CHAPTER 198: CHAPTER 198: TANG FIVE

On the same night, Grandmaster Tang’s heart was fervently warm.

As the only Family Head among the great clans to receive the Commandery Princess’s invitation to the banquet, he indeed had reason to feel proud.

Over the past half year, he personally led people to purchase grain, traveling thousands of miles, with hardships beyond description. Fortunately, he fulfilled the task entrusted by the Commandery Princess, purchasing over ten thousand shi of grain. According to the Commandery Princess’s instructions, this grain was delivered to Wuyin County, Zhi County, Li County, Bowan County, as well as the Personal Guard Camp and Nanyang Army Camp.

The Commandery Princess did not neglect him either. All the purchased grain was priced at a 20% markup from the original price. After deducting travel expenses, the Tang Family also made a profit from it. This successfully silenced everyone in the Tang Family.

His position as Family Head was stable as a result.

This time, he came to the Nanyang Prince Mansion, bringing along several younger family members, including the eldest grandson of the main branch, Tang Qi. Tang Qi had always been somewhat unconvinced by this fifth great-uncle. However, upon attending the banquet with Grandmaster Tang and witnessing his calm discussions with the various County Magistrates, he silently held his tongue.

"In a few days, it will be the Lantern Festival, which is also the Commandery Princess’s birthday," Grandmaster Tang said with a smile to the younger ones. "I plan to stay a few more days, present a birthday gift, and then return to Xi’e County."

Incidentally, shamelessly attend a banquet at the Prince Mansion to express loyalty to the Commandery Princess.

The younger ones naturally did not oppose, each verbally agreeing.

Tang Qi couldn’t help but add a word: "With all the County Magistrates from the Fourteen Counties present, how would the Commandery Princess have time for our Tang Family?"

Grandmaster Tang laughed: "Whether she has time or not is the Commandery Princess’s business. Whether we show filial piety is the Tang Family’s matter."

No wonder those with thick skin fare well.

Tang Qi quickly fell silent.

Things turned out differently than Tang Qi expected. Early the next morning, Ma, the housekeeper from the Prince Mansion, came to convey the Commandery Princess’s order: "The Commandery Princess has spare time today and invites Grandmaster Tang to the Prince Mansion for a talk. A carriage is already waiting outside."

Grandmaster Tang was overjoyed and said repeatedly with a smile: "Yes, yes, yes, I will go immediately."

Ma Yaosong added with a smile: "The Commandery Princess also invites Mr. Tang, Tang Qi, to come along."

Tang Qi, who was beside him, was taken aback.

Grandmaster Tang reacted swiftly and agreed at once.

Even after getting on the carriage, Tang Qi found it hard to believe. He lifted the curtain of the carriage, making sure the housekeeper riding ahead couldn’t hear him, then whispered, "Fifth Great-Uncle, the Commandery Princess specifically named me; could it be to deal with me? That day when the Commandery Princess went to Xi’e County, Grandfather indeed wasn’t very respectful... Might the Commandery Princess be angry with me?"

Grandmaster Tang measured it in his heart and reassured softly, "The Commandery Princess has such a broad mind, how could she bother with such trivial matters? You don’t have to be nervous. Just answer whatever the Commandery Princess asks. If you really can’t answer, then just look at my expression and act accordingly."

Tang Qi nodded with apprehension.

Fortunately, after entering the Prince Mansion, there was none of the tension or verbal sparring Tang Qi had imagined. The Commandery Princess, sitting at the head of the table, was unexpectedly amiable, inquiring only about the grain purchase.

Grandmaster Tang was already prepared and answered each question: "The trade routes for the grain purchase are ones the Tang Family is accustomed to. This year, with the Commandery Princess needing to purchase grain in large quantities, I brought a significant amount of silver along, and those grain merchants treated me as warmly as if I were a beloved father. The grain purchase went smoothly without any hitches."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Smoothly is good. By the way, do they still have any grievances about you being the Family Head within the Tang Family?"

