CHAPTER 338: CHAPTER 338: BUDDING (2)

What exactly did Cui Du say to the Commandery Princess?

From several meters away, Chen Sheren watched the rare solemn and grave expression on the Commandery Princess’s face, greatly astonished in his heart.

The Commandery Princess had always been calm and composed, never revealing her emotions. In the Capital City, she only showed her sharpness a few times, then she withdrew her edge.

Yesterday she returned to the Nanyang Prince Mansion, and today early in the morning, she came to the field manor to "inspect," but in reality, she came to see Cui Du. The Commandery Princess’s esteem, trust, and favor for Cui Du were evident to all.

What happened today? The Commandery Princess actually put on a stern face towards Cui Du?

"Did Mr. Cui say something he shouldn’t have, angering our Commandery Princess?" Ma Yaosong quietly shifted over and whispered in Chen Jinyu’s ear.

Chen Jinyu responded with a soft "Hmm" and murmured, "He probably did. Otherwise, the Commandery Princess wouldn’t have reacted with such a cold face in public."

The situation was quite interesting. In the glaring daytime sun, with two to three hundred farmers in the fields and dozens of trusted aides at the edges, people were everywhere. Yet the Commandery Princess and Cui Du stood alone, with no one within ten meters around. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, no one knew what they were saying.

Ma Yaosong pondered for a moment and chuckled quietly, "Let’s not speculate. Whatever we need to know, the Commandery Princess will naturally tell us. If she doesn’t mention it later, we shouldn’t ask unnecessarily either."

Chen Jinyu glanced at Ma Yaosong, "Are you prompting me?"

After all, among those close to the Commandery Princess, she was the most likely to mention it.

Ma Yaosong, knowing Chen Jinyu’s cautious nature, didn’t dare admit it, "No, no, don’t misunderstand, Chen Sheren. I was just speaking casually."

Chen Jinyu pouted.

The Commandery Princess beckoned to them, indicating the private conversation between her and Mr. Cui had ended.

Chen Jinyu collected herself, smiled, and walked forward. Jiang Shaohua had already returned to normal, smiling at Chen Jinyu, "It’s getting late. Have the kitchen prepare lunch!"

Chen Jinyu smiled and agreed, then naturally turned to instruct Ma Yaosong. Ma quickly went to run the errand.

This food chain is interconnected.

Cui Du observed and couldn’t help but laugh.

Jiang Shaohua, as if nothing had happened, calmly smiled, "Cui Du, go to the field and tell everyone to take a break and wait for lunch."

Cui Du responded with an "Eh" and headed to the field with a swiftness that surpassed even Ma Sheren.

Chen Jinyu looked at the smiling face of the Commandery Princess, recalled Ma Yaosong’s reminder, and swallowed the words she was about to speak.

After lunch, Jiang Shaohua summoned Lu Sheren to inquire in detail about the implementation and promotion of the new grain planting. Lu Sheren was well-prepared and responded fluently.

Jiang Shaohua was quite satisfied and praised with a smile, "Over the past year or so, Lu Sheren has worked hard."

Lu Sheren quickly smiled, "Being able to serve the Commandery Princess is my blessing. Besides, all I do is convey orders and arrange these trivial matters. The one truly working hard is Mr. Cui."

Having once served as a Prefectural Governor, Lu Sheren deeply understood Cui Du’s importance. The Commandery Princess valued him in all respects. In official matters, Cui Du would surely have a bright future. In private affairs, well, that depends on whether Cui Du is fortunate enough... In short, getting along well with Cui Du is a beneficial thing with no harm.

Over the past year or so, with his shrewdness and experience, Lu Sheren had put in the effort, and now he could be considered a friend to Cui Du, crossing the gap of age and background.

Hearing Cui Du’s name, Jiang Shaohua’s mood grew a bit complicated, yet she maintained an impassive expression, "I remember Cui Du’s contributions. Likewise, I’ve seen everything Lu Sheren has done. Rest assured, I never neglect those who have rendered meritorious service."

