Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 392: Capable Minister (Part 1)

About a stick of incense time later, a few people emerged from the white tent.

Tan Langzhong’s gaze was sharp as a torch, and he immediately saw a familiar face he hadn’t seen in a long time, and couldn’t help but exclaim, "Isn’t that Lu County Magistrate?"

The Lu County Magistrate that Tan Langzhong referred to was Lu Cong. Lu Cong had distinguished himself as an Advanced Scholar at a young age, and later, during his studies with the Six Ministries, he was in the Ministry of Revenue. Back then, Tan Langzhong was merely a small Chief Clerk and had formed a friendship with Lu Cong, which was considered a connection.

Later, Lu Cong’s official career thrived, and he was promoted swiftly, becoming a County Magistrate before the age of thirty. Meanwhile, Tan Langzhong climbed onto the big tree that was Prime Minister Wang, got promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and maintained correspondence with Lu Cong.

Unfortunately, Lu Cong was out of luck, and his administration faced floods and disasters, bandit uprisings, resulting in the death of his wife and daughter, not to mention losing his official’s hat. If it weren’t for Prince Nanyang’s intervention, he might not have survived. After being released from prison, he returned to the Lu Family’s ancestral home.

Since then, Tan Langzhong’s correspondence with Lu Cong ceased.

Unexpectedly, here in the fields of Nanyang County, he was seeing his old friend again...

"So, Tan Langzhong is acquainted with Lu Sheren." Chief Historian Chen smiled as he picked up the conversation: "Lu Sheren is a criminal official and cannot re-enter the court. Our Commandery Princess cherishes talent and gave him the position of a housekeeper at the Prince Mansion. Over the past two years, he has contributed to the promotion of new grain cultivation in Nanyang County."

Just like the three secretaries, the Commandery Princess also has three housekeepers, which aren’t official positions, without formal announcements from the Ministry of Personnel, but they are all trusted confidants of the Commandery Princess.

Tan Langzhong’s mind turned quickly, and he turned to Jiang Shaohua with a smile: "The Commandery Princess has a discerning eye for recognizing talent regardless of background, which I truly admire."

Jiang Shaohua’s bright black eyes swept over Tan Langzhong’s shrewd face, and she smiled faintly: "Lu Sheren greatly values his current duties. I hope that after Tan Langzhong returns to the Capital City, you won’t mention this matter in front of others, to avoid causing trouble for Lu Sheren and myself, the Commandery Princess."

The meaning was clear. If the court were to question Nanyang County for employing a criminal official, the responsibility would fall on Tan Langzhong.

Tan Langzhong immediately laughed: "Commandery Princess, rest assured, my greatest strength is speaking appropriately, never speaking out of turn."

In just a few sentences, Lu Cong and his group had already arrived before them.

Tan Langzhong’s gaze moved from Lu Cong’s face to a middle-aged man. This middle-aged man, about forty years old, with dark skin, a sturdy physique, and calloused hands, appeared to be a farmer who had worked in the fields for many years.

It seemed that this was the capable official who had cultivated the new grain. As for the handsome thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy, he should be a younger relative of the capable official.

Wang Jin, who had remained silent, thought the same. However, due to a natural youthful curiosity, he couldn’t help but take another look at the other party.

This boy was entirely different from the noble sons of the Capital City, dressed simply and casually, with an especially bright smile that easily garners goodwill.

"Greetings to the Commandery Princess." The three of them saluted with cupped hands.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Rise, come and meet the imperial envoy Wang She Ren from the court, and the Tan Langzhong from the Ministry of Revenue."

The three stepped forward to pay their respects.

Tan Langzhong took a step forward, grasped Lu Cong’s hand, and sighed, "It has been several years since we last met. I truly did not expect that we would have a day to reunite."

In officialdom, relationships often cool down when people disappear. A criminal official like Lu Cong, who couldn’t regain his position, naturally lost contacts after returning home in disgrace. Even Lu Cong himself couldn’t blame Tan Langzhong for being opportunistic—he would have done the same in his place.

Fortunately, over the past two years in Nanyang County, Lu Cong regained his place and his old confidence and composure. He held Tan Langzhong’s hand with a smile and said, "Today, reunited with an old friend, we must drink a few cups in celebration."

Tan Langzhong agreed with a pleasant smile.

Jiang Shaohua watched this hypocritical scene with a smile, as if she did not see the underlying estrangement between these "old friends."

Wang Jin stepped forward and asked the Commandery Princess with a laugh, "What position does Cui Du hold at the Prince Mansion? How should he be addressed?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled and replied, "Cui Du is still young and has no formal title. Wang She Ren can simply call him by name."

Then, the handsome boy dressed in simple canvas and hemp clothes stepped forward with a smile and saluted with cupped hands, saying, "Cui Du meets Wang She Ren."

Wang Jin: "..."

Tan Langzhong: "..."

This is actually Cui Du?!

Such a boy, merely in his teens, was the one who developed the high-yielding new grain?

Wang Jin and Tan Langzhong were both astonished. Jiang Shaohua, seeing what was happening, smiled teasingly: "You heard correctly, this is Cui Du. The gentleman surnamed Lin is the main steward of the field manor."

Tan Langzhong reacted quickly: "Truly, one cannot judge a person by their appearance. Mr. Cui is so young and accomplished, destined to be a capable official of Da Liang."

See how this seasoned official speaks. His comment floated lightly, aiming to erase Cui Du’s origins from Nanyang County.

Jiang Shaohua chuckled inwardly and said lightly, "Tan Langzhong was right, Cui Du is exceptionally talented at cultivating grains, a once-in-a-lifetime genius. Thanks to him, Nanyang County has produced high-yielding new grain, allowing the people to have enough to eat. Thus, the Nanyang Prince Mansion has ample provisions to offer to the court."

Tan Langzhong laughed and said, "When I return to the Capital City, I will surely recommend Mr. Cui to the Emperor. With his great talent and contributions, even awarding a noble title is not out of the question." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Wang Jin, recovering from his shock, glanced at Tan Langzhong and said, "As for applying for merit, it should naturally be penned by the Commandery Princess herself. We can bring the memorial to the Capital City on her behalf."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "Very well, then I will trouble Wang She Ren."

Tan Langzhong showed no embarrassment at all, chuckling as he said: "It’s still Wang She Ren who thinks things through thoroughly. At my age, my mind is slower, so if there are any lapses in what I say or do, I hope the Commandery Princess will forgive me."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly: "Tan Langzhong is too modest. You are in your prime, working efficiently. Back when you were sent to Jiangnan to collect grain, and later when you delivered grain to the North, you repeatedly established great achievements, even receiving high praise from the late Emperor."

"Those who gossip behind your back, saying that it was only by currying favor with Prime Minister Wang that you have your current status, are simply speaking out of jealousy. I, the Commandery Princess, do not believe such talk."

Tan Langzhong: "..."

Wang Jin: "..."

Wang Jin was still too young and sensitive, his face burning at the Commandery Princess’s caustic words.

Tan Langzhong, with his thick skin, still managed to smile: "I dare say I have some talent, and with the sponsorship of Prime Minister Wang, my fortune is slightly better than others."

Jiang Shaohua smiled leisurely: "I also hope that Tan Langzhong’s luck continues to hold. If ever you anger the Prime Minister and find yourself unable to stay in the Capital City, you can come to Nanyang County. I, the Commandery Princess, would gladly give you a housekeeper’s position."

Tan Langzhong: "..."