Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 352: Glory (Part 1)

The two are not only sovereign and subject, but also friends. They meet daily from morning till dusk, extremely close.

Chen Jinyu did not hide it, expressing all the sighs in her heart: "...For a woman, working as an official is truly difficult. Regardless of whether they do it intentionally or not, I am always easily overlooked, ignored, and even isolated."

"Thinking back to when the Commandery Princess was alone in the Capital City, standing in the court facing the Emperor on the Dragon Throne and all the civil and military officials, with complete composure. Such perseverance and courage, I truly cannot compare."

Jiang Shaohua paused for a moment before saying: "The officialdom has always been a man’s world. As a woman, to find a foothold and make a place, it is indeed extremely challenging. Every step forward requires much more effort than others."

"Like me, it is much more difficult compared to other Vassal Kings. Prince Dongping, Prince Huaiyang, and Prince Wu’an can simply leave the Capital City and return to their vassal territories, while for me, I have to put extra effort to get the Grand Empress Dowager’s consent to return. For this, Nanyang County has to continuously send grain seeds and large quantities of new grain to the court."

"This is something unavoidable. Without enough power to overturn the table and face it head-on, one has to endure for the time being and navigate through restraint."

Chen Jinyu said softly: "Offering grain is indeed heart-wrenching. However, there are many unseen benefits. In the eyes of the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager, the Commandery Princess is caring and loyal. In the eyes of the officials, the Commandery Princess is broad-minded and benevolent. The common people who have benefited all speak well of the Commandery Princess."

Reputation is such a thing that, though unseen and untouchable, is extremely important.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Indeed! Using some grain to buy a good reputation is quite cost-effective and worthwhile. Otherwise, would you really take me for a fool?"

The two exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere suddenly became much more relaxed.

Chen Jinyu smiled and sighed: "Under the Commandery Princess’s leadership, there is me, the housekeeper, Miss Kong, Miss Sun, and Mrs. Cui from Ye County and Li Ying; it can truly be said talent is abound. I only hope that in the future, more capable women will come under the Commandery Princess to work."

Jiang Shaohua laughed and said: "Rest assured, that day will surely come."

...

Staying with the Nanyang Army for several days, Jiang Shaohua set out to leave the military camp, not going to the nearest Wan County but to Xi’e County instead.

The County Magistrate Zou of Xi’e County was overjoyed and led the county government officials to greet them. Several prominent families from Xi’e County also came, including the Tang Family.

Jiang Shaohua smiled, allowing everyone to rise and cease their ceremonies, and specifically called over Tang Youyin in front of everyone: "Clerk Tang works in the Household Department at the Prince Mansion, diligent and meticulous in his duties; I admire him greatly. During this inspection of various counties, I specifically commanded him to accompany us."

County Magistrate Zou immediately praised Tang Youyin, while others from the county government chimed in. In their words, Tang Youyin became nearly a genius, proficient and competent in all Household Department affairs.

Tang Youyin, a man of thirty, had not expected to gain such prominence, and even his normally thick skin turned a bit flushed. Catching the envious glances of the Tang Family, he instinctively straightened his back.

His father fought life and death for the Commandery Princess, so as his son, he felt no shame benefiting from his father’s light.

Ma Yaosong watched and thought of the time soon when it would be his turn to return in glory to Biyang County, and he felt elated like burning coals in his heart.

It was only the Commandery Princess, with such meticulous attention to detail, who would deliberately support and give their family dignity and prestige. How could they not be willing to go to great lengths for the Commandery Princess?

That evening, a welcoming banquet was set up in the county government of Xi’e County.

As usual, Jiang Shaohua did not drink wine, only having a cup of tea. Yet the atmosphere of the banquet was very lively.

County Magistrate Zou, face flushed, stood up and raised his cup: "This year, corn had a bumper harvest, yielding twice as much grain as last year. In a few days, we will harvest sweet potatoes. At this rate, not only will the people have enough to eat, but they can also sell the surplus for silver."

"This is all due to the benevolence of the Commandery Princess. I toast the Commandery Princess three times!"

County Magistrate Zou downed three cups in quick succession.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and asked: "Are there no more complaints from the people about the widespread planting of new grains?"

County Magistrate Zou chuckled and replied: "Every household’s granary is full; one crop of new grain is enough to feed a family for two years. The corn stalks can be used for fuel, and sweet potato leaves can feed pigs and chickens. The people are so happy they can’t stop smiling; how could there be any complaints left?"

Jiang Shaohua knowingly smiled.

County Magistrate Zou continued with great enthusiasm: "Mr. Cui is truly a remarkable person. Last year, the corn yield per acre was already very high, but unexpectedly, this year’s harvest increased by another twenty percent."

At the mention of Cui Du’s name, Jiang Shaohua felt something stir within her, but she did not show it on her face, responding warmly: "When the new grains are fully promoted, the people will have enough to eat; wheat, millet, beans, and rice still need to be grown. Cui Du has been cultivating grain seeds at the field manor, and he has told me that once he breeds excellent grain seeds, the yield will be much higher than before."

County Magistrate Zou was thrilled: "This is wonderful news! Mr. Cui is like a living deity!"

Indeed! Agriculture is the foundation of the nation. For Cui Du, who can significantly increase grain yield, he is indeed like half a deity.

Jiang Shaohua’s mind once again conjured up the image of Cui Du.

After the banquet dispersed, Jiang Shaohua instructed Tang Youyin: "Since you are back in Xi’e, you don’t need to serve by my side for now; go and stay with the Tang Family for a few days."

Tang Youyin wanted to decline, but the Commandery Princess smiled and said: "Returning home in glory is one of life’s great pleasures. You are still relatively new at the Prince Mansion and cannot yet be promoted. However, the dignity you deserve should always be there."

A rush of warmth surged through Tang Youyin’s heart, and he solemnly cupped his hands in gratitude to the Commandery Princess for her favor.

...

That very night, Tang Youyin returned to the Tang Family.

The Tang Family, with seven households, all came out to welcome him, as long as they could walk.

Even the elderly Old Master Tang, who walked with a tremble, came out to greet him. Tang Youyin dared not accept such respect arrogantly and hastily stepped forward to support Old Master Tang, respectfully calling him "Uncle."

Old Master Tang looked Tang Youyin up and down, smiling and praising: "Indeed, you’ve accomplished something."

Among Tang Youyin’s generation, there are more than ten male heirs. The oldest is already fifty, and the youngest is over twenty. Tang Youyin originally did not stand out much among them. In his youth, he tried his hand at trading roads but wasn’t agile enough, eventually being sent to work at the county government.

Who would have thought Tang Youyin would have such fortune? Now favored by the Commandery Princess, working in the Household Department at the Prince Mansion, regarded as a right-hand man by Chief Historian Feng, and even accompanying the Commandery Princess on county inspections.

With the full support of the Commandery Princess, who in the Tang Family does not hold Tang Youyin in high regard?

Tang Youyin did not become conceited; he calmly replied: "The Commandery Princess is inspecting the counties to observe the new grain harvest and to examine the records of resettling refugees from each county. Since I am familiar with the accounts in the Household Department, I had the opportunity to accompany her."

After entering the Prince Mansion, Tang Youyin’s life goals quietly shifted from becoming the Tang Family Master to higher aspirations.

With an elevated vision and outlook, the demeanor naturally changes.