Hearing Jiang Yifan’s inquiry, Ye Xinyan instinctively glanced around the room. Although no one else was present, she still lowered her voice, "I want Big Brother Zheng to go to the Grand Tutor’s Mansion and steal a few pieces of underwear from Xing Yuyue and his little concubine..."
"Ahem ahem ahem..." Jiang Yifan accidentally choked fiercely on his own saliva.
Ye Xinyan looked helpless. See, she knew this matter couldn’t be known. If the news leaked and Zheng Pengfei found out, he’d be on guard. Not only would the subsequent actions become difficult, but it’s also likely that someone like Zheng Pengfei, such an ancient person, would leave in a huff and directly cut ties with her husband.
"Ah Yan..." Jiang Yifan looked grim, not knowing what else to say. To be Ah Yan’s husband, one must have a strong heart, or else it really can’t withstand these occasional surprises.
Ye Xinyan also seemed innocent, spreading her hands, saying, "It’s not like I have any other choice? My grandfather was mocked by Xing Yuyue in the grand hall, and that old man even used me as a topic. My grandfather couldn’t swallow his anger, and neither could I. As his granddaughter, I must do something, right?"
Jiang Yifan: "But you can’t do such a thing, besides, Big Brother Zheng would never agree to it."
Ye Xinyan pulled the outline from Jiang Yifan’s hand, smugly saying, "It depends on Big Brother Zheng’s love for the script then. He enjoys those short scripts from the teahouse, repeating them over and over. I believe he’ll one even more, and for this script, Big Brother Zheng would be willing to lower some of his standards."
After Jiang Yifan’s helplessness came sympathy. For Zheng Pengfei, who has enjoyed a carefree life for so many years, first tempted by him into triggering the Ministry of Revenue corruption case, and then about to be schemed against by Ah Yan, truly pitiable.
The Ministry of Revenue corruption case is a significant event, at least a matter of national importance. Once uncovered, it benefits both the country and its people.
However, Ah Yan this... stealing underwear from the Grand Tutor and his concubine, so vulgar, so improper... The problem is, till now, those targeted by Ah Yan’s schemes seem unable to escape.
"Ah Yan, isn’t this inappropriate? Big Brother Zheng is a gentleman."
Gentleman my foot, Ye Xinyan rolled her eyes. From any perspective, Zheng Pengfei can hardly be considered a gentleman, right?
Jiang Yifan looked at Ye Xinyan pitifully; he too knew Zheng Pengfei wasn’t a gentleman, but didn’t know what else to say.
Ye Xinyan was completely unmoved, "No worries, once this script is done and read, I’m sure you and Big Brother Zheng will redefine what a gentleman is."
Jiang Yifan, with a bitter face, asked, "How do you intend to persuade Big Brother Zheng?" Although he had some guesses, he wanted to confirm.
"I’ll have someone write the beginning and let Big Brother Zheng read about ten Chapters. If he agrees to steal those items, I’ll have someone continue writing. If he doesn’t, we won’t bother writing further. I’ll think of another way."
Humph! Without stealing something, no one will get to read the masterpiece of a martial arts legend from a thousand years later.
This alternative plan immediately troubled Jiang Yifan, scratching his ears and cheeks in confusion. Perhaps he should also help Ah Yan persuade Zheng Pengfei?
The next day, Ye Xinyan took her outline and detailed drafts to Duke An’s Mansion. She didn’t visit her grandparents but went straight to find Lian Gui.
Lian Gui was handling affairs in his Steward Office when he was startled by Ye Xinyan’s unexpected visit. He quickly stood up to greet her, continuously instructing the servants to get high-quality tea leaves for brewing tea.
Ye Xinyan didn’t stop him. Her unexpected visit certainly required Lian Gui to do something to avoid awkwardness.
Lian Gui had always managed affairs at Duke An’s Mansion for Ye Xinyan. Now, not only is he favored in front of Duke An, but he also manages Ye Yuan’s affairs, undoubtedly becoming the next chief manager of Duke An’s Mansion.
It’s Ye Xinyan’s first time visiting Lian Gui’s workspace. Although it’s not luxurious, Lian Gui’s steward room is well-kept by the servants, thus clean and neat.
She sat on the principal chair, two maidservants standing beside her. Jiu Yu held a small bundle, while Song Ping’s Household stood by the door.
Lian Gui’s gaze crossed over the bundle in Jiu Yu’s hand, knowing the young lady must have some business with him. Although the young lady is married, her say in the mansion is second only to the Duke, even more significant than the Duchess.
Duke An has said, whatever the young lady asks, just do it and report back to him.
"Young lady, do you have urgent affairs you need me for?" Lian Gui asked. Follow current novᴇls on novel·fire·net
Ye Xinyan pointed to a chair on the other side of the desk, "Steward Lian, sit there. It’s convenient for you to see the items." With that, she gestured to Jiu Yu to put the bundle on the desk and open it.
Lian Gui moved over, and looking at the items in the bundle, he was momentarily stunned.
Ye Xinyan’s bundle contained two stacks of written booklets. Were these meant for him? He wasn’t capable of this, was he?
Ye Xinyan said, "This matter requires Steward Lian’s effort. I have an outline for a script here and need Steward Lian to find a reliable person skilled in writing scripts to put this story together."
"..." Lian Gui was even more puzzled. The young lady’s ability to make money was already impressive. Was she now getting into the script business? Teahouse? Impossible, no matter how bustling, how much profit could a teahouse make? It doesn’t compare to the construction industry, equipment business, and the cheese trade?
Ye Xinyan picked up a simply bound booklet from the top stack, saying, "This is the guarantee document. Write the script according to the outline, draft three Chapters and bring them back for me to see if any modifications are needed. Writing one Chapter earns two taels of silver, and upon completion, there will be appropriate tip money."
She handed the document to Lian Gui, reminding him, "However, this manuscript and outline must not be disclosed to anyone, not even retaining a copy. If violated, the penalty is Three Thousand Taels. I mean, it would be best if Steward Lian could find a way to file this document with the Yamen."
This script is intended for Zheng Pengfei. How he chooses to handle it after reading is up to him. If, in the end, the script is widely spread, then Zheng Pengfei will get minimal rewards for violating his principles by stealing a woman’s underwear.
Ye Xinyan then handed the outline of the script to Lian Gui, "This is the general plot of the script. Find someone to write the script in accordance with this plot. While they can freely develop within the plot framework, they cannot alter the standing and character of the individuals."
Ye Xinyan briefed Lian Gui on the requirements for the writer, and then she reported to Duke An about assigning Lian Gui to the task.
Duke An didn’t think much of Ye Xinyan’s script, nor did he interfere in her matters, not even asking what the script was about or its purpose.
Lian Gui took great interest in this task, and within two days, he presented three candidates to Ye Xinyan. Ye Xinyan chose the fallen scholar Ge Wenjie, who didn’t pay much heed to conventions, but had no misconduct either.
Three days later, Lian Gui enthusiastically presented three finished Chapters for Ye Xinyan to review.