CHAPTER 138: CHAPTER 138: SELF-INTEREST (PART 1)

Just as they exited the Ma Family’s grand residence, they saw a young man of about fourteen or fifteen approaching.

This young man stood at seven feet tall, with arms like an ape and a waist like a bee, a handsome face, sparkling eyes, and a full smile that made him instantly likable.

"Greetings, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua instantly recognized him. This young man had been by County Magistrate Ma’s side all day; he was the magistrate’s legitimate grandson.

Speaking of which, County Magistrate Ma really went all out vying for wealth and nobility back in the day. He took his three sons out, and in the end, only the youngest survived and returned, having caught a severe illness on the grassland that permanently weakened him. It wasn’t until years after getting married that he had offspring. That would be the Ma family’s eldest grandson, Ma Yaocong, before us.

In fact, Ma Family’s grand gamble years ago led to the death of many younger generations. For over twenty years, they’ve been working hard to extend their lineage, but the male members remain scarce. In Ma Yaocong’s generation, there are only three sons. For a family that once flourished, this is not a good omen.

No wonder County Magistrate Ma, even in his seventies, refuses to retire. He wants to wait until the younger generations of the Ma Family mature before entrusting the family business to them. If the Commandery Princess could show special favor and allow the Ma Family to continue as the county magistrate, it would be ideal.

Everyone has selfish desires, County Magistrate Ma included.

Jiang Shaohua, well-versed in human nature, had these thoughts flash through her mind rapidly, but she showed no sign on her face and smiled as she spoke: "What’s Mr. Ma doing here?"

Ma Yaocong bowed and replied: "Grandfather instructed me to wait here for the Commandery Princess’s orders."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "I want to take a stroll in Biyang County but am not sure where to start. Since you’re here, you can lead the way!"

Ma Yaocong’s spirits were lifted, and he immediately accepted, then cautiously added: "Since the Commandery Princess is traveling incognito, she might have too many people accompanying her."

Biyang is indeed a large county, but truly, there are only four or five big households. Even when the sons and daughters of these households go out, they only bring two or three maids or house servants. This grand entourage of the Commandery Princess is indeed conspicuous.

Jiang Shaohua gladly accepted: "You make a valid point."

She turned to instruct Song Yuan: "Uncle, your appearance is too conspicuous today, so you need not come along. Let Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao accompany me, and the others can return."

Song Yuan argued: "Commandery Princess, having only those two by your side can’t suffice. How about this: the Commandery Princess goes ahead while I lead the others to follow discretely."

Song Yuan’s tone was very insistent.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t fuss over such trivial matters, laughingly agreed.

Thus, Ma Yaocong led the way at the front, with Jiang Shaohua and Chen Jinyu strolling along, followed by Yin Zhutu Bai and two robust teenage personal soldiers.

In this way, it looked just like a group of young men and women traveling together.

"Commandery Princess, there’s a place in Biyang that is a must-see." Ma Yaocong, evidently proud of Biyang, unconsciously puffed out his chest as he spoke: "There’s a large brokerage just ahead."

Chen Jinyu curiously interjected: "What’s there to see at a brokerage?"

Ma Yaocong dared not stare at the Commandery Princess, but he courageously stole a glance at the lively and pretty Chen Sheren: "Quick reply to Chen Sheren: elsewhere, brokerages mostly sell maids and house servants. But in Biyang’s brokerage, most are foreigners from outside the border. They look different from us; some have emerald green eyes, others have eyes as blue as the sky."

Chen Jinyu was giddy with excitement, grabbing Jiang Shaohua’s sleeve: "Commandery Princess, I want to have a look."

Jiang Shaohua solemnly corrected: "Call me sister."

Chen Jinyu easily complied, quickly changing her words: "Sister, your elder sister wants to go to the brokerage."

Jiang Shaohua’s lips curved with a smile: "Since elder sister wants to go, let’s go then."

Ma Yaocong still dared not look at the Commandery Princess but took another stealthy glance at the beaming Chen Sheren: "Chen Sheren..."

"Your address also needs changing," Chen Jinyu laughed: "Why don’t you call me Miss Chen and our Commandery Princess Miss Jiang. Be careful not to slip up later."

Ma Yaocong had been by County Magistrate Ma’s side since young; the magistrate meticulously trained his eldest grandson, often sending him on errands. So Ma Yaocong had an exceptional ability to read people, making him incredibly clever and well-rounded among his peers.

For some reason, today Ma Yaocong seemed clumsier than usual and replied somewhat tensely: "Calling the Commandery Princess and Chen Sheren that way would be too abrupt."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and interjected: "It doesn’t matter; let’s address each other like this."

Ma Yaocong steadied his mind and corrected himself: "Yes, Miss Jiang, Miss Chen, the brokerage is bustling, with people from all walks of life. If either lady hears any vulgar remarks, just pretend you didn’t hear them."

Upon entering the brokerage, someone immediately recognized Ma Yaocong as Mr. Ma, and a path was cleared for him. Several human traffickers in the brokerage even abandoned their clients, eagerly stepping forward to pay their respects.

Due to Jiang Shaohua and Chen Jinyu’s youth and outstanding looks, they also attracted many gazes. However, to these people, the greater priority was to curry favor with Mr. Ma.

County Magistrate Ma has held his position for over twenty years, and the people of Biyang County don’t know who the Emperor is and have rarely seen Prince Nanyang. In their eyes, County Magistrate Ma is their highest authority.

Ma Yaocong is the Ma Family’s eldest grandson and the designated future Family Head. In Biyang County, he holds a position almost akin to a Crown Prince in the palace. He is revered wherever he goes.

Jiang Shaohua watched this scene, her smile fading slightly.

Chen Jinyu leaned toward Jiang Shaohua and whispered: "Mr. Ma is quite impressive!"

This Biyang County is almost turning into Ma County.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes gleamed.

Such occasions are naturally unsuitable for excessive speaking.

Surrounded by the crowd, Ma Yaocong was also somewhat flustered. He came to lead the way for the Commandery Princess, but now, like this, it’s taking over, surely displeasing the Commandery Princess.

Ma Yaocong put on a stern face: "Carry on with your business; I’m just here today to wander around, no need for you to follow me."

The few traffickers retreated, embarrassed.

Ma Yaocong managed to break free, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to Jiang Shaohua: "Miss Jiang, please follow me inside."

Jiang Shaohua responded with a smile.

The crowd observed this move and immediately became apprehensive. Mr. Ma, usually so proud, lowered himself like this today, showing that this Miss Jiang has an extraordinary background... Young and beautiful, Miss Jiang’s attire wasn’t particularly striking, yet standing there, she was like a pearl, radiating undeniable brilliance.

Even if for a moment they didn’t associate her with the Commandery Princess, they dared not be impolite any further and quietly retreated a distance.

Jiang Shaohua stepped into the back hall.

It was indeed much quieter here than at the front.

A man around thirty—a human trafficker—hurried over, his face full of ingratiating smiles as he welcomed the noble guests: "Mr. Ma and the two young ladies arrived just in time today. There’s a batch of new goods that has just come in."

The "new goods" mentioned by the human trafficker actually refer to people from nomadic tribes outside the border, including Rouran, Qidan, and a dozen other ethnic groups, whom the human trafficker indiscriminately calls foreigners.