She Became A Downfall Noble Lady

If it were just a concern about the cost of building roads, Ye Xinyan, with her modern sensibilities, actually had some ideas.

She suggested, "If it’s a matter of financial difficulties, Lord Jiang could consider using the method of borrowing, taking out loans at low interest rates from wealthy households or moneylenders with silver taels, and repaying them with the increased revenue the county town would gain after the roads are completed. Moreover, constructing thoroughfares will undoubtedly stimulate business around them, so Lord Jiang could also promise to build shops along the sides of the roads as compensation, thus resolving a large sum of silver."

For Jiang Yifan, this was yet another proposal as stunning as a clap of thunder.

Even Jinrong was surprised by the immense temptation of Ye Xinyan’s suggestion; he lowered his gaze, carefully contemplating the profit and business opportunities that road construction would bring. Ye Xinyan had mentioned something similar before when discussing railway transportation. Now, with a real-life example, the idea became more feasible. If Qingyuan County’s road development led to significant benefits around the roads, the areas around the railways... would have to be strategically arranged in advance; he couldn’t let others reap the rewards.

Jiang Yifan suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and, seeming to seriously consider, said, "Thank you, Ye Zi, for the suggestion. Your second proposal complements the first, making this grand construction project seem less daunting."

Jinrong regained his composure, smiling, "I was saying, such a good proposal, I myself am thinking of investing silver and buying a few shops. How could Yuanfan not be tempted? It turns out you were already giving it careful consideration."

Jiang Yifan laughed, "How could I not be tempted by such a good opportunity, it’s just that financial resources are indeed a difficult problem. If Ye Zi had spoken the latter point earlier, I wouldn’t have had so much to worry about."

A Ye Xinyan so conspicuous had the immediate need to foster a batch of utterly devoted servants; not only would she find them handy, but having her own people, whose contracts she held, attend her closely would prevent others from prying into her affairs.