Chapter 912: Chapter 910: Lang Garden Closed for a While
Jinrong nodded cheerfully, "Why didn’t you say so earlier; had you mentioned it earlier I would have agreed right away. But tell me, all these mysterious things you’ve talked about, are they true?"
Hu Jing also laughed and said, "Listening to Yuanfan describe all these deeds of Righteous Zheng, he seems to be a person who desires nothing and seeks nothing, leisurely and carefree. For someone like that, even if he had requests, they wouldn’t be insatiable desires."
Jiang Yifan immediately laughed, "Talking to smart people is indeed effortless. Mr. Hu is absolutely right. Brother Zheng doesn’t even have a family; he only seeks a life of leisure and comfort, asking for nothing more."
Jiang Yifan took the opportunity to flatter Hu Jing. He had known Hu Jing since his youth when Hu Jing was Jinrong’s teacher, and incidentally, he would occasionally listen to Hu Jing speak on the classics and histories. Compared to his own master, their interests might have differed, each excelling in their own way, but they were equally learned and talented individuals.
Does his teacher need Jiang Yifan to comment on his strengths and weaknesses?
Jinrong sneered contemptuously and said, "That’s easy to say. If the day ever came, I’d grant Zheng Pengfei the title of Marquis Xiaoyao without succession, ensuring he lives without worry all his life. How about that?"
"Sure, that sounds excellent. I’ll consult Brother Zheng about it later." Jiang Yifan agreed wholeheartedly and continued, "Additionally, I suggest Your Highness invite Brother Zheng to teach those preparing to act in the Crown Prince’s Mansion a few techniques. Such as where it’s easier to hide account books, or where secret compartments might be found, and the common methods of opening them.
Moreover, if the location of the account books cannot be pinpointed, Brother Zheng can also look into the layout of the Crown Prince’s Mansion to gauge the possibilities. Brother Zheng has a strong foundation in these matters."
Jinrong, listening, looked a bit strange: "Is there really such an art to this? If he has such skills, letting them dissipate among the common folk is indeed a waste."
Hu Jing’s face showed even more desire; this was truly a rare talent.
"Such excellent skills being used merely to steal the silver to make ends meet... it’s truly a waste of talent." Hu Jing felt at a loss for words. The fact that there was such a refined art to stealing was incredible.
Indeed, excellence can appear in any field... pah pah, truly, perfecting anything is all about technical proficiency.
But Jiang Yifan resolutely refused, "The reason Brother Zheng, with such excellent skills, only takes a little silver to make ends meet, is because he wants to live simply. Don’t even think about dragging him into this, he won’t agree, and it would only put me in a difficult position."
Perhaps these words are a bit shameless. In general, Zheng Pengfei’s actions mean living without earning, so it’s not something that can be made public. But what Zheng Pengfei seeks is a simple life without constraints. If he were brought into this and couldn’t break free, what would become of Jiang Yifan’s reputation in Jianghu?
If his reputation were lost, it would be nothing like the illusionary reputation of constraint that Ah Yan holds. In the future, if he needed help, who would pay him any attention?
Jinrong, feeling both frustrated and amused, glanced at Jiang Yifan, "Forget it then. The friends you have are all eccentric; I really don’t know why they associate with someone like you, who is climbing the bureaucratic ladder."
Jiang Yifan was slightly smug; his character was beyond reproach. Most importantly, his master used to take him on travels, and his master’s connections were impeccable. Skills were formidable, and his knowledge was even more revered, truly earning others’ admiration.
Jinrong sneered and asked, "Where’s Ye Zi? She just showed her face today and vanished. Call her over; there’s something to discuss."
Thinking about this, Jinrong felt utterly displeased. Back when they were in Qingyuan County, how carefree and free they were, discussing matters together, engaging in business and making money together — it was truly liberating.
But now back in the capital, everything was about rules. Ye Xinyan even married this brat Jiang Yifan, leading to this current situation: a divide between men and women.
Especially when Jiang Yifan wasn’t around, even if he had matters, he couldn’t easily discuss them with Ye Xinyan.
As expected, Jiang Yifan, who valued beauty over friends, immediately showed a wary expression upon hearing his words, "What are you trying to do? Ah Yan is a lady; it’d be best not to involve her in these matters."
Jinrong was even more irritated. What kind of woman does he think Ye Xinyan is? Does she need such protection? "It’s about discussing matters concerning Lang Garden. If you can make the decisions, I’ll talk to you instead."
Jinrong gave Jiang Yifan a sidelong glance. Usually, acting so arrogantly, can he really make decisions for his wife? In just this regard, every man in the world is better than Jiang Yifan.
Jiang Yifan, having been jabbed by Jinrong, was momentarily speechless. But seeing Jinrong’s expression, caught between doubt and pettiness, his momentary speechlessness vanished.
Since the business was Ah Yan’s, he certainly couldn’t make decisions over her. Even for other matters, as Ah Yan’s husband, he had an obligation to let Ah Yan know. His Highness saying this was purely out of jealousy, trying to provoke him.
Jiang Yifan looked scornful, glanced at Jinrong, and called out towards the outside, "Shi Yu, go invite Grandma over; there’s something to discuss with her."
Ye Xinyan, hearing them indeed call her over for a discussion, looked completely bewildered.
In times like these, the Ministry of Justice had just adjudicated a major case, purging the Ministry of Works, even driving Prince Fu back to the Prince Fu’s Mansion. Following that, many regions under the court suffered severe droughts, and the court’s efforts to gather disaster relief materials were extremely ineffective.
Shouldn’t they be taking this opportunity to discuss how to purge the Ministry of Revenue in turn? What were they calling her over for now?
For such matters, she felt entirely out of her depth.
Ye Xinyan, with a head full of questions, entered the guest room, first saluting Jinrong, then exchanging greetings with Hu Jing. Only then was she pulled to sit beside Jiang Yifan.
"His Highness said to discuss matters regarding Lang Garden with you," Jiang Yifan said, looking at Jinrong.
Jinrong glared at him, then signaled to Hu Jing. This brat Jiang Yifan was really annoying; it would be better to let Mr. Hu speak instead.
Hu Jing, however, didn’t react much, smiling as he spoke, "It’s like this. Yesterday, His Majesty casually complained to Zhang Cunhai, saying that several prefectures and counties are experiencing severe drought, and it’s predictable that this year there will be no harvest. Yet the Ministry of Revenue cannot gather adequate resources. Meanwhile, the nobles and wealthy in the capital continue to revel, hosting banquets every day, completely unaware of the people’s suffering and oblivious to the economic struggles."
Ye Xinyan blinked. Wasn’t this a matter of His Majesty the Emperor’s ineffective moral guidance? Why discuss this with her, a woman? Were they suggesting she close Lang Garden?
Hu Jing continued, "His Highness means to discuss with Grandma Jiang whether it might be better to temporarily close Lang Garden to avoid trouble."
This really was what they meant. How were these people’s minds working?
Ye Xinyan frowned immediately, "Shouldn’t this matter be properly separated? How can it be that due to the court’s financial constraints, businesses are asked to close down? Aren’t those times when business should be encouraged to help raise more tax silver?"
"Ahem," recalling the Emperor’s expression in the Diligent Governance Hall today, Jinrong couldn’t help but cough twice, "Raising more tax silver taels, ah, this matter’s narrative is currently sensitive; it cannot be casually mentioned."