CHAPTER 195: CHAPTER 195: HIGHS AND LOWS (PART 1)

Tsk!

County Magistrate Zou rolled his eyes internally, but approached with a smile, grasping County Magistrate Cai’s other hand warmly. "As colleagues, we don’t get many chances to meet in our day-to-day duties. This rare gathering should be cherished to foster closeness."

County Magistrate Wu turned his head, exchanged a glance with County Magistrate Zou, and chuckled, "Brother Cai’s governance is exemplary. We should seize this opportunity to learn from Brother Cai later. We humbly ask Brother Cai for guidance."

After serving as County Magistrate for over half a year, Cai was firmly established in his position, and his demeanor was as calm as a seasoned veteran. He replied with a smile, "I dare not accept the word ’guidance.’ As a newcomer, it should be me learning from you two."

Elsewhere, several county magistrates entered the Prince Mansion one after another, each seeking out County Magistrate Chen and County Magistrate Ma for conversation. Especially County Magistrate Chen, who attracted the largest crowd.

County Magistrate Chen’s own father was Chief Historian Chen, and his own daughter served as the Commandery Princess Attendant. Additionally, Chen rose through the ranks of the Imperial Examination. Over the years, he managed the iron mines of Bowan County, continuously producing iron and making significant contributions to the Prince Mansion. In terms of status and closeness, he was the foremost among the magistrates.

Though County Magistrate Ma was already past seventy, he was not to be underestimated. The Ma Family’s wealth was unmatched in Nanyang, a fact well-known to all. County Magistrate Ma’s eldest grandson now also served as an attendant beside the Commandery Princess, with a handsome and genteel appearance and a promising future.

On the other hand, County Magistrate Cui, from a prestigious family and successful at a young age, inevitably carried some hauteur and arrogance. Amidst the seasoned veterans of the officialdom, he appeared as a refreshing presence. People greeted County Magistrate Cui but then naturally sought others for conversation, avoiding any unnecessary awkwardness.

County Magistrate Cui also felt somewhat stifled.

He used to be somewhat arrogant. However, since last year, when the Commandery Princess visited Ye County and reviewed several cases, he had a revelation and became much more steadfast in his duties.

Why do they all still see him with the same old lens!

At that moment, there was more commotion at the entrance.

Sheren Ma and Sheren Chen welcomed in a new arrival. This person, about fifty, appeared shrewd and affably greeted everyone with a bow.

"Who is this?" County Magistrate Cui quietly asked County Magistrate Gao beside him.

County Magistrate Gao took a closer look and quietly chuckled, "That is Tang Wu from the illustrious West E Tang Family."

County Magistrate Cui, aware of the Tang Family’s renowned status, naturally knew, "It’s one thing for County Magistrate Zou to be here, but this occasion seems out of Tang Wu’s reach! And how do you know Tang Wu?"

Wuyin County’s County Magistrate Gao mentioned quietly, "Last year, the Tang Family donated five thousand shi of grain. Later, they were tasked by the Commandery Princess to purchase and transport grain to Wuyin County. I personally received the grain, so I’ve seen him before."

"The Tang Family not only procured grain for Wuyin County but also for Zhi County as well. The Nanyang Army and Personal Guard Camp both faced grain shortages. Naturally, the Commandery Princess utilizes the Tang Family, giving Tang Wu due respect."

Isn’t that respect indeed?

At today’s banquet, besides Prince Mansion Officials and the fourteen county magistrates, only Tang Wu, Head of the Tang Family, was present.

After months of tireless effort, Tang Wu was beaming with energy, exchanged greetings along the way, and was led to sit down, coincidentally sharing a table with County Magistrate Gao and County Magistrate Cui.

Tang Wu, having dealt with County Magistrate Gao before, naturally began to chat. The young County Magistrate Cui was once again left aside.

County Magistrate Cui: "..."

"The Commandery Princess is here!"

Someone reminded.

