Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 390: Differences (Part 1)

"Those whose paths differ do not plan together."

A chilling edge crept into Jiang Shaohua’s calm voice: "Wang Jin, you and I are not on the same path. In the future, we will only be political enemies and opponents."

Wang Jin turned his head to meet Jiang Shaohua’s gaze. His gentle and handsome face appeared a bit pale, yet his black eyes shone with an unprecedented fiery glow: "Your words, Commandery Princess, are too arbitrary. The world is unpredictable; today’s adversaries may become tomorrow’s allies, and opponents might turn into fellow travelers."

Jiang Shaohua smirked slightly: "Such words are naive and laughable. The feud between myself and Prime Minister Wang is known to all. I can’t imagine when, where, or in what circumstance it could be resolved."

Wang Jin fixed his gaze firmly on Jiang Shaohua’s eyes, his voice lowered to a near whisper: "The Commandery Princess should know that I am the future head of the Wang Family. Does the Commandery Princess not want to draw the Wang Family under her wing, to become her greatest support?"

Jiang Shaohua: "..."

Jiang Shaohua was utterly taken aback that Wang Jin would say such words, momentarily pausing in surprise.

"All paths are made by people walking them. If there’s a will to travel together, a way can always be found." Wang Jin’s dark eyes locked onto Jiang Shaohua’s face, not missing the subtlest change in her expression: "I came to Nanyang County to personally convey my feelings to you."

"I know, Commandery Princess, that your aspirations are noble, embracing the world. I, Wang Jin, have similar ambition and vision. Why can’t we travel the same path?"

Jiang Shaohua regained her composure from shock and asked a sharply pointed question: "According to what you say, who would be the leader and who the subordinate?"

Wang Jin fell silent.

"Perhaps you are willing to be under me, but is the whole Wang Family willing?" Jiang Shaohua said indifferently: "Don’t forget, you are currently just the Fourth Young Master Wang, a seventh-rank scholar. It will be a long time before you command the Wang Family. You have no right to speak for the Wang Family. There’s no need to utter such words."

"Moreover, ten or twenty years from now, circumstances change and people’s hearts are fickle. How can you guarantee that your feelings won’t change? Why should I take a risk on a vague and uncertain promise?"

Wang Jin was left speechless and could only remain in silence.

Jiang Shaohua delivered a final sharp blow: "And there’s one most important thing. Even if I were willing to take the risk, how do you plan to persuade your father? I will not marry out; if you wish to walk the path with me, you must marry into my Nanyang Prince Mansion. Would Prime Minister Wang agree? Would the Wang Family consent?"

Of course not.

The Wang Family is the foremost lineage of Da Liang, with a legacy spanning hundreds of years and a deep heritage. Such a family, even aside from him being the future head, would never allow him, even as a regular offspring, to become a son-in-law.

Prime Minister Wang would never permit it.

The Wang Family would never agree.

Wang Jin’s eyes dimmed a bit, and he forced out a few words with difficulty: "Some solution will come in time."

"What solution?" Jiang Shaohua laughed mockingly: "Convince me to temporarily concede and marry into the Wang Family, endure for two or three decades, and when you become the family head, I’d become the mistress. A united couple ruling the Wang Family?"

"Wang Jin, I will clearly tell you one last time. I will not marry out; if you wish to be my spouse, you must enter into the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Otherwise, do not talk to me of feelings, much less of traveling the same path."

"I, Jiang Shaohua, have my own path to follow. I do not intend, nor will I, to accommodate others, nor will I walk a path arranged by others for me."

Having said that, Jiang Shaohua stepped away.

A pallid Wang Jin stood silently where he was, watching Jiang Shaohua’s departing figure, with intense sorrow flashing in his eyes.

Such an outcome was, in truth, anticipated long ago. But he was unwilling to accept it, insisting on coming to Nanyang County to see her, to declare his heart’s intentions.

The outcome indeed turned out this way. He and she, ultimately, cannot be on the same path.

...

Jiang Shaohua’s heart was not as composed and tranquil as her exterior appeared.

After all, he was her husband in a past life, and a few years into the marriage, they were relatively harmonious. Moreover, she had once borne a son for him. To her, Wang Jin was like an old scar; touching it still caused some pain.

"Commandery Princess!"

Jiang Shaohua halted her steps, turning to look over: "What is it?"

The person reporting matters was one of Chief Historian Chen’s long-term followers. Seeing that the Commandery Princess’s expression was not particularly pleasant, the follower dared not chatter needlessly: "Chief Historian Chen sent me to ask if the Commandery Princess is to accompany Fourth Young Master Wang out of the mansion today for a stroll."

No matter what, the visitor is still a guest. Wang Jin is a confidant of the Emperor, and also the youngest son of Prime Minister Wang—neither of these identities could be neglected.

Jiang Shaohua steadied her mind and said: "All matters of hospitality and reception shall be decided by Chief Historian Chen. There’s no need for anyone below to consult me further."

This obviously meant that the Commandery Princess had no intention of personally hosting Fourth Young Master Wang.

The long-term follower took the hint, bowed, and retreated with the message.

After hearing these words, Chief Historian Chen nodded, quickly arranging the itinerary. He personally accompanied Fourth Young Master Wang for a day around Nanyang County.

Wang Jin gathered his spirits, unwilling to show his inward despondency, and spent the day touring with Chief Historian Chen.

For two consecutive days, Chief Historian Chen personally accompanied him.

Wang Jin, feeling somewhat disheartened, couldn’t help but ask: "Chief Historian Chen, does the Commandery Princess also have no leisure time today?"

Chief Historian Chen responded without a change in expression: "Nanyang County has numerous affairs; the Commandery Princess must preside over the Prince Mansion every day to handle various trivial matters. She has no leisure time at the moment. I truly apologize to Secretary Wang."

Referring to his official position served as a reminder to Secretary Wang: as a seventh-rank scholar, having a fifth-rank Prince Mansion Chief Historian accompany him personally already shows ample respect.

Even changing to the respectful title of Young Master Wang, there is no reason for the Commandery Princess herself to personally accompany.

Wang Jin, having encountered a soft refusal, felt somewhat embarrassed. Being young and thin-skinned, he was too shy to mention the Commandery Princess again and swiftly changed the subject: "Nanyang County’s new grain yields are remarkably high and have saved countless people this year. I wonder who cultivated this new grain? Could Chief Historian Chen introduce me?"

With the new grain from Nanyang County shining on the court and quickly spreading in the North, Cui Du’s involvement was no longer a secret. At least, within Nanyang County, everyone knew that Mr. Cui was a significant contributor to the new grain.

Chief Historian Chen’s thoughts flickered momentarily, and he smiled warmly at Fourth Young Master Wang: "I cannot decide on this matter; I must seek the Commandery Princess’s guidance."

Wang Jin responded graciously: "Then I’ll have to trouble Chief Historian Chen."

Chief Historian Chen went to see the Commandery Princess personally, mentioning Wang Jin’s request: "...Mr. Cui returned to the field manor last night. Secretary Wang wishes to meet Mr. Cui; I wonder if the Commandery Princess will grant permission?"

Jiang Shaohua had evidently already considered this matter: "I am planning to go to the field manor. If Secretary Wang wishes to go, let him come along."

Chief Historian Chen gave the Commandery Princess a meaningful look: "In this case, Mr. Cui will no longer be able to hide and must show himself."

Cui Du’s importance to Nanyang County cannot be overstated.

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly: "Cui Du is not an object; he has his own thoughts and will. If he wants to leave, I can’t stop him. If he wants to stay, no one can take him away."