Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 404: Departure

Before Jiang Shaohua could speak, Chief Historian Feng angrily stood up, "We just offered grain last time; why are they demanding more? Do they really think Nanyang County is a granary?"

"Commandery Princess! We can’t comply this time! If this continues, all of Nanyang County’s stored grain will be requisitioned as military provisions."

Offering grain to the court for the North is one thing, saving thousands of people is a great merit. But why must it be offered for military provisions? Da Liang has a regular army of four hundred thousand, and the annual consumption of military salaries and provisions is an extremely frightening number. At least sixty percent of annual taxes are used to maintain the army. Nanyang County can’t fill this bottomless pit!

Chief Historian Chen also solemnly remarked, "Chief Historian Feng is right. We absolutely cannot agree to this grain levy for the army. I will draft a memorial immediately to reject this matter."

"Both Chief Historians, please calm down!" Jiang Shaohua did not lose his temper, his gaze cold as snow, "This official document was issued after a court discussion and formally sent by the Ministry of Revenue, which means the Emperor has approved it. With such a major issue, even the Grand Empress Dowager has been silent, indicating her agreement."

Chen Feng, the two Chief Historians, exchanged glances.

Currently, the Commandery Princess’s strongest reliance is the protection of the Grand Empress Dowager and the support of the Emperor. Now, both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor want to requisition grain from Nanyang County, and there is also Prime Minister Wang who is eyeing Nanyang County covetously. How can the Commandery Princess refuse?

You can’t fight city hall. With this official document in hand, it’s unlikely to be sent back with mere words.

"Then let’s submit a memorial to complain about our hardships, stating that our Nanyang County has very little stored grain." Chief Historian Feng quickly came up with an idea, "Also, halve the amount of military provisions requested by the court."

Chief Historian Chen evidently understood the Commandery Princess’s temperament better, "Does the Commandery Princess intend to use this matter to negotiate something with the court?"

Jiang Shaohua nodded, "I’ve already submitted a memorial to the court for Cui Du’s merits; now the official document for the grain levy has arrived, but the court’s decree of rewards has not. Clearly, someone is interfering. If this batch of grain is not provided, Cui Du’s rewards will be delayed."

Chief Historian Feng was so angry that he wanted to curse, "Mr. Cui has made substantial contributions; why is there a delay?"

"There are plenty of reasons to create obstacles," Jiang Shaohua said blandly, "For example, Cui Du is still young, and the Da Liang officialdom hasn’t seen such young officials. Waiting another two or three years to confer rewards wouldn’t be too late."

"Another example is that Cui Du is a descendant of the Boling Cui Family. Rewarding a Cui Family member can’t bypass the Boling Cui Family. In short, Prime Minister Wang has plenty of excuses and methods."

Chief Historian Feng’s face looked grim; evidently, he was eager to "greet" Prime Minister Wang’s whole family.

After pondering for a moment, Chief Historian Chen whispered, "I understand the Commandery Princess’s intention. The Commandery Princess wants to use this batch of military provisions to silence Prime Minister Wang and secure rewards for Mr. Cui as soon as possible."

"That’s right! Prepare the military provisions according to the amount specified in the official document." Jiang Shaohua’s gaze was slightly chilly, "Moreover, I will personally draft a memorial to the court, requesting it to confer a marquis title on Cui Du."

Both Chief Historians Chen and Feng were amazed, "Commandery Princess! Isn’t this request somewhat excessive?"

Da Liang has five titles of nobility: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron. The Zheng Family holds the title of Duke An. Generally speaking, titles of nobility are gradually ascended. Given Cui Du’s merits for producing new grain, being conferred as a Viscount is straightforward, and with the Commandery Princess working behind the scenes, she originally planned to request an Earl title for Cui Du. But now, asking outright for a marquis title seems a bit excessive, even for the Chief Historians Chen and Feng.

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow with a cold smile, "Each one of them reaches out to Nanyang County for grain, eating the grains I own, what courage do they have to refute my memorial!"

"I will personally write this memorial! When the decree of rewards arrives in Nanyang County, then the grain will be allocated."

Having made up his mind, Jiang Shaohua didn’t utter another word.

After pondering briefly, Jiang Shaohua called Song Yuan to enter and instructed in a low voice, "Commander Song, first write a letter to the Cui Family; later, go personally to Boling Cui Family."

Since Cui Du is "related" to the Boling Cui Family, certain matters cannot bypass the Cui Family. The necessary procedures must be followed.

Song Yuan nodded in agreement. Publicly, he is the Commandery Princess’s personal soldier commander. Privately, he is Cui Du’s uncle. He is the most suitable person to visit the Cui Family.

...

That afternoon, Zheng Chen ordered everyone to start packing up, planning to depart for the capital early the next day.

Doctor Jiao looked at Zheng Sheren’s tense and unpleasant expression, swallowing back the inquiry that had reached his lips and simply stating, "I’m going to send a message to Doctor Tan."

Zheng Chen slightly nodded.

Doctor Tan was surprised upon hearing this and wanted to inquire a bit more. Doctor Jiao kept his lips tightly sealed, unwilling to disclose anything.

Actually, it’s not difficult to guess. Certainly, they’ve run into obstacles with the Commandery Princess, hit their heads against the wall, and now the young lad is enraged and embarrassed, so he’s leaving!

Doctor Tan internally mocked, and then went to tell Wang Jin about it. After a moment of silence, Wang Jin said, "We’ll also set off together, returning to the capital. It will be safer and more secure during the journey."

Finally, they decided to leave.

Doctor Tan breathed a sigh of relief, chuckling as he said, "I’ll give the order for everyone to pack up." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

The Imperial Army’s departure was quite bustling. However, the Commandery Princess did not intend to host a farewell banquet. In the dimly lit room, Zheng Chen’s heart grew completely cold as night settled in.

Jiang Shaohua, you truly have always been the most ruthless and merciless woman in the world.

You betrayed my heartfelt sincerity in a past life, and in this life, you still let me down.

This is the path you’ve chosen, standing in opposition to me. So in the future, don’t blame me for being ruthless and cruel.

The next morning, Zheng Sheren and Wang Sheren left together.

On the surface, no bridges were burned, as Jiang Shaohua personally escorted the two imperial envoys to the city gate, bidding them farewell kindly.

Zheng Chenjun’s face remained somber, silent, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Wang Jin had to make an effort to speak, trying to lighten the mood, "After this farewell, it’s uncertain when we will meet the Commandery Princess again. Please take care, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua slightly smiled, "Wang Sheren, take care as well. And Zheng Sheren, when you celebrate your wedding, I will definitely send a generous gift."

Wang Jin found it hard to keep his smile.

Since the day he met Jiang Shaohua, nobody else occupied his heart. Following his father’s order to marry later, what joy could there be in that?

The Commandery Princess knew his intentions yet spoke those words; it was no different than stabbing him in the heart.

Suddenly, Zheng Chen spoke up, "It’s getting late, we should set off."

Wang Jin responded with a nod, once again bidding farewell to the Commandery Princess with a bow, then mounted his fine steed, leaving Nanyang County amidst swirling dust.

The anticipation upon arrival was as great as the sadness and disappointment upon departure.

Wang Jin couldn’t help but glance back.

The tall and sturdy city gate grew increasingly small, and the figure of the young girl outside the gate was no longer visible.

After today’s farewell, perhaps meeting again would be impossible. Thinking of this, Wang Jin felt a sourness in his nose. He turned his gaze to his side, finding Zheng Chenjun’s expression blank, his eyes fixed forward, never looking back.

...