Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 388: Reunion (Part 1)

The location of Nanyang County is unique; it’s at the crossroads of south and north. When the imperial envoys traveled north, they were in a hurry and didn’t deliberately take a detour. Now, with the outbreak of a plague in Pingzhou, the court has issued an order summoning the envoys back to the Capital City. On their return journey, they took a slight detour to ’pass by’ Nanyang County.

Since they’ve come, there is no reason to close the door on them.

Jiang Shaohua calmed her mind and instructed, "Convey the Princess of Nanyang County’s command, instructing all officials to accompany me in going outside the city to welcome them."

Song Yuan responded solemnly and quickly withdrew to make arrangements.

In just half an hour, all the officials mounted their horses, following the Princess out towards the city gate in grand display.

The envoy team that came from afar, however, followed the rules and stopped ten miles outside the city gate. The accompanying Imperial Army and personal soldiers totaled over a thousand people, and they were all dismounted and resting. A closer look revealed faces full of fatigue.

The young imperial envoy, feeling greatly flattered upon learning that the Princess herself had sent people to welcome him, hurriedly stepped forward, cupping his hands in salute, "I am Wang Jin, I have seen the Commandery Princess."

Yes, the imperial envoy passing through Nanyang County was indeed the Fourth Young Master Wang.

Wang Jin had been physically weak since childhood, unable to practice martial arts, and was raised with meticulous care. After reaching adulthood, his health improved significantly. However, compared to other young men of his age who regularly practiced martial arts, he was still a bit lacking. The past few months of travel had left deep marks of fatigue on his gentle and handsome face.

Jiang Shaohua looked over with a gentle tone, responding, "Please rise, Lord Wang."

Emperor Taihe bestowed formal official positions upon the three companions of the Crown Prince, and the Fourth Young Master Wang in front of her held the position of a seventh-rank secretary. By addressing him by his official title, Jiang Shaohua showed both respect and subtly maintained a distance.

Wang Jin, sensitive to subtleties, surely understood. However, he had already made up his mind to come to Nanyang County, and was mentally prepared, cupping his hands, "As I pass through Nanyang, I shamelessly wish to stay for a few days to rest before continuing. I hope the Commandery Princess will forgive any inconvenience caused."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, her demeanor poised and refined, "Lord Wang is such an esteemed guest, normally I couldn’t invite you even if I wanted to. Now that you are here, I must fulfill my role as host. Please, Lord Wang! Please, Doctor Tan!"

The Vice Imperial Envoy Tan Langzhong, standing behind Wang Jin, smiled and reciprocated, but secretly sighed.

The court has issued an order summoning back the envoys, and Prime Minister Wang sent three urgent letters urging his son to return to the Capital. All because the plague in Pingzhou was rampant. Wang Jin began his journey silently, yet insisted on coming to Nanyang County after ten days of travel.

As the Vice Imperial Envoy, he had privately persuaded him several times, but the Fourth Young Master Wang, though gentle in appearance, was actually very resolute. He had no choice but to accompany him here.

Being young once, the thoughts of the Fourth Young Master Wang were not hard to guess. So be it, let him be willful this time. After all, with Prime Minister Wang around, it is likely that the Commandery Princess will show some consideration and maintain the Fourth Young Master’s dignity.

While Vice Imperial Envoy Tan pondered these thoughts, he smiled cheerfully and, after exchanging some pleasantries, got into the carriage and entered Nanyang County.

Upon entering Nanyang County, Tan Langzhong felt invigorated and couldn’t help but say to Wang Jin, "Traveling all the way from the north, many states are either chaotic or impoverished, but Nanyang County is quite prosperous."

One can truly observe the condition of a place simply by looking at its people. The people of Nanyang County had rosy complexions, wore neat and clean clothes, and had bright, joyful smiles, indicating they were living well.

Wang Jin replied with a hum, continuing to peer out—whether at the people or at the spirited and elegant Princess of Nanyang County in front.

Jiang Shaohua was often out and about, so the people of Nanyang were not unfamiliar with their Princess. The onlookers along the streets cheered loudly, "Long live the Commandery Princess," their voices surging like a tide.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and waved, then pressed her hand downward, instantly quieting the people’s cheers.

Such prestige, such demeanor, truly inspiring.

Wang Jin gazed quietly at the figure ahead, emotions surging uncontrollably.

...

Settling over a thousand people is no easy task. Wang Jin and Tan Langzhong led their respective entourages and soldiers into the Nanyang Prince Mansion, while a thousand Imperial Army troops needed to be settled elsewhere.

These trivial matters were naturally left to the care of Chief Historian Chen and arranged by Song Yuan.

After the two envoys entered the Prince Mansion and rested, that evening, the Commandery Princess hosted a reception banquet. Wang Jin specifically washed and changed into new clothes, tying his hair with a Jade Crown.

Tan Langzhong saw this and found it amusing but did not comment, accompanying the Fourth Young Master Wang to the banquet.

To show respect to the esteemed guests, Jiang Shaohua also changed her attire, wearing a simple, dark Commandery Princess’s common dress. Compared to the complicated formal attire, it was lighter but still retained its elaborate and magnificent nature, showcasing the noble demeanor of a royal princess.

"Lord Wang, you have come from afar and are an esteemed guest, please take the seat of honor." Jiang Shaohua was courteous and polite.

Wang Jin would never be disrespectful, quickly smiling, "There is a distinction between ranks, please, Commandery Princess take the seat of honor. It is already an immense honor for me to share the table with you."

Jiang Shaohua did not insist further and calmly took the top seat. Wang Jin and Tan Langzhong sat at one table, across from the two Chief Historians, Chen and Feng. Other officials of the Prince Mansion were seated according to their official ranks.

The banquet was sumptuous with rich food and fine wine, though unfortunately without music and dance for entertainment. Tan Langzhong secretly regretted this, raising his cup to toast the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "I never drink alcohol, so I will toast with tea instead, I hope Doctor Tan will not mind."

Tan Langzhong had seen firsthand how this Princess of Nanyang chastised Prime Minister Wang and Prince Wu’an, so he dared not "mind," and smiled as he drank his wine.

Wang Jin also refrained from drinking alcohol, sipping tea like the Princess.

This light tea, however, was as intoxicating as fine wine. He occasionally gazed at the Princess, silently conveying deep emotions through his eyes.

Chief Historian Feng could not help but frown at this, quietly tugging at Chief Historian Chen’s sleeve.

Chief Historian Chen smiled serenely, gesturing with his eyes for Chief Historian Feng to remain calm.

What difference does it make coming to Nanyang County?

The Commandery Princess has firm and decisive will; she will not be easily swayed. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have resolutely departed for Nanyang that day.

Chief Historian Feng was slightly reassured. After the banquet concluded, he insisted on accompanying Chief Historian Chen back in the chilly night breeze. This escort extended all the way to the study room.

"What exactly is the intention of this Fourth Young Master Wang?" Chief Historian Feng grumbled with furrowed brows, "It is impossible for our Princess to marry into the Capital City. Does he intend to become a son-in-law and join the Nanyang Prince Mansion?"

Becoming a son-in-law is out of the question. Wang Jin is Prime Minister Wang’s cherished son, the one he values most, having served as the Crown Prince’s Companion for many years in the palace. Now that the Crown Prince has become the Emperor, Wang Jin is a secretary, with a promising official career just beginning, and a bright future awaits the Fourth Young Master.

Chief Historian Chen laughed, "Even if the Fourth Young Master Wang is willing, Prime Minister Wang would never agree, so you need not worry!"