She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 667 - 665: Always Feeling Something Is Not Right

Chapter 667: Chapter 665: Always Feeling Something Is Not Right

The Emperor slightly furrowed his brow, it was happening again. Previously, Prince Fu had suggested handing the project over to Jinrong, likely because he thinks the project’s cost is too low, and there’s not enough of a lucrative opportunity, right?

"Rail transportation is a major project, not some minor local endeavor spanning just tens of miles. Jinrong has never worked on a project, I’m afraid he lacks the experience to take on such a large task."

Prince Fu seemed to also realize the inappropriateness and, after thinking it over, added, "Imperial Father is right, how about this, Sixth Brother and the Qi Family Construction Business will handle laying the tracks, and the Ministry of Revenue will supply the tracks, railroad ties, and various auxiliary parts. We will only be responsible for collecting materials according to the length of the route and assembling and laying the tracks."

The Emperor sized up Prince Fu once more. If all materials were to be turned into finished products and directly transported to the construction site, then the laying work would be quite simple, and there would be no chance for graft within the project. And creating the tracks, railroad ties, and spare parts, along with the anti-corrosion treatment, requires many processes, which naturally creates opportunities for exploitation.

The track materials required for such a large project could probably only be produced by the Ministry of Revenue’s organizational capacity. The issue is that while Prince Fu has significant self-interest, his proposal is not bad.

The Emperor’s expression darkened, yet he ordered Prince Yu to be summoned.

Jinrong entered the Imperial Study Room, paid his respects to the Emperor, and listened as the Emperor said, the task of laying the wooden tracks would be handed to him and that he only needed to assemble and lay the preformed tracks and materials, without concerning himself with anything else.

Then, the Emperor repeated the reason for changing to his lead on this matter.

Jinrong did not immediately agree but seriously looked between Prince Fu and Wang Xian several times, then indifferently responded, "Oh, this son will go back and discuss it with others."

Hearing such a response, the Emperor couldn’t help but frown. "What do you mean ’discuss it with others’? This task is given to you. You should plan first, and after the first month of the lunar year, you will go to the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to arrange for materials and laborers. You must ensure that the project starts next year according to the original plan."

Jinrong glanced at Prince Fu once more and said, "Yes, didn’t this son already agree? Imperial Father should urge Second Brother and Seventh Brother more to properly prepare the laborers and materials. These are the major tasks, especially the materials for laying the tracks, which require many craftsmen and processes, and are quite troublesome."

Prince Fu’s expression darkened as he turned his gaze away, pretending not to hear Jinrong’s words.

Seeing Jinrong’s unpleasant expression, the Emperor felt somewhat guilty. Although Sixth Brother had not exerted much effort for the court, he indeed had never reached out to take the court’s silver coins. This first time taking on a practical task was a tough thankless job, and it was tough that he didn’t shirk it.

...

The Qi family had handed over their duties to the court and had their subordinates cease work; Guangsha Construction in North City had closed its doors, and it wasn’t convenient to go to Duke An’s Mansion.

Therefore, Jinrong could only come to the Qi family to discuss matters with Jiang Yifan.

The matter did not require secrecy; the Qi family’s servants brought tea and warmed the fire, and during this time, Hongzhi and Shi Yu even lent a hand. For a moment, the originally quiet drawing room suddenly became lively.

Jinrong informed Qi Younian of his intention and then asked, "Does the old master think he can take on this project?"

Jinrong had not expected the Emperor to entrust the task of laying the tracks to him. If he wanted to refuse outright, it seems that he could.

However, firstly, Jinrong did not want to displease the Emperor. Secondly, it was not certain that the Qi Family Construction Business would be able to take on any major projects next year. So, to undertake this big project now was not a bad idea, as businesses that had collaborated with the government office in the capital would have laid down their foundation in the construction industry.

As for whether the Qi family could accomplish it, Jinrong’s inquiry was merely a formality. In fact, such concerns were not even within Jinrong’s consideration.

Though Qi Younian was getting on in years, he was indeed a remarkable figure who, only due to unfavorable circumstances in his early years, had no opportunity to showcase his talents. Moreover, in Jinrong’s view, the Qi family had Ye Xinyan. With Qi Younian and Ye Xinyan together, there likely wasn’t any project the Qi family couldn’t complete.

Qi Younian pondered for a moment and said, "I can only lead the work, the size of the project doesn’t really matter. However, are you two aware that Ah Qiao will not be working for the Qi family next year? If the construction site is too far from the capital, I’m afraid Ye Zi might not be able to oversee the project frequently."

Although Qi Younian felt he could handle the project, he still needed to ask for clarification. After all, he was getting old, and if the prince had such concerns and then found out that the Qi Family Construction Business would be without Wong Qiao and Ye Zi could not attend to it regularly, wouldn’t the prince be worried?

Jinrong smiled and replied, "It’s not far this year. We are building the railway from Jinzhou to Ezhou, working on Jinzhou’s half this year, and completing the other half next year. I think the location is manageable. This year you and Ye Zi may have to work a bit harder to lead the team. Next year, if the project is still assigned to me, you just need to direct your men to work, and those small officials from my residence can supervise the whole process."

Qi Younian said, "As long as the prince trusts this old man, I will certainly not disappoint you. Leave it to me. Besides, we have Ye Zi to assist, so the prince really doesn’t need to worry."

Speaking of which, Qi Younian then asked Jinrong, "So, does the prince know that Ah Qiao is going back to her hometown?"

Jinrong vaguely responded, "I know a bit."

Jiang Yifan asked with a smile, "Has Guangsha Construction stopped working yet? I wonder if Ah Qiao and Aunt Wong have mentioned when they will be departing?"

Qi Younian looked at Jinrong and Jiang Yifan, noticing that although they were aware that Wong Qiao was at home and discussing business with him, they did not find it strange that Wong Qiao, who held the position of chief manager in the Qi family, was absent. They didn’t even bother to ask. They were both well acquainted with Wong Qiao.

Even if Jiang Yifan knew that Wong Qiao planned to return to her hometown, he didn’t know much or wasn’t sure about it. At least, he probably didn’t know that Lady Zhao had fallen ill with worry after overhearing others, did he?

Qi Younian, looking at the smiling Jiang Yifan, was even more uncertain about what they were up to but simply answered Jiang Yifan’s question, "Ah Qiao originally planned to leave on the tenth day of the first month of the lunar year, but Zhao fell ill yesterday. She only called for a doctor this morning and received several prescriptions. We’ll see how it goes. If she’s better after the New Year, we’ll stick to the original plan. If not, we’ll stay a bit longer."

Jiang Yifan did not inquire further about the illness, merely nodding and saying, "Yes, the distance from the capital to Hezhou might not be as far as Yuyuan Prefecture, but it’s also not close. Aunt Wong is a married woman and getting on in years; she must be fully recuperated before setting out. It would be best if she could stay a little longer, possibly until Lord Zhou’s family comes to the capital so that things can be clarified with the Zhou family."

Jinrong too appeared indifferent, simply nodding casually in agreement.

Qi Younian always felt that something was amiss. Lady Zhao made a fuss, forcing Wong Qiao to give up her prospects and return to her old home to while away the time. Jiang Yifan’s behavior on the day in question was very odd, not only did he not try to retain her, but he even encouraged Wong Qiao to immediately inform the Qi family she would no longer work there.

The same went for Jinrong; he had always thought highly of Wong Qiao, even considering placing her in a minor position in the Ministry of Revenue. Yet now, he didn’t ask a single question as if Wong Qiao were a total stranger.

Both men had always had a good relationship with Wong Qiao, and their current attitude was nothing like their usual style.