She Became A Downfall Noble Lady

Prince Fu was not one to be easily disheartened, yet upon hearing these words, he actually displayed a hint of desolation.

Liu Yu steadied himself and said, "No, Your Highness thinks too pessimistically. The Crown Prince has been mediocre and inactive for so many years, and even interferes recklessly with the accounts of the Ministry of Revenue, His Majesty has indeed reprimanded him numerous times, but has always protected and taught him without ever having the thought to depose the Crown Prince. Prince Yu has merely engaged in business, and business is a minor affair, His Majesty surely wouldn’t elevate Prince Yu so highly just for this, let alone pose a threat to the position of the Crown Prince."

Prince Fu felt somewhat disheartened, "Even if Imperial Father has no intention of elevating him, after Prince Yu assists the Ministry of Personnel for a few years and gains more connections, with someone stirring things up, it’s inevitable he might entertain other wild ideas."

"That is true," Liu Yu agreed with Prince Fu’s words but was not discouraged, "However, the Crown Prince and Your Highness have been involved in court affairs for so many years, the power you’ve accumulated is incomparable to Prince Yu’s. Let him gather connections for now, the rail project here is a major affair, it can both elevate your trusted followers and involve matters of silver. Let’s focus on these tasks without bothering about him. Let the Crown Prince and Prince Yu compete first and see who has greater influence and stronger means."

Prince Fu gave Liu Yu a sidelong glance, "You seem rather philosophical about it." Although his words were nonchalant, his expression clearly relaxed.

Liu Yu also relaxed and continued, "Actually, the situation before wasn’t very good either, after all, the Crown Prince has been the heir apparent for many years. With only Your Highness opposing the Crown Prince in the Imperial Court, it appeared a bit aggressive on Your Highness’s part. Having another force involved might not be a bad thing, at least Your Highness doesn’t have to face the Crown Prince alone, can be more at ease, and less subject to criticism.

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Now we control the rail project, which is already a vast undertaking. If done meticulously enough, not only can Your Highness place trusted followers, but also there will be no lack of silver in the future. Compared to Prince Yu assisting the Ministry of Personnel, it’s the affairs here that are more important."

Prince Fu had already calmed down, and upon hearing Liu Yu’s pinpoint analysis, most of his pent-up frustration dissolved, and he nodded in rare agreement. Then, somewhat regretfully, he said, "Prince Yu really has extraordinary luck. Ye Xinyan escaped from the Mansion, and after getting so far away, she happened to be encountered by him. No matter what, we’ve lost the initiative; it truly seems like fate is not on our side."

Thinking this, Prince Fu felt even more vexed by fate’s cruelty. He recalled Shen Qixiang and his son, "Moreover, our choice of people was improper. Shen Qixiang really is unfit for great tasks. I have already explained things to him clearly here, yet he still couldn’t grasp the essence, missing such a good opportunity. We took action early here, and look now, how many noble families are courting the Ye Family and the Yin Family."

Speaking of this, Liu Yu also felt deeply moved, "Subordinate has also heard, nowadays, no matter the size of the gathering in the houses of the capital, there is definitely an invitation from the Wife of General Zhenyuan, Madam Sun. People know that General Zhenyuan can decide half of Miss Ye’s matters, thinking of taking Madam Sun’s path to marry such a money-making tree. It’s a pity that we missed such a good opportunity. At the beginning of the year, the Yin Family indeed wanted to arrange a marriage for Ye Xinyan as soon as possible."

Liu Yu regretted in his heart, "Speaking of which, it is also our dereliction of duty for not having properly investigated Shen Yong’s character, resulting in the loss of this opportunity. If the marriage alliance had succeeded, we could have done much more with the production of bolts and lathes. Not only would we have affairs with the Ministry of Works, but selling bolts to the private Craftsmanship Sector would also yield better returns. What a great opportunity we’ve lost." Liu Yu kept shaking his head and sighing, his face unable to hide the regret and sorrow.