Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 394: No Achievement

After dinner, everyone who had been busy all day retired to rest.

The field manor has built quite a few empty houses over the past two years. The rooms only have beds, tables, and chairs with very simple furnishings.

The bright moon hung in the sky, scattering its silvery light across the ground, and the moonlight snuck quietly through the window lattice, entering the room.

Wang Jin entered the room and sat by the table, looking out the window, lost in thought and silently contemplating for a long time. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Tan Langzhong, who entered the room with him, coughed to break the silence: "Fourth Young Master Wang visited the field manor today and witnessed Cui Du’s capability. I still stand by my previous thoughts; such a talented minister cannot be missed, and we must find a way to bring him to the Capital City."

Wang Jin turned his head, his gaze complex: "Cui Du has made it clear that he will stay in Nanyang County to serve the Commandery Princess. I dare ask Tan Langzhong, what method could make Cui Du change his mind?"

Tan Langzhong had obviously pondered this but did not express it directly, only smiling: "Methods are always invented by people; it always needs a try."

Wang Jin remained silent for a moment: "I still maintain my previous stance: not to undermine the Commandery Princess, not to anger the Commandery Princess, and not to make such a formidable political enemy."

Three consecutive refusals show Wang Jin’s attitude.

Tan Langzhong raised a brow, deeply gazing at Fourth Young Master Wang: "The Prime Minister and Nanyang County Princess have long been at odds, even without this incident, there is no room for reconciliation. Though I couldn’t stop Fourth Young Master Wang from coming to Nanyang County, and had no choice but to come along, this doesn’t mean anything. Despite the Commandery Princess being young, she is very shrewd, calm, and rational. Since she treats you with indifference, why should you consider her thoughts at every turn?"

Wang Jin’s intentions were exposed and he once again fell silent.

Tan Langzhong concluded without further words: "The hour is late; you should rest, Young Master. I’ll go find my old friend Lu Cong for a chat."

Wang Jin nodded, and once Tan Langzhong left, Wang Jin sat alone by the window for a long time, sighing deeply.

...

The emotionally troubled Fourth Young Master Wang was gloomy, while Tan Langzhong was much more pragmatic. He went to seek Lu Sheren under the guise of catching up.

Interestingly, Lu Cong seemed to have anticipated Tan Langzhong’s visit, having already placed a pot of tea on the table along with a few snacks.

"The conditions in the field manor are simple, so there’s no good tea. But fortunately, this is this year’s new tea, and the snacks are made from the manor’s new grain. It’s the freshness that matters."

The sun-tanned and modestly dressed Lu Cong remained charming and gestured for him to sit, full of civil servant’s elegance: "Tan Langzhong, please sit and taste."

Tan Langzhong accepted gladly, sat down, first had a sip of the new tea, then tasted a sweet potato cake, and finally sampled a corn loaf, praising: "The tea is good, and the new grain is even better."

Tan Langzhong had naturally eaten new grain over these months, but none tasted as good as the two current snacks.

Lu Cong smiled, poured himself a cup of tea, leisurely sipping while saying: "What the people want is a full belly, and the drought-resistant, high-yield new grain can sustain lives, making it the best in the world."

Tan Langzhong spoke with dual meaning: "You once served as a fifth-rank county magistrate, but now you shrink into a field manor, nominally a housekeeper, yet doing steward-level work. Hidden talents are truly regrettable."

Lu Cong set down his cup and met Tan Langzhong’s gaze: "Years ago, I fell from grace and was jailed, and it was Prince Nanyang who saved me. I returned to my ancestral hometown Fanyang and stayed for three years, avoided by everyone. I couldn’t resign to living a life of mediocrity and disgrace at just over thirty, so I thickened my skin and came to Nanyang County to seek refuge from the Commandery Princess."

The Commandery Princess made me a housekeeper and took me on inspections throughout the Fourteen Counties. That half year was like a rebirth for me. I saw a Commandery Princess who cherishes the people and is kind-hearted, and I came to realize what a good official in her mind looks like."

"I say without fear of your amusement, Tan Langzhong, that I felt my entire previous life was wasted. I, Lu Cong, thought I was successful and swift, but in reality, lived half a life in a daze. Fortunately, it is not too late, as I finally understand what I should do and what I can do."

"I volunteered for duties at the field manor to assist Mr. Cui. Every two months, the Fourteen Counties send farmers to learn how to cultivate new grain. Now, every household in Nanyang County grows new grain, filling their stomachs. Nanyang County’s new grain is being sent to the disaster-stricken Northern Provinces, gradually spreading. Such merit makes me happy even in sleep."

"Where does hidden talent come from? Moreover, I am not hidden talent; I am merely a dim stone, reflecting some light under the Commandery Princess’s brilliance so that Tan Langzhong can see it."

Tan Langzhong was taken aback.

As a seasoned figure in officialdom, speaking appropriately to people and ghosts is a basic competence. He has known Lu Cong for more than a decade with quite a good private rapport and naturally understands Lu Cong’s temperament.

Lu Cong’s words were genuine and sincere, not a facade.

Lu Cong truly reveres and adores the Nanyang County Princess and is firmly committed to serving under her command.

Although he only intended to leverage this from Lu Cong to pry at Cui Du, without intending to take Lu Cong away too, Lu Cong’s resolute attitude left him surprised.

Lu Cong looked at the astonished Tan Langzhong, raised his teacup with a smile: "We’ve known each other for over ten years, so no need for verbal contortions."

"I clearly understand your intentions. However, I advise you not to consider undermining. Mr. Cui will absolutely not leave Nanyang County. Even I, a housekeeper of criminal status, will never betray the Commandery Princess to join Prime Minister Wang."

"Drink the tea, then please go back to rest, Tan Langzhong!"

Tan Langzhong was silent for a moment, raised his teacup in acknowledgment, and slowly drank half of it.

The tea’s lingering sweetness was clear, yet there was some bitterness in Tan Langzhong’s mouth. He couldn’t help but ask: "After I return to the Capital City, I can recommend you to Prime Minister Wang. You truly are unwilling to join his ranks?"

Lu Cong answered cleanly: "Paths differ, so they do not conspire together. Tan Langzhong, please return!"

Tan Langzhong let out a deep breath and finished the remaining tea: "No matter what, our reunion is still a joyous occasion. I also wish for you to find your place and aspirations in Nanyang County."

Lu Cong smiled: "I have already found them; no need for your concern, Tan Langzhong. I must also advise you, while Prime Minister Wang indeed holds immense power, this land ultimately belongs to the Jiang Family. The newly enthroned young Emperor is the True Dragon Emperor, destined to soar one day and will not always tolerate officials vying for power and acting recklessly."

"Prime Minister Wang’s ship is safe for the short term, but three, five, ten, or eight years from now, it’s hard to say. You should carefully ponder and seek a way out for yourself."

Tan Langzhong: "..."