CHAPTER 118: CHAPTER 118: HOUSEKEEPER

The personal soldier knelt on the ground with a thud and knocked his head three times.

After waiting for more than half a month, good news finally arrived.

Jiang Shaohua quietly exhaled a breath of relief, relaxed her eyebrows, and smiled: "This is indeed a happy event. On behalf of this Commandery Princess, convey to General Yu to calmly reorganize the military camp and train the soldiers. When I finish touring the Fourteen Counties, I will go to the Nanyang Army Camp on my way back to have a look."

The personal soldier took the order and left.

Having been fatigued from running about in the mountains and forests for several days, Chen Zhuo stroked his beard and smiled: "Ultimately, the Commandery Princess has gained the first move in this game of chess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled subtly, quickly composed herself, and said in a low voice: "This time, the Nanyang Prince Mansion has gained the upper hand mainly because Zuo Zhen himself was compromised, and we caught him red-handed. Secondly, it’s because the Empress Dowager Faction and Prime Minister Faction are fiercely battling against each other, none of them taking this young Nanyang County Princess seriously. I merely took advantage of this east wind."

The Commandery Princess’s calm and clarity are reassuring.

Chen Zhuo nodded: "The Commandery Princess is right. Such opportunities are rare. This time, the Commandery Princess has made a great impression; hence, for the coming days, it would be wise to remain low-key."

After all, Nanyang County is just a county.

Da Liang has forty states and three hundred counties, with countless citizens. The Capital City has two hundred thousand troops, and combined with the stationed troops and border armies across regions, it’s an even more massive and astonishing number. Even if the nation’s power is waning and the Capital’s control over states and counties is not as strong as before, it absolutely cannot be countered by the power of a single county.

Jiang Shaohua needs to hold onto Nanyang County and should not be overly ostentatious or radical in her actions.

Jiang Shaohua replied earnestly: "Every word from Chief Historian Chen has been taken to heart by this Commandery Princess."

Chen Zhuo, not usually one to nag, had observed the orderly conduct of the Commandery Princess over these days and clearly understood her mind. He did not dare to treat the Commandery Princess as a naive girl. Upon hearing her response, he made no further comments and instead talked about the next itinerary.

According to the previous schedule, the next stop would be Ye County.

Nanyang County has three Upper Counties with populations over ten thousand. Bowan County has the largest population, followed by Ye County and Biyang County. Bowan County has iron and silver mines, whereas Ye County thrives on the textile industry, with every household raising silkworms and weaving silk. Speaking of taxes, Ye County is indeed the largest tax-contributor in Nanyang County.

"The County Magistrate of Ye County, surnamed Cui, is an Advanced Scholar, and his own family is a large affluent household. When he took office that year, he brought over a hundred servants and maids."

Chen Zhuo was well-informed about the situation of the County Magistrates of the Fourteen Counties under his jurisdiction and narrated with ease: "This person lives a luxurious life and seeks enjoyment, but spends his own money, without engaging in corruption."

"People born into wealth, spending their own money, there’s nothing to criticize," Jiang Shaohua commented with a casual smile: "As long as he’s not embezzling, let him be."

Amidst the conversation, Chen Jinyu, puffing her pretty face, entered the room.

Chen Zhuo’s eyebrows twitched as he opened his mouth to reprimand his granddaughter: "I am discussing official matters with the Commandery Princess, how could you enter without reporting? Don’t you understand the rules?"

Chen Jinyu felt a little aggrieved: "Back in the Prince Mansion, I often went to see the Commandery Princess without as many rules."

"Those days were different," Chen Zhuo put on a stern face: "Back then, the Commandery Princess was young, and you were her companion. Now, the Commandery Princess manages the Nanyang Prince Mansion and is our lord. How can you be so casual in her presence? Step back immediately!"

Listening to this reprimand, Chen Jinyu felt delighted rather than angry.

