Chapter 20: Taking Positions

May 20th. Eleven days had passed since Shen Jifeng took over the Xijing Silver Mine, leaving sixty-nine days until the deadline. Finally, all the personnel required for the mining operation were assembled.

Shen Jifeng summoned her core team to her office to discuss the grand plan for silver refining.

"This is Manager Li. He is in charge of all matters, large and small, at the mine. Master Zhang will oversee the technical aspects." She introduced the two men, ushering them to the center of the room.

"I have signed a military pledge with His Imperial Majesty to produce silver within ninety days. With a full count, we have only sixty-nine days remaining. You are all experts in your respective fields. Let us sit down and discuss how we can refine silver before the ninth day of the eighth lunar month. Master Zhang, please start by briefing everyone on the current situation at the mine."

Old Man Zhang produced the new map he had drawn with the help of "Skinny Monkey," the ink still not entirely dry.

"The main vein is likely in this direction, running contrary to the existing tunnels, so we must excavate a new path." Old Man Zhang traced a few circles in the air. "These areas require reinforcement. There was water seepage a few days ago; the water level has receded now, but the specific conditions require an underground inspection."

He laid the map flat on the table so everyone could see clearly. "The tunnels were dug by the previous dynasty. There should be drainage galleries inside, though my knowledge of them is limited. I will have to rely on Master Qu and Master Jiang for that."

The two men named were hydraulic engineers recruited by Prince Han, Zhao Zhen. Master Qu, named Qu Yifang, was over fifty and had a square face that matched his name. The other, Jiang Cheng, was quite young—barely thirty—with a baby face that made him look like a model student in a classroom.

Shen Jifeng had reviewed their resumes. Qu Yifang had participated in the renovation of Bianjing City a decade ago and served as a master craftsman. Although Jiang Cheng’s experience was shallow, he held a genuine official status; he had been a successful candidate in the imperial examinations in the twentieth year of Yuanchang and was a reserve secretary in the Ministry of Water. In the bureaucracy, positions are limited, and it was likely that no vacancies had opened, leaving him unassigned for over two years. She could only wonder how Zhao Zhen had persuaded a refined scholar to come to a silver mine to work as a hydraulic engineer.

"Easily done, easily done," Qu Yifang said, head held high, his demeanor neither servile nor overbearing.

Jiang Cheng, however, was all affability. "I am young and inexperienced, unworthy of the title 'Master.' I am the third among my siblings at home; everyone may simply call me Jiang Sanlang."

Shen Jifeng knew that scholars valued their reputation above all else. Seeing that Jiang Cheng admitted to being a scholar but avoided mentioning his imperial examination success, she guessed he preferred to keep it quiet—after all, working as a laborer here was hardly a prestigious experience. She was happy to indulge this small desire of his.

Old Man Zhang smiled and asked the "Tenon-and-Mortise Immortal," "Master Luo, please feel free to state any requirements you have for the timber used to support the tunnels. As long as it benefits the mining, the Princess will satisfy them all."

This "Tenon-and-Mortise Immortal" didn't even have a formal name; his resume only listed his nickname, Luo Xian'er. He was obsessed with alcohol and kept a flask hanging from his waist at all times. Zhao Zhen had found him at Xiangguo Temple, the great national temple of the Great Ning. Luo had once helped renovate the Temple of the Heavenly Kings there. Zhao Zhen had inspected the work personally—the entire structure was supported by only two main beams—and it was because he had seen such tangible proof of his skill that he tolerated Luo’s alcoholism.

Zhao Zhen had reminded Shen Jifeng that because his skills were so rare, he needed to be watched closely to ensure his drinking didn't ruin their work.

Luo Xian sniffed. Because he was meeting the Princess, he had deliberately refrained from drinking, and now that his cravings were acting up, he was eager to finish the meeting quickly. "The Tianmeng Mountain is just ahead. I will go out and look around in a moment; I can source the materials right there."

