Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 396: Refusal to Meet

Outside the gates of Nanyang County, thirty miles along the official road, a stretched-out convoy is resting.

The Imperial Army, celebrated as Da Liang’s elite, is covered in dust from the long journey, losing its usual splendor. In small groups, they eat dry rations, drink cold water, and whisper some complaints in low voices.

"The Emperor issued a royal decree to summon us back to the Capital City, but why has Zheng Sheren diverted to Nanyang County halfway?"

"This delay will cost us at least ten days."

"Young people are really unstable in their affairs. Zheng Sheren wishes to see the Nanyang County Princess; one command and we all have to follow him."

"Shh! Lower your voice! Such matters are not for you and me to comment on. It’s good to rest in Nanyang County for a few days anyway, especially after the recent riots by refugees which killed so many. Many in the team are injured. We can heal for a few days before resuming our journey."

The whispers among the Imperial Army naturally do not reach the ears of Lord Imperial Envoy Zheng Sheren.

At this moment, Zheng Chen dismounted from the carriage, stood with his hands behind his back, and gazed into the distance.

Beside him, Vice Imperial Envoy Doctor Jiao also got off the carriage, stroked his beard, and sighed with emotion: "After spending months in Yan County, coming to Nanyang County truly stands in sharp contrast."

In Yan County, nine out of ten households were empty, with people dead or having fled, leaving less than twenty percent remaining. Vast areas of fertile land lay abandoned, uncultivated, a scene of desolation.

Traveling along the way, places like Yan County were commonplace. Yet, upon entering the border of Jingzhou, the roadside was lined with fertile fields, and one could often see farmers working busily in the fields. The farmers evidently had enough to eat and were strong and energetic.

Only those who have witnessed the chaotic disorder and the plight of the northern people can grasp the weight of this difference.

Jingzhou’s peace is, of course, all thanks to the Nanyang County Princess Jiang Shaohua.

The new crops of Nanyang County have been widely promoted throughout Jingzhou, and in the past year, every household has had a bountiful harvest, and after fulfilling the grain tax obligations, there’s still enough to feed the whole family. For the common people, this is indeed the best of times.

Furthermore, with both the Nanyang Army and the Personal Guard Camp as elite military forces, any refugee or bandit threat is forced to avoid the area. The entire region of Jingzhou is peaceful and prosperous because of Nanyang County.

Entering Nanyang County makes this feeling even more profound. Doctor Jiao has genuine admiration for this Nanyang County Princess and can’t help but praise, "A young woman with such capability is truly admirable."

Upon hearing such praises for Jiang Shaohua, Zheng Chen felt a surge of pride and admiration: "The Commandery Princess is indeed formidable."

This Jiang Shaohua is vastly different from past memories, and to him, she even seems increasingly unfamiliar. Yet his affection for her hasn’t cooled; instead, it’s grown increasingly fiery.

He should have been traveling swiftly to return to the Capital City, but upon passing through Jingzhou, he couldn’t help but detour to Nanyang County, just to see her.

Doctor Jiao, being old and wise, understood Zheng Sheren’s slight personal motives but said nothing to break the topic, instead laughing in agreement: "Our detour to Nanyang County to allow the Imperial Army to rest for seven or eight days before continuing isn’t too late. This old body of mine can also use some rest at the Nanyang Prince Mansion."

Thinking of the impending reunion with Jiang Shaohua, Zheng Chen felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He nodded, instructing everyone to prepare to move.

An hour later, the convoy arrived outside the gates of Nanyang County. By convention, a group over a hundred strong cannot approach the city gates casually. Otherwise, it will be seen as a malicious attempt to rush the gates.

Zheng Chen and his group stopped five miles away from the city gates, where Commander Peng Sihai galloped to the gates to convey their arrival. From here, they only had to wait for the Nanyang County Princess to personally welcome them.

Zheng Chen waited patiently with a sense of hidden joy.

They waited for half a day. Nonetheless, someone did come from the Nanyang Prince Mansion to greet them. However, it was not Jiang Shaohua herself, but rather Chief Historian Feng, Yang Shi, Minister Shen Gongzheng, Chief Clerk Wen, and surprisingly, the seldom-seen Lu Junma was there too, which seemed a grand welcome.

Zheng Chen’s smile faded a little as he greeted Lu Junma, Chief Historian Feng, and others with cupped hands.

Observing the not-so-pleased expression of Lord Imperial Envoy, Chief Historian Feng explained, "Our Commandery Princess could not personally come to welcome you because she is not at the Prince Mansion; she is currently inspecting the field manor. We’ve sent someone with a message to the field manor, and she should return to the Prince Mansion by tomorrow at the latest."

Zheng Chen’s mood slightly settled: "So the Commandery Princess went to the field manor."

Chief Historian Feng replied calmly: "Indeed. Coincidentally, another Imperial Envoy arrived a few days earlier than Zheng Sheren, that is Wang She Ren. This visit to the field manor was with Wang She Ren accompanying her."

Zheng Chen: "..."

Zheng Chen’s smile froze: "Wang She Ren also came to Nanyang County?"

"He arrived five days ago," Chief Historian Feng answered with a smile. "Since Zheng Sheren is here, it’s a good opportunity to stay with Wang She Ren for a few days, and you can return to the Capital City together."

Zheng Chen’s expression swiftly returned to normal, smiling as he remarked, "An unexpected encounter with Wang She Ren is indeed a pleasant occurrence."

That Wang Jin seems relentless, entangled like this all the way to Nanyang County. The thought of Jiang Shaohua traveling with Wang Jin made jealousy rage like wildfire in Zheng Chen’s heart. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Doctor Jiao, sensing the atmosphere shift, immediately laughed and changed the subject, "We came to Nanyang County firstly to rest for several days, and secondly, to personally thank the Commandery Princess for the grain she sent."

Not mentioning the grain would be better; bringing it up made the outspoken Chief Historian Feng comment a bit sarcastically: "These days, grain is most precious. Nanyang County doesn’t have much surplus grain either, but the Commandery Princess’s broad-minded dedication to the court and people, squeezing out some grain to offer, is praised by all as generous and righteous about our Commandery Princess. Yet thoughtless people gossip from shadows, spreading inaccurate rumors, which is extremely frustrating."

"It’s just that our Commandery Princess does not begrudge those small-minded individuals. If it were someone else, they would have long broken off ties. There’s plenty of grain to keep for our own people, so why go through the trouble of donating it just to face slanders."

This veiled criticism, even with Doctor Jiao’s thick-skinned nature, left him feeling embarrassed enough. Those spreading gossip behind the scenes include not only Prime Minister Faction followers but also officials aligned with the Empress Dowager; there has been plenty of private discussion.

Even Doctor Jiao himself privately voiced to Zheng Chen that the Nanyang County Princess’ generosity seemed somewhat driven by a desire for fame.

Doctor Jiao laughed awkwardly: "Chief Historian Feng is exaggerating. The Nanyang County Princess’s noble character and generous heart are recognized by all. I personally only hold admiration."

Chief Historian Feng then softened his tone: "I am just a person with a bad habit of speaking my mind when thoughts are bottled up. Back when I worked in the Ministry of Revenue, everyone disliked me. It’s only here in Nanyang County where the Commandery Princess doesn’t mind my bad temper and uses me extensively."

"Today, I’ve spoken indiscreetly and aired grievances, causing Zheng Sheren and Doctor Jiao to be amused. But those earlier remarks were aimed at those useless court officials, and have nothing to do with you two gentlemen."

Doctor Jiao: "..."

Zheng Chen: "..."