CHAPTER 471: CHAPTER 471: THE REPLY

For more than two years, Jiang Shaohua has been maintaining correspondence with the palace. Not to mention the Grand Empress Dowager, even Emperor Taihe, he writes at least once a month.

Emperor Taihe regards his cousin Jiang Shaohua differently; no matter how busy he is with court affairs, he would reply to her, though the length of the content varies.

This time, however, there was no reply from Emperor Taihe. There is only one reason for this: the Emperor is ill and unable to hold a pen.

Jiang Shaohua frowned slightly and exchanged a glance with Chief Historian Chen.

Cui Du immediately said, "The Commandery Princess and Chief Historian Chen have matters to discuss; I shall head back first."

Jiang Shaohua nodded.

Chief Historian Chen felt secretly satisfied. Cui Du’s greatest advantage is his lack of interest in political power struggles, which cannot be faked.

After Cui Du left, Jiang Shaohua opened the letter, quickly browsed it, and her brow slightly relaxed: "The Grand Empress Dowager has already granted me permission to go to the Capital City."

Chief Historian Chen also breathed a sigh of relief: "Rumors are rampant inside and outside the palace, Duke An has been impeached and avoids going out. The Emperor is ill, and the Grand Empress Dowager isn’t having an easy time either. Now that the Commandery Princess is going to the Capital City to support her with ideas, naturally the Empress Dowager will be delighted."

Chief Historian Chen, sharp-eyed and quick-witted, accurately captured the Grand Empress Dowager’s thoughts.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes glimmered as she whispered, "The Lady needs my effort, and I need her to support me; it suits both our needs."

"Tomorrow morning, I will set off for the Capital City."

During these over two weeks, Jiang Shaohua had already arranged her luggage. She didn’t plan to take many attendants, just two hundred trusted aides, and with Chen Jinyu accompanying her, it was enough.

On her first trip to the Capital City, being ostentatious and aggressive was to establish authority.

This time, the circumstances are very different. The stronger one is, the more one needs to maintain a low profile.

These things were discussed long ago, but facing the situation, Chief Historian Chen felt somewhat uneasy: "The road is unstable now, and the situation at court is unclear. Commandery Princess should take more personnel!"

Jiang Shaohua said lightly, "No need. I will ride fast to the Capital City, and with too many people, it will be inconvenient. Moreover, with the court being chaotic and unclear, even with many trusted aides, it’s of little use. There are tens of thousands of troops inside and outside the Capital City, and I am not going to attack the Capital City, so why take so many people."

Chief Historian Chen: "..."

Chief Historian Chen laughed wryly, "Commandery Princess, that’s not a joke to make."

Jiang Shaohua pulled the corner of her mouth, but there was no humor in her eyes: "I am not joking."

"The Capital City is adequately defended; there won’t be major troubles. The northern border, however, is uncertain. Having tasted success by looting Peng City, the Rouran people might invade again at any time. Honestly, this is what I worry about more."

Chief Historian Chen was silent momentarily and then softly reminded, "Once in the Capital City, Commandery Princess should not mention this again. The prosecution of Left General was driven by the Grand Empress Dowager and the Zheng family throughout. It’s now concluded, and General Fan has become the Border Army Commander. Bringing it up again will only irritate the Grand Empress Dowager."

Jiang Shaohua sighed silently, "I mentioned it only in front of Chief Historian Chen, rest assured! When I get to the Capital City, I’ll try my best to restrain myself and not cause trouble."

After a pause, she added, "This trip might last two or three months, at most half a year before I return. All the affairs of the Prince Mansion are entrusted to Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng."

With Chief Historian Feng absent, Chief Historian Chen assumed the responsibility along with his old friend: "Rest assured, Commandery Princess, we, along with Chief Historian Feng, shall manage the Prince Mansion diligently."

Jiang Shaohua nodded again and said, "The engagement between me and Elder Changning will proceed. My personal record is kept with Mrs. Zhang. When needed, ask her to retrieve it."

...

The following morning, Jiang Shaohua set off with two hundred trusted aides.

A group of officials saw her off at the door, especially Cui Du, who was most reluctant to part. If it weren’t awkward to rashly grab the Commandery Princess’s hand in everyone’s presence, he would have done so already.

Jiang Shaohua felt somewhat apologetic, whispering to Cui Du, "I initially planned for the engagement ceremony to be grander. But with the incident at the Capital City, I can’t leave it unattended, so I have to go. I’m sorry."

It’s akin to being a husband going on a far journey right after marriage.

Cui Du, being open and sincere, responded, "An engagement is merely a ceremony; the grandeur doesn’t matter. As long as we are engaged, that’s enough."

Such understanding!

Chief Historians Chen and Feng both gave approving glances.

Cui Ping internally gave Elder Changning a thumbs-up. It’s no wonder that many aristocratic sons seeking to propose were turned away. His generosity and understanding are enough to win the Commandery Princess’s favor.

Jiang Shaohua’s brow slightly relaxed as she smiled at Cui Du, "Wait for my return."

Cui Du nodded firmly.

Suddenly, Jiang Shaohua reached out and hugged Cui Du in full view. Cui Du was initially surprised, but soon blushed and embraced the Commandery Princess’s slender waist.

Lu Xuan, beside them, twitched his mouth, suddenly feeling the anger of a father, almost blurting out, "What are you two doing?"

As for the rest, they tacitly turned their heads, pretending not to witness the scene.

After a brief moment, Jiang Shaohua released him and stepped back, saying gently, "Take care!"

Cui Du felt a sudden sting in his nose, "Commandery Princess, take care!"

Then, watching the Commandery Princess ride off, dust rose, and the figures of the group quickly vanished from sight.

He preferred staying in the field manor, not fond of rushing around, nor of scheming and maneuvering with people, and naturally not skilled at it either. He never thought poorly of it, until this moment, when he suddenly felt guilty and self-reproachful.

If he were more capable and industrious, able to share her burden, would she not have to work so hard?

"Your work staying in Nanyang County produces high-yielding grain, enables the people to be fed, and creates a surplus for Nanyang County; this benefits the Commandery Princess the most."

Chief Historian Chen’s gentle reassurance echoed, "The court battles aren’t your strength, don’t blame yourself."

Cui Du came back to his senses, looking at Chief Historian Chen: "I just worry about the Commandery Princess, who has the responsibility for the people of Nanyang County, cares for both Jingzhou and Pingzhou, and now has concerns over the court affairs."

The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

There’s also the saying, to wear a crown, bear its weight first.

The Commandery Princess has vision, ambition, and aspirations; her actions cannot solely seek personal comfort and joy. Knowing the waters are muddy, she must gauge their depth.

Chief Historian Chen silently lamented, but outwardly he smiled, "Rest assured, the Commandery Princess can handle it."

Chief Historian Feng shared the same confidence in the Commandery Princess, speaking up, "While the Commandery Princess is busy with serious matters, everyone should also not be idle and must attend to their duties. Just because the Commandery Princess is not in the mansion doesn’t mean anyone should slack off. If something goes wrong, neither Chief Historian Chen nor I will spare them."

Yang Zheng felt indignant, wondering why he got a side glance amidst the conversation. While he used to enjoy drinking and being lazy, he’s now an outstanding and capable official, isn’t he?