CH 57

This chapter’s title is:  小七要奮鬥 (xiǎo Qī yào fèndòu) which translates to “Little Seven is determined to strive” or “Little Seven is committed to hard work.” I pondered how to name this chapter and I decided to follow the formula of chapter 55’s title. Thank you for your comments, it makes me very happy to read them. Happy 2024

When Yinyou started working at the Ministry of Works, he refrained from hastily implementing changes. Instead, he focused on diligently learning the ropes from the Minister of Works. Currently, he didn’t even understand the rules of the Ministry of Works, let alone other matters. But although the Ministry of Works seemed unimportant, its affairs were intricate. They worked in construction, water projects, weapons production, and even tomb maintenance. While the emperor might not focus on it all the time, it was indispensable in critical situations.

Yinyou took some time to observe the workings of the Ministry of Works. It was divided into various departments, including one for agricultural tools, an artillery camp, and a place dedicated to feng shui5(in Chinese thought) a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation about the flow of energy (qi), and favourable or unfavourable effects are taken into account when siting and designing buildings. and tomb route research. Despite being filled with capable individuals, these departments were often overlooked, and their members had to lead mundane lives within the Ministry.

Yinyou, after entering the Ministry of Works, chose to observe quietly, not wanting to give Kangxi the impression that he was impulsive or troublesome.

Yinyou’s approach pleased the officials of the Ministry of Works. After a month, unity had been established, and Yinyou was no longer seen as a mere decoration. People now waited for his instructions before taking action.

As Yinyou’s status continued to rise, his workload increased. He busied himself with improving agricultural tools, redesigning water mills, researching cannons, and devising more effective flood control methods.

Seeing Yinyou’s genuine interest in the Ministry of Works, Yinzhen felt comforted. The people in the Ministry of Works were mostly focused on their tasks, and there was less political manoeuvring compared to other Ministries. Even though Yinyou became a bit busier, Yinzhen was relieved knowing that Yinyou was in an environment that suited him.

One sunny day, after finishing his duties at the Ministry of Revenue, Yinzhen decided to walk from there to the Ministry of Works, curious about what the seventh brother had been busy with in the past few months.

Upon entering the gates of the Ministry of Works, signs of bustling activity were evident. Yinzhen was momentarily surprised, recalling that when he visited over a year ago, it didn’t seem this lively. He inquired about Yinyou’s whereabouts and noticed that the further he went inside, the more he encountered enthusiastic people. Individuals carrying blueprints hurried past him, deeply engrossed in their work, not sparing a glance in his direction.

A sense of unease crept into Yinzhen’s heart. Could the seventh brother have turned the Ministry of Works into chaos? However, just yesterday, the Emperor praised the improvements made by the Ministry of Works in designing ploughs, making farming easier for peasants. With such achievements, Yinzhen doubted that the seventh brother would cause disorder.

Entering the room, Yinzhen saw several people huddled on the floor around a large blueprint. Their expressions were fascinated as if they were beholding a priceless treasure. Their clothes were stained with dust, seemingly unaware of their dishevelled appearance. Among them was the seventh brother, who usually preferred cleanliness.

“The seventh prince’s suggestion is very accurate. Look, this not only increases the range but also enhances precision in aiming. It’s excellent!” A man around fifty years old slapped his thigh, taking out some crumpled papers from his pocket. “Take a look, all of you. This is the cart design I conceived a few days ago. If successful, it should be more effective than the current design. See if it’s feasible.”

Several middle-aged men, including Yinyou, gathered around the man, sitting carelessly to examine the blueprints one by one.

“Cough, cough,” Yinzhen cleared his throat. 

Immediately, Yinyou looked up and, upon seeing Yinzhen, grinned. “Fourth brother.”

“Weichen6微臣. wēi chén. this small official humble servant. pay their respects to Prince Yong,” the people sitting on the ground suddenly woke up and hastily arranged themselves, kneeling to pay respects. They were all Han officials who, in their daily lives, were cautious and meticulous7Many of the new Han subjects faced discrimination. Han men were required to cut their hair in Mongolian fashion or face execution. Han intellectuals attempted to criticize the rulers through literature; many were rounded up and beheaded. Han people were also relocated from the power centres of Beijing. However, upon meeting the seventh prince, known for his approachable demeanour, they seemed to forget their usual decorum. Reflecting on how they sat casually on the ground with the seventh prince, a few of them broke out in a cold sweat.

“No need for such formality,” Yinzhen had a faint smile. “But I might have interrupted your discussions today. I apologize for my rashness.”

The officials quickly reassured him, expressing humility and caution as they stood up.

