The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 304 His woman must not be wronged wherever she goes (first update)

Chapter 304: 304 His woman must not be wronged wherever she goes (first update)

Sang Yanlin did not doubt Li Xianyun’s ability, not only because both of them were Han Chinese but also because Li Xianyun was able to have the Khan’s personal guard accompany her, and even came bearing the Khan’s waist tablet to deliver orders in person.

From this, Sang Yanlin knew that Li Xianyun was not an ordinary person; how else could she have won such preferential treatment from the Khan?

After Jinwu had issued the orders, he bowed respectfully to Li Xianyun, "Young Master, I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave first."

Your Servant?

This gesture astonished everyone in the room, Jinwu, the personal guard of the Khan, was showing such respect to Li Xianyun and even referred to himself as "Your Servant".

Everyone now thought even more highly of Li Xianyun.

Of course, this was the effect Yelu Yan had intended.

His woman should not be looked down upon or aggrieved anywhere she went.

Seeing Li Xianyun nod, Jinwu then took his leave.

As the chief officer of the Department of Equipment, Sang Yanlin approached Li Xianyun for a formal greeting and then introduced her to his colleagues from the department.

Li Xianyun did not engage in excessive pleasantries but said, "Right now, the most important thing to quickly sow winter wheat is to resolve the issue of watering the crops, and I have some ideas regarding irrigating the fields."

Li Xianyun didn’t bother with formalities, going straight to the point, which was much more appealing than those buttery officials, and Sang Yanlin couldn’t help but regard her more highly.

After Li Xianyun had finished speaking, she turned to Youlan, who respectfully handed over two scrolls of drawings.

Taking the scrolls, Li Xianyun said, "Honorable sirs, please follow me."

She led the way to a table in the hall, about three meters long and two meters wide.

Li Xianyun then unrolled the scroll of the waterwheel a bit at a time.

A strange device was depicted on the scroll.

The painting was exquisite and lifelike, with even the minutest details clearly visible.

There were also exploded views for construction, along with steps and precautions for building it written in Khitan script.

Seeing this, looks of surprise and joy appeared on everyone’s faces.

Sang Yanlin, who was well-informed and experienced, spoke first, "A waterwheel."

Faced with the problem of watering, Sang Yanlin had considered constructing a waterwheel before, but his research on it was not in-depth, and his understanding of its structure was limited.

The people from the Department of Equipment were all novices in this field and were even less likely to know about it.

"Correct," said Li Xianyun, "if we manage to build waterwheels and norias properly, the problem of watering can be solved immediately."

Everyone was delighted, as the problem of farming tools had indeed given the County Government Office and the villagers a great deal of trouble.

The Department of Equipment was mockingly called the "Idle Government Office" by the villagers, who said that its employees consumed the Imperial Court’s salary but did not carry out practical work, simply idling their time away.

The staff of the Department of Equipment indeed had their own difficulties and wanted to undertake remarkable projects, but their capabilities were limited, so they could only proceed methodically and conventionally.

Now things were looking up, if they could accomplish something significant with Li Xianyun’s guidance, they would certainly earn a new level of respect from the County Government Office and the villagers.

Li Xianyun, who was adept at reading people, saw their excitement and gladness, which brought her many unexpected joys.

After showing them the waterwheel, Li Xianyun presented the drawings of the noria and began to explain as they looked on.

The audience listened attentively, but they still felt as if they were lost in a fog.

Seeing the situation, a candid person spoke up, "Master Li, we’ll do whatever you tell us to do. We will all listen to you."

Li Xianyun smiled and said, "Good, but I too can make mistakes. Let’s give each other pointers so we can do the task the Khan has given us well. If we do it well, I have some influence with the Khan, and then it won’t be difficult to ask for some rewards for everyone."

Giving people an incentive to work hard is necessary, and bringing up Yelu Yan would also make them take the task to heart.

It’s said that soldiers going into battle can’t do without morale, and it’s the same with people working under you—motivation and unity are very important.

The crowd couldn’t stop smiling and agreed loudly.

What they didn’t know was that Li Xianyun’s influence with Yelu Yan wasn’t just a little; he was someone cherished and doted on by Yelu Yan.

If they knew that, they would probably be too shocked to speak.

After boosting their "morale," Li Xianyun turned to Sang Yanlin, smiling, "Lord Sang, the issue of irrigation urgently needs to be addressed. I have some thoughts I want to discuss with you."

It is said that Sang Yanlin has just been promoted. As a new official, he must be treated with sufficient respect to avoid making him feel diminished.

"Good."

Sang Yanlin was a broad-minded and cheerful person, but he was still somewhat unhappy that the Department of Equipment was entrusted to Li Xianyun by the Khan.

But what could he do? He had not achieved anything noteworthy himself, so he couldn’t blame anyone else.

Seeing Li Xianyun treating him with so much respect, Sang Yanlin felt much more comfortable and gestured for him to follow, saying, "Master Li, this way, please."

Sang Yanlin led Li Xianyun to his office, where various sketches were hanging on the wall and strewn about the desk in complete disarray.

A bit embarrassed, Sang Yanlin said, "It’s a bit messy in here, my apologies, Master Li."

Li Xianyun didn’t mind and responded with a smile, "This goes to show that Lord Sang is a dutiful and responsible official. I admire that."

Praised by someone as attractive and talented as Li Xianyun, Sang Yanlin naturally felt delighted.

He tidied up the drawings and brushes on the desk a bit, and then they took seats across from each other at the desk.

The door was left open.

Yelu Yan had ordered Zhuo Ma and his men to stay close to Li Xianyun, and they most certainly wouldn’t agree to the door being shut, insisting on coming in if it were.

Li Xianyun spread out the blueprints of a waterwheel and started pointing out parts to Sang Yanlin, saying, "Lord Sang, I have an idea. I will take a few men from the Department of Equipment to inspect the northern fields and choose locations for the construction of waterwheels and norias. Meanwhile, you would lead them to manufacture these parts. Would that be all right?"

Sang Yanlin replied, "There’s no problem with that, but it seems like I’d be getting the better end of the deal."

How could he let a delicate and tender rich young master get windburned and sunburnt?

Li Xianyun laughed and said, "Lord Sang, you flatter me. I’m the one taking advantage here. The men of the Department of Equipment are under your command, and you know them well. I’m new to this and would certainly bungle their direction. It’s you who will bear the brunt of coordinating the manpower."

With a few sentences, Li Xianyun made clear her position. She wasn’t there to seize power but to get things done, which served as a reassurance to Sang Yanlin.

Sang Yanlin responded, "All right, I’ll select a few capable people for you."

Li Xianyun nodded, then continued, "Lord Sang, I didn’t fully explain to the others outside that the irrigation project is an imperial task personally ordained by the Khan. If we do well, we’ll all rejoice, but if we fail, it’s likely you, me, and even the staff of the Department of Equipment might be punished."

Sang Yanlin’s expression grew serious as he said, "I understand. Don’t worry, Master Li. With our hearts united, we can cut through metal."

Li Xianyun replied with a smile, "That’s exactly what I mean."

Sang Yanlin asked her in detail about the manufacturing of the fan components, and Li Xianyun answered comprehensively, explaining the process and specifications clearly and plainly.

Though young, Li Xianyun was experienced, mature, and composed, leaving Sang Yanlin with no choice but to admire her.