The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Extra 11 Freeloading meals
Yuan Mu noticed the sharp gaze from the upper seat. He knew who it came from and why, but he still maintained his composure, only slightly straightening his back as he continued speaking, “Previously, several coworkers expressed disagreement with the well and canal method proposed by Miss Qin.”
“Yesterday, I happened to see Miss Qin trying out another approach. This method is quite clever. Miss Qin, could you briefly explain it?”
Yuan Mu paused and looked toward Qin Lin, seemingly waiting for her to speak.
The people in the hall also turned their gaze to the end of the table, including the man at the upper seat, whose expression had become rather stern at this moment.
When Qin Lin first proposed the well and canal method, the officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, except for Yuan Mu, had raised objections.
Indeed, the canal method was costly and carried significant risks in construction, which Qin Lin understood.
Therefore, before she could present a proposal capable of convincing them, it wasn’t appropriate to speak out rashly.
It was Yuan Mu who had just used a subtle tactic, encouraging Qin Lin to present her ideas in a more logical manner.
Qin Lin nodded gratefully to Yuan Mu, who was sitting slightly in front of her, then slightly organized her thoughts, preparing to speak.
Feng Subei, sitting in the upper seat, noticed the exchange of glances between Qin Lin and Yuan Mu. His body tensed, and his expression darkened.
The Prefect Chen Xun, who had been keeping an eye on Feng Subei, noticed that Shizi’s face seemed off. Following Feng Subei’s gaze…
This…
Chen Xun understood in his heart, seemed as he had guessed.
It turns out that the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion had come for Miss Qin Lin from the Qin family.
————
A moment later, Qin Lin’s calm voice echoed in the hall, “The ancient text Kao Gong Ji records that the well and canal method involves digging vertical wells spaced several dozen feet apart, then excavating underground channels connecting each well. One end of the channel is connected to an underground water source, while the other end brings water to the surface.”
“Previously, I proposed the well and canal method, an ancient technique that is still used in a country in the Western Regions.”
“However, the vast land in the northwest means that, if we use this method, the cost will indeed be greater than in that small country of the Western Regions.”
“Therefore, I considered whether we could combine open channels with the well and canal method.”
Qin Lin paused, seemingly giving them a moment to think.
The officials from the Ministry of Works had all heard of the ancient well and canal method, but none had the opportunity to study the ancient text Kao Gong Ji as Qin Lin had.
When Qin Lin first proposed the well and canal method, they disagreed. That was because even when digging open channels, the banks of the canal often collapsed. The well and canal method not only involved digging wells but also required constructing underground channels connecting them, which would be even riskier.
Compared to open channels, the well and canal method was more time-consuming and labor-intensive. If soldiers or laborers were tasked with digging the underground channels, a collapse could easily lead to casualties if they weren’t careful.
No one here had the courage to support Qin Lin’s proposal outright.
However, they weren’t rigid in their thinking; they were capable of considering alternatives.
When Qin Lin first proposed the well and canal method, it was quite a shock to the officials of the Ministry of Works, who had already assumed the open channel method would be adopted. They found it difficult to accept at the time, leading to a deadlock where it seemed to be either this or that.
But now, looking back, their stubbornness seemed to have been a bit limited. The group felt somewhat ashamed. Why hadn’t they considered combining both methods?
The hall fell silent for a moment, and then Lin Liang, the Vice Minister of Works, smiled at Qin Lin and said, “Miss Qin, please continue.”
Qin Lin nodded and continued, “The advantage of open channels is that they require less time and money to implement, and they can be built quickly.”
“But their drawbacks are quite evident. First, in the arid northwest, they are prone to water shortages and drying up. Second, if there is too much rainfall, the water will not only be wasted, but the fast-moving water can also wash away the channels.”
“The well and canal method, on the other hand, has advantages that can compensate for the shortcomings of the open channels. When heavy rains come, the water seeps from the well into the underground channels, storing the water underground. In times of drought, the water is less likely to dry up.”
“However, the well and canal method does indeed come with higher costs and greater construction risks.”
“I believe that these two methods need not be mutually exclusive.”
