Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 369: Silver Mountain (Part 2)

After a day’s rest, the next day, Cui Du was back to his energetic self and followed the Commandery Princess on a tour of the silver mine.

During the inspection, Cui Du was astounded: "This silver mine is indeed no smaller than the iron mine."

"Yes, this entire mountain is filled with silver mines. Only a part has been mined so far." Jiang Shaohua chuckled softly, "If the operation becomes too noticeable, it would attract attention. Besides, those mining in this mountain are criminals sentenced to death. Once inside, they cannot leave. Manpower is very limited here."

Over at the iron mine, workers are continuously recruited. But the silver mine here is especially concealed. Once in, there’s no way out, and the food and supplies are all delivered by County Magistrate Chen’s trusted aides.

"Besides myself and Chief Historian Feng, now there’s one more person in the Prince Mansion who knows about this silver mine." Jiang Shaohua’s voice softly reached his ear, "And now, it’s you too."

A warm feeling surged through Cui Du’s heart, and he turned to meet the Commandery Princess’s gaze: "You trust me so much? Aren’t you afraid I might spread this secret?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "You spend all your days at the field manor and only know a few familiar faces. Who can you tell? Moreover, I trust you."

I trust you.

Those simple four words stirred waves of emotions within Cui Du. Without hesitation, he replied: "I will definitely not betray the Commandery Princess’s trust."

Jiang Shaohua looked deeply at him without saying more.

Having experienced many betrayals in her past life, she no longer believes in anyone’s promises or vows. Now, she’s merely willing to give him a chance to come closer.

No need to listen to what he says, just observe what he does.

Even if he were to betray her trust, she still has the ability and means to withdraw with ease. This kind of relationship, although not passionate or radiant, is more solid and comforting.

Cui Du keenly sensed something, was silent for a while, then murmured: "Time will reveal strength, and time will unveil people’s hearts. Whatever I say now is unimportant, let the Commandery Princess watch me over time."

Jiang Shaohua pursed her lips and smiled, responding with an "Mm."

This small response made Cui Du elated. He turned to look at her; under the bright sunlight, her skin was as white as snow, her eyes dark and shining, and the curve of her lips was extremely attractive.

His fingers itched a little, but he didn’t dare to act rashly in public.

Jiang Shaohua seemed unaware of his slight movements and casually smiled, "They are mining silver over there; let’s go take a look."

Cui Du smiled in agreement and strolled forward with Jiang Shaohua.

Chen Jinyu, County Magistrate Chen, and Chief Historian Chen, the three of them deliberately lagged a few steps behind, along with the trusted aides, who tactfully kept their distance.

Chen Jinyu whispered to Chief Historian Chen: "Grandfather, the Commandery Princess treats Cui Du too well."

Chief Historian Chen glanced at his cautious granddaughter: "Mr. Cui is a man of great talent, straightforward and sincere. Be it public or private matters, he is very important to the Commandery Princess. Don’t be petty, and don’t compete with him."

Chen Jinyu couldn’t help but roll her eyes: "How can grandfather say that about me? I’m not that petty!"

Chief Historian Chen smiled without a word.

County Magistrate Chen unceremoniously teased his daughter: "It’s definitely at that level. You’ve been petty since childhood, always keeping things you love to yourself and not allowing others near them. You’ve worked by the Commandery Princess’s side for a few years and can’t stand others getting close to her."

"Ma Sheren is tactful and consistently steps back a bit. Lu Sheren has grown old and can’t compete with you, so he voluntarily went to the field manor to serve Mr. Cui. Among the three housekeepers, only you are the closest to the Commandery Princess."

"Now, seeing Mr. Cui by the Commandery Princess’s side, are you feeling a bit jealous?"

Chen Jinyu: "..."

The precise and sharp teasing from her father.

Chen Jinyu felt embarrassed and stiffened her pretty face, "I’m not talking to you anymore."

County Magistrate Chen chuckled, then turned to Chief Historian Chen and sighed, "I’m starting to worry. With such a strong will and temperament, won’t she really get married?"

Chief Historian Chen knew well and smiled leisurely: "No need to worry. There are all kinds of flowers in the world, and someone will like her. With Jinyu’s excellence and prominence, why worry about her not finding a match?"

Chen Jinyu didn’t want to hear any of this, snorted lightly, "I don’t want to get married. I want to serve the Commandery Princess all the time and become Nanyang County’s top minister."

This bold claim made Chief Historian Chen and County Magistrate Chen laugh heartily.

"What are they laughing about?"

Cui Du couldn’t help but glance back.

Jiang Shaohua’s sharp hearing picked up every word of Chen Jinyu and her grandparents’ conversation. She wouldn’t reveal it to Cui Du and casually remarked, "Chief Historian Chen is educating his granddaughter."

Cui Du lowered his voice and laughed: "Chen Sheren is lively and quick-witted, a fierce young lady."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at him with a smile: "I’m strong, energetic, and with a quick wit too, fiercer than Chen Sheren. Are you afraid of me?"

Cui Du grinned broadly: "Strangely enough, with the Commandery Princess being so fierce, I’m not afraid at all."

As they were joking, a commotion suddenly erupted nearby.

Cui Du was startled and turned quickly to look.

Under the glaring sunlight, two mining men were loudly arguing, their faces twisted with anger. In a fit of excitement, one clenched his fist and punched the other.

The man hit squarely on the bridge of the nose let out a wail, blood gushing out. He held his nose with one hand and swung a mining tool with the other. In just moments, they were brawling.

"Don’t worry, someone will handle it." Jiang Shaohua, used to such scenes, remained unperturbed.

Cui Du acknowledged with a nod, continuing to watch intently. Sure enough, soon, a towering, strong steward approached, kicked over the attacker, and tied the other’s hands. He then shouted sternly, "No fighting is allowed in the mountain. You two broke the rules today and will be punished by three days in the dark room without meals."

Upon hearing such severe punishment, the two fierce-looking men trembled in fear, immediately kneeling to beg for mercy.

Unfortunately, pleading was of no use now. Two attendants approached and dragged the men away like they were dead dogs.

The other miners watched them with mocking eyes and then continued digging into the mining stones.

"Such incidents happen daily on the mountain." Jiang Shaohua remarked indifferently, "To starve in the dark room is the harshest punishment for them."

These were men long destined for execution, unfazed by beatings or scoldings. What they cared about most were the three meals a day. Especially dinner, those who dug the most silver pieces would get to walk away with a plate of meat under the envious gazes of others.

This was the highlight of their laborious day, even if they couldn’t taste it; watching others eat was satisfying enough.

Hearing this, Cui Du couldn’t help but laugh, "It’s a clever strategy."

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I devised it when I came to the mountain over three years ago. Over these years, relying on this tactic, the output of silver has doubled."

Cui Du gave the Commandery Princess a thumbs up.