CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116: PRIVATE PROPERTY

After Chen Jinyu left the county government’s backyard, she felt like a bird escaping its cage, full of excitement and delight along the way. Her chatter filled the carriage.

The journey was far from dull, even somewhat noisy.

Jiang Shaohua was very tolerant towards her friend, listening to Chen Jinyu with a smile. Until the carriage stopped, Chen Jinyu peeked out and ended her words with reluctance: "We’ve arrived at the Iron Mine."

This mountain range was originally called Ling Mountain, but after discovering a huge iron mine, it was renamed Iron Mine.

Chen Jinyu first got off the carriage, then reached out to hold the Commandery Princess’s wrist, assisting the noble Commandery Princess down from the carriage.

Chen Zhuo and County Magistrate Chen descended from the second carriage. Along the way, the father and son exchanged words, but ultimately, one remained expressionless, the other with a calm demeanor.

This was the composure and appearance expected of officials.

Chen Jinyu secretly observed, quietly learned for a moment, and her slightly immature face became solemn.

Jiang Shaohua secretly smiled in her heart.

With Chen Jinyu by her side, there was indeed more enjoyment.

"Commandery Princess," the County Magistrate quickly approached, bowing his hands politely: "There’s much dust around the Iron Mine, and the road is uneven. Allow me to lead the way; please tread carefully."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly and ascended the mountain under the County Magistrate’s guidance.