The scorching summer heat grew worse each day, and by mid-June, the entire capital had become a furnace, with the sun beating down so intensely that it seemed it could melt people.
People living in the southern part of the city noticed that the fences surrounding the area where the academy had been under construction were beginning to be dismantled. The number of carriages and people entering and leaving increased, but unlike the previous raw, unrefined construction, this time, there were many flowers and plants.
“Is the academy almost finished?”
“It looks like it. Didn’t you see they’ve started taking down the fences over there?”
“Really quick! It’s only been two months.”
“Quick is normal. Haven’t you noticed that it was bright inside all night long? I heard from those working in the kitchen that there were several hundred people assigned to the labor just for building the academy, plus the carpenters, masons, and other hired laborers. No matter the weather, there was always someone working in shifts—no breaks.”
With over a thousand people working in shifts around the clock, it wasn’t surprising that the academy was nearly finished in just two months.
A crowd had gathered around the academy to watch, but because there were many guards nearby, most people dared not get too close. They stood at a distance, whispering and discussing. Tangning, Rong Yue, and Xue Ru, however, were already inside the academy.
The official in charge of the capital’s construction department was named Luo Ronghuan. He was of average height but appeared very capable. After the previous incident where Tangning had been “attacked” by Lu Zhi Nian inside the academy, Luo Ronghuan was being especially cautious, following Tangning everywhere even though she had people with her. The events had left him with a lasting shadow.
“This is the academy’s dormitory building. There are thirty-six rooms in total, divided into four levels—A, B, C, and D, as per the princess’s instructions. If you continue forward and follow the corridor, you’ll reach the academy’s training grounds, which include areas for horseback riding and archery. The students' and teachers' living quarters were also inspected by the princess just now. Are there any changes you'd like to suggest, Your Highness?” Luo Ronghuan asked in a low voice.
Tangning was very pleased with what she saw. “Lord Luo is being too polite. Everything you’ve arranged is great. However, I noticed that the library building is still not finished. Do you know when we can start moving the books in?”
Luo Ronghuan replied, “It may take another half month.”
Seemingly worried that Tangning might be dissatisfied, he added, “When Lord Xiao ordered us to build the library, he had very high requirements. The entire building is mostly stone. I told him it would be time-consuming, but since the academy itself is set to be completed within two months, the library can be delayed a little.”
The library building had to be resistant to rain, humidity, fire, and pests. Apart from the main beams and windows, the columns, stones, walls, and stairs were all made from granite and high-quality bluestone. This made the library the most valuable part of the entire academy.
According to Lord Xiao’s words, “If the palace falls, the library must not.” Most of the laborers had spent a great deal of time working on the library.
Naturally, Luo Ronghuan couldn’t reveal Lord Xiao’s exact words. He simply said, “If the princess is in a hurry, I’ll have them work faster and see if we can finish in two weeks.”
Tangning nodded in response. “Thank you, Lord Luo.”
Luo Ronghuan then inquired, “What about the other areas?”
“Everything else is fine. There’s nothing else that needs changing. I really appreciate your hard work these past couple of months, Lord Luo.”
Tangning glanced to the side, and Hua Wu immediately stepped forward holding a brocade box.
Tangning took it and handed it to Luo Ronghuan. “Inside, you’ll find some silver. Please accept it, Lord Luo, as my way of inviting you and everyone at the capital construction department for tea.”
“This... I can’t accept this!” Luo Ronghuan immediately refused. “His Majesty’s decree and the work for the people are what we’re supposed to do.”
Tangning smiled lightly. “His Majesty’s decree is His Majesty’s. But the hard work and dedication of you and your department over these past two months have not gone unnoticed by me. It’s thanks to everyone’s efforts that the academy was built so quickly. There isn’t much silver in here. It’s just an invitation for tea, please don’t refuse.”
Her words were graceful, and she placed the box in his hands. “As for the library, please do keep an eye on it and help us get it finished as soon as possible.”
Luo Ronghuan looked at the rather heavy brocade box in his hands. After a moment of hesitation, he didn’t refuse. “Then on behalf of everyone in the capital construction department, I’ll thank the princess. Don’t worry, I’ll personally oversee the library and make sure it’s completed as soon as possible.”
After they parted ways with Tangning, Luo Ronghuan’s subordinates couldn’t help but comment, “The Princess of Yiyang is quite sensible and knows how to handle things.”
They had originally thought she was just a pampered young lady relying on Lord Xiao’s power, but now, she appeared to be meticulous and composed in every matter.
Luo Ronghuan gave him a sideways glance. “Do you think that someone who can ruin a powerful noble house, force the Lu family to retreat step by step, and indirectly cause the death of King Cheng is an ordinary person?”
“But those were all Lord Xiao’s doing...”
“Lord Xiao may have done it, but who can say there was no contribution from the Princess of Yiyang?” Luo Ronghuan shook his head as he looked at the box in his hands. “Don’t underestimate anyone. I heard the Princess of Yiyang was raised under the tutelage of Lord Rong, the Imperial Preceptor. He was the tutor to three emperors, and just the fact that she’s managing Rong Sheng Academy shows she’s outshining many others.”
He opened the brocade box and saw several silver notes, beneath which was a letter of admission to Rong Sheng Academy.
Though it was only for the lowest-ranked C class, Luo Ronghuan couldn’t help but smile widely.
When the Princess of Yiyang had visited before, he had merely mentioned in passing that his son, despite his desire to improve, had no famous teacher to guide him. He hadn’t expected the princess to remember and present such a generous gesture.
Luo Ronghuan took the silver notes out and handed them to one of his men. “Since it’s from the princess, take these and divide them. Half for the brothers in the department, and half for the kitchen. Make sure they prepare extra meat for the laborers over the next few days. Tell them this is from the Princess of Yiyang.”
Returning a favor, Luo Ronghuan was good at that.
Rong Sheng Academy had boundless potential, and with the Princess of Yiyang’s already established reputation, he didn’t mind helping her further.
Luo Ronghuan said, “Keep an eye on things over the next few days. Try to finish the library in ten days. Don’t delay the princess’s important work.”
His subordinate didn’t notice that there was something hidden at the bottom of the brocade box and assumed Luo Ronghuan had left a silver note there. He didn’t think too much about it; after all, taking a cut of the silver notes was normal, especially when most of the money was going to them.
The man happily took the silver notes and said, “Thank you, Lord!”
“Don’t thank me yet. Tell the brothers that although we’re rushing the work on the library, there’s no room for cutting corners!”
“Don’t worry, Lord. I’ll personally supervise.”
Rong Yue was seeing her niece conduct business for the first time. She was a far cry from the little girl who used to love to act spoiled. As she interacted with the officials from the capital construction department, she appeared as though she was glowing, her demeanor shining with brilliance.
“Why did you decide to give silver to Luo Ronghuan? The academy’s admission should be enough to thank him,” Rong Yue said.
Tangning smiled. “The academy’s admission is for Luo Ronghuan, but the silver is for the others.”
Seeing Rong Yue’s confusion, she explained with a light laugh, “Aunt, the capital is full of lucrative government departments, and the Capital Construction Department is one of them. Although their official rank is only low-level, many people would want to work there. Luo Ronghuan doesn’t have any powerful connections, but he’s been able to stay in the department, which shows he’s quite clever.”
Clever people know how to seize opportunities and reciprocate kindness.
When an opportunity for mutual benefit comes knocking, he won’t miss it.
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You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here
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