“We can repair the old open channels in their original locations while also excavating new channels for diversion in areas with steep terrain.”
“Additionally, in areas with abundant water, we can appropriately increase the use of the well and canal method.”
“By combining open channels and well canals, we can take advantage of the strengths of both methods, complementing each other’s weaknesses, and achieve the effect of using the channels to support the wells and the wells to sustain the channels.”
“With this approach, the water storage effect will be excellent, and the construction costs and risks won’t be too high.”
As Qin Lin finished speaking, the officials of the Ministry of Works looked at her with admiration and nodded frequently in approval.
Vice Minister Lin Liang immediately ordered them to start reviewing the previous blueprints to identify areas suitable for adding the well and canal method, as well as to estimate the potential costs.
The officials from the Ministry of Revenue also relaxed their furrowed brows.
Previously, when Miss Qin first proposed the well and canal method and they learned of the enormous costs involved, they had raised objections.
The task of the Ministry of Revenue was to fully cooperate with the Ministry of Works but also to control spending. After all, the entire Great Xia needed to rebuild water infrastructure, not just in the northwest. It wouldn’t be wise to pour all the funds into the northwest alone.
Now that a compromise solution had been presented, it was a win for everyone.
———–
Qin Lin was well-versed in books, with a wide and varied range of interests. Additionally, influenced by her father, Qin Wenxuan, she had a keen love for studying fine craftsmanship.
The ancient book Kao Gong Ji, which described the methods and precautions for excavating the well and canal system, was something Qin Lin had stumbled upon during a visit to the library in the Fengyu Palace, which had once belonged to the Empress and was located in the western outskirts of the city.
Qin Lin had a remarkable memory and was deeply impressed by the contents of the book.
Thus, when she heard her father mention the waterworks in the northwest at home, she immediately thought this might be an opportunity for her to leave the capital for a while.
After Qin Lin entered the palace to meet with the Empress, the Empress granted her permission to take all the books related to waterworks in the imperial city and Fengyu Palace to the northwest. Qin Lin, with her sharp mind and broad knowledge of theory, believed that by combining her theoretical insights with the rich on-the-ground experience of the Ministry of Works, they might be able to better address the challenges of water management in the northwest.
Looking back now, it seemed that the Empress’s judgment had indeed been effective.
————
After the incense had burned down, everyone fell silent, their expressions gradually relaxing.
Previously, their thinking had been stuck in a deadlock, torn between the idea that if they only built open channels, the water channels would soon become clogged with silt or collapse severely in just one or two years, rendering the large-scale project in the northwest almost meaningless.
But if they could allocate additional funds and use other methods to improve the shortcomings of the open channels, making the northwest irrigation system sustainable with only minimal maintenance over the years, it would be a significant accomplishment, and a noteworthy political achievement for them in the future.
Vice Minister Lin Liang of the Ministry of Works looked satisfied as he gazed at the preliminary draft for the water channels that had been decided upon during the earlier discussion and spoke, “I believe this method is feasible, but we’ll need to conduct a field survey of the terrain and water sources next spring before we can finalize the plan.”
At this moment, sitting in the upper seat, Prefect Chen Xun took the draft and quickly scanned it. He then handed it over to Feng Subei, sitting beside him, “Shizi, would you like to have a look?”
The people in the hall turned their attention to the upper seat, and the officials from the Ministry of Works appeared a bit nervous.
In past years, when they had been involved in construction projects in various regions, they had occasionally encountered inspectors who offered random critiques and suggestions. Since the supervising officials were often high-ranking, any disagreement or argument, no matter how reasonable, would typically end up in a situation where they were not only wrong but also unable to win the argument. They often had to compromise helplessly.
The Ministry of Works had never dealt with this Shizi on official matters before, and the officials couldn’t help but mutter inwardly:
Let’s just hope this Shizi doesn’t try to act like he knows everything and makes unnecessary comments.
Feng Subei merely glanced at the draft and spoke, “The Ministry of Works should refine this plan a little more. Tomorrow, together with the Ministry of Revenue, you can estimate the possible costs in silver. I will send someone to report it back to the capital so that everyone there will have an idea and can consider the feasibility of the plan.”