"Currently, Nanyang County is united, busy promoting and planting new grain, and also needs to offer grain to the court. After these one or two busy years, I will certainly evaluate the merits and grant rewards."

Lu Sheren immediately composed himself, cupped his hands, and thanked the Commandery Princess for her grace.

In fact, what Nanyang County is currently doing is integrating refugees to bolster the population. This is beneficial for Nanyang, although it’s not something to be spoken out loud.

After seeing Lu Sheren, Jiang Shaohua summoned Lin Zhuangtou again.

Lin Zhuangtou had been serving the Prince Mansion for years and was truly a core member of the Commandery Princess’s trusted team. When Jiang Shaohua questioned him, Lin Zhuangtou answered with nothing hidden.

After asking her questions, Jiang Shaohua was quite satisfied. She stayed at the field manor until evening before riding back to the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Cui Du and the rest all respectfully saw the Commandery Princess off.

Watching Jiang Shaohua’s heroic figure quickly fade into the distance, Cui Du remained silent for a long time.

If not for those "blasphemous" words he uttered today, given Jiang Shaohua’s usual habits, she would have stayed at the field manor for at least two or three days. In the evening, he could accompany her for a stroll by the field under the moonlight, sharing some secret words not meant for others’ ears.

Upon further reflection, if Jiang Shaohua truly never harbored thoughts she shouldn’t have, like she claimed, then why would she refuse to talk to him alone again, opting instead to leave in haste?

...

At midnight, Jiang Shaohua and her entourage returned to the Prince Mansion.

Each person went to their respective quarters to rest, without further mention.

Jiang Shaohua was attended by Yin Zhutu Bai as she bathed and changed her clothes.

Yin Zhu quietly said, "The Commandery Princess doesn’t seem in a good mood today?"

Tu Bai looked at her master with concern, "Did Mr. Cui say something today to upset the Commandery Princess?"

Even the slightest emotional change in Jiang Shaohua could not escape the notice of her two closest maids.

Jiang Shaohua was silent for a moment, then responded with an "Mm," "It’s not exactly unhappiness, just a bit of a confused state of mind."

Yin Zhu couldn’t help but ask, "What exactly did Mr. Cui say?"

Jiang Shaohua was unwilling to elaborate, "It’s late into the night, and I am going to rest now. You both should sleep early too!"

Yin Zhutu Bai could only respond and withdraw. The two maids shared a room, and after returning to it, they put their heads together to ponder for a long time, yet couldn’t figure out the reason, so they each went to sleep.

Jiang Shaohua stood by the window, hands behind her back, gazing into the distance.

The night sky was dotted with stars, a bright moon like a silver plate, casting a gentle and pristine moonlight over the Nanyang Prince Mansion. It was as if enveloping a slumbering giant beast.

At this time, with only herself, she need not conceal anything and could honestly see her true inner self.

The Prime Minister, Duke An, was engaged in partisan struggles and power grabs, ignoring the livelihood of the people. The Da Liang Court was awash with powerful ministers and self-serving opportunists, with few truly dedicated to their duties and work.

The young Emperor couldn’t suppress the influential ministers and had to rely on the Grand Empress Dowager. Yet this Grand Empress Dowager meddled in court affairs for her own power, and for the wealth and prosperity of the Zheng Family.

If Emperor Taihe, like in the previous life, fell to assassination, the Capital City would once again plunge into chaos and turmoil. Following the path of the previous life, the court would eventually fall into the hands of the Zheng Family. The Zheng Family would become the foremost family of Da Liang, and Zheng Chen would replace the Prime Minister, becoming another powerful minister controlling the court. Essentially, there would be no change.

If Emperor Taihe could survive this deadly tribulation, the situation might be somewhat better. Yet, looking left and right, Jiang Song didn’t appear to possess the capability and skill to reform the court and suppress the powerful ministers.

Should she just stand aside as an observer?

Is she truly willing?