CHAPTER 444: CHAPTER 444: RECRUITMENT

Upon hearing these words, Xue Liuniang was instantly stunned.

Chief Historian Chen and County Magistrate Chen, however, remained composed.

It’s not unusual for the Commandery Princess to employ female officials. At present, there are very few women who have studied and are talented. Xue Liuniang, being a noblewoman from a prestigious family, had likely been targeted by the Commandery Princess long ago. Previously, it was inconvenient to mention before she entered, but now that Xue Liuniang has arrived at the Nanyang Prince Mansion, she naturally belongs to the Commandery Princess.

"Commandery Princess, the Xue Family’s member has just entered, and she is still a new bride." Unexpectedly, it was Mrs. Yao who broke the silence: "The young couple should always be together. Even if she is to work, it should be after she is pregnant and has given birth, so she can devote herself fully and serve the Commandery Princess better."

As these words were spoken, both Chief Historian Chen, County Magistrate Chen, and the siblings Chen Haoran looked over. Even Jiang Shaohua was somewhat surprised.

Originally, it was thought that the biggest obstacle to this matter would be Mrs. Yao. Who would have thought that Mrs. Yao would be the first to agree.

Mrs. Yao thought to herself, I’m not foolish. The entire Chen family is working under the Commandery Princess, and even my own daughter is an attendant of the Commandery Princess. If the daughter-in-law also becomes an official in Nanyang County, then the Chen Family will be well-known throughout Jingzhou, no, across the northern states and counties.

"Lady Chen is right. It is I, the Commandery Princess, who is eager for talent and too hasty." Jiang Shaohua said with a smile, "There is no reason for newlyweds to be separated; they should live together. We will discuss this matter later."

Xue Liuniang, recovering from her shock, quickly regained her composure, pondered for a moment in her heart, and softly said, "I am immensely grateful for the Commandery Princess’s high regard. I am willing to work and contribute for the Commandery Princess."

She paused and continued: "The Ye County Women’s School is renowned, and I have long admired it. When I have the opportunity, I will visit Ye County."

The Jingzhou Prefecture School is strict, allowing only two days of rest per month. This means that in the future, while Chen Haoran studies diligently at the school, Xue Liuniang, with her long idle days, will merely pass her time in the Xue Mansion’s inner quarters, having plenty of leisure time.

Jiang Shaohua said with a smile, "That sounds good, you go and take a look first, and we can discuss how to proceed with the work in the future."

At noon that day, Jiang Shaohua personally hosted a banquet, inviting Chief Historian Feng and others to join. The banquet atmosphere was harmoniously relaxed, and it dispersed after more than an hour.

Xue Liuniang sipped two cups of fruit wine, her beautiful face tinged with a slight blush, as she returned to her new room with her newlywed husband.

Chen Haoran held Xue Liuniang’s hand and laughed softly and intimately, "Were you surprised today?"

Xue Liuniang smiled softly, resting her head on her husband’s chest, "Yes. Before in the boudoir, I frequently heard people talk about the Ye County Women’s School and secretly admired Master Li and Mr. Cui. Never did I expect, upon just marrying into the Chen family, that the Commandery Princess would summon me to become a teacher. I was truly honored and surprised."

She added softly, "My mother-in-law’s attitude also greatly surprised me. I thought she would surely disapprove of her daughter-in-law appearing in public. Unexpectedly, she is so open-minded."

Chen Haoran grinned, "My mother is somewhat narrow-minded, likes to be flattered, and her temper isn’t the best. However, she never blocks any real beneficial matters."

"Back then, when my sister wanted to become the Commandery Princess’s attendant, my mother did cause some fuss for a while. Later, as you know, my sister proved to be smart and capable, excelling in her role as an attendant. Now she is one of the renowned people in Nanyang County, handing over her salary to my mother monthly. My mother no longer complains."

"You, being the daughter-in-law of the Chen family, becoming valued by the Commandery Princess, naturally brings pride to the Chen family. My mother would not stop you."

Xue Liuniang chuckled softly, "In the future, when I work for the Commandery Princess, I will also hand over my salary to my mother-in-law to manage."

This is indeed an exceptionally clever daughter-in-law. After all, with Chen Haoran being the only son in the family, the fortune amassed by the mother-in-law will eventually belong to them.

Chen Haoran was speechless with laughter, "Don’t be too honest. My sister only hands over half each month, keeping holiday bonuses and such as her private money."

Xue Liuniang understood now, and smilingly responded with an "Mm." She wrapped her arms around Chen Haoran’s neck and suddenly sighed happily, "Marrying into the Chen family is truly my fortune."

Chen Haoran lowered his head to kiss her tender cheek, "Marrying you is truly my good fortune."

...

The newlywed couple’s sweetness need not be further detailed.

The tasks in Bowan County were complicated and couldn’t do without County Magistrate Chen. He soon went to bid farewell to the Commandery Princess.

The Chen family were all confidants, so Jiang Shaohua spoke directly to County Magistrate Chen, "The weapons and armor produced by the workshops this year must be doubled, and more manpower is needed at the iron mine. The monthly output of ore needs to increase by at least fifty percent."

The Nanyang Army Camp is still officially a stationed court army and cannot be expanded at will. As for the Personal Guard Camp, expansion has never ceased.

The actual strength of the current Personal Guard Camp is only known to the Commandery Princess, Song Yuan, and Chief Historians Chen Feng. Even County Magistrate Chen was unaware.

County Magistrate Chen never inquired about matters he wasn’t supposed to and responded stably.

It’s no wonder County Magistrate Chen was so confident. The recruitment of northern refugees by Nanyang County had been secretly ongoing. During last year’s plague outbreak in Pingzhou, it temporarily halted. After the plague in Pingzhou was brought under control, the flow of refugees into Nanyang County continued steadily.

The influx of a large workforce quickly boosted the population of the Fourteen Counties. Not to mention other counties, the population of Bowan County alone increased by fifty percent compared to two years ago. At this rate, it will soon double.

In other words, the population of Nanyang County’s lower counties is comparable to the upper counties of other states and regions.

Population is the primary productive force. With people, wasteland can be cultivated, grains can be sown, miners can be found, horses can be bred, silk can be woven...

Present-day Nanyang County, although it may not compare to the Capital City, is already the true Northern Pearl. In the eyes of the northern populace, its status surpasses that of the Capital City.

Not only did numerous refugees flood into Nanyang County, but many skilled craftsmen and minor merchants quietly settled there as well.

Regarding this, Jiang Shaohua gladly welcomed them and specifically issued a document to the fourteen counties, stating that all immigrants should be promptly accommodated, provided with housing, land, seed, oxen, and wooden plows—everything possible must be done to retain them.

A sufficient force is Nanyang County’s greatest confidence. Of course, maintaining an army is costly, and it is never easy. Da Liang Dynasty’s national treasury is empty, which is half due to its corruption and also owes to its massive army approaching forty thousand.

Embezzling salaries and drinking soldiers’ blood has been an ill practice of the Da Liang Army for years. Forty thousand troops—that’s the number in the Ministry of War’s military register. As for the actual number of soldiers in various armies, it is unknown.

After County Magistrate Chen took his leave, Jiang Shaohua sighed to Song Yuan, "This year, the Tang Family Grain Shop continues to extend north and has already opened fifteen grain shops. The Personal Guard Camp still does not have enough personnel."