Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 374: Backing

There is nothing new under the sun.

Cui Wenxiu’s experience is not particularly novel either. In these times, widowed women who lost their husbands face difficulties, bullied by their in-laws and unsupported by their own family, inevitably ending up in such situations.

Jiang Shaohua remembered her past self widowed in the Wang Family, a mix of emotions stirring, she sighed quietly to herself and said, "You write a letter to the Meng Family on my behalf, telling them Cui Wenxiu is a female teacher at Ye County Academy, working for me, the Commandery Princess. They should not harass her without cause."

Chen Jinyu immediately agreed, but before leaving, she couldn’t help but ask, "Are the two children going to stay with the Meng Family? Should we support Ms. Cui in getting custody of the children?"

Jiang Shaohua replied indifferently, "That depends on what Ms. Cui herself wants, we need not meddle."

Living as a woman is not easy, especially with two young children, making it even harder. Cui Wenxiu was forced to leave the Meng Family, and whether she has the courage to claim her children remains uncertain.

She could support her subordinates, but couldn’t make decisions for others. Everything depended on Cui Wenxiu’s own will.

Chen Jinyu understood and left.

Chen Jinyu didn’t rush to write the letter. Over the next two days, taking advantage of the princess’s visit to the academy, Chen Jinyu and Cui Wenxiu often met and soon became acquainted.

Chen Jinyu seized a spare moment and specifically visited Ms. Cui, who lived in the back courtyard of the county government.

Cui Wenxiu was somewhat surprised, quickly welcoming her with a smile.

Back then, when Chen Jinyu became the Commandery Princess Attendant, everyone viewed it as a joke. Over the years, not only did Chen Jinyu not retreat, she performed her duties remarkably, earning the princess’s trusted favor. Everyone knew Chen Jinyu was a close confidante of the Commandery Princess, so seeing her today, Cui Wenxiu couldn’t help but wonder.

Was the Princess dissatisfied with her being a widow and wished her to resign voluntarily?

Unexpectedly, Chen Jinyu spoke directly, "Ms. Cui, my apologies first, I privately inquired about your situation with your in-laws from Mrs. Li."

"The Princess instructed me to write to the Meng Family, informing them that you work at Ye County, taking root here, and that they should not disturb you."

Cui Wenxiu was both excited and delighted, tears glistening in her dark eyes as she quickly stood up to thank Chen Jinyu.

"Hold off on thanking me just yet." Chen Jinyu reached to hold Cui Wenxiu’s hand, saying gently, "I have one more thing to ask. Now that you’ve left the Meng Family, do you wish to take your children with you?"

Cui Wenxiu trembled, her voice quivering, "Can I really take them? They have the Meng surname, they are Meng Family blood. In my last days there, the Meng Family wouldn’t even let me see the kids..."

Before she finished speaking, tears started to fall.

Children are a mother’s heart and soul. How could she bear to leave her two children? But the Meng Family was firm, not allowing her to see them when she left, how could she take them then?

Chen Jinyu, although sharp-tongued and fiery, actually had the softest heart, and seeing Cui Wenxiu cry, she too felt a heavy sadness.

"Now the Princess gives you an opportunity, think it over properly." Chen Jinyu spoke quietly, "If you want your children, the Princess will support you. But, think carefully, raising children is no easy task..."

"I want them, of course I want them." Cui Wenxiu’s eyes were red, but her tone was firm, "I’ll go to the Princess right now, begging her to lend her strength and make the decision."

A quarter of an hour later, Cui Wenxiu stood before Jiang Shaohua, and without saying a word, she knelt down and bowed her head.

Thud thud thud!

After three loud kowtows, Cui Wenxiu raised her head, her forehead already red, eyes full of gratitude, "Regardless of the outcome, the Princess has given me great kindness. Thank you, Princess!"

Women are inherently weak, but as mothers, they are strong.

Jiang Shaohua looked at the firm expression of Cui Wenxiu, as if seeing herself, resolutely staying in the Wang Family to raise her son.

"Have you really thought it through?" Jiang Shaohua gazed at Cui Wenxiu, slowly saying, "If you alone wish to remarry a suitable man, you can do so freely. But with two children, remarrying becomes exceptionally difficult."

"Raising children is tough. You may give them everything, and when they grow up, they may not be grateful. Perhaps they will blame you for insisting on taking them, and even blame you for not being capable enough to give them a good life."

Chen Jinyu listened, momentarily stunned, instinctively looking to the Princess.

Cui Wenxiu was also surprised, but quickly responded, her tone firm, "Regardless of what happens in the future, I will not regret my decision."

Jiang Shaohua silently looked for a moment, saying, "Remember what you said today."

...

After Cui Wenxiu left, Chen Jinyu immediately took up her pen and ink, writing a letter to the Meng Family in the Commandery Princess’s name.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shaohua summoned County Magistrate Cui and Li Ying, informing them of the situation.

County Magistrate Cui and Li Ying exchanged looks, their faces revealing joy and excitement.

"Thank you, Princess, for supporting my cousin." County Magistrate Cui spoke straightforwardly, expressing gratitude, "I won’t hide from you, Princess, I wrote twice to the Meng Family in the past six months. But annoyingly, they always brushed it off, never letting the children appear."

At this point, County Magistrate Cui grew increasingly indignant, "I also sent letters back to the Cui Family. Yet our elders say the children belong to the Meng Family and should remain there. Moreover, the dowry my cousin brought must stay there too, as it should be left for the children."

"The Qinghe Cui Family, a noble family in Da Liang, can’t even protect their married daughters. It’s infuriating!"

Jiang Shaohua slightly raised her eyebrows, directly hitting County Magistrate Cui’s sore spot, "You are insignificant in standing; the Cui Family never takes your words seriously! With me intervening, the Cui Family will surely change their attitude and support Cui Wenxiu."

County Magistrate Cui felt the sting, somewhat hurt, yet quickly grew happy, "What the Princess says is true. My words carry no weight; the Meng and Cui Families disregard me entirely. But with the Princess’s intervention, they will have to consider carefully."

He hesitated momentarily, thick-skinnedly pleading, "I implore the Princess to send a letter to the Cui Family as well!"

Jiang Shaohua nodded in agreement, instructing Chen Jinyu, "Chen Sheren, you write the letter on my behalf to the Cui Family Head. Be sure to commend County Magistrate Cui and his wife extensively, and emphasize that Cui Wenxiu now works under me, the Commandery Princess."

Given Jiang Shaohua’s position and rank, she would only personally pen letters destined for the Grand Empress Dowager or the Emperor. As for usual correspondence, Chen Jinyu usually ghostwrites. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Chen Jinyu accepted the task with enthusiasm.

She was now trained, stepping into the study, promptly pondering then picking up pen and ink to draft a letter. Before sending it out, she needed to present it to the Princess for approval.

The words were succinct and powerful, carrying the necessary authoritative stance and strength.

Jiang Shaohua was quite satisfied, "Well written!"