While speaking, she glanced at Tang Qi.

Tang Qi’s heart tightened, and he lowered his eyes, not daring to meet the Commandery Princess’s gaze: "In response to the Commandery Princess, Fifth Great-Uncle is shrewd and capable, managing the grain shops very well. Now that he can also work for the Commandery Princess in grain purchasing, the whole Tang Family is deeply grateful to the Commandery Princess and fully supports Fifth Great-Uncle as the Family Head."

"That’s good," Jiang Shaohua said leisurely. "I also hope that the Tang Family remains united and harmonious, avoiding internal conflicts and strife."

Tang Qi lowered his head and agreed, inwardly muttering. The internal strife of the Tang Family, was it not instigated by the Commandery Princess? Now with the Commandery Princess backing Grandmaster Tang, busy with grain purchasing and transportation, his status was solid as ever. Even if the main branch felt discontent and unconvinced, they had no choice but to yield.

Grandmaster Tang never expected that the Commandery Princess called Tang Qi specifically to deliver this warning. Even with his worldly experienced heart, he felt a warm surge.

The Commandery Princess’s intention to employ the Tang Family was genuine, and her support for him was absolutely unfeigned, with real silver spent on grain, always backing him up.

A warrior dies for one who appreciates him.

Such a Commandery Princess is worthy of Grandmaster Tang’s full loyalty.

"Grandmaster Tang," the Commandery Princess’s gentle voice echoed in his ears.

Grandmaster Tang suddenly snapped back to reality, hastily standing up and saying, "Call me Tang Wu, Commandery Princess. I dare not assume the title of Grandmaster Tang."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Today, I haven’t summoned outsiders, only called you to talk, no need to be so formal, please sit. At your age, you could easily be of my grandfather’s generation. It’s no harm calling you Grandmaster Tang."

Grandmaster Tang’s eyes reddened, and his voice quivered, "With such honor from the Commandery Princess, even if I were commanded to go through fire and water, I would not hesitate."

Jiang Shaohua smiled again, "There’s no need to traverse fire and water, but I do indeed have another task for you."

"The other day, my grandfather appeared to me in a dream, foretelling that severe drought will plague the Northern States for the next two to three years. Several counties in our Nanyang County will be affected as well. Therefore, I’ve ordered each county to build grain warehouses, storing enough food for three years."

"Right now, the Taiping Grain Warehouses in various counties have been expanded, but most are still empty. I need you to continue purchasing grain, the more the better. Rest assured, it’s still according to the previously agreed terms, you’ll get an additional twenty percent. We won’t let you make the trip in vain, and the Tang Family won’t suffer losses."

Grandmaster Tang agreed without hesitation: "Yes, I’ll set out to purchase grain right after the fifteenth."

"However, regarding the grain price, I also wish to discuss it with the Commandery Princess. An additional twenty percent is too much; fifteen percent should suffice. For our Tang Family to be able to serve the Commandery Princess and receive her shelter is already a great blessing. We cannot earn the Commandery Princess’s silver any further."

Jiang Shaohua laughed softly, "This rate was settled by Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng, so just take it without feeling uneasy. I lack not silver, but grain. You bringing the grain I need is already a great achievement."

Grandmaster Tang was about to say more, but Jiang Shaohua had already changed the subject: "Last year’s purchased grain consisted mostly of over a year-old aged stock. When you go to buy grain again this year, try to get more fresh stock. Also, besides millet and wheat, buy some rice and beans."

When it came to discussing grain purchasing, Grandmaster Tang immediately became serious: "I have noted down everything the Commandery Princess mentioned."

"Also, don’t wait until after the fifteenth," Jiang Shaohua smiled, "I know you’re earnestly wishing to stay a few more days in Nanyang County, waiting to present a birthday gift on the Lantern Festival."

"Your early return with purchased grain would be the best gift."

Grandmaster Tang could only agree.

The next day, Grandmaster Tang and his entourage departed from Nanyang County, setting off once more on the journey to purchase grain.