CHAPTER 161: CHAPTER 161: TERRITORY

The soldiers of the Nanyang Army were full of pent-up frustration, and when they began their drills the next morning, they each exerted all their strength.

Jiang Shaohua watched for a while, then turned to Yu Chong with a smile and said, "When training the troops, don’t overdo it and injure them. Make sure the soldiers have enough to eat every day, and get enough nutrients."

Yu Chong earnestly replied, "Rest assured, Commandery Princess, I will never emulate the black-hearted Zuo Zhen! I will never skimp on the soldiers’ provisions!"

Jiang Shaohua gave a faint smile, "I never listen to what people say, only watch what they do. In half a year, I will come back to inspect the military camp. I hope General Yu can give me a pleasant surprise."

Yu Chong cupped his hands in agreement.

Jiang Shaohua stayed with the Nanyang Army for a few days before setting off again, arriving at the Personal Guard Camp four days later.

Qin Zhan and Liu Hengchang were the first to ride out to welcome her from afar: "This humble general welcomes the Commandery Princess!"

Jiang Shaohua, who had been traveling on horseback all the way, showed no signs of fatigue and remained spirited: "You both may rise."

With the Commandery Princess at the center, everyone escorted her to the Personal Soldiers Camp. Qin Hu laughed softly, "Commandery Princess, these past few months, we’ve been rushing the work day and night. Two new military camps are now roughly completed. We’re just waiting for the Second Camp to return so we can discuss how to divide the camps."

Meng Dashan, overhearing, immediately chimed in, "The Second Camp has been on the move for nearly half a year, and everyone is utterly exhausted. Let’s not move them. The new military camp can be for the First and Third Camps."

Qin Zhan laughed and spat playfully at him: "You, Old Meng, always looking for an easy option. But let’s see if my fists agree with you."

The new military camp is currently just an empty shell, with nothing inside. It would definitely be more beneficial to stay in the old camp.

Liu Hengchang smiled silently.

Qin Zhan and Meng Dashan, being trusted aides directly associated with the Prince’s Mansion, spoke with confidence and without reservation before the Commandery Princess. He, however, being an outsider who joined later, neither competed with the First nor Second Camp, nor did he intend to.

Jiang Shaohua laughed instead, "This matter—I already have it planned out. Uncle Qin and Uncle Meng, no need to argue."

Both Qin Hu and Meng Dashan held great respect for the Commandery Princess, so they immediately fell silent.

Upon entering the camp, the personal soldiers came forward to pay their respects.

Chen Jinyu had visited the camp in his youth, but for Ma Yaosong, it was the first time witnessing such a scene, stirring excitement within him and causing him to clench his fists impulsively.

"This is truly the Commandery Princess’s domain." Chen Jinyu turned his head, chuckling softly, "All two thousand personal guards in the Personal Guard Camp are willing to lay down their lives for the Commandery Princess! Wherever she points, none will hesitate, even through the fire or over the mountain of knives."

"As for the Nanyang Army, they’re quite lacking at the moment!"

In terms of either military strength or loyalty to the Commandery Princess, they were still significantly behind.

Ma Yaosong, with his heart aflame, whispered, "I will follow the Commandery Princess and achieve some sensational feats."

Chen Jinyu smiled warmly, his lively eyes filled with laughter: "That’s exactly what I’m thinking too."

...

Chief Historian Chen and Chief Clerk Wen, both well-advanced in years, had their old bones jostled about during the journey, and after settling in, were too stiff to move, needing a day or two of rest.

Jiang Shaohua, however, was not the least bit tired and was out inspecting the new military camp early the next morning.

Young housekeepers Chen and Ma naturally accompanied her.

Chief Clerk Wen, who slept until the sun was high, came to find Chief Historian Chen for a chat, rubbing his back and smiling wryly, "Alas, age has caught up with me. Back in the day, when I accompanied the Prince to inspect various counties, I would walk forty miles each day and still be full of energy. Now I can’t anymore!"

Chen Zhuo glanced at the chattering Chief Clerk Wen with a smile: "If I remember correctly, you will be turning sixty in half a year. Are you planning to retire then?"

Chief Clerk Wen smacked his mouth, accompanying his laughter, "Nothing escapes Chief Historian Chen. Indeed, I do have such plans."

"The Commandery Princess is young, ambitious, with grand visions of governing all of Nanyang County so well that it can be prosperous and peaceful. If I were ten or twenty years younger, I would certainly exert my utmost to assist her. But now these old bones of mine simply can’t do it anymore."

Chen Zhuo smiled calmly, "If this is how you feel, just tell the Commandery Princess directly. She won’t force you to keep working at the Prince Mansion."

Chief Clerk Wen stroked his sparse hair, shamefacedly saying, "Of course, I’ll have to mention it. However, I’m worried the Commandery Princess won’t agree. At that time, I’d need Chief Historian to put in a good word for me, persuade her to let go, and allow me to return home with these old bones."

Lessening the burden means living a few more years.

Chen Zhuo shot another glance at Chief Clerk Wen, "Wen, we’ve known each other for over ten years, so I’ll speak to you frankly."

"Even someone like Yang Zheng, who has a background and connections, now has to change his ways and work eagerly for the Commandery Princess. You’ve managed the warehouses for so many years, yet now want to leave. I’m afraid the Commandery Princess won’t agree. Besides, I don’t want to incur her displeasure. If you want to retire, I won’t stop you. But asking me to intercede is out of the question."

Chief Clerk Wen: "..."

Chief Clerk Wen tried all sorts of persuasions, nearly talking his tongue sore, but to no avail; Chief Historian Chen remained unmoved.

Chief Clerk Wen could only heave a long sigh and leave in embarrassment.

...

Meanwhile, Jiang Shaohua was inspecting the new military camp, accompanied by several military generals.

The new military camp was about five miles away from the original camp, just a short incense burn away on horseback. There was also a distance of about five miles between the two new camps.

The newly built military camp site was quite large, taking about half an hour to circle on horseback.

Jiang Shaohua’s entourage entered through the main gate, immediately spotting the tall watchtower. On it stood a tall young man, like a black tower.

One look at the figure and you could easily recognize who it was.

It was Tao Da from the First Personal Guard Camp.

Laughter flickered in Jiang Shaohua’s eyes as she waved to Tao Da. He leaped down in one go. Despite his large stature, his agility was quite impressive, landing firmly on the ground.

Qin Zhan jested with a laugh, "Watch it, don’t break a leg!"

Tao Da grinned broadly, "I do this every day, won’t fall." Then, with an expectant face, he asked the Commandery Princess, "Commandery Princess, can I move to the new military camp?"

Jiang Shaohua laughed and asked in return, "Do you want to come to the new military camp?"

Tao Da, completely unaware of his commander Qin Zhan’s glare, nodded cheerfully, "Of course! The new camp is clean and spacious, I’d love to come."

Meng Dashan beamed and slapped Tao Da on the shoulder, "Alright, alright, let the First Camp have the new camp then."

Qin Zhan chuckled in exasperation and kicked Tao Da, "Who told you to speak nonsense!"

Tao Da remained unmoved, "I’m not talking nonsense, I really like it here."

This honest fool! Never knowing how to read expressions before speaking. Qin Zhan, annoyed, was tempted to kick him again.

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "Uncle Qin, don’t be angry. Tao Da is just like this, saying whatever comes to mind. You know that. Why bother arguing with him? Let’s go and have a look inside."

After a few steps, Tao Da quickly caught up, "Commandery Princess! I have something to ask of you!"

Jiang Shaohua, always having a soft spot for Tao Da, and not minding his rashness, stopped with a smile, "What is it?"