Once Feng Subei finished speaking, the officials all felt a sense of relief and even some good fortune.
It seemed that the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion wasn’t carrying the weight of his official status in an overbearing manner. He appeared approachable, which made them think that this time, the official business might proceed without unnecessary delays.
Noticing the time, it was nearly noon and it was time for lunch.
Prefect Chen Xun smiled and said, “Things have gone smoothly today, and the kitchen has prepared a lamb. Perfect! Let’s all enjoy a hot pot together and celebrate.”
Vice Minister Lin Liang of the Ministry of Works also smiled lightly, letting out a relieved breath, and said, “Sounds good. Today, everyone should rest a bit, enjoy the lamb, drink some warm wine, and clear our heads. Tomorrow, we’ll continue discussing the details.”
It was essentially an early break, and everyone cheered in agreement.
However, Qin Lin slowly stood up, gave a polite bow to everyone, and excused herself.
Qin Lin, after all, was still a young lady from a noble family, and it would be inappropriate for her to drink and feast with a group of grown men. Everyone understood this, so no one tried to keep her from leaving.
However, as Qin Lin turned to leave, she caught the ambiguous gaze of Feng Subei. It was as if that look had burned her, and she quickly averted her eyes, hurriedly walking away.
Only she knew how her heart would uncontrollably race when caught in the focus of his gaze.
She quickened her pace, almost feeling as though she were fleeing in haste.
How is it that after leaving the capital, I’ve become so unsettled? Qin Lin thought with a touch of frustration.
After Qin Lin left, Feng Subei also stood and spoke:
“Thank you everyone for your hard work. I still have some matters to attend to. Lord Chen, please continue to entertain everyone.”
The officials all bowed and watched as Feng Subei left.
Yuan Mu watched the back of Feng Subei with a slight furrow in his brow.
The Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, he feared, had come for more than just official business.
————
Back at her residence, Qin Lin was greeted warmly by her young maid.
“Miss, I had the kitchen prepare a hot pot again. The lamb in the northwest is so fresh and delicious. You must eat more today, Miss. You’ve been working so hard and have lost weight.”
Qin Lin was somewhat distracted, not responding much, just giving a slight nod before turning and heading to her study.
The maid immediately went to instruct the kitchen to prepare the meal.
In the study, Qin Lin held a book but found it hard to focus.
Perhaps it was the suffocating warmth from the charcoal stove, which made her thoughts feel hazy.
Qin Lin stood up and opened a window facing south, letting in a blast of cold air.
The sudden chill reminded her of the man from earlier at the Prefect’s office, whose aura seemed as cold as ice.
With a soft sigh, Qin Lin turned around and walked back to the desk, trying to shift her thoughts back to official matters.
Just as she unfolded a scroll of plans on the desk, the maid hurried into the room through the slightly ajar door.
“Miss, the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion has come to visit.”
Qin Lin paused for a moment, then stood up and walked toward the door.
No matter what, proper etiquette still had to be observed.
The maid had already ensured that the Shizi wasn’t left waiting outside and had taken him to the main hall.
In the main hall, Feng Subei had just picked up the tea that the maid had brought when Qin Lin entered.
Qin Lin greeted him with a bow, “Shizi.”
Feng Subei set down the teacup and looked at Qin Lin, “There’s no need for such formalities.”
Qin Lin was about to ask what business brought the shizi here, but Feng Subei spoke first, “This time I am overseeing water management, but I’m not very knowledgeable about the subject. I wonder if Miss Lin could enlighten me?”
Noticing that Qin Lin paused for a moment without speaking, Feng Subei continued, “I’m here for official business. Among the officials at the Ministry of Works and in the northwest, you are the only one I’m familiar with. Please, Miss Lin, don’t hesitate to share your insights.”
Familiar with me? How familiar?
Qin Lin felt her ears, hidden by her long hair, suddenly grow hot. She lowered her gaze a bit uneasily, clearing her throat twice, her heart a little vexed.
I suspect this man has other motives, but I have no proof…
In the study, Qin Lin did end up discussing water management matters with Feng Subei. He remained seated quietly, watching her lips move as she spoke.
