CHAPTER 177: CHAPTER 177: HEART TO HEART (PART 2)

Jiang Shaohua asked casually, and Cui Du replied frankly, "No."

"Around me are all smart and capable girls. I spend all day buried in the experimental field, and they all think I’m a weirdo. Occasionally, one or two would send a hint of affection my way, but I had no interest and didn’t pursue them actively, so nothing came of it."

"So, for twenty-five years, I’ve never had a girlfriend. I’ve never even held a girl’s hand."

The first time I held a girl’s hand was just a moment ago, with you, Commandery Princess!

Jiang Shaohua laughed, perhaps understanding the implication of Cui Du’s words, "So it seems, your fated time hasn’t come. Perhaps your fate lies in the Da Liang Dynasty."

Cui Du’s ears turned slightly red again, and he murmured in agreement.

The two continued walking forward together.

The evening breeze blew gently against their faces, bringing a sense of happiness and tranquility.

Cui Du sneaked a glance at the Commandery Princess and mustered the courage to say, "The Commandery Princess must have many unknown secrets too! If you’re willing to talk, I’m always here."

Jiang Shaohua paused slightly and turned to look at Cui Du.

Although Cui Du claimed to be twenty-five, he appeared as a ten-year-old boy, with eyes as clear as two springs, reflecting her face clearly.

He came from a completely foreign world, with a mind as pure as an untouched jade. His concern for her was plainly written on his face.

Just as Cui Du was worried that he had misspoken, Jiang Shaohua softly said, "I do have many secrets."

"I don’t want to talk about them now. When the day comes that I’m willing to share, you’ll be the first to know."

Cui Du nodded with a smile.

The Commandery Princess had profound thoughts and many secrets that were hard to express. Her willingness to say these things indicated that she already regarded him as one of her own.

As for the secrets in one’s heart, they are like apples on a tree; one day, they will grow and fall on their own, without the need to hurry.

The two walked around the edge of the field for nearly an hour before returning.

Cui Du had a place to stay at the field manor, and Jiang Shaohua personally escorted Cui Du back to his residence. Cui Du wanted to escort the Commandery Princess back in return. Jiang Shaohua laughed, "I escort you, and then you escort me? What’s the point of going back and forth like this? All right, you go and rest. Don’t bother seeing me off."

Cui Du was firm, "How can I let a young lady return alone? I must escort you."

Jiang Shaohua saw his insistence and obliged.

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao exchanged a discreet glance.

The Commandery Princess was too accommodating in front of this little mute boy.

...

Half an hour later, the Commandery Princess rested, and the maids Yin Zhu and Tu Bai also went to sleep.

The personal soldiers were to take turns keeping watch.

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao were assigned to the first half of the night. The two stood guard outside the courtyard gate, vigilantly observing their surroundings. It was an autumn night, and the soft sounds of flying insects occasionally reached their ears.

Meng Sanbao, bored out of his mind, reached out to pinch a flying insect, making a slight sound.

Qin Hu, also quite bored, did the same.

Meng Sanbao glanced around and furtively leaned over, "Hey, what exactly is so good about this little mute boy? Why does the Commandery Princess treat him so exceptionally?"

Qin Hu glanced sideways at Meng Sanbao, "In just six months, the field manor produced thirty percent more grain. Commander Song is even using the drawings from the little mute boy to seek out new drought-resistant crop varieties. If you had this kind of ability, the Commandery Princess would treat you just as well."

Meng Sanbao rubbed his chin, "I’m not talking about this. The subordinate officials in the Prince Mansion are all capable, and the Commandery Princess treats everyone well. However, I always feel that the Commandery Princess is different towards Cui Du than she is to others."

Qin Hu casually swatted Meng Sanbao on the back of the head, "Is this something a mere trusted aide should be pondering?"

Meng Sanbao glared at him, "If you hit me again, I’ll hit back."

Then, both recalled the incident where they each received thirty strokes.

Commander Song personally delivered each stroke firmly, and afterward, both of their fathers scolded them.

Mere thoughts bring tears.

Alright, let’s behave during duty.

Both fell silent, continuing to watch the flying insects.

...

Jiang Shaohua slept soundly.

The next day, at the fifth hour, Jiang Shaohua got up, donned her martial attire, and ran a large lap along the path around the fields.

Cui Du also got up early and ran along with the Commandery Princess. Halfway through, he couldn’t keep up, sweat covering his forehead, and his waist and abdomen aching.

Jiang Shaohua chuckled softly, stopping for a moment, "If you can’t run anymore, rest here for a bit. I’ll come back soon."

Cui Du, not feeling embarrassed, nodded while catching his breath.

The Commandery Princess was a martial arts genius, even Commander Song was no match for her. His stamina was far below hers, which wasn’t something to be ashamed of.

Chen Jinyu barely ran a bit more before reaching his limit. However, Ma Yaosong, silent as ever, ran the entire lap with the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua laughed and praised, "Ma Sheren, your stamina is impressive."

Ma Yaosong respectfully responded, "I began practicing martial arts at five and have trained for ten years. Though my skills can’t match the personal soldiers of the Commandery Princess, I’m not daunted by one or two strong men."

Quite a modest boast!

The slightly petty Chen Sheren quietly sneered.

Ma Yaosong, ever shrewd, quickly added, "Chen Sheren is well-read, full of talent, and adept at writing official documents. I am far inferior to Chen Sheren and should humbly seek his guidance."

Chen Jinyu smiled gracefully, "Ma Sheren, you exaggerate. We are colleagues, so we should exchange and share knowledge with each other."

Ma Yaosong laughed, "Having Chen Sheren’s guidance is the best."

Jiang Shaohua watched all this with some amusement. However, matters between young men and women are best left unsaid. Waiting for the flower to bloom naturally is more beautiful, speaking it out ruins the beauty.

"Today, I plan to check on the new seedlings in the greenhouse," Jiang Shaohua smiled, changing the subject, "Cui Du, I’ll follow your lead today too."

Cui Du nodded in agreement.

Another day was spent in the greenhouse.

Jiang Shaohua stayed at the field manor for ten days, inspecting each greenhouse one by one. She also surveyed the entire farmland once.

During these ten days, Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng were also busy. Chief Historian Chen selected personnel from the family camp of the trusted aides, while Chief Historian Feng meticulously reviewed the accounts of the field manor. Chief Clerk Wen was busy organizing the construction of the granary.

In short, everyone was busy with their tasks, and the Commandery Princess was quite pleased.

After ten days, Jiang Shaohua led the officials back to the Prince Mansion.

Jiang Shaohua grew tired of sitting in the carriage and rode a horse all the way. Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong followed suit, as did Cui Du, who rode a gentle mare.

In the past six months, he had been busy with the fields and greenhouses, and also learned to ride a horse. Now he was somewhat competent.

Jiang Shaohua occasionally glanced back to see Cui Du enthusiastically riding a small mare, the kind used by children, finding it secretly amusing.

The group returned in grandeur to Nanyang Prince Mansion.

The main gate of Nanyang Prince Mansion was wide open.

Dozens of unfamiliar men stood outside the main gate. Clearly, royal guests had arrived at the mansion.

Jiang Shaohua furrowed her brows slightly. Ma Yaosong reacted the fastest, immediately dismounting and stepping forward, calling the gatekeeper over, "Who has come to the Prince Mansion?"