Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 365: Companionship (Part 2)

The Bowan County Government specially held a banquet to welcome Cui Du that evening.

Cui Du had never held an official position, but his status within the Nanyang Prince Mansion was particularly notable. Even Chen Zhuo, the Chief Historian, was respectful enough to address him as Mr. Cui.

This was naturally due to Cui Du’s exceptional talents. Moreover, the Commandery Princess’s subtle attitude towards him was noticeable to everyone, causing them to hold Mr. Cui in even higher regard.

Cui Du was not good at drinking; after a round of toasts, his handsome face flushed red.

Jiang Shaohua laughed and said, "Cui Du has a modest capacity for wine, so don’t get him drunk."

The nearby Chen Sheren and Ma Sheren both felt a pang of jealousy. Look at how the Commandery Princess favors him; they had been around her daily but never received such consideration.

After the feast dispersed, everyone went to rest, and no more was said.

Cui Du’s sudden arrival meant there were no vacant rooms in the county government, so he shared a room with Ma Yaosong.

Ma Yaosong was clever and attentive; he went to the kitchen to get some hangover soup and offered the bed, choosing to sleep on the floor himself.

Cui Du felt a bit embarrassed: "The bed is quite big; we can sleep together. If someone needs to sleep on the floor, it should be me."

Ma Yaosong laughed and said, "Mr. Cui, don’t be polite. I’ve trained in martial arts since childhood, so I’m robust and sleeping on the floor suits me."

Cui Du couldn’t refuse the hospitality of such an enthusiastic housekeeper, so he accepted the kindness and said casually, "Then, thank you, Ma Sheren. I need to get up early tomorrow to go to the mine with the Commandery Princess, so I should rest early."

Ma Yaosong immediately sat upright from the floor: "Mr. Cui is also going to the mine tomorrow?"

"The Commandery Princess asked me to go with her," Cui Du responded with surprise, "Why, you’re not going?"

Ma Yaosong: "..."

It’s heart-wrenching!

Ma Yaosong was hurt by Cui Du’s unintentional words, and he gathered himself to say, "The mine is a critical area; whenever the Commandery Princess goes into the mountain, it’s always accompanied by the Chief Historian’s three generations. Yang Shi and I stay at the county government."

He had served at the Commandery Princess’s side for three years, constantly by her side, yet couldn’t match the trust she placed in Cui Du. It was too disheartening!

Cui Du didn’t say anything further, lay on the bed, and when his face was turned inward, he secretly chuckled.

...

"Cui Du is going to the mine tomorrow?"

Elsewhere, Chen Jinyu was also surprised by this sudden piece of news.

Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile: "Cui Du has been in the Nanyang County for over three years, working diligently at the field manor. This is the first time he has come out, so consider it a long vacation. I’m taking him to the mountain to broaden his horizons."

If you swap genders, wouldn’t it be like letting you see the strength of my family assets?

Chen Jinyu secretly mocked in his heart and verbally agreed with a smile: "The Commandery Princess is right. These years, Cui Du has indeed made significant contributions to Nanyang County. It’s only fitting that the Commandery Princess appreciates, trusts, and rewards him."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at the hypocritical Chen Sheren: "Just don’t be petty. Although I have trust in Cui Du, it doesn’t exceed my trust in you."

Chen Jinyu, appeased, laughed cheerfully, leaned over, and held the Commandery Princess’s arm: "Now that you’ve said that, I’m relieved."

Jiang Shaohua also laughed: "So, you were really jealous just now. You are someone destined for great deeds, your mind needs to be broad and your vision long-term. Such petty thoughts won’t do."

Chen Jinyu stuck out his tongue with a smile: "Grandfather often tells me that too. But I’ve had this temper since childhood; it’s hard to change."

After joking for a few moments, Jiang Shaohua casually asked: "By the way, now that you’ve returned, is your mother urging you to quit your job and marry?"

At the mention of this topic, Chen Jinyu pouted, feeling stifled: "Don’t mention it. My mother not only doesn’t urge me to return but advises me to focus on my work and not let down the Commandery Princess’s kindness."

"Isn’t that good?" Jiang Shaohua chuckled softly: "You’ve always longed for freedom, and now that it’s here, why are you unhappy?"

Chen Jinyu replied despondently: "My mother, being so worldly-minded, can’t stop rejoicing over the good marriage proposal the Commandery Princess secured for my brother. She’s entirely preoccupied with the delightful prospect of welcoming the Inspector Mansion’s bride next year, scarcely caring if her daughter gets married."

Jiang Shaohua laughed heartily once more: "Let her think what she likes. What’s important is she’s happy, and you’ve gotten what you wished for!"

The process doesn’t matter, the outcome does.

Chen Jinyu exhaled his frustration: "I know I shouldn’t dwell on these things, but I still feel upset. In my mother’s heart, my brother’s marriage and future are the priority. For his sake, she’s willing for me to serve the Commandery Princess sincerely."

The feeling of injustice and dissatisfaction is indeed unpleasant.

Jiang Shaohua expressed understanding, patting Chen Jinyu’s shoulder: "In such matters, no one has control. You have to come to terms with it yourself."

They exchanged casual talk and then washed up and went to bed.

The next day, Jiang Shaohua rose as usual during the fifth hour to practice the long spear on the empty ground in the county government’s backyard for an hour.

Cui Du, having gotten up at some unknown time, stood quietly in the corner, watching intently.

Qin Hu, Meng Sanbao, and other trusted aides took turns accompanying the Commandery Princess in sparring. Silver spears danced, red tassels fluttered, and the girl in red martial attire wielded her spear like lightning, her form agile as the wind.

Even though Cui Du did not understand martial arts, he was stunned by the Commandery Princess’s heroic presence.

When Jiang Shaohua flipped one of the trusted aides with a spear, Cui Du applauded, overcome by emotion.

The trusted aides: "..."

During the Commandery Princess’s training, everyone remained silent. In being the one to applaud, only Mr. Cui dared.

Even Song Yuan couldn’t resist glancing over.

Cui Du realized he was somewhat impulsive, awkwardly laughed, and walked over to Song Yuan: "Uncle, sorry, I didn’t mean to."

Song Yuan cautioned quietly: "In private, the Commandery Princess doesn’t mind your lack of formality. In public, be more cautious, don’t give people gossip material."

The words carried profound meaning.

Cui Du, rough yet not a fool—in fact, he possessed remarkable intelligence and insight. The special undertone in Song Yuan’s brief remarks made his heart race.

Cui Du nodded vigorously, indicating he had taken note.

Song Yuan nodded and said no more, drawing out his long knife to train with the Commandery Princess.

Silver gleamed again as Jiang Shaohua in her red martial attire and Song Yuan engaged in a fierce clash. This time, Cui Du didn’t dare make a sound but continued to watch the Commandery Princess fixedly, unwilling to blink.

After some time, Jiang Shaohua calmly withdrew her long spear and walked up to Cui Du with a smile: "I haven’t had breakfast yet, have you?"

Cui Du shook his head: "Not yet."

"Come have breakfast with me." Jiang Shaohua smiled casually.

Cui Du cheerfully agreed and happily accompanied the Commandery Princess to breakfast.

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao exchanged a look.

Cui Du, this fellow, is truly fortunate!