Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 362: The Letter (Part 1)

Looking into the determined and bright eyes of the Commandery Princess, a thought flashed through Chen Zhuo’s mind like a lightning bolt.

Immediately, Chen Zhuo was startled by this thought himself.

Jiang Shaohua did not notice the slight change in Chief Historian Chen’s expression, and smiled: "Ahead is Bowan; this time, we shall stay in Bowan County for a few more days."

Chen Zhuo steadied his mind, happily thanked the Commandery Princess for her grace, and silently suppressed the frightening thought that had flashed through his mind.

Half a day later, Jiang Shaohua’s party entered the Bowan County Government.

County Magistrate Chen led a group of officials to escort the Commandery Princess into the main hall, greeting and inquiring for her well-being. The County Magistrate, County Magistrate’s aide, and others were all reverent, and even County Magistrate Chen was exceptionally respectful towards the Commandery Princess.

One could see that Jiang Shaohua’s swift and decisive methods were quite effective. This is also the means that a superior should have, balancing grace with authority, combining softness and firmness, wielding both carrot and stick, neither should be lacking.

"County Magistrate Chen, please rise," Jiang Shaohua smiled kindly: "Everyone rise, let’s sit down and talk."

County Magistrate Chen led the officials in thanking the Commandery Princess for her grace and sat down beside Chief Historian Chen.

Jiang Shaohua asked directly, without beating around the bush: "How many refugees has Bowan County accepted in total? Where are they settled now?"

County Magistrate Chen was prepared and replied with cupped hands: "To answer the Commandery Princess, Bowan County originally had two groups of refugees; five days ago, another group was sent, totaling 1,639 people — 415 households in total. I designated a large area of empty land for them and established a new settlement."

The Chief Clerk on the side nervously offered the household register and the records for grain distribution.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Tang Youyin, who immediately stepped forward and collected the registers. Throughout this journey, the first thing the Commandery Princess did upon reaching a county was to inspect the refugee settlement situation. His expertise in accounting truly came in handy.

County Magistrate Chen continued his report: "... Bowan County is different from other counties, as the young and strong men are mostly sent to the mines. Among the new refugees, I selected some robust men to work in the mines. Their daily wages are settled on the same day, and paid in grain, thus, they are all very willing to work in the mines."

"As a result, there are much fewer people available for reclaiming wasteland. Currently, only over 4,000 mu of wasteland has been reclaimed."

This figure, compared to other counties, is indeed pitifully small. However, Bowan County is inherently unique and does not primarily rely on agriculture.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "You did the right thing, prioritize the mines when staff is available. But don’t overwork them, let them eat their fill each day."

County Magistrate Chen acknowledged the order with cupped hands.

Mining is a heavy labor-intensive job, extremely exhausting, and it carries certain risks. Excessive exploitation could easily lead to civilian unrest and riots. If the person in charge of the mine is excessively greedy or ruthless, it could turn into a living hell.

For instance, the court’s dozen or so mines are mostly mined by convicts, unable to endure a few years, either dying of exhaustion or escaping and being executed.

The iron mine in Nanyang County, however, is completely different. It provides one meal of lunch a day, and daily wages are offered. The employment is not excessive, so everyone in Bowan County is willing to work in the mine.

This kind of task, Jiang Shaohua only feels assured entrusting it to County Magistrate Chen.

After finishing official business, it was time for the evening banquet.

County Magistrate Chen stood up with a smile and raised his glass: "This year Nanyang County has had a great harvest of new grain, I am overjoyed and congratulate the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua’s face softened as she smiled and raised her teacup, taking a sip.

The corn had a bumper harvest, followed by an even more delightful bumper harvest of sweet potatoes. After the counties collected the grain, the statistics gathered were in Chief Historian Feng’s hands. The Household Department worked for several days to calculate the amount of grain collected in Nanyang County this year. The exact number is known to no more than five people within Nanyang County.

Even County Magistrate Chen only vaguely knew the general situation. From the deep smile on the Commandery Princess’s face, it could be seen how satisfied she was.

This year, the entire county planted new grain, and the per mu yield increased by 20% compared to the previous year. The total grain production is more than double that of last year, exceeding even the most optimistic preliminary estimates by 30%.

This means that the grain in Nanyang County can not only feed the people and the Personal Guard Camp of the Nanyang Army but also offer a portion to the court in exchange for Nanyang County’s exceptional status and prestige, with leftover resources to continue accepting refugees.

Given such a promising prospect, Jiang Shaohua could not be anything but pleased. Recalling the blunt Cui Du at this moment, Jiang Shaohua felt not a bit annoyed, even finding him to be truer and more endearing.

In her wonderful mood, Jiang Shaohua, rarely, took the initiative to write a letter to Cui Du, in which she praised Cui Du for his conscientious efforts and significant contributions to promoting the new grain.

...

This letter was delivered to the field manor within three days by fast horse.

Cui Du, as usual, was busy in the fields. With a bountiful harvest, there were still many tasks to be done, such as composting and soil enrichment, selecting grains for cultivation again, and improving the seeds of wheat, rice, millet, and corn.

"Mr. Cui, this is a personal letter from the Commandery Princess." Meng Sanbao, who came galloping to deliver the letter, couldn’t spare any time to wipe the sweat off his forehead, and hurriedly handed over the Commandery Princess’s letter.

"My hands are covered in dirt, too dirty, just place the letter in my chest," Cui Du said hastily.

Meng Sanbao gave a knowing smile and tucked the letter into Cui Du’s chest.

Perhaps it was due to the overly scorching sun, Cui Du’s face was exceptionally radiant with a smile, and the chest holding the Commandery Princess’s letter felt warm.

After working for another hour in the field, Cui Du finally found some free time, went back to his room, and washed his hands clean. He carefully took out the envelope, which had been warmed, and opened it to read meticulously.

The Commandery Princess had excellent handwriting, as they say, letters show the person, upright and elegant yet exuding sharpness.

The letter contained no personal words, mainly praise for his diligence and competence in his duties, befitting Jiang Shaohua’s temperament.

Cui Du did not feel disappointed, but rather joyful, with his eyes and eyebrows full of cheer. He read the letter three times, then pressed it to his chest, rolling twice on the bed.

Just like all young men experiencing their first stirrings of love upon receiving a gift from their beloved.

Outside the room, the two young servants exchanged a glance and smiled secretly.

"Look at how delighted our master is."

"The Commandery Princess is on a patrol and didn’t forget about our master, even took the effort to write a letter. Who wouldn’t be happy?"

"At this rate, perhaps our master will truly have great fortune. Like Lu Junma back in the day, who had nothing but a face, yet could marry into Nanyang Prince Mansion!"

"Our master is diligent and capable, can cultivate seed grains, and plant new grains. This year’s bountiful harvest in Nanyang County, our master holds the top credit. It’s only because our master is young, not at the age for officialdom. Otherwise, even in the court, with these capabilities, he would be a high-ranking official."

"Oh, you’re too naive. Do you think talent alone guarantees recognition? Do you believe if our master had been taken in by someone in the Capital City back then, he would have had the chance to accomplish so much? Without power or influence, any merits would be snatched away. Do you think everyone could be like our Commandery Princess?"