As for how much of what Qin Lin said actually registered with him, only he knew.
Before long, the maid stepped into the open study, “Miss, is it time for lunch?”
Qin Lin paused, glancing at the man across from her, and politely asked, “Shizi, will you stay for lunch?”
For someone with slightly thinner skin, they would understand that the host was signaling the end of the conversation and politely excusing them.
Only Qin Lin had a sense of modesty and she couldn’t directly ask Feng Subei to leave, so she could only lead the man. The two of them walked back to the main hall one after another.
However, Feng Subei leaned back in his chair, his gaze heavy and fixed on Qin Lin’s face, and he quietly spoke, “Alright.”
Qin Lin’s eyes flickered with a hint of surprise.
Alright?
The maid standing at the door also stared wide-eyed.
The Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion seemed somewhat shameless…
———–
On the round table in the main hall, not too big, not too small, a hot pot was set up. Feng Subei and Qin Lin sat at opposite ends of the table, with the maid standing by, serving them.
During the meal, neither of them spoke much.
Qin Lin had little appetite, while Feng Subei was eating with great enthusiasm.
The hot pot from the northwest was indeed quite delicious.
……
The Shizi must think dining with Miss Lin is quite a privilege…
After lunch, Feng Subei stood up to thank Qin Lin, and she courteously saw him out of the door.
Outside the gate, Qin Lin didn’t see Feng Subei’s carriage. Just as she was beginning to feel puzzled, Feng Subei, who had been slightly ahead, suddenly stopped, turned around, and said, “Miss Lin, please take care of me in the future.”
As Qin Lin raised her head, Feng Subei nodded to her and then walked toward the gate of the nearby mansion.
Feng Subei disappeared into that gate under Qin Lin’s slightly surprised gaze.
Qin Lin: ……
After her afternoon nap, Qin Lin found herself frequently distracted while handling official business throughout the rest of the afternoon, which left her feeling rather frustrated.
She resolved to stay away from that man in the future.
————-
However, things didn’t go as planned. The next day, when discussing official matters at the magistrate’s office, Feng Subei was still present, quietly sitting at the head of the table, calmly drinking tea.
Afterward, Feng Subei came again to seek advice from Qin Lin on water management.
No matter how he spoke or acted, Feng Subei was always polite, composed, and completely respectful. He looked like an eager, diligent learner, never ashamed to ask questions.
Qin Lin could only patiently engage with him about official business.
When mealtime came, Feng Subei naturally stayed once more.
As usual, they ate in silence, and once the meal was finished, Feng Subei left.
The third day went by in the same manner.
Qin Lin had lost her temper and had grown used to this man’s uninvited presence.
Until the fourth day.
At the magistrate’s office, after everyone from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue had gathered, ready to discuss official matters, both the Governor of Yongzhou, Chen Xun, and the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion, Feng Subei, were absent.
Some officials, puzzled, turned to Minister Lin Liang of the Ministry of Works and asked, “Lord Lin, has the Prince of Duan’s son left?”
Lin Liang, flipping through the charts in his hands, did not look up, “Someone has come from the capital.”
Another official, curious, asked, “Someone else has arrived? Another high-ranking official?”
Lin Liang finally looked up at the source of the voice and answered, “It’s an envoy from Northern Liang, Princess Rong’an.”
“According to news from the capital, it seems that Princess Rong’an may have come to Great Xia for a marriage alliance, and her betrothed is likely the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion.”
“Both the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion and Governor Chen went to welcome her.”
“Enough gossip. Let’s get to work.”
The group began to work diligently, each person focused on their tasks.
Yuan Mu, who often kept an eye on Qin Lin, could keenly sense that her mood seemed off today. She appeared somewhat distracted.
A subtle chill ran through Yuan Mu’s heart.
Could it be that Qin Lin has feelings for the Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion as well…?
Meanwhile, completely unaware of the gossip circulating within the magistrate’s office, Feng Subei was obliviously caught up in his own thoughts.
Lord Lin, this Shizi many thanks to you! (gritting his teeth)