Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 398: The Show Begins (Part 1)

What kind of chaotic scene is this?!

Chen Sheren, watching the spectacle from the side, quietly rubbed his fingers, his sparkling black eyes unblinking.

Fourth Young Master Wang came for the Commandery Princess, and Young Master Zheng also came for the Commandery Princess. Yet the Commandery Princess is backing Mr. Cui... this is too tense and thrilling!

Fourth Young Master Wang remained gentle and low-profile, his gaze dimmed a bit, and he didn’t say much.

The self-assured and strong-willed Young Master Zheng didn’t have such a good temper. He sneered in front of everyone: "The Commandery Princess sure elevates the talented ministers under her command."

Jiang Shaohua looked back calmly: "Talented ministers like Cui Du, who have great capabilities, have always been valued by me. I haven’t petitioned the court for his accolades, first because he is still young and not yet at the stage of entering officialdom. Secondly, because I wanted to observe his character and personal conduct closely. Now, after watching for over three years, he has made substantial achievements, and I naturally want to support him. Lest those who judge heroes by origin and are blind to greatness underestimate him."

The atmosphere suddenly tightened, and everyone became quiet.

Just when everyone thought the proud Young Master Zheng would leave in a fury, Zheng Chen surprisingly laughed: "The Commandery Princess admires talent and holds it in high regard, truly admirable."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "In the Emperor’s eyes, Zheng Sheren is also a talented minister worthy of appreciation."

Wang Jin cleared his throat and picked up the conversation: "It’s inconvenient to talk here; why not enter the main hall and chat at ease?"

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly and stepped into the main door. More composed and calm than when in the palace.

This composure comes from great strength and confidence.

Wang Jin and Zheng Chen exchanged a look and followed her with mixed feelings.

Cui Du followed closely without hesitation.

The crowd surrounded the Commandery Princess into the main hall of the Prince Mansion, seated according to status and official ranks. Naturally, Jiang Shaohua sat at the head, followed closely by Vice Imperial Envoys Zheng Chen and Wang Jin, then Tan Langzhong and Doctor Jiao. Next were the Prince Mansion Officials. Cui Du was only beneath Chen and Feng, the two Chief Historians, showing his status among the officials of the Prince Mansion.

Jiang Shaohua politely greeted the two imperial envoys who traveled from afar.

Doctor Jiao, who had been silent, quickly responded respectfully: "After receiving the Emperor’s edict, we set off on our journey back to the Capital City. Five days ago, we encountered refugees and bandits on the road, and the accompanying Imperial Army had to intervene, driving them away. Some of the Imperial Army were injured and killed, with over ten wounded. Thus, we came to Nanyang County to recuperate for a few days, first to greet the Commandery Princess, and secondly, to ensure the wounded receive timely treatment."

Doctor Jiao’s reasons were aboveboard, at least on the surface, quite plausible.

No one would spoil the occasion by exposing Doctor Jiao’s superficial remarks, like saying they could have gone directly to Governor Xue’s Mansion in Jingzhou instead of detouring to Nanyang County.

Jiang Shaohua frowned: "Didn’t you display the imperial envoy’s insignia on your journey?"

Doctor Jiao sighed: "The imperial envoy’s insignia was indeed displayed. Small groups of bandits were scared away, but those who attacked numbered two to three thousand. Fortunately, they had no decent weapons and didn’t understand military formations; the Imperial Army killed over a hundred, and the bandits were scared off."

However, the fact remains that even bandits dared to attack the imperial envoy!

It shows how chaotic the North has become!

Jiang Shaohua’s frown deepened.

Chief Historian Chen, who knew the Commandery Princess best, spoke to comfort her: "The Commandery Princess need not worry excessively about Doctor Sun and his son’s safety. They are under the banner of the Nanyang Prince Mansion, and their carriage mostly carries medicines. The bandits wouldn’t dare, nor would they attack them."

They wouldn’t dare because the Nanyang County troops are strong and ferocious, feared by everyone. They wouldn’t attack because Doctor Sun and his son are heading to Pingzhou to prevent an epidemic, and anyone with a shred of humanity wouldn’t obstruct them.

Jiang Shaohua responded with a hum, still frowning silently.

Zheng Chen looked at Jiang Shaohua: "The epidemic outbreak in Pingzhou, the court is powerless to save the Pingzhou populace, so why send people to their deaths?"

The words were rather piercing. The officials of Nanyang Prince Mansion all glared angrily.

Jiang Shaohua did not get angry, responding calmly: "The court is too far to concern itself with Pingzhou citizens, nor does it fear the epidemic will spread in the North. Being in Nanyang County, I cannot stand to see the epidemic rampant, and fear it may spread to Nanyang County, harming the Nanyang populace. So, I specially sent Doctor Sun and his son to Pingzhou."

"This matter, I have already submitted to the court, no need for Zheng Sheren to worry."

Zheng Chen was particularly sharp-tongued today, saying: "Indeed, this matter is truly not my concern. The real concern should fall on Wang Sheren. If Doctor Sun’s group effectively controls the epidemic and develops a treatment, the court’s reputation will suffer. Prime Minister Wang would be blamed, losing face."

Wang Jin thought, "Your animosity towards Cui Du now falls on me": "Zheng Sheren’s concern for my father is overwhelming. However, Zheng Sheren shouldn’t interpret the actions of a gentleman with the heart of a scoundrel."

"If Doctor Sun and others control the epidemic, my father would certainly be comforted and reward them. They are officials of Nanyang County, but also subjects of Da Liang. Zheng Sheren’s words just now seem to isolate Nanyang County from the court, truly inappropriate."

"I advise Zheng Sheren to speak cautiously in the future, not to indulge in a war of words because of impulsiveness. To anger the Commandery Princess without realizing it."

Wang Jin certainly wasn’t easy to provoke, his words were sharp and equally powerful.

Zheng Chen sneered: "Justice and fairness lie in people’s hearts. My words may not be pleasing, but I am thoughtful for the Commandery Princess. The Commandery Princess is not an ignorant maiden; she naturally understands my sincere intentions."

Wang Jin chuckled: "I just realized, sincere intentions can be interpreted in such a manner."

Jiang Shaohua, tired of listening to their sarcastic remarks, said flatly: "Since both Sheren have come to Nanyang County, spend a few days recuperating, then set off back to the Capital City. I dare not and cannot keep you too long, how about a period of five days?"

In other words, I’ll barely tolerate you two for five days. After that, please return to your Capital City.

Wang Jin’s smile slightly paused, but he agreed.

Yet Zheng Chen said: "Wang Sheren arrived several days earlier, leaving after five days. I just came to Nanyang County and wish to stay longer before setting off."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at Zheng Chen: "There are also refugees and bandits outside Jingzhou. You should travel together, with two thousand Imperial Army accompanying you, enough to ensure safety in case of another attack. For safety’s sake, it’s better to leave together."

You’re so eager to drive me away?

Zheng Chen’s anger surged, flames flickering in his black eyes.

Doctor Jiao, fearing Zheng Chen might speak indiscreetly, quickly laughed and mediated: "Five days of recuperating is sufficient, we’ll set off in five days."

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