Chapter 915: Chapter 913: An Understated Description
Jinrong’s question seemed out of place; in a feudal society where royal power was supreme, was it even an issue?
Ye Xinyan replied dismissively, “Isn’t that easy to handle? Once His Majesty has amassed enough wealth, every household will be bleeding out silver. His Majesty will then lavish praise on the court officials, understanding that they have spent quite a bit out of their pockets. He’ll decree that from now on, all residences must practice thrift and household management, prohibiting any further extravagant affairs, allowing them to save both financial and material resources to recuperate and thrive.
Moreover, doesn’t Commander Lih have informants all over the country? In the next one or two years, let his subordinates work harder to strictly investigate everywhere. If there’s any sign of corruption, detect it early and curb it promptly. After a year or two, this matter will quiet down, and if managed well, it might even change the corrupt culture among the elite.”
Jinrong and the other two looked at the confident Ye Xinyan, speechless.
Hu Jing, however, was secretly impressed. Ye Xinyan usually preferred not to expend mental effort. But whenever she had an idea, it was bound to defy conventions and surpass common understanding as a brilliant plan.
After Jiang Yifan returned, he first went to find Zheng Pengfei.
The couple Guan He and Zi Ning still lived in the Qi family’s side courtyard, while Zheng Pengfei usually stayed at the Jiang Family Residence, occasionally strolling through the various construction sites.
Zheng Pengfei had remarkable insight, initially holding the title of overseer at the construction sites. Whenever he strolled around the sites, any craftsmen or laborers who felt guilty typically couldn’t escape his notice. By paying extra attention to these individuals afterward, he always achieved incredible results.
Although he earned wages from Guangsha Construction, he was essentially unfettered. He knew precisely which teahouse in the capital had good books or performances.
With ample resources and simple tastes, his daily expenses were modest. He could frequent various teahouses, sip tea, munch on seeds, or eat dried and fresh fruits while having enough silver at hand.
It allowed him not to resort to illegal means to sustain his lifestyle, making his stay in the capital, which he used to avoid, quite comfortable and pleasant.
When Jiang Yifan mentioned a favor that required his expertise, Zheng Pengfei furrowed his brow and pondered for a while. The main issue was that he was content with his current peaceful life and saw no need to take risks.
Jiang Yifan knew well how difficult it was to persuade someone with such a content temperament to take risks. People content with their status quo and who lack ambition are the hardest to sway, guide, or tempt with offers.
“I know Brother Zheng prefers a simple life without desires. This task is indeed challenging, which is why I’m troubling you. Rest assured, there will be people to cooperate with you, providing you with enough cover, never putting you in danger.”
Zheng Pengfei pondered for a moment before cautiously asking, “Although I haven’t interacted much with officials, I know that a promising young talent like you being involved in such matters in the capital must imply significant implications. Don’t gloss over it; tell me, what exactly is the ledger you mentioned meant for?”
Here was a glimmer of hope.
Jiang Yifan smiled at Zheng Pengfei and said, “I feared you might loathe complications, so I didn’t speak directly. However, if you must know, I don’t mind telling you.” Knowing such matters bears risks.
For someone like Zheng Pengfei, a Flying Thief, if he failed, he could easily escape. If he knew nothing, he could flee without strings attached. However, if he learned of a prince’s involvement in a power struggle, escaping might still leave him unsettled.
“Once you start showing that sly grin, it’s bound to lead to no good,” Zheng Pengfei waved his hand, “Forget it, spare me the details. Just tell me your offer.”
Jiang Yifan laughed, “Prince Yu promised that regardless of success or failure, as long as he lives, he’ll ensure your prosperity and peace for life, with no worries.”
Zheng Pengfei eyed Jiang Yifan skeptically, “Ensure my peace for life? A prince?” Having spent over a year in the capital mingling with these people, the offer made by a prince hinted broadly at what might be involved.
Jiang Yifan nodded, “Indeed, His Highness can promise you personally.” As long as no one explicitly states it, everyone assumes no one knows. Concerning potential leaks, Jiang Yifan trusted Zheng Pengfei’s integrity.
Zheng Pengfei immediately refused, “Forget the prince; I prefer to trust your master and, by extension, you, kid.”
Even thinking with his toes could tell how critical this matter was; it was better to avoid direct contact with princes and royal figures. He trusted Jiang Yifan, confident that as long as Jiang Yifan was involved, the promised benefits were assured.
With serious contemplation earlier, Zheng Pengfei desired nothing of wealth or glory, wishing only to spend his life leisurely. On account of today, life was great. However, in twenty or thirty years, when age catches up, would he still impose on the Jiang Family for sustenance?
A lifetime of prosperity and tranquility, the risk would be worthwhile.
After a day had passed, Shi Yu escorted Zheng Pengfei to a secluded courtyard in the capital, where Hu Jing and seven or eight agile men awaited inside.
Zheng Pengfei was not a man of many words. After exchanging greetings, he didn’t bother with small talk. He straightforwardly unveiled a roll of schematics, a collection of various courtyard plans sourced from Guangsha Construction.
Thus began his teaching career on theft skills.
Driven by curiosity about the content Jiang Yifan described, Hu Jing remained to listen.
Watching Zheng Pengfei hang one chart after another on the wall, explaining various small houses, medium-sized courtyards, and sprawling mansions, focusing on their different functionalities and structures.
In Zheng Pengfei’s narrative, from feng shui layouts down to practical arrangements, he articulated the configurations and uses of various courtyards with eloquence.
When he hung a map, Zheng Pengfei pointed out with a glance, “This courtyard’s main yard is here, typically where the owner resides. Younger generations who are favored tend to live in specific areas, while important items should be stored in certain locations…” He even explained the rationale behind his judgments.
Hu Jing was engrossed. Jiang Yifan’s description of Zheng Pengfei’s prowess had been an understatement. It wasn’t until he was sought out by a subordinate that Hu Jing reluctantly departed, glancing back repeatedly.
To be so meticulous in thievery, no wonder Zheng Pengfei had thrived for so many years without entangling with the government and maintaining safety despite their constant pursuit.
According to Jiang Yifan’s arrangement, in the coming days, Zheng Pengfei would probably detail what observations to make once inside, how to proceed, and how to handle hidden locks and similar obstacles, right?
With this thought, Hu Jing shook his head and chuckled quietly. Jianghu folk are always so straightforward. If it were Grandma Jiang imparting such concealed skills, she’d surely demand some silver to signify sincerity, wouldn’t she?
Meanwhile, from Jinrong’s side, the day after returning from Guangsha Construction, after the morning court session, he slightly rearranged his affairs and rode out of the city to Lang Garden without any concealment.
Just as the emperor discontentedly noted, the drought-induced tension for the court didn’t impact Lang Garden at all.
Lang Garden remained bustling, only pausing for a day to thoroughly clean the premises after concluding each event. Otherwise, downtime was scarce.