Seeing that Yinzhen’s presence made it challenging for them to discuss matters freely, Yinyou spoke up to disperse the crowd. “You all continue your discussions. If these ideas are viable, redraw the blueprints and have someone replicate them. I’ll take my leave for now and trouble you, gentlemen.”

“We dare not. Respectfully seeing off Prince Yong and the seventh prince,” the officials, relieved at Yinzhen’s seemingly non-blaming tone, bid them farewell with obvious respect. Hearing Prince Yong’s tone, they guessed correctly that the seventh prince wouldn’t be scolded and their feelings toward the usually stern Fourth Prince became more favourable. It explained why the amiable Seventh and stern Fourth Princes had such a close relationship, it turned out they complemented each other.

Exiting the Ministry of Works, Yinyou asked Yinzhen casually, “Fourth Brother, what brings you to my place today?”

Upon hearing the words “my place,” Yinzhen understood that Yinyou genuinely took the affairs of the Ministry of Works as his own. He felt a mix of liking and a sense of loss for Yinyou’s diligence. Undoubtedly, Yinyou would have less time to spend with him. However, he maintained his smile and said calmly, “You’ve been busy these days. Yesterday, my residence received some fresh crabs from Dongting Lake, and I thought of inviting you to try them. Perhaps the thirteenth and fourteenth brothers are already at my residence by now.”

Yinyou’s eyes shone. “I heard the crab meat there is excellent. I can’t miss it. Did the palace send some too?”

Yinzhen nodded. “To Huang Ama and Noble Consort, all sent some. I also had some sent to your residence. You can share some with your Fu Jin later.”

“That’s great,” Yinyou didn’t bother with unnecessary pleasantries as the two of them didn’t need such formalities anymore. Yinyou was always appreciative of Yinzhen’s kindness.

“However, don’t overindulge; otherwise, you might get a stomachache,” Yinzhen’s eyes were fixed on Yinyou’s happy expression. A second later, he noticed that Yinyou’s robe hem was stained with dust. In his helplessness, he sighed. “Wait a moment.”

“What’s wrong?” Yinyou stopped walking, puzzled. 

A warm feeling enveloped his heart when he saw Yinzhen bend down to dust his clothes.

“Why are you picking up the eccentric habits of the Ministry of Works?” Yinzhen straightened up while scolding gently. When he took notice of Yinyou’s distracted expression, he poked Yinyou’s forehead. “What are you daydreaming about?”

“Nothing,” Yinyou held Yinzhen’s hand for a moment and then let go. “You’ve been kind, fourth brother.”

Yinzhen’s whole mind and body focused on the remaining warmth in his palm after Yinyou released it. 

He replied expressionlessly, “No need to thank me.”

“Mm.”

Yinzhen stole a glance at the person beside him. Yinyou’s beautiful face displayed a rare, gentle smile.

The author has something to say: No matter what, being a bit stingy still requires utilizing one’s strengths. Men should have their own careers, right? 

Now, a side story related to the Ministry of Works.

Emperor: Fake copper coins are circulating in the market.

Emperor: The palace utensils have issues!

Emperor: Someone has tampered with a prince’s tomb.

Emperor: There’s a major flood somewhere!

Emperor: There’s a drought in a certain region!

Emperor: A certain prince’s tree transplant from the south to the north failed!

Emperor: Our army lost a battle?

Emperor: The peasants’ harvest is low.

Emperor: Several days ago, the southern tree transplants all died!

In every scenario, the emperor’s following words were, “Ministry of Works, what are your people doing?!” 

This fictional account humorously suggests that the Ministry of Works is a universal remedy: whenever there’s a problem, just blame the Ministry of Works! Lastly, I just want to emphasize the fictionality of the scenario and disclaim any responsibility for taking them seriously.

Historical note about the Ministry of Works

The general tasks of the Ministry of Works in the Qing Dynasty included overseeing the construction of civil engineering projects, the utilization of tools and equipment, the management of irrigation systems, and the construction of tombs for the deceased. They are responsible for coordinating nationwide civil and water engineering projects, and machinery manufacturing projects (including military equipment, ordnance, and military tools), as well as managing state-owned industries such as mining and textiles. Additionally, the ministry handles some aspects of financial currency and oversees standardized weights and measures. In simpler terms, it’s quite a challenging department, to say the least.

The translator has something to say: If you guys were to read the MTL version and compare it to mine, you would notice my version has too many embellishments. I guess I like to clear up any ambiguity and add pretty words. The historical note above was left by the author, it’s in the original work. This chapter showed us that Yinyou and Yinzhen are in the phase of manita sudada, as we say in Mexico, “sweaty little hands”. When are they gonna kiss? I can’t wait~~~ I can’t bear this slow-burn anymore~~