Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress-Chapter 742 - 739: Quantity_1

"On the matter of canal construction, Qin Shangzhi mentioned it to me before. Mr. Qin has a detailed plan for the construction. I am still considering it!"

Qin Shangzhi’s plan was very detailed, but the Crown Prince had many issues to address lately and had put it aside.

"That’s good. Now that the Crown Prince is handling state affairs on behalf of the Emperor, it is inevitable that some things might be overlooked. Having people around to remind you can help share the burden!" Bai Qingyan nodded toward the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince slightly adjusted his posture and then went back to call Mr. Fang, Qin Shangzhi, and Ren Shijie to the study.

They mainly discussed two matters...

The first one was the construction of the Guanghe Canal. Qin Shangzhi was in high spirits. He had been at the Crown Prince’s residence for some time, and his suggestions had not been adopted often. This time, since the Crown Prince specially called them over, it seemed that this matter was going to be put on the agenda.

Ren Shijie was quite supportive. In his heart, Yan had ambitious rulers and ambitions for unifying the world in the future. Now that the Jin Kingdom was willing to spend manpower and resources to complete this Guanghe Canal, Ren Shijie was naturally eager to see it happen.

"What does Mr. Fang think?" the Crown Prince looked at Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang glanced at Qin Shangzhi, stroked his goatee, and smiled. "Waterway construction is a benefit to the country and the people. Naturally, I do not object. Since Mr. Qin proposed it, and I see he has already lined out the detailed processes and selected a master for the project, why not let Mr. Qin handle this? What do you think, Your Highness?"

Seeing the Crown Prince knitting his brows in thought, Mr. Fang added, "Waterway construction has always been a lucrative post, and it is common for those in charge to try to gain some benefits! But Mr. Qin has always regarded wealth as dirt. With Mr. Qin in charge... Your Highness need not worry about corruption!"

Mr. Fang intended to use this opportunity to send Qin Shangzhi away. As long as Qin Shangzhi was not in Dadu City or the Crown Prince’s residence, Mr. Fang wouldn’t need to be wary of him anymore.

Qin Shangzhi understood Mr. Fang’s intentions upon hearing this and straightforwardly got up and made a deep bow to the Crown Prince. "If Your Highness trusts me, I will ensure this matter is handled properly!"

"Good!" The Crown Prince nodded. "At tomorrow’s morning court, I will discuss this with my father."

When the Crown Prince brought up the construction of the Guanghe Canal in court the next day, Prime Minister Lu agreed immediately. Prime Minister Lu suggested postponing the construction of the Ninefold Terrace and putting all resources into the canal project.

However, the Crown Prince did not agree, stating that the construction of the Ninefold Terrace was equally important for praying for blessings for the Jin Kingdom as the canal construction was for benefiting the people. Both should not be delayed. The Emperor praised the Crown Prince and agreed that he should proceed with both matters.

Seeing the Emperor in good spirits, the Crown Prince initially wanted to bring up the matter of King Liang ordering Li Mingrui to rescue the rebel Wang Qiulu but remembered what Hongmei said on the bed. Not wanting to dampen the Emperor’s mood, he waited until after the morning court to visit the Emperor’s bedchamber and told him about King Liang coercing Li Mingrui to rescue the traitor Wang Qiulu in Nandu, fearing that King Liang had ulterior motives.

The Emperor remained silent for a long time after listening. His slightly clouded eyes lifted to the Crown Prince. "You said... you also called Lu Jin over for this matter?"

The Crown Prince quickly knelt before the Emperor. "Previously, when Li Mingrui falsely accused the Princess of Zhen, I thought of letting Lu Jin investigate. Who knew... later, when Li Mingrui came, it ended up involving King Liang. However, I have already informed Lu Jin to keep it quiet."

On the agarwood table beside the Emperor, a golden lotus incense burner emitted silent, curling smoke.

If the Crown Prince truly intended to pull Lu Jin and King Liang down, he would have mentioned this in the court. Coming to his father afterward showed that he still valued his father’s opinion.

The Emperor gazed at the glass screen, recalling King Liang crying at his feet. He wondered if he was already old, his heart softened, or if he couldn’t be ruthless toward King Liang.

"There’s also Left Prime Minister Li Mao!" The Crown Prince glanced at the Emperor sitting cross-legged on the ginger-yellow couch, elbow propped on the hidden armrest, and took out the letter Bai Jinxiu handed him yesterday. He held it above his head. "Li Mingrui sought to frame the Princess of Zhen because she recently found several letters exchanged between Left Prime Minister Li Mao and the Second Prince. The Princess of Zhen personally came to Dadu, but as Master Tan and Lord Shoushan had not examined them, their authenticity was uncertain. After Li Mingrui learned this, he wanted to use Wang Qiulu’s case to diminish your and my trust in the Princess of Zhen. This is what Li Mingrui confessed himself."

The eunuch Gao Demao beside the Emperor was about to step forward and take the letter, but the Emperor raised his hand to stop him. Gao Demao backed away, holding his whisk.

"Why is it always the Princess of Zhen? She is not in good health. Why did she run to Dadu instead of recovering in Shuoyang?" The Emperor was displeased. Whenever Bai Qingyan was involved, annoying issues arose. Annoyed, the Emperor waved dismissively. "Enough! Let it pass. I am aware of Left Prime Minister Li Mao and the Second Prince. I won’t read the letter. Pretend it never happened. Handle the traitor well. This matter is yours to deal with..."

"Yes!" The Crown Prince quickly bowed. He felt relieved that his father still wanted to spare King Liang’s life. Luckily, he had not revealed this in court.

"The most important thing right now is the spring imperial examination. Watch it carefully and prevent any trouble!" The Emperor waved his hand at the Crown Prince. "Tell the Princess of Zhen to behave and not cause trouble to annoy me!"

Remembering the uproar caused by last year’s military examination fraud case, which necessitated a retake, the Emperor felt it was a farce.

As the Crown Prince exited the main hall and saw the Heavenly Master arriving with offerings for the Emperor, he met him.

Though the Crown Prince did not favor this Heavenly Master, he received much favor from the Emperor. Regardless, the Crown Prince maintained decorum in his presence, inquiring politely about the Emperor’s well-being before leaving.

·

Today was the first day of the imperial examination.

Qin Lang dressed and adjusted his sleeves while turning to see Bai Jinxiu holding Brother Wang and checking his travel bags with Cuibi. He smiled warmly.

Qin Lang walked over to Bai Jinxiu, took Brother Wang in his arms, and smiled. "Is our little Brother Wang waking up early to see Daddy off to the examination?"

Brother Wang’s big, bright eyes blinked as he stretched out his arms to Bai Jinxiu, showing no regard for Qin Lang.

Cuibi smiled, "Our young master doesn’t want to tire the court scholar and affect his writing."

Bai Jinxiu took Brother Wang from Qin Lang and said, "Cuibi is right. You better not hold Brother Wang. This little guy is quite heavy now!"