CHAPTER 435: CHAPTER 435: NEW YEAR (PART 1)

Jiang Shaohua was practicing martial arts in the training room, the sound of punches whistling, and within a few meters, no one dared to approach.

The handsome young man in grey clothes stood smiling in the corner, gazing attentively at the Commandery Princess’s lightning-fast movements.

The scene was harmonious and peaceful, with a sense of tranquility and serenity.

After Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong came in, they automatically and spontaneously went to Cui Du’s side.

Cui Du, familiar with both of them, casually asked with a smile, "I heard you two are getting engaged?"

Chen Jinyu: "..."

Ma Yaosong: "..."

Ma Yaosong, joyful yet feeling guilty, wanted to nod but didn’t dare, yet was reluctant to shake his head.

Chen Jinyu, angry yet embarrassed, glared fiercely at Cui Du: "Where did you hear such a rumor?"

Cui Du grinned: "Do I need to ask? As soon as I returned to the Prince Mansion last night, I heard Meng Sanbao talking about it."

"That big mouth!" Chen Jinyu turned his head, glaring fiercely at Meng Sanbao in the distance.

These two angry looks seemed substantial; Meng Sanbao quietly turned around, using his broad back to shield himself from Chen Sheren’s gaze.

Cui Du was utterly delighted, winking at Ma Yaosong: "Chen Sheren is so fierce, you better be careful in the future."

Ma Yaosong silently glanced at Cui Du, then at the Commandery Princess brandishing her silver spear like lightning, thinking you have the nerve to say this about me.

Cui Du was far from embarrassed, puffing his chest quite proudly: "Our Commandery Princess’s skills are so good! Ten or eight of us wouldn’t be enough for the Commandery Princess to practice with."

Ma Yaosong slightly twitched the corner of his mouth, really unable to bear it: "That’s for you; I’ve been practicing martial arts since I was young. I can withstand more than ten moves from the Commandery Princess."

"Aren’t you planning to practice martial arts?"

Cui Du replied frankly: "I have no such plans. Everyone has their strengths; I’m not interested in martial arts, and my ambitions are not in that direction. Besides, with the Commandery Princess around, who would dare to bully me!"

This made a lot of sense.

But why did it feel a bit awkward? As a man, does it not matter to lack face like this?

Looking at the completely composed Elder Changning, Ma Yaosong thought he still needed to cultivate himself more, focus, and learn well from Elder Changning.

Jiang Shaohua put away the spear and came over with a smile: "Cui Du, join me for breakfast."

Cui Du smiled and replied: "I’ve been keeping my stomach empty and waiting! Today, I must eat something good."

Jiang Shaohua smiled sweetly.

As for Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong, they were not qualified to join the Commandery Princess for breakfast, sensibly waiting outside for the Commandery Princess’s summons at any time.

Long days are not always occupied with errands. Waiting is the norm.

On regular days, Ma Yaosong and Chen Jinyu would sit in one place, chatting and laughing, but today the atmosphere was somewhat strange.

Chen Jinyu’s gaze drifted everywhere, just not looking at Ma Yaosong. Ma Yaosong pretended to look around, but in reality, the corner of his eyes was always fixed on Chen Jinyu.

The winter day was cold, with a brazier burning in the room, keeping it warm. Faint beads of sweat appeared on Chen Jinyu’s nose.

Ma Yaosong got up, poured a cup of warm tea, and offered it to Chen Jinyu: "Chen Sheren, have some tea to soothe your throat."

Chen Jinyu took the teacup and sipped it slowly.

Ma Yaosong quietly moved a bit closer: "Last night, I ran into your mother."

Chen Jinyu was startled and quickly turned her head: "Did my mother say anything unpleasant?"

As expected from a mother-daughter bond, Chen Jinyu guessed right away.

Ma Yaosong whispered: "Not really unpleasant. It’s just that Aunt wasn’t very fond of me, her attitude was cold."

Chen Jinyu frowned and hummed lightly: "She’s just a snob."