Grandfather’s words signified his approval of her staying by the Commandery Princess’s side as a proper subordinate. With his support, she could dismiss her mother Mrs. Yao’s little objections altogether.

Chen Jinyu promptly retreated. Then, with a respectful voice, she reported: "Chen Jinyu, requesting to see the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua, holding back her laughter, cooperatively maintained a solemn demeanor: "Come in!"

Chen Jinyu entered without haste, gathered her robe to bow. Only after the Commandery Princess spoke did she rise and clasped her hands in the manner of a subordinate in the Prince Mansion.

A glimmer of amusement flashed in Jiang Shaohua’s eyes as she adopted her usual authoritative stance over her subordinates and inquired: "What is your report?"

Chen Jinyu composed herself to reply: "I wish to consult the Commandery Princess on when we will set out for Ye County, so I can prepare in advance."

Jiang Shaohua had already made plans and casually replied: "This Commandery Princess will visit the Taiping Grain Warehouse in Bowan County and observe the local welfare. We’ll stay a few more days and depart in five days."

Chen Jinyu lowered her head and respectfully acknowledged the instruction.

Looking at his grandchild who was over-acting the formality, Chen Zhuo found it amusing and advised: "In front of outsiders, you should always be reverent towards the Commandery Princess. Now that there’s no one else, you needn’t be overly constrained. You can raise your head and speak more freely."

Chen Jinyu breathed a sigh of relief and giggled as she lifted her head.

Chen Zhuo: "..."

Jiang Shaohua was amused: "Sister Jinyu is still young, take your time teaching her, Chief Historian Chen, there’s no need to rush."

Chen Zhuo felt a little exasperated: "Jinyu is thirteen this year, three years older than the Commandery Princess, yet far less composed and steady. Fortunately, she’s clever and agile, or else, I wouldn’t dare leave her by the Commandery Princess’s side."

Jiang Shaohua smiled: "Chief Historian Chen, aren’t you praising this Commandery Princess while clearly complimenting Sister Jinyu instead!"

Chen Zhuo also chuckled.

Actually, how could he not perceive the Commandery Princess’s intentions?

As the Left Chief Historian of the Prince Mansion, he labored and toiled. His son diligently worked in Bowan County, managing the iron and silver mines. The Commandery Princess summoned Chen Jinyu to her side partially for companionship and also as an act of grace to them both, perhaps even with deeper purposes.

The Commandery Princess ruled with a female identity within a male-dominated subordinates circle, occasionally leading to inconveniences. Naturally, she needed to promote nearby trustworthy women.

Sure enough, the Commandery Princess soon said: "Since Sister Jinyu is officially at work, she should have a defined position and earn a monthly salary."

"Let’s do this, she’ll start as a housekeeper, and the others can refer to her as Chen Sheren."

Housekeepers hold no rank, yet are close confidants of the Commandery Princess, indeed an appropriate role.

This position exists in the palace too. Emperor Taikang has a few secretaries around him who convey verbal orders and draft imperial edicts, low in rank but heavy in power.

Chen Zhuo, with a smile, glanced at his granddaughter, eyes widened in surprise: "Chen Sheren, why don’t you quickly thank the Commandery Princess!"

Chen Jinyu reacted swiftly, immediately attempting to kneel for full formalities.

Jiang Shaohua acted even faster; without apparent movement, she flashed beside Chen Jinyu in a blink and took hold of her arm: "Chen Sheren will hereafter manage documents for this Commandery Princess and safeguard the Prince Mansion’s seal along with my personal seal."

Growing up beside her grandfather, familiar with the Prince Mansion’s affairs, Chen Jinyu knew this wasn’t a fictitious post but a genuine position of low rank yet high power.

The Commandery Princess was not yet full-grown, slightly shorter than her, while holding her arm, their bright eyes met face-to-face.

Overwhelmed with warmth, Chen Jinyu firmly declared: "With the Commandery Princess’s high trust, I will diligently serve and will by no means disappoint!"