Chapter 53-Part 1

After punishing Li Quan and other aides, the trend of factional disputes among the aides in the Crown Prince’s residence significantly decreased. On one hand, this was due to Li Quan’s example; on the other hand, it was because the aides who had always remained behind the scenes now had the opportunity to serve as officials.

The newly established Water Transport Department by the Great Qi, responsible for overseeing both maritime and river transport, was a lucrative position that the Crown Prince intended to recommend his aides for.

This establishment of a new department was actually related to the young master Jiang.

After relations between Qi and the state of Liang cooled, although no military conflict ensued, they did engage in mutual antagonism.

Liang, having constructed canals, saw a significant increase in grain production, which they could sell to other countries.

Grain must be transported quickly. If it cannot be transported to the granary quickly, it will become moldy and hairy after a few rains. If it is not transported by water but by land, it cannot be sold too far.

Hence, Feng Liwu spent several days studying the maps, arguing against all opposition to dig a canal, turning Qi into a transit hub for various states. He even sent troops to key waterway nodes in nearby countries, flexing military muscle to establish the Water Transport Department, aiming to strangle Liang’s throat and prevent them from eating meat.

(T/N: to control liang grain distribution so that Liang will not profit from it.)

With the establishment of this department, numerous lucrative positions opened up, attracting many. However, the Crown Prince’s residence had recently shut its doors to visitors, denying the aristocrats of Luo’an City any chance of seeking backdoor favors.

Some aides had heard rumors that the Crown Prince preferred entrusting such financially significant roles to his own people, causing quite a stir among them.

Unlike the eager aides, Jiang Xiurun was disinterested in currying favor. She was self-aware, knowing the Crown Prince saw through her lack of significant talent.

In addition, she had previously embezzled the money for the banquet in the mansion and had a criminal record. His Highness would never let a greedy rat take such a lucrative position. As a foreign hostage, Feng Liwu would never send her to an official post.

Having thought it through, young master Jiang remained calm compared to the anxious aides. She focused solely on preparing for the Crown Prince’s wedding ceremony, occasionally comparing accounts with the steward. Her calm demeanor led others to suspect she had secured the most lucrative position, though she had not.

However, if you can’t eat the fat meat, it’s good to drink some meat soup together. There are many vacancies in the Water Transport Department. If you can’t be the chief clerk, it’s not bad to be a deputy clerk.

(T/N: if you cannot have the biggest profit, a little profit/bargain will do.)

So in the past few days, many people have come to Young Master Jiang to ask her favor.

On this particular day, Gongsun Wuyan brought a food box of wine and dishes to dine and converse with her.

For a man, drinking with colleagues, even if he is not serious, is a beneficial pastime to build relationships.

But in Jiang Xiurun’s previous life, she had too many social events involving drinking wine, and she felt that the sight of wine glasses would upset her stomach.

In addition, in order to avoid Feng Liwu’s suspicion, she never got close to the aides in the mansion, so as not to be suspected of forming a clique for personal gain.

So, as soon as Gongsun Wuyan opened the food box, and before the wine and dishes were fully set out, young master Jiang politely declined: “Thank you for your kindness, Master Gongsun, but I’ve had some stomach issues recently. The physician has prescribed me a diet of porridge only. These dishes and wine are delightful, but I’m afraid I can’t enjoy them…”

Along with Gongsun Wuyan were other aides, who, although displeased with Young Master Jiang’s arrogance, remembered the fate of Li Quan and forced a smile, saying, “Young master Jiang, you’ve been in the Crown Prince’s residence for quite some time, yet we’ve never had the chance to drink and chat with you. It’s truly regrettable. If you can’t drink today, perhaps you could replace wine with tea? Surely you wouldn’t refuse our goodwill? right?”

Hearing this, Young Master Jiang slightly raised his eyes.

The young man was wearing a thick long-sleeved jacket trimmed with rabbit fur, which made his properly shaped face look even fairer. At first glance, he seemed like an innocent young lad, naive to the world. However, when he spoke, it was with the sophistication and worldly wisdom of someone well-versed in the ways of the world: “If you all sincerely wish to associate with me, I would be delighted. But as you can see, my desk is piled high with account books and lists that need verifying. The Crown Prince is marrying three concubines at once, and every detail must be meticulously considered. Perhaps we could find another day?”

(T/N:huhuhu…once again, I didn’t mistakenly translate her to his because this sentence was from the other aide’s POV.)

And so the food box, barely opened, was promptly closed and sent back the way it came. The aides were thus gently “invited” out of Young Master Jiang’s courtyard with polite words.

Once outside, one of the aides, unable to hold back his frustration but reluctant to voice it openly, said sarcastically to Gongsun Wuyan, “I told you, he’s arrogant! How could he possibly pay attention to us?”

Gongsun Wuyan said nothing, feeling heavy-hearted, but he didn’t show it. Instead, he smiled and said, “The food and wine are all from the famous Tongque Tower in Luo’an City. It’s a pity not to eat it. Come, let’s go to my place and enjoy it together.”

So, the aides went to Gongsun Wuyan’s residence to eat and drink. After the dishes were cleared away and the meal was finished, they gradually dispersed.

Though slightly tipsy, Gongsun Wuyan did not go to sleep. Instead, he pulled a letter out from under his pillow.

Originally from Han, Gongsun Wuyan had served as an aide to the Han Prime Minister.However, he later got involved in a factional struggle, and when the Prime Minister’s family was confiscated, he managed to escape to Qi with the help of a friend. Due to his talents, he gained the Crown Prince’s favor and was taken into his service.

Before coming to Qi, Gongsun Wuyan had known Princess Tian Ying of Han. Tian Ying had been outstandingly beautiful since childhood and loved attending banquets, where her every glance and smile could captivate people. She had a flirtatious nature, believing in “better to flirt with a hundred than let one go unnoticed.”

Gongsun Wuyan was subtly yet intentionally captivated by Tian Ying, developing feelings of admiration. He once had the opportunity to chat with her and even wrote poems on her behalf.

Gongsun Wuyan never imagined that two years later, Tian Ying would still remember him and have her uncle Marquise Jing write him a letter simply to inquire about his well-being.

By not appearing in person, Tian Ying maintained impeccable etiquette, but she rekindled her connection with her old admirer. This allowed her to seek Gongsun Wuyan’s help more smoothly in the future.