"Oh? Mr. Yan has always been very observant." Linjiang Prince Li Longjing put down the snuff bottle in his hand, raised his eyebrows slightly, and seemed to be very interested in Yan Boxi's words. "Then, according to Mr. Yan, why is this so?"

Yan Boxi smiled slightly. Of course, he couldn't tell King Linjiang that he was paying special attention to Manager Liu's actions because he had a grudge against him.

He pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Mr. Liu's trip to Ganzhou was not going smoothly. He may have some concerns, so he has been more cautious in his actions."

Upon hearing this, King Linjiang nodded thoughtfully. "Mr. Yan is right. Shopkeeper Liu certainly failed to produce the weapons I had hoped for. However, he has been loyal to me and has made many contributions over the years. Since his merits and demerits offset each other, I will not be too harsh on him."

"Your Highness is magnanimous, which is a blessing for Mr. Liu." Yan Boxi complimented him but sneered in his heart. Then he walked steadily to the desk and his eyes fell on the Ganzhou mining account book presented by Manager Liu on the table.

"When serving the prince, regardless of success or failure, we should always put the prince's grand plan first."

"Since the quality of the minerals from Ganzhou's private mines is poor, a report should have been sent to the capital as soon as possible so that His Majesty could adjust his strategy and avoid unnecessary losses. However, the account books show that the fire consumption expenses exceeded the estimate by 40,000 taels of silver."

Speaking of this, Yan Boxi frowned slightly, as if he was puzzled and regretful about this unexpected expense.

The expression on his face did not escape the eyes of Prince Linjiang. Li Longjing was a very suspicious person. Even if he did not punish Manager Liu on the surface, the seeds of dissatisfaction must have been planted in his heart.

Sure enough, the King of Linjiang's next words revealed a hint of probing intent: "Mr. Yan, do you think that Manager Liu might have privately embezzled the mine's fire consumption expenses?"

Yan Boxi's heart moved, but he remained calm on the surface. "Mr. Liu's loyalty to Your Highness is unquestionable, but his ability is ultimately limited..." Yan Boxi changed the subject, "Of course, Your Highness can also consider letting other capable people take his place. After all, the palace is full of talented people, and there is no shortage of capable people."

After hearing what Yan Boxi said, Li Longjing's eyes flashed with a deep meaning.

He was silent for a moment, as if weighing the meaning of Yan Boxi's words.

The atmosphere in the study became a little solemn for a moment, and Yan Boxi remained calm, waiting for Prince Linjiang's reaction.

Finally, Li Longjing slowly spoke, "Mr. Yan's words do make some sense. As for whether someone can take his place, this matter still needs to be considered in the long run."

Upon hearing this, Yan Boxi knew that his words had taken effect and that King Linjiang's trust in Manager Liu had been shattered.

"Your Highness is wise. This matter really shouldn't be rushed." Yan Boxi followed up on Prince Linjiang's words, "However, if Your Highness is interested in selecting talents, you might want to choose from the young spies in the palace. They are energetic and quick-witted, and perhaps they can bring unexpected surprises to Your Highness."

Upon hearing this, Li Longjing's eyes flashed with admiration: "Mr. Yan is indeed a thoughtful person. I will seriously consider your suggestion."

Yan Boxi was secretly pleased with himself, but he did not show it.

The two chatted about some other topics and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed.

…

In the Xiangyun Hall of the Xingyuan Marquis Mansion, the third son Xue Jiyan had just returned from the Ministry of Revenue. Before he could even stand firm, Nanny Zhao quietly told him that the old lady was waiting for him in the main hall for dinner.

Upon hearing this, Xue Jiyan straightened his robes and hurried to the Xiangyun Hall. He bowed deeply to his mother, Hong Yingrong, and said respectfully, "Mother, may you be well!"

Hong Yingrong looked at her youngest son gently. Seeing that he looked exhausted, she couldn't help but say with concern, "I heard from the servants in your courtyard that you've been busy until late at night these past few days and have been late for dinner. Is it because the errands assigned by the Ministry of Revenue are too heavy?"

As she spoke, she turned her head and signaled to Madam Zhao to bring Xue Jiyan's dinner to Xiangyun Hall.

After a while, several exquisite dishes were placed on the table. The stir-fried artemisia was green and tender, the crispy duck was fragrant, and the ginseng black chicken soup was the best for nourishing the body and replenishing qi.

Xue Jiyan took the steaming bowl of soup from his mother and took a sip. As soon as he drank the warm and delicious soup, he felt his spleen and stomach warmed up instantly, and his tired body felt a little relieved, and his spirits recovered.

"Mother, the porridge factory in South City has been very busy lately. Originally, we only provided porridge to farmers in the suburbs of Beijing, but several counties in the south have been hit by floods, and many victims have been begging all the way to the capital."

"In order to prevent the influx of disaster victims into the city, the porridge factory needed to be temporarily expanded, and the Welfare Bureau also set up tents outside the city for the victims to stay temporarily."

"Now this task has been assigned to me."

After hearing this, Hong Yingrong nodded slightly, with deep understanding in her eyes.

The affairs of the Nancheng Porridge Factory have always been complicated, and now with the influx of a large number of disaster victims, it is undoubtedly making things worse.

However, she also believed in her son Xue Jiyan's talent and ability to handle all of this properly.

"Although this task is onerous, it also helps relieve the worries of the court and solve the problems of the people. You must not slack off in the slightest." She said earnestly.

Xue Jiyan nodded solemnly upon hearing this, "Don't worry, mother. I will do my best."

Hong Yingrong nodded with satisfaction, and picked up another piece of crispy duck and put it in Xue Jiyan's bowl, "Eat more dishes, they are all your favorites."

Watching her son eating the dishes on the table with relish, Hong Yingrong recalled the disaster victims who gathered at the South City Gate in the summer in her previous life, and the terrible fever that followed. The scene suddenly came to her mind vividly, making her feel compassion.

"Our mansion should also do its part in this matter. We should prepare some herbs that can repel insects, ants, snakes, and rats, as well as pills that can dispel heat and dampness for the victims, so as to prevent possible epidemics in advance."

Upon hearing this, Xue Jiyan immediately put down his chopsticks, bowed deeply, and said in a sincere and grateful voice: "Mother, you are very understanding. Your son thanks you on behalf of the victims."

Hong Yingrong smiled and asked her son to sit down again and continue eating. At the same time, she gently reminded him, "You should also take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."

Xue Jiyan nodded and secretly vowed in his heart that he must complete this task properly and live up to his mother's expectations.

After dinner, Xue Jiyan chatted with Hong Yingrong for a while before getting up to say goodbye and returning to his own courtyard.

It was late at night, and Xue Jiyan was lying on the bed, his mother's words and the expectant eyes of the victims kept echoing in his mind.

When Hong Yingrong returned to the Prajna Hall, she asked Madam Zhao to call the servants and told them to buy herbs and pills early the next morning, and send them to the porridge factory in the south of the city after they were prepared.