"As parents, they think long-term for their children. If... I don’t enter Aunt’s eyes, it’s because I’m not good enough; it’s not Aunt’s fault." Ma Yaosong’s voice was low, his gaze clear and sincere: "But my intentions are the most genuine."

"As long as you’re willing to marry down, I will follow you in everything. Whatever you want to do, I’ll fully support. Whatever you wish to do, you can."

Chen Jinyu bit her lip, suddenly saying: "Would you be willing to change your job?"

This question was abrupt, yet Ma Yaosong understood immediately.

No one understood the Commandery Princess’s ways better than they did. If the two of them got married, it would be impossible for both to stay in service of the Commandery Princess; one must leave.

Chen Jinyu was unwilling to leave, which meant he had to go, give up the familiar position, and start anew in a new role.

Such a price couldn’t be considered low.

Ma Yaosong replied without hesitation: "I’ve thought about it long ago. Once we get engaged, I’ll take the initiative to speak to the Commandery Princess about changing jobs."

"With my capabilities, I’ll shine wherever I go."

Chen Jinyu was amused, her heart suddenly brightened, and she gave Ma Yaosong a bright smile.

At that moment, footsteps sounded outside. Ma Yaosong reacted quickly, instantly going out to meet them.

It so happened that the person coming was Chief Historian Chen.

Ma Yaosong warmly smiled and said: "The Commandery Princess is having breakfast with Elder Changning; please wait a moment, Chief Historian Chen. I’ll go report it right away."

Very thoughtfully went to relay the message, leaving space for the grandfather and granddaughter to speak.

Chief Historian Chen glanced at his granddaughter with a smile: "Does your face still hurt?"

Chen Jinyu, a bit wronged: "It doesn’t hurt anymore, but I’m just not very happy inside."

"Don’t argue with your mother." Chief Historian Chen was actually very distressed about his granddaughter, but didn’t want to speak against his daughter-in-law, so he could only gently advise: "Your muddle-headed mother has your father to handle. Your life issues will be decided by your grandfather."

Chen Jinyu caught the meaning in her grandfather’s words, feeling somewhat shy, but more than that, she was happy and nodded gently.

...

The New Year of the third year of Tahe arrived with everyone’s eager anticipation.

On New Year’s Day, all the subordinate officials came together to offer New Year’s greetings to the Commandery Princess.

Fifteen-year-old Jiang Shaohua, dressed in a sumptuous and intricate Commandery Princess gown, exuded a beauty and majesty that one couldn’t easily face.

"Wishing the Commandery Princess a blessed New Year, may all things go smoothly."

Leading the greeting, Chief Historian Chen bowed, and all the subordinate officials joined in loudly offering their best wishes.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, like a blooming flower, of national beauty and heavenly fragrance: "Please, everyone, rise. I also hope for a better year every year for Nanyang County, for the people to live and work in peace and contentment, for everyone to have good days."

Standing behind Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng, Elder Changning Cui Du, dressed surprisingly in a court ceremonial robe today. The fifteen-year-old young man’s face was handsome, his stature tall, and he was full of energy, yet his gaze was too direct, always staring at the Commandery Princess, without knowing to be subtle and restrained.

Chief Historian Chen secretly fretted, moving slightly to block Elder Changning’s line of sight without a trace.

Cui Du didn’t mind, following the movement, continuing to openly admire the Commandery Princess.

Chief Historian Chen: "..."

All the subordinate officials bowed their heads, sneaking smiles.

Jiang Shaohua curled her lips.

On New Year’s Day, the Prince Mansion hosted a grand banquet, with the County Magistrates from all Fourteen Counties having a place. This year, a few new faces appeared.

Sun Zelan the Divine Doctor from the Personal Guard Camp, Kong Qingwan Mr. Kong teaching the guards to read and write, Li Ying and Cui Wenxiu from Ye County Women’s School, plus Chen Jinyu Chen Sheren - just the right number for a table.