Jinrong recognized the seriousness in the Emperor’s tone and knew this matter could not be taken lightly. He replied, "Honorable Imperial Father, to this day, I have never made any promises to anyone. Jiang Yifan and I have been friends since our youth, and he does what he believes he should do, never promising anything for anyone’s benefit, which guides his actions. In this, I dare vouch for him."
The Emperor nodded, "That’s good. These past two years, he’s been excluded like an outsider, yet still managed to uncover such secretive matters in the account books. He must be very familiar with the workings of the Ministry of Revenue..."
The Emperor spoke to himself, then noticed Jinrong’s furrowed brow and asked, "I want to significantly employ Jiang Yifan in the Ministry of Revenue. Do you have any other thoughts?"
Of course Jinrong had other thoughts. He naturally knew about the Crown Prince’s foundation within the Ministry of Revenue and understood the root of the Crown Prince’s ailments. Using Jiang Yifan significantly at this time, especially with the officials in the Ministry of Revenue being all anxious, would be like putting Jiang Yifan in a perilous spot.
"In my opinion, given the current situation, the Ministry of Revenue should not undergo major changes. Furthermore, thrusting Jiang Yifan into the spotlight now would attract too much attention and be extremely unfavorable for his circumstances. Jiang Yifan has merits in this matter, but I believe doing this is inappropriate."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor frowned.
What merit? Jiang Yifan’s credit was gained by calculating against his son. However, if Ministry of Revenue officials held hostility towards Jiang Yifan, this task would indeed be difficult to carry out.
The current tense political situation requires the Ministry of Revenue to allocate resources for coastal wars and relief efforts in Yuanzhou and other places. But the Ministry of Revenue is now filled with parasites, and with the unstable morale, it urgently needs someone familiar with its foundation to supervise and allocate resources.
At present, only Jiang Yifan is particularly suited for this role.
Jinrong explained, "Jiang Yifan indeed understands Ministry of Revenue affairs, but rather than forcing him to interfere, it’s more suitable for him to recommend a few capable Ministry of Revenue officials. I believe, given the current vacancies in the Ministry of Works, Imperial Father might as well assign Jiang Yifan to the Ministry of Works. Ye Xinyan is well-versed in engineering, tools, and construction, and through close association, Jiang Yifan is also quite knowledgeable in these areas. His role in the Ministry of Works would far surpass his role in the Ministry of Revenue."
This had been discussed beforehand with Hu Jing and Jiang Yifan. Jinrong and Jiang Yifan greatly agreed with Ye Xinyan’s views, believing that improvements among craftsmen and the handicraft industry could drive advances in many industries nationwide, and even significantly enhance the power of weaponry.
At that time, various industries would flourish, making the realization of a prosperous nation and strong populace less worrisome. Read full story at novel-fire.net
But the Emperor was concerned about something else, "Jiang Yifan’s family member is in engineering. Placing Jiang Yifan in an important role in the Ministry of Revenue presents a great temptation. If Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Yifan cannot resist the temptation and misuse their position, you wouldn’t be helping them but harming them."
The Emperor greatly appreciated Ye Xinyan and Jiang Yifan; each had their strengths, with Ye Xinyan’s strengths being especially remarkable. If utilized correctly, it might create great fortune for the country and the people.
Yet the complexity of human nature and greed can infinitely grow and change with varying circumstances.
The Emperor did not wish for these two individuals to eventually fall into the mire of greed, thereby wasting two promising talents.
Jinrong remained unconcerned, his reply firm, "I have known Jiang Yifan for many years and have worked with Ye Xinyan for several years. Although Ye Xinyan may appear greedy, she is only moved by what she rightfully deserves, never casting a glance at wealth that isn’t hers. I trust the character of Jiang Yifan and Ye Xinyan; they won’t violate the laws of the court."
Despite Jinrong’s exhaustive defense for the two, the Emperor pondered and then decided to test Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Yifan’s effectiveness in the Ministry of Works. Like the previous matter regarding improving iron smelting efficiency, if similar successes could occur more frequently, it would be greatly beneficial to the court.
As for corruption and embezzlement, as long as preventive measures are taken early, it should be controllable.
"Since you’re willing to vouch for the two, I’ll entrust their couple’s talents. However, since you are vouching for them, you must constantly remind them not to disregard the laws of the court and avoid dragging you into any predicament." The Emperor slyly put the burdens on Jinrong.
Jinrong was, of course, well aware of the Emperor’s intentions, and his face showed astonishment. He had only said he trusted the duo’s integrity, but when did he mention the guarantee? He indeed had confidence and could vouch for Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Yifan, but the Emperor clearly lacked confidence and still uttered such words to conspire against him.
Could his father be so adept at pitfalling his son?
The essential skill of deceiving sons and ministers was the Emperor’s forte, so he paid no mind to Jinrong’s astonishment. He considered how to handle the Ministry of Revenue next.
Even if there were officials recommended by Jiang Yifan, even if the Crown Prince, the main culprit, was already under house arrest, the Ministry of Revenue was still filled with treacherous ministers, needing a reliable and strong individual for oversight.
The Emperor hesitated while focusing his gaze on Jinrong, his tone vacillating, "The Ministry of Revenue holds the nation’s granary and lifeline..." The Emperor thought and thought again, finally averting his gaze.
He was unwilling to take such risks to test his other son, "... Monetary wealth stirs human hearts, and facing the massive flow of wealth every year and month, you...? Forget it, I’ll find someone else to oversee the Ministry of Revenue."
Jinrong’s face, already colored by the Emperor’s sly remark, turned even darker.
What the hell is this? His Emperor father’s words were too bitter! If not thought through, why speak them? Was it as if he was like Prince Fu and the Crown Prince’s illegal acts, just without the opportunity to reach out, when in fact they were all peas in a pod!
Immediately, Jinrong didn’t bother to hide his displeasure, muttering loudly, "Tch! What’s the big deal? Is it so rare?" No one should stand on ceremony with anyone!
The Emperor furrowed his brow. This was outrageous!
The loud "slap" was the sound of a palm striking the table.
The Emperor then rebuked, "Truly, you’re becoming more unruly! You impudent boy, dare you show attitude to me! Get out!" The anger was irrelevant; the main goal was to send Jinrong, who had offered the account books, away, so he could properly discuss serious matters with the sly foxes in the Cabinet, sparing unnecessary explanations and trouble from this meddling boy.
Jinrong’s sneering mouth did not retract, as he hastily saluted the Emperor and said dismissively, "I take my leave."
The Emperor father changed his face quickly; having used him, this was it — no qualms about severing ties once across the river!
As Jinrong pushed the door open, he glanced around and immediately met the gaze of the dozen or so palace maids and eunuchs standing neither far nor near. Ignoring the others, they were all stealthily glancing at him, which could be feigned unseen.
But Zhang Cunhai, this old fellow, was unavoidable, looking straight at him with undisguised surprise and shock in his eyes.