A Perfect Opportunity Arises
Nathan Ye and the subordinates he brought with him immediately took up their new posts. Each was promoted, their benefits improved, and everyone felt valued and excited, eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
"Minister Ye, your first assignment from the Ministry of Public Works is to oversee the construction of the Modern Academies," Su Li said, handing Nathan Ye the academy project plan. "The building of these academies needs the Ministry's coordination and manpower. I need you to calculate precisely the cost, timeline, number of workers, wages, and so on for each academy, and prepare an optimal budget report for me. Once I approve it, the treasury will allocate funds to your ministry, which will then organize the purchase of materials and begin construction."
Nathan Ye accepted the order and replied, "Rest assured, Chancellor Su, I will not fail in my duty!"
Thus, the Ministry of Public Works was hastily assembled. Nathan Ye led his team of elites and worked through the night to produce construction plans and budget reports for the academies. Three days later, using the mathematics Su Li taught them, they quickly calculated the optimal plan and required funds.
"I've reviewed the plan—it's excellent. Minister Ye, you truly are a pillar of the state. The total funds needed to build all the academies come to 3,820,000 taels of silver, and the calculation is precise. Once I report to His Majesty, funding can begin and construction can start." Su Li looked at Nathan Ye's dark circles and praised, "Minister Ye, you haven't slept for three days—well done. Go home and get some rest."
Nathan Ye felt a deep sense of accomplishment and chuckled, "It is an honor for everyone in the Ministry of Public Works to serve the nation."
===
News of Su Li poaching talent and swiftly assembling the Ministry of Public Works spread quickly throughout Qin. Soon, more talented individuals were invited to Chang'an to take up various official positions.
For a time, Chancellor Su Li’s reputation in Qin soared higher and higher, like sesame flowers climbing a stalk—steadily rising.
The more Su Li’s fame grew, the more uncomfortable the Qians became—especially Qiantang and Mia Qian. They found the idea of sending Mia Qian into the palace increasingly troublesome.
For the past few days, Quentin Qian had been searching for an opportunity, frequently entering and leaving the Imperial Study. Besides assisting Alexander Hayes, he was secretly observing for a chance.
Finally, Quentin Qian noticed that after Su Li submitted the new academy funding request to Alexander Hayes, Alexander did not immediately approve the funds as he usually did.
After some investigation, Quentin Qian discovered that Su Li actually intended to spend 3,820,000 taels of silver to build academies!
"Grandfather, has Su Li lost her mind? She wants to spend that much money on academies!? His Majesty will never agree to this—over 3.8 million taels of silver! Wouldn’t it be better to build a luxurious Qin Palace instead? What a waste to spend it on academies!" Mia Qian said indignantly.
Quentin Qian stroked his beard and said, "I can't understand it either. Building so many academies is pointless—just squandering money. Those commoners, is there any use in teaching them to read and write?"
"Exactly! I think that Su is just getting carried away now that she's Chancellor, eager to prove herself, so she pushed for the academy project," Mia Qian concluded.
Quentin Qian agreed wholeheartedly, "Mia, no matter what Su Li is thinking, her reckless actions have given us an opportunity!"
"Oh? What opportunity!?" Mia Qian’s eyes lit up instantly.
Quentin Qian smiled mysteriously and chuckled, "A perfect chance to make Su Li accept our Mia’s entry into the royal harem as a consort!"