Chapter 48: Pretend not to know me

Holding Fu Tian’s hand tightly the entire way, Chu Xiangtian showed no intention of letting go.

Fu Tian’s mind was in a chaotic mess, yet surprisingly, he obediently let himself be led back to the room.

The bedchamber was lit with a faint warm glow, casting a soft and intimate atmosphere over the entire room.

Fu Tian belatedly withdrew his hand, pursed his lips, and urged Chu Xiangtian to go back to sleep quickly.

“Alright, you get yourself ready first.”

Smiling, Chu Xiangtian ruffled his hair before turning to the outer room.

On the table in the outer room sat a cup of warm water, which Dai Fu must have prepared earlier.

Chu Xiangtian found a jar of honey, stirred up a cup of warm honey water, and brought it inside to Fu Tian.

Fu Tian had just finished washing up and changed into soft underclothes.

He had also removed his hair crown, letting his silky black hair fall over his shoulders, which accentuated his delicate, petite face, making him look even smaller and more precious—someone you’d want to hold tenderly in the palm of your hand.

“Drink some honey water before you sleep.” Chu Xiangtian handed the cup into his hand.

Fu Tian said thank you and lifted the cup, drinking it all down in gulps.

Chu Xiangtian’s gaze lingered on the throat that moved up and down with each swallow, his eyes briefly darkening, but his expression remained unchanged.

When Fu Tian finished, Chu Xiangtian took the cup back, gently ruffled his hair, and softly said, “Sweet dreams.”

Fu Tian’s heart felt as sweet as the honey water he’d just drunk.

He curled his bottom as he slipped under the covers.

Whether it was from the honey water or something else, he felt a sweet warmth inside, unable to help himself, hugging the quilt happily as he rolled around twice before settling on the inner side of the bed.

Burying his face in the soft bedding that still held the faint scent of sweetness, he drifted off to sleep.

Of course, even his dreams were sweet.

Fu Tian slept soundly through the night, and when he woke the next morning, he was full of energy.

He chose a robe of lake-blue and wore it as he cheerfully headed to the study for his lessons.

Passing by the courtyard, he noticed no familiar figure was practicing martial arts there.

Fu Tian’s lively steps faltered for a moment before he continued toward the study.

Zhou Chuanqing habitually poured him a cup of clear tea to refresh him.

Fu Tian sipped the tea but couldn’t help thinking about the absent person.

Every morning he passed through the courtyard, and Chu Xiangtian was always there practicing earlier than him.

Though their only interaction was a simple “good morning” each day, it felt like a silent agreement between them.

***

Now, with Chu Xiangtian suddenly missing, Fu Tian’s feelings were hard to put into words—just a general sense of discomfort and unease.

Clutching his teacup, Fu Tian couldn’t help but stammer out, “Why isn’t Chu Xiangtian here today?”

Zhou Chuanqing raised an eyebrow in surprise; he hadn’t expected Fu Tian to ask about Chu Xiangtian.

“The team sent by the court to take over the Gold Mine Bed arrived last night.”

Led by the Ministry of Works Assistant Minister, they came with skilled craftsmen and all the necessary tools for mining.

They hurried to reach Sifang Town at last.

Although Chu Xiangtian planned to step back from direct management, now that the people had arrived, he had to inspect the situation in person.

But this couldn’t be told to Fu Tian, so Zhou Chuanqing told a lie: “He had something come up suddenly and went back to West Mountain Stronghold.”

Fu Tian replied with a simple “Oh,” and only then did the discomfort in his heart ease, letting him focus on Zhou Chuanqing’s lesson.

Chu Xiangtian, on his side, was indeed busy as Zhou Chuanqing said.

Mining the Gold Mine Bed was no quick matter.

When others had previously mined secretly, they dug deep tunnels to avoid drawing attention but failed to implement proper safety measures.

To open the mine properly, they had to ensure the tunnels wouldn’t collapse.

Moreover, Sifang Town lacked smelting equipment, so the ore extracted had to be transported back to the County Capital for refining and separation.

Gold dredging boats were too large and transporting them from the capital was time-consuming and laborious.

For now, this was the only viable method.

“The Emperor’s order is that if the gold reserves prove substantial, they can carve a canal.”

“The Sihu River runs right next to the Feng River, which is the longest and widest river in all of the Great Chu.”

“It stretches north to Beijiang and south to Nanmíng Commandery, spanning nearly half the country.”

“If they can connect the Sihu River with the Feng River, transporting gold ore will become much more convenient.”

Chu Xiangtian agreed this was a good plan.

The national treasury was empty, and the sudden discovery of this gold mine was a much-needed relief.

At least the military salaries for the next two years could be somewhat more comfortable.

“First, send people to survey the mine to confirm the reserves.”

“The gold ore previously mined but not yet transported can be sent back.”

“As for the leftover workers from Zhao Renhua’s group, first verify their identities and register them in the Civilian Register.”

“Those who qualify can be released.”

“Those willing to stay and continue mining will be paid wages as normal.”

“For those of low status, the elderly, weak, and women should be sent home.”

“Strong young men who remain can continue mining and will be paid according to their performance…”

Chu Xiangtian laid out each detail carefully, making sure he didn’t overlook anything before preparing to leave.

The Ministry of Works Assistant Minister called after him, “Won’t Your Highness stay at the county office?”

Chu Xiangtian furrowed his brows and glared at him seriously.

“Don’t call me Your Highness out here, and act as if you don’t know me if you see me.”

The Assistant Minister was left utterly baffled.

With a clouded expression, Chu Xiangtian strode off.

In truth, he felt a bit uneasy—since people from the capital had come, someone had to oversee the overall situation.

If not him, then it would be Zhou Chuanqing.

He frowned, feeling this matter wouldn’t stay hidden for long and was bound to cause trouble eventually.

But he couldn’t directly tell the Young Master.

If he did, he might get kicked out again.

Chu Xiangtian clicked his tongue and, with practiced ease, returned to the Fu Family.

He decided to take things one step at a time.

By the time he returned, it was nearly noon.

Fu Tian had finished reviewing the documents delivered below, annotating each one, sealing them with wax, and sending them off.

During this period, the various stewards had been highly enthusiastic.

***

After returning from Sifang Town, they not only actively recommended candidates but also offered Fu Tian many useful suggestions.

Though these stewards were cunning, they had managed the rice shop for over a decade and had rich experience.

Often, their advice was more practical than Fu Tian’s own idle thoughts or what he read in books.

Therefore, Fu Tian didn’t hesitate to encourage them.

Currently, the staff at each shop was being replenished gradually.

Next, he would focus on the matters of the estate.

Most of the estate lands were near Sifang Town, making it more convenient for Fu Tian to inspect them.

Stretching in a big yawn, Fu Tian prepared to go out and stretch his limbs.

That was when he ran into Chu Xiangtian returning.

“Where have you been?”

“Are the matters all settled?”

Both were momentarily stunned before speaking in unison.

Fu Tian smiled, his dark eyes sparkling like bright gems, shining with moist warmth.

“Yes, everything’s done.”

“Have you finished your work?” Fu Tian asked.

Chu Xiangtian nodded.

“I went outside the city to handle some affairs.”

Fu Tian frowned, “But Brother Zhou said you went back to West Mountain Stronghold?”

Chu Xiangtian: Why not warn me before making up lies?

He calmly explained, “Well, I did go back to West Mountain Stronghold first, then made a trip outside the city.”

Fu Tian responded with an “Oh,” not paying it much mind and then asked if he’d eaten.

Chu Xiangtian shook his head.

He’d been discussing mining matters with the Ministry of Works people since midnight yesterday.

Once things were settled, he rushed back without time to eat.

Fu Tian said, “I’ve prepared some food. Want to eat a little first?”

“Alright.”

The two walked side by side back to the courtyard, where Dai Fu brought out the warmed dishes from the small kitchen.

Chu Xiangtian was indeed hungry and quickly ate with chopsticks.

Fu Tian sat nearby, propping his cheek with his hand, lips curling into a smile.

Two days later, a public announcement was posted in town.

The newly appointed county magistrate had arrived, and mining operations would officially begin at the gold mine on the border between Sifang Town and Lehe Town.

Young able-bodied men were being recruited for mining, with food and wages provided.

The townsfolk gathered around the notice, whispering doubts about how reliable the matter was.

Many were idle since the busy farming season hadn’t started yet.

If it was true, earning some wages sounded like a good deal.

Soldiers stood by the announcement, registering recruits in a ledger.

At first, only a few signed up.

But after hearing from those who went that there really was food, drink, and pay based on the amount of gold mined, more and more people enlisted.

Mining operations gradually got underway.

However, this was not what Fu Tian cared about most.

He was more concerned that the government was once again recruiting labor to build a dock in Sifang Town.

The Sihu River was wide and deep, with few sharp bends, making it very suitable for water transport.

However, the area was remote, with no boats coming in or out, and little needing transportation.

Previous officials had been negligent, so this advantage remained unused.

After several explorations, the Ministry of Works confirmed the unusually large gold reserves.

They also discovered a partially exposed gold mine bed on a nearby shoal.

They immediately scheduled the dock construction project.

As for digging the canal, a memorial would be submitted to the capital for deliberation.

Upon hearing the news, Fu Tian even personally went to inspect the Sihu River.

Zhou Chuanqing mentioned that connecting the Sihu River to the Feng River might happen.

True or not, it was undoubtedly good news for Fu Tian.

Chu Xiangtian didn’t understand why he was so happy.

Since hearing the news, Fu Tian looked like a man who had just found a windfall, dragging Chu Xiangtian along excitedly.

The Ministry of Works people were surveying the riverbank, assessing the best site for the dock.

Watching the busy soldiers, Fu Tian felt waves of joy welling up inside him.

He had studied many methods to prevent drought.

Carving a canal was undoubtedly the most effective.

With the north and south water systems connected, flood control and drought resistance would greatly improve.

Water transport was faster and safer than land transport.

Once the canal was completed, even if droughts lasted two years, they could quickly ship grain by water.

In his previous life, the droughts had lasted two to three years, starting in the south.

Thanks to the Feng River, the north was relatively less affected.

Fu Tian’s mind was already racing with plans, feeling like a plant fully soaked with water, brimming with energy.

The Ministry of Works Assistant Minister finished surveying three potential dock sites, wiped the sweat from his brow, and prepared to leave.

As he climbed the riverbank, he saw Chu Xiangtian beside Fu Tian.

Instinctively, he wanted to come forward and pay respects but was frozen in place by a single glare from Chu Xiangtian.

Quick to recover, the Assistant Minister turned and hurried down another path, leaving swiftly.

Fu Tian looked puzzled.

“Didn’t they just want to come over?”

Chu Xiangtian calmly replied, “No, you must have seen it wrong.”