With the overview mostly complete, Shen Jifeng seized the moment to offer an incentive. "Gentlemen, this task is extremely difficult and requires your utmost assistance. I promise you that beyond your standard wages, once the silver is refined within the deadline, no matter how much is produced, I will set aside ten percent to reward you all."

"If the amount of silver refined is too small, it does not matter. I have already prepared bank notes—one hundred taels for each of you."

Qu Yifang’s eyes brightened. "As long as the silver is refined, we will have at least one hundred taels, and perhaps even more."

Jiang Cheng and Luo Xian'er also smiled and nodded repeatedly.

"However," Shen Jifeng’s tone shifted. "I have promised His Imperial Majesty that if we fail to produce silver, I will forfeit my head. This is no empty threat; the death warrant has been signed in black and white. When the nest falls, no egg remains intact. We are now in the same boat. If I lose my head, none of you will fare well either."

The previously jubilant Qu Yifang froze, his expression caught in a forced smile. "What are you saying, Princess? You are a member of the royal family; even if we fail to refine the silver, no one would dare blame you."

Shen Jifeng smiled slightly, though a flash of sharpness crossed her eyes. "Master Qu, you are mistaken. The death warrant is written in black and white; it is not a child’s game. His Imperial Majesty is always fair in rewards and punishments. Not to mention a Princess, even a prince or a royal grandson would have to face the consequences after signing such a warrant."

"Remember this, everyone: once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back. If we fail to refine silver by the ninth day of the eighth lunar month, I die, and none of you will live! Only by holding onto this resolve can we succeed!"

The chilling tone of Shen Jifeng’s voice left the group silent for a long time. Seeing this, Old Man Zhang attempted to smooth things over. "Do not be afraid, everyone. The main vein is almost certainly located. The Princess’s death warrant does not specify a quantity; as long as we refine some silver, we will succeed."

Seeing the grave expressions on their faces, Shen Jifeng knew the pressure had reached the right intensity. She softened her tone. "Of course, since I dared to sign a death warrant, I have a degree of certainty. The location of the vein Master Zhang has scouted is reliable, and you are all experts. As long as we work together, we will surely succeed."

She turned to Luo Xian'er. "Master Luo, I leave the timber from Tianmeng Mountain to you. Ask for as many hands as you need, but you must ensure the timber for reinforcing the tunnels is ready within three days."

Luo Xian'er rubbed his fingers together and finally could not resist. "Princess, I have a small request..."

Shen Jifeng understood and smiled. "There will be plenty of good wine, but only after the work is finished. Once we succeed, I will personally gift you ten jars of imperial vintage."

Luo Xian'er’s eyes lit up, and he immediately became invigorated. "Rest assured, Princess, I shall go and survey the site now!"

"Master Qu, Jiang Sanlang," Shen Jifeng looked at the two hydraulic engineers. "The drainage galleries are left to you both. The accumulated water in the tunnels must be cleared within five days. Ask for whatever tools you need."

Qu Yifang bowed. "I will need fifty miners, and also..."

Jiang Cheng suddenly interjected, "I have studied the mining maps from the previous dynasty. Their drainage system was ingeniously designed. If we can clear it in time, it might yield twice the result with half the effort. I implore the Princess to permit me to go down into the mine tonight to inspect it."

Shen Jifeng nodded approvingly. "Granted. Skinny Monkey is familiar with the tunnels; let him lead the way for you."

Finally, she surveyed everyone. "Starting tomorrow, everyone will report at dawn and finish at dusk. I will come to the mine every day to share in your hardships."

After everyone had retired, Old Man Zhang whispered, "Princess, I cannot help but feel that Jiang Sanlang..."

Shen Jifeng waved her hand. "Do not doubt those you employ. Since he dares to explore the tunnels at night, that courage alone makes him worthy of trust."

She looked toward the darkening sky outside the window and whispered, "It has finally begun."