Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 351: Morale (2)

Jiang Shaohua understood in her heart and smiled, "The Nanyang Army is a court stationed military force, overseen by the Ministry of War. The Emperor and Prime Minister Wang are watching over it in the court, so it’s indeed not advisable to act recklessly."

Disappointment flashed in Yu Chong’s eyes. However, he was mentally prepared for this and immediately replied, "They are just speaking without thought; Commandery Princess need not take it to heart."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "I understand your intentions. Rest assured! I won’t keep you in vain. A thousand days of raising soldiers will eventually come a day when they are needed."

Yu Chong and the others felt invigorated upon hearing this. Li Tie, now Yu Chong’s first lackey, spoke on behalf of Yu Chong, who, as the main general, found it inconvenient to say certain things, "If I may boldly ask, when does the Commandery Princess plan to use us, the Nanyang Army?"

Jiang Shaohua glanced over with a smile, "If my prediction is correct, within a month we will have use for you."

Yu Chong, Li Tie, and others exchanged bright glances.

Song Yuan was also somewhat surprised, "Why is the Commandery Princess so certain?"

Jiang Shaohua replied calmly, "The locust disaster in the North is severe, refugees are scattered everywhere. The court has sent an imperial envoy, but there must be grain for relief and a large batch of grain seeds to be delivered so the people can replant."

"Right now is the time for the corn harvest. In another month, sweet potatoes will also be ready for harvest. There have always been people in the court watching over us in Nanyang County. By then, it will certainly call for requisitioning grain seeds and food from our Nanyang County."

Song Yuan furrowed his brows tightly, "The new grain of Nanyang County is the result of the people’s hard work, it’s not something that has fallen from the sky. Commandery Princess has already offered three batches of grain, where does the court get the face to ask for more from Nanyang County?"

"Furthermore, the Ministry of Revenue has already issued two promissory notes, and until now, there’s been no sign of paying any silver. Are they still planning to continue issuing promissory notes!"

Jiang Shaohua remained indifferent, "Do not underestimate the court ministers’ shamelessness."

The young Emperor Taihe, newly ascended to the throne, lacks thick skin. He wouldn’t ask her for grain unless absolutely necessary, despite being her cousin.

Court ministers led by Prime Minister Wang have far fewer concerns. The Ministry of Revenue is stretched thin, and the loss from transporting grain from the South is too great; naturally, requisitioning grain from Nanyang County is more convenient and quicker.

Song Yuan furrowed his brows even tighter.

Yu Chong also realized this, and frowned, "Doesn’t this turn our Nanyang County into a fat sheep to be sheared? No matter how much wool there is, it cannot be plucked freely." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Jiang Shaohua, having contemplated this already, lowered her voice, "The new grain has high drought resistance and output, Nanyang County has been vigorously promoting it. The court requisitioning our new grain seeds from Nanyang County also serves to give Nanyang County fame and recognition. Moreover, offering grain alleviates the court’s difficulties, earns goodwill from the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager, and silences the ministers. For me, it’s a good thing."

"Being passive is not as good as being proactive. Thus, I plan to submit a petition to the Emperor, offering a batch of grain seeds voluntarily. By then, it will be the Nanyang Army responsible for transporting the grain."

The Tang Family is running grain stores in the North and promoting the new grain, while the Personal Guard Camp transforms into Tang family house servants, transporting grain in secret and absorbing refugees. These things must not come to light, must not alarm the court, and thus cannot involve the Nanyang Army.

Offering grain to the court is different, it’s open and aboveboard, deploying the Nanyang Army is very appropriate.

Yu Chong immediately responded with a solemn expression and cupped his hands, "Commandery Princess instructs, your subordinate will certainly serve dutifully."

...

That night, Jiang Shaohua wrote a petition and two personal letters, one to Emperor Taihe, and one to Grand Empress Dowager Zheng.

After sending out the petition and letters, Jiang Shaohua patiently stayed in the Nanyang Army Camp. Every morning, she practiced with the soldiers, and in her spare time, she wandered around, engaging with the soldiers in conversation and inquiries.

Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong were accustomed to the Commandery Princess’s ways. Tang Youyin was on his first camp inspection with the Commandery Princess, and found it eye-opening.

Chen Sheren, being a young maiden, found it inconvenient to get too close, so Tang Youyin sought Ma Sheren in private for conversation.

"Was the Commandery Princess always like this when inspecting the army camp?"

Ma Yaosong smiled and nodded, "It has always been like this. At first, I was quite amazed, but as time went on, I gradually got used to it."

The Commandery Princess should be nurtured delicately in the Prince Mansion. Yet their Commandery Princess, entering the army camp, ate the same food as the soldiers and trained together.

With such a Commandery Princess, how could one worry that military morale wouldn’t be used?

Tang Youyin couldn’t help but sigh, "I used to serve at the West E County Government, the Tang Family is the major family in Xi’e County. I myself have some skills and mixed fairly well in the government office, respected and supported wherever I went."

"Frankly, Ma Sheren, I used to regard myself highly, thinking I was someone significant. Now, serving in the Prince Mansion, following the Commandery Princess, I realize I was just a frog at the bottom of the well, utterly ridiculous."

Ma Yaosong chuckled softly, "I deeply understand your feelings. I’ve been by the Commandery Princess’s side for three years now. Following the Commandery Princess inspecting camps and the Fourteen Counties, accompanying her to the Capital City to enter the palace, the worldview and perspective can hardly compare to before."

"The Commandery Princess employs you and me not because of our great talents or skills, but because my grandfather is the County Magistrate of Biyang County and your father is the Tang Family Master."

"Precisely because of this, we must put our heart into serving and working. Let everyone know the Commandery Princess made the right choice. Also, give the elders at home peace of mind."

These words deeply resonated with Tang Youyin, "Rightly said, that’s indeed my plan. In terms of vision and decision-making, the Ma Family is unique in Nanyang County. Our Tang Family is just a clueless wealthy landowner. I will need to learn much from Ma Sheren."

Ma Yaosong immediately laughed, "If Brother Tang says so, it makes me ashamed. The Ma Family relies on my grandfather, I’m merely enjoying the benefits of my elder’s legacy. I don’t have the qualifications to guide Brother Tang."

"I actually admire Brother Tang greatly. The Household Department is the busiest, and Chief Historian Feng doesn’t have the best temperament. The only one who can serve in the Household Department and receive praise from Chief Historian Feng is Brother Tang."

Tang Youyin laughed repeatedly, "Brother Ma is young and talented, clever and careful in serving, deeply trusted by the Commandery Princess. You’re my role model indeed."

The two addressed each other as brothers, praising one another, each satisfied with themselves.

Having shared heartfelt conversations, in the following days, Ma Yaosong and Tang Youyin grew much closer.

Chen Jinyu observed this, feeling quite emotional.

It’s truly difficult for a woman to serve as an official. She is the childhood playmate and friend of the Commandery Princess, supported by a grandfather who served as Prince Mansion Chief Historian, a father who diligently served as County Magistrate overseeing iron and silver mines, a brother soon to be Inspector’s son-in-law. Most importantly, she has the full support and favor of the Commandery Princess. Even so, Prince Mansion Officials still intentionally or unintentionally maintain a distance from her.

It’s understandable. After all, there is a difference between men and women, and she is young and in her prime, it’s often inconvenient for men to come too close.

Luckily, she has an advantage over others, which is to accompany the Commandery Princess every day.

Jiang Shaohua, being attentive and perceptive, asked, "Do you have a worry on your mind?"