CHAPTER 467: CHAPTER 467: ENGAGEMENT (PART 2)

The crowd escorted Jiang Shaohua into the main hall to take a seat.

Jiang Shaohua did not rush into personal matters but first inquired about the various affairs at the Prince Mansion over the past six months.

Chief Historian Feng, having long held back a bellyful of words, promptly said, "In the past six months, we’ve sent grain seeds and three shipments of food to Pingzhou. Each time, twenty thousand shi, totaling sixty thousand shi of food. In two months, it will be the autumn harvest. This year, the grain in Pingzhou is growing well, after the harvest, it should be self-sufficient."

Lu Cong, the Prefectural Governor of Liaoxi County, has been fulfilling the duties of the Pingzhou Governor. Nanyang County continuously sends food grain seeds and medicinal materials, secretly dispatching hundreds of trusted aides, one to protect Lu Cong’s safety, and two to stabilize Pingzhou’s order. Now, the people’s hearts in Pingzhou have settled.

The remaining hidden forces of the chaotic army in Pingzhou, some have laid down their weapons and become ordinary citizens, while others are unwilling, trying to fish in troubled waters with murder and robbery. As soon as they show themselves, they are exterminated by the courageous trusted aides.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly and asked Chief Historian Chen, "Has there been any activity in the court recently?"

Chief Historian Chen solemnly reported, "Wang Yi has been imprisoned, but the Ministry of Justice has not yet interrogated him. The case of Eunuch Lan and Eunuch Xiao Yuan’s incomplete castration in the palace is causing quite a stir. The Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager Li have almost fallen out, and the Zheng and Li Families are also at odds in the court."

"Yesterday, I just received the latest news that Imperial Censor Jiang and Physician Wang each submitted memorials accusing Duke An of openly selling official positions in the Ministry of War."

The first two pieces of news had already been sent to Jiang Shaohua by Chief Historian Chen. The last piece had not yet been delivered when Jiang Shaohua returned to the Prince Mansion, so it was timely for her to hear it now.

Jiang Shaohua instantly knitted her brows, "Vice Minister Wang? Isn’t he Duke An’s man?"

Chief Historian Chen calmly replied, "In the officialdom, everyone plots against each other with thoughts as numerous as cow hair. Duke An’s mistake was trusting Vice Minister Wang too much, now even the secrets have been exposed by Vice Minister Wang."

"This impeachment hits Duke An’s sore spot. This time, Duke An is bound to suffer greatly."

Indeed, Prime Minister Wang, when he strikes, it’s with thunderous force.

However, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and Duke An struck first, consecutively targeting the Left General and Wang Yi. How could Prime Minister Wang not retaliate?

"Now it’s about who can hold out and laugh last," Chief Historian Chen sighed softly, "Actually, regardless of which side wins and which side loses, the court has already become chaotic."

The rivalry between the two factions has always been fierce. This time, they’ve torn their masks and brought the conflict to the forefront. There’s a stance of not resting until the opponent is defeated.

Jiang Shaohua remained expressionless and said coldly, "News takes at least seven or eight days to travel from the Capital City to Nanyang Prince Mansion. We do not have time to respond, nor is it advisable to get involved in these matters; continue to remain silent and make no moves."

Chief Historian Chen nodded, "The Commandery Princess is right. We shall refrain from wading into these murky waters for now."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s reputation, built over decades, was ruined overnight.

Such is the world; a man taking a concubine is considered romantic, while a woman being too close to a man is deemed improper. Moreover, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng has been widowed for many years and is now old. At such times, the scandal of eunuchs being incompletely castrated stirs up an avalanche of unpleasant and piercing rumors.

At such times, keeping a slight distance from the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng is a wise choice.

Jiang Shaohua hummed and looked at Shen Gongzheng, "Shen Gongzheng, can the workshop keep up with the work these days?"

The workshop works tirelessly day and night, producing armor and weapons daily. Shen Mu, already tall and thin, has become even thinner. He doesn’t speak much, never complains, when questioned by the Commandery Princess, he simply responded, "We can handle it, please rest assured, Commandery Princess."

Yang Zheng did not wait for the Commandery Princess to ask and proactively reported about the Criminal Room’s situation. Overall, the number of cases received has decreased; Nanyang County is wealthy and peaceful, and the people’s hearts are simple and pure, all thanks to the governance of the Commandery Princess.

Yang Zheng’s flattery made even Jiang Shaohua, despite her gloomy mood, smile slightly.

Following that, Chief Clerk Wen reported the storage conditions of the warehouse.

Jiang Shaohua casually asked with a smile, "Chief Clerk Wen is sixty-three years old this year, right? Are you considering retiring?"

The plump Chief Clerk Wen immediately replied, "I feel energetic every day, not tired at all. I am willing to continue serving the Commandery Princess."

Chief Clerk Wen not only tends to his duties but has also brought his eldest grandson into the Prince Mansion for a position. He has faith in the future of the Nanyang Prince Mansion, unwilling to let go now.

Jiang Shaohua was aware of this and smiled, "Chief Clerk Wen is dedicated to his duties; I have observed closely. Since Chief Clerk Wen does not intend to retire, I am reassured."

Lu Xuan, who had been silent all along, coughed and smiled, saying, "Commandery Princess, the Fan Yang Lu Family has sent someone to greet the Commandery Princess. When you have time, you may meet them."

No need to think; the person from the Lu Family is undoubtedly the handsome youth Qiao Sanlang. The Lu Family is still unwilling to give up on the marriage alliance!

Jiang Shaohua looked at Lu Xuan and announced calmly, "This time I returned to the mansion, there is an important matter to discuss with everyone."

"I have come of age and plan to settle on a marriage this year. There’s no rush for the wedding; we can set the date three years later when I turn eighteen."

Lu Xuan: "..."

The officials: "..."

Lu Xuan was so shocked that he stood up suddenly, "To whom does the Commandery Princess plan to get engaged?"

Isn’t it obvious?

Jiang Shaohua remained composed and pointed to the youth seated beside her, "Elder Changning, Cui Du."

Cui Du stood up, respectfully cupped his hands to Lu Xuan, "Cui Du greets the future father-in-law."

Lu Xuan: "..."

Jiang Shaohua was the first to be amused, and she said to Cui Du with a smile, "We haven’t even gotten engaged, how dare you call him father-in-law? All right, sit down first."

Cui Du grinned and obediently sat down.

"Father, please sit too." Jiang Shaohua turned her head and gently instructed.

Lu Xuan wanted to oppose this marriage, but sadly, Jiang Shaohua cast a faint glance, and somehow, his legs went weak, and he sat down.

"I am pleased with this marriage, and Elder Changning is pleased with it too," Jiang Shaohua smiled.

Whether others are pleased, of course, does not matter.

Chief Historian Chen was the first to regain composure from shock, quickly said, "Since the Commandery Princess is to be engaged, I will write a letter to propose to the Boling Cui Family."

Chief Historian Feng immediately chimed in, "When Lu Junma joined the mansion back then, I will find the betrothal gift list. As for the betrothal gifts for the Boling Cui Family, see if adjustments need to be made."

Adjustments are just talk; there’s no reduction in sight, just see how much to add.

Chief Historian Feng was constantly calculating in his mind.

Speaking of nothing else, considering Cui Du’s contributions to Nanyang County over the years, the betrothal gifts must not be skimped on. Moreover, with the Boling Cui Family’s vision and approach, they will not only leave the betrothal gifts but also bring more "dowry." It is worthwhile no matter how you look at it.