Everyone rose to greet in unison, "We respectfully welcome the Commandery Princess!"

Though not an official, Tang Wu, in excitement, nearly joined the shouting; he caught himself just in time, omitting the word ’we’, "Welcome Commandery Princess!"

How nice it would be to call himself ’we’ one day.

The Commandery Princess arrived in full regalia, her eyes smiling as they glanced over everyone, "Please, everyone, no need for formalities; be seated!"

"We express our gratitude to the Commandery Princess!" Everyone bowed in thanks and settled into their seats.

The Commandery Princess said with a smile, "The past year has been tiring for everyone. Perhaps the upcoming year will be even more challenging. Let me first toast to you all."

With the Commandery Princess raising her glass, that mention of "perhaps even more challenging" was naturally overlooked as everyone raised their glasses to drink.

The Commandery Princess lifted her glass again: "This glass, I first toast to County Magistrate Chen. The annual production from Bowan County’s iron mine contributes to the forging of agricultural tools for Nanyang County and weapons for the Personal Guard Camp. County Magistrate Chen’s efforts have been immense."

Amidst the envious glances of the other magistrates, County Magistrate Chen drank his wine. Despite his usual composure, even he felt slightly elated at the moment.

"The second glass, I toast to County Magistrate Ma." The Commandery Princess was even more cordial towards County Magistrate Ma: "County Magistrate Ma, already seventy this year, still presides over court every day. Biyang Racecourse annually produces five hundred top warhorses, all thanks to County Magistrate Ma. I have always remembered and cherished this in my heart."

County Magistrate Ma, overwhelmed, eyes watering, quickly responded, "I don’t deserve the Commandery Princess’s praise. I come from a merchant family, and it was thanks to the great favor of the Prince that I became the County Magistrate of Biyang. I will wholeheartedly rear horses for the Commandery Princess and serve diligently."

County Magistrate Cui sat up straighter, feeling excited and expectant.

Who would have thought, the Commandery Princess’s gaze completely bypassed him, resting on County Magistrate Cai: "County Magistrate Cai, this third glass is in your honor."

"You diligently serve, work meticulously, wholeheartedly for the people. In less than a year, Li County has shown a newfound vitality. This is all your doing. Perhaps, in two or three years, Li County will become a Middle County."

County Magistrate Cai was almost in tears, quavering as he lifted his wine glass, "I am merely doing my duty. Your generous praise overwhelms me with guilt."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, set down her glass, and said aloud, "Let the banquet officially begin, feel free to relax and enjoy."

County Magistrate Cui also wanted to cry.

It’s one thing if he couldn’t compare to County Magistrate Chen or County Magistrate Ma, but why be overshadowed by County Magistrate Cai too!

Ye County, within the fourteen counties of Nanyang, was the wealthiest. Its yearly tax surpassed the rest of Nanyang County. As the county magistrate, he barely held his own, but why couldn’t he catch the eye of the Commandery Princess?

...

The banquet lasted for over an hour before dispersing.

County Magistrate Cui, slightly tipsy from the noon’s heavy drinking, wobbly returned to his quarters.

For this visit to the Prince Mansion, he brought only a few attendants and settled in the guest rooms of the mansion. He resided next to County Magistrate Cai.

As for County Magistrate Chen, he stayed with his father. County Magistrate Ma resided in the courtyard of Sheren Ma.

County Magistrate Cai returned somewhat later, entering to find County Magistrate Cui sitting gloomily on a chair.

County Magistrate Cai was momentarily surprised but quickly approached with a smile: "County Magistrate Cui drank quite a lot today, why not rest a bit?"

County Magistrate Cui remained silent, refusing to leave.

County Magistrate Cai had no choice but to send everyone away, personally pouring a cup of tea for County Magistrate Cui: "Have some tea, County Magistrate Cui."

County Magistrate Cui drank a cup of tea, then another, still remaining silent.

County Magistrate Cai: "..."