, out of embarrassment and annoyance, quickly distance herself from him and avoid him entirely.

"Why do you think His Majesty keeps such a tight hold on the Ministry of Personnel? The court’s officials are appointed by the Cabinet and the Emperor. Even if the Crown Prince is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, he can’t possibly make all its officials corrupt and collude with him to embezzle money. My going there would just be carrying out normal duties, simply to make the Crown Prince and his faction exercise a bit more restraint in their actions."

Ye Xinyan eyed Jiang Yifan with suspicion; she didn’t believe that Jinrong sent Jiang Yifan to the Ministry of Revenue without ulterior motives.

And the Emperor, too—Jiang Yifan was the third place winner in the last imperial examination and had served as an imperial censor, in the presence of the Emperor himself for over two years. The Emperor must have a good impression of Jiang Yifan, and if the Emperor agreed to recall him to the capital and place him in the Ministry of Revenue, he might well intend to plant a thorn in the Crown Prince’s side.

"That is," Ye Xinyan thought for a moment, "have you ever heard of ’factional conflict’? "

"Factional conflict?" Jiang Yifan was puzzled.

"That’s right, factions. It refers to groups of officials who gather together because they share the same political views, or for reasons such as being from the same region or hometown," Ye Xinyan explained.

Jiang Yifan began to understand, "Is Ah Yan suggesting that it’s the mutual struggle between these different groups?"

"Yes," said Ye Xinyan, "The danger of factional conflict lies in internal consumption and distraction of the officials’ focus. Because the officials of each group have different priorities, they often don’t act based on the merits of the issue at hand or what is beneficial to the state and the people. Instead, they prioritize the interests of their group."

Ye Xinyan paused, "I am but a woman, with limited understanding of these political factions. There are likely many more harms of factional conflict, and since both Sixth Master and Lord Jiang are wholeheartedly devoted to the court and their careers, they probably understand it more clearly."

Factions have existed since ancient times, as part of the emperor’s power strategies. Many emperors used this method to control officials, using their infighting to govern the state affairs, making the officials act according to the emperor’s will.

However, if one’s capabilities are insufficient and the situation isn’t managed well, it can lead to loss of control and ultimately, the collapse of the dynasty. Ye Xinyan didn’t understand these intricacies very well, but she had heard about some of them in forums and on television. One of the most notorious was the factional conflicts of the late Ming Dynasty, which directly accelerated its downfall. Some even claimed that these conflicts destroyed the Great Ming Dynasty’s powerful legacy.

Although she didn’t understand politics, Emperor Qianqing’s actions still caused her some concern. The Great Xia Dynasty must not be thrown into turmoil; she wanted to live safely in this era. And there was Qi Jiaer, who also needed to live well—safe, happy, and without the hardships of being displaced and imperiled.

As Jiang Yifan was dedicated to his career, Ye Xinyan barely mentioned it before he understood, "Are you worried that in the struggle with the Crown Prince and Prince Fu, Sixth Master is depleting the nation’s strength?"

Ye Xinyan nodded, "I don’t understand the political situation very well, I’m just afraid that the struggle between Sixth Master, the Crown Prince, and Prince Fu will spiral out of control. In fact, for the whole world, who inherits the throne isn’t the most important thing. What’s most important is the stability and prosperity of the Great Xia Dynasty. Without these, where would the throne come from?"

Jiang Yifan pondered for a moment. Although Ah Yan’s words were not pleasant to hear, they were indeed the truth, worthy of serious consideration. He said, "I will go back and sort out my thoughts and convey your meaning to Sixth Master."

"No, no, no," Ye Xinyan quickly waved her hand, "I was just rambling to you. If you think there’s some sense in it, you can slowly discuss it with Sixth Master, but please don’t mention me. I really don’t understand these things."

Jiang Yifan readily agreed, "Alright, I won’t mention you. I’ll subtly bring it up with Sixth Master." In his heart, Jiang Yifan felt exceptionally assured. The fact that Ah Yan, unsure of her words, was willing to ramble to him, what did that indicate? It showed that he held a different place in Ah Yan’s heart, much closer than Jinrong!

...

Although the craftsmen sent to the capital would miss spending the New Year at home, this was an assignment arranged by the master of the house. Not only were all their meals and accommodation covered, but they also had carriage transport and guards for the journey. Just relying on their well-honed daily skills, they were about to instruct important people in the capital on different matters. Wasn’t this like a dream?

How prestigious and favorable was this treatment? They could witness the bustle of the capital, stroll the streets and main roads, and then boast to their fellow craftsmen upon returning home, gaining considerable face.

Seeing it this way, weren’t they just like the master’s young sons, Brother Jia and Sanshun? Brother Jia had also departed around this time last year with the young miss, toured the capital, and returned, almost making all the children and adults of Clear Water Village and the neighboring area green with envy.

Now, this great fortune had befallen them. Hehe, one could wake up laughing from such a dream. It seemed that leaving their previous jobs to join the Qi family was an excellent decision indeed.

...

Since it was the end of the year and time for the year-end holidays, and since everyone considered this an unimaginable stroke of luck, it was decided to select several more skilled and honest craftsmen to go to the capital, treating it as a holiday bonus for the core elite, letting the elites go on an all-expenses-paid trip.

Shi Yin had already been to the capital and naturally was not eager to travel thousands of miles during the New Year, so although he was the mastermind behind the lathe and threaded fasteners, this trip to the capital did not include him. Instead, Wong Qiao led the team, taking fifteen people by carriage to the capital.

Ye Xinyan repeatedly instructed and emphasized to the guards of the mansion to take good care of the craftsmen. She also specially had Wong Qiao take a letter to Duke An’s Mansion, asking Duke An to look after Wong Qiao.

It was essential for Wong Qiao to get accustomed to the customs and people of the capital ahead of time. While it was important for him to make his face familiar in front of the big shots in the capital, his safety should not be neglected. Wong Qiao was set to be a master craftsman in the future, the beloved youngest child of two respected elders, and the sweetheart of Second Miss Zhou. He had to return safe and sound, without fail.

Even if Zhou Biyao was not usually fussy, seeing Wong Qiao’s figure riding away in the distance, her eyes still reddened.

Ye Xinyan looked around and gently nudged her, saying in a low voice, "You’d better not cry out loud, there are a lot of people around. Be careful not to let others see and laugh at you."

Madam Yin stood by Ye Xinyan’s side and heard that although she was offering comforting words, she wasn’t speaking warmly enough, softly chiding, "Biyao is a young girl; she’s not as indifferent to things as you are." Then, taking Zhou Biyao by the arm, she turned and said, "Let’s go back to the room and have some tea to calm down. Ah Qiao going to the capital is a good thing. Think about it, such a smart child as Ah Qiao, with His Highness Prince Yu and Duke An watching out for him, will surely make a good impression on the nobles in the capital..."