Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 364: Together (Part 1)

In the main hall, Jiang Shaohua and Cui Du locked eyes.

Two months had quietly passed since their last meeting. During these two months, Jiang Shaohua had been busy inspecting the military camp, settling the displaced people, and dealing with a certain Chief Clerk Zhao. Cui Du hadn’t been idle either, as he trained another group of farmers who came to the field manor for study.

Others were unaware, but only they understood the subtle awkwardness between them.

"Commandery Princess, don’t be angry." Cui Du stepped forward two steps, breaking the silence: "Only the Commandery Princess knows my origins in this world. The Commandery Princess is also most familiar with my temperament. It was a momentary lapse, please don’t take it to heart."

Jiang Shaohua looked at Cui Du’s handsome face, which admitted his mistake with frankness, and after a moment of silence, said, "Not all were mere random words."

Cui Du’s eyes quietly brightened, but he said nothing further.

Even in later generations, discussing such sensitive topics was strictly taboo. Da Liang was a feudal dynasty with strict social hierarchies. Jiang Shaohua inherited her grandfather’s title, making her a Vassal King of Da Liang. Some thoughts were best kept inside. Once expressed aloud, they became a crime of treason.

He learned his lesson and now understood the wisdom of silence.

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Cui Du and casually changed the subject: "Why did you suddenly come to Bowan County?"

Cui Du grinned widely: "The Commandery Princess wrote me a letter for the first time, and in my excitement, I couldn’t help but come."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled: "The new grain harvest in Nanyang County was abundant, thanks to you. It’s only right that I wrote to commend you."

But how can it be the same?

Cui Du laughed and said: "To the Commandery Princess, it’s a commendation for subordinates. To me, it carries unique significance. I just couldn’t resist coming to see the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua: "..."

It’s hard to imagine a man of nearly thirty years, combining two lifetimes, having such clear and passionately bright eyes.

Jiang Shaohua felt rare subtle discomfort, instinctively averting his gaze: "You have been in Nanyang County for over three years, constantly busy at the field manor. It’s rare for you to come out, so take this opportunity to rest for a while. Accompany me for inspections."

Cui Du was overjoyed, nodding repeatedly: "That’s what I was thinking. Different counties have different soil and climate, and farming conditions vary. I plan to conduct some assessments."

"Tomorrow, I’m going to the mines. Come along," Jiang Shaohua said.

Cui Du was indeed politically insensitive, unaware of the trust and importance the Commandery Princess’s actions represented, and cheerfully agreed.

Seeing Cui Du’s forthrightness, Jiang Shaohua couldn’t help but smile. Interpersonal relationships require not just mutual attraction but also compatible personalities.

Since the moment Cui Du fell from the sky in front of her, they seemed destined for an unending connection. Over the years, her treatment of him had, of course, always been different.

Cui Du’s capabilities were certainly an important reason, but more significant was that, in front of him, she could shed her Commandery Princess identity and be like an ordinary girl.

In fact, although he respectfully referred to her as Commandery Princess, his attitude was candid and sincere, neither ingratiating nor sycophantic. Such demeanor was very comfortable.

"By the way, I have good news to report to the Commandery Princess," Cui Du said enthusiastically: "For the past two years, I’ve been improving varieties of wheat, millet, rice, and beans. The North is water-scarce, making rice cultivation difficult, and the bean progress is also slow. But both wheat and millet have yielded results."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shaohua became instantly interested and invited Cui Du to sit down and elaborate.

Improving grain varieties is a technical task. Cui Du openly shared without reservation, explaining in detail to Jiang Shaohua, who understood less than a tenth of it, yet listened patiently without interruption.

After talking so much that his mouth was parched, Jiang Shaohua casually picked up the teapot and poured him a cup of tea. Cui Du naturally took the cup and drank it all: "Please, Commandery Princess, pour another cup."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled, not minding him at all, and poured another cup.

Cui Du finished his tea, moistened his throat, and continued talking for a long time.

After listening, Jiang Shaohua seemed thoughtful: "So, in the coming spring, there will be entirely new varieties of wheat and millet?"

Cui Du smiled and affirmed: "These past two years, there’s been a drought and locust plague, resulting in grain shortages across the North. Nanyang County is promoting new grains throughout the county, planting mainly corn and sweet potatoes. After enduring this year, things will gradually improve next year, and we can start planting wheat and millet."

When it comes down to it, the people are still accustomed to having wheat and millet as staples. As long as sustenance is assured, the more varied the grain types, the better.

Jiang Shaohua laughed: "You’re the expert on farming. You decide on these matters."

Cui Du naturally nodded in agreement: "Good, this year’s harvest from the experimental fields will all be used for seeds. I calculated that distributing grain seeds to each county should allow every household to plant two to three acres. The remaining farmland will continue planting corn and sweet potato."

"With this approach, the total grain output increases, and the variety becomes richer. After the harvest next year, when there are enough seeds, people can freely cultivate. Once there’s surplus grain, the improved seeds can also be promoted through the Tang Family Grain Shop..."

"Honestly, I don’t understand much of what you’re saying," Jiang Shaohua interjected, unable to resist: "Just tell me directly, what’s the yield per acre for the improved wheat and millet?"

Cui Du thought for a moment and replied: "In the experimental fields, with meticulous cultivation and adequate fertilizers, the yield can reach seven hundred pounds per acre. Ordinary farmers won’t achieve such yields, but increasing grain output by thirty to forty percent is feasible."

As soon as he spoke, his hand was taken hold of.

That hand, slender and fair, yet especially strong, gripped his tightly.

Cui Du’s heart leaped, and the space behind his ears reddened.

"Cui Du, you truly are my lucky star," Jiang Shaohua’s eyes shone like a sky full of stars, her lips curved up ever so joyfully.

Cui Du took a deep breath, calming his racing heart, and replied with sincerity: "The Commandery Princess is my benefactor, trusting and honoring me. That I can establish roots in Nanyang County is all due to the Commandery Princess’s grace. Serving her is what I should do."

"Moreover, it is my greatest ambition in life. I love cultivating and improving grain varieties, I love farming. Seeing the people well-fed is my greatest joy."

Jiang Shaohua, holding his hand as if it were a rare gem, smiled brightly and said: "I also hope that Da Liang’s people never go hungry again. So let’s work together to achieve this ideal."

Cui Du nodded heavily, silently wishing this moment could last.

Unfortunately, after her excitement settled, the Commandery Princess’s emotions quickly subsided, and her grip on his hand loosened gently before she began discussing the matter of entering the mines the next day.

Cui Du listened distractedly, occasionally brushing his fingers subtly. His fingertips seemed still to carry the warmth and touch from moments before.