She Became A Downfall Noble Lady

Jinrong had long considered this matter and said, "There’s no need to worry about this. I plan to promote cheese in the capital before the New Year. Counting the journey, it’ll take more than a month, which is enough time for them to produce another batch of cheese. After the autumn harvest, we brought over fifty cows, many of which are in milk, and a few are pregnant with calves. As long as there’s enough cow’s milk, cheese production will naturally continue uninterrupted."

When Jiang Yifan brought up delivering cheese to the capital before the New Year, he asked, "When do you plan to return to the capital? Before the New Year?" As far as he knew, when Jinrong left, he had promised His Majesty that he would visit his fief and return by year’s end.

With a sly smile, Jinrong said, "If I were idling around with nothing important, of course I’d have to go back before the New Year. But now it’s different. Sixth Master is occupied with serious business—I need to prioritize trading and, even more so, building my estate. In a few days, I plan to send Wan Yan on a trip to personally deliver cheese to the shops in the capital and bring a message to Imperial Father."

Jiang Yifan laughed as well, "I suspect there’s more to your plan. You’ve been away for so long, His Majesty probably won’t mind, but I fear the reactions of the other princes. I imagine Sixth Master hasn’t forgotten the principle that rumors can become perceived truths."With Guan He now in the Qi Family Courtyard, Jiang Yifan was much more at ease speaking his mind, and he could be more open about matters that couldn’t be mentioned freely in the past.

"Yuanfan, you know me well," Jinrong said proudly. "I had someone replicate the courtyard layout of Wong Qiao, and I’m having it drawn. It’s currently being painted and will be finished in seven or eight days. The painter has praised the beauty of this courtyard. I plan to send this scenic painting to Imperial Father to let him know I’m busy—not only with trade but also with renovating the courtyard, and I won’t be able to return in a short time."

Jiang Yifan was stunned. "By making such impressive renovations to your other residence in Yuyuan Prefecture, aren’t you indicating to His Majesty that you plan to reside in Yuyuan long-term? Sixth Master, you’re so pleased that you’re muddled. This is a taboo."

Jinrong tapped him lightly, "You’ve been too anxious lately, not even noticing something so obvious. Have you not seen what my courtyard is like? It embodies the harmony of nature, understand? This courtyard, in every aspect, reveals a life of tranquility and detachment. This is telling Imperial Father and my brothers that Sixth Master is about to transcend the mundane and no longer concerns himself with worldly matters."

Jiang Yifan’s astonishment turned to mockery, "For a mere garden to inspire Sixth Master with such profound philosophy, that’s not easy. I fear the other princes lack Sixth Master’s cultivation and won’t be able to discern so much from a painting."