Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 353: Robes of Honor (Part 2)

Old Master Tang watched with satisfaction.

If Tang Youyin can rise to the top, the Tang Family will follow. He has struggled for many years, and the Tang Family was just a local rich family. Over the past three years, they have connected with the Prince Mansion, working diligently for the Commandery Princess, significantly enhancing the status of the Tang Family.

Accompanied by the Tang clan members, Tang Youyin entered the main hall.

Outside, it was pitch black, but inside the main hall was as bright as day. The Tang clan members were all in high spirits, with no signs of fatigue, surrounded Tang Youyin, chattering nonstop.

Someone asked if Tang Youyin found it tiring to work at the Prince Mansion.

Tang Youyin patiently replied, "Working in the Household Department of the Prince Mansion is much more exhausting than at the county government. Chief Historian Feng oversees the taxes and internal affairs of Nanyang County, with numerous daily tasks requiring the creation of various accounts and the accurate calculation of all transactions. If Chief Historian Feng didn’t value my work in the Household Department, no one could afford to be idle there."

"Chief Historian Feng may have a bit of a temper, but his abilities are first-class. At over fifty years old, he is lightning fast at calculating accounts with an abacus. He has the entire Prince Mansion’s expenditures, Nanyang County’s land, population, and grain memorized, able to recall them instantly."

"I’ve learned a lot working under Chief Historian Feng. If I can acquire half of Chief Historian Feng’s skills, I’ll be content."

Tang Youyin held Chief Historian Feng in utmost respect, admiration emanating from his heart.

The Tang clan members were deeply moved and said eagerly, "With Chief Historian Feng valuing you so much, you must really learn the skills well."

"Chief Historian Feng will have his day. In ten or eight years, you’ll be able to take over Chief Historian Feng’s duties and become a Prince Mansion Chief Historian yourself."

Tang Youyin quickly said, "Such words must not be spoken carelessly. If they reach the Commandery Princess’s ears, it would be too frivolous and reckless."

"There’s no outsider here; nothing said here will spread out." Old Master Tang laughed, "Everyone is hoping for your success."

Tang Youyin solemnly said, "I know everyone hopes for my success, so I must be even more cautious. Words that should not be spoken must not be said, and things that should not be done must not be done."

This composure and prudence alone were already superior to the other juniors of the Tang Family.

Old Master Tang finally let go of his last bit of reluctance and said in front of everyone, "One day, the Tang Family will be entrusted to you. Everyone will follow your words."

But Tang Youyin said, "The Tang Family is currently working for the Commandery Princess. The future Family Head will depend on the Commandery Princess’s wishes. It’s too early to say these things now."

In truth, he just wants to stay at the Prince Mansion and no longer desires to be the Tang Family Master, right!

Old Master Tang was aware of this but didn’t point it out, agreeing with Tang Youyin’s words with a smile, "You’re right, let’s talk about the future later."

Then everyone inevitably talked about the Tang’s Grain Shop.

"Over the past half a year, the Tang Family has opened twelve grain shops in the North along three routes."

"The promotion of new grain seeds is going smoothly. People in six commanderies tried planting the new grain this year. The corn has been harvested, but the exact yield is still unknown. We should receive the statistics soon."

"Even if the yield is not three or four times higher, a double yield per acre is enough. No matter what we say, it can’t compare to the people personally farming a crop. When the sweet potatoes are harvested, running the grain shop will get easier." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"We are still losing silver now, but once the new grain is fully promoted and more people buy the seeds, we’ll see some returns."

Hearing this, Tang Youyin smiled and said, "The purpose of the Commandery Princess setting up the grain shop was originally to promote new grains, not to make money. Otherwise, just the monthly military expenses of the Personal Guard Camp sent out would be a huge sum."

Exactly, with just the money from selling grain seeds, what could be achieved?

Not to mention, the Personal Guard Camp has been secretly taking in refugees, which consumes both grain and silver.

Old Master Tang lowered his voice and said, "This year Xi’e County has received over a thousand refugees. County Magistrate Zou is so happy he can’t stop smiling. In your opinion, how many refugees does the Commandery Princess plan to recruit to bolster the population?"

Tang Youyin glanced at Old Master Tang, "That would depend on how much grain is actually harvested by each county this year."

In other words, the more, the better, there’s no such thing as too much.

Old Master Tang understood and whispered, "The Commandery Princess is ambitious and thinks for the world."

Tang Youyin said, "Half of the men in our Tang Family are working hard outside, risking the dangers of rebel uprisings, and the Commandery Princess sees this. In the future, the Commandery Princess will never treat our Tang Family poorly. Rest assured, Uncle."

Old Master Tang nodded and suddenly sighed, "I used to be prideful and arrogant, looking down and neglecting the Commandery Princess, and being replaced as the Family Head, I deserved it. Still, your father had the foresight to choose a better path for the Tang Family."

Nowadays, Old Master Tang was sincerely convinced of the Commandery Princess and had often expressed regret in public.

Tang Youyin found it inappropriate to reply to this.

After expressing his emotions, Old Master Tang quickly composed himself and said, "Now that you’re back, stay at home and rest for a few days. Retire early tonight, and go to serve the Commandery Princess early tomorrow."

Tang Youyin smiled and agreed.

Speaking of which, the last time he came home was before the New Year. Tang Youyin returned to his courtyard and reunited with his wife and children, feeling a joy that need not be detailed.

Tang Youyin’s wife, Mrs. Zhu, was of ordinary appearance, gentle and virtuous, proactively said to Tang Youyin, "While you’re working in the Prince Mansion, someone should be there to take care of your daily needs. I’ll pick a young and beautiful maid, give her a face-opening ceremony to serve you..."

"No, absolutely not." Before she finished talking, Tang Youyin waved his hand continuously, "Among the subordinates in the Prince Mansion, from Chief Historian Chen to the ordinary clerks, none have taken concubines. I heard that the former Chief Steward Qiu was quite indulgent with two beautiful concubines. As a result, he was sent away by the Commandery Princess."

In fact, Qiu Yuanshang left his position for other reasons. However, in private conversations, people believed that one important reason was the Commandery Princess’s displeasure with Chief Steward Qiu.

Look at Yang Shi, who used to indulge in eating, drinking, and having fun, hasn’t he been much more disciplined these past two years?

The Commandery Princess dislikes extravagance, favoring frugality, and as officials, naturally, we must learn from her example.

Mrs. Zhu saw her husband’s persistence and relented. In truth, she was very pleased. Even as an old couple, she couldn’t bear the thought of sharing her husband with another woman. It was due to the appearance of being virtuous that she felt compelled to make a gesture.

Tang Youyin smiled as he took his wife’s hand, gently whispering, "With me working in the Prince Mansion, our children depend on your guidance; you also have to manage household affairs and honor my mother, which is a hard task."

"How could I consider something else and still call myself a man?"

"After accompanying the Commandery Princess in inspecting the Fourteen Counties, I’ll take you and the children to the Prince Mansion."

Mrs. Zhu was both surprised and delighted, "Really? I can take the children to the Prince Mansion too?"

"Of course you can." Tang Youyin straightened up with pride before his wife, finally showing a bit of pride and satisfaction, "Your husband is now an able official in the Household Department, not a prominent one but can be considered having a name in the Prince Mansion. The Commandery Princess has rewarded me with a matching courtyard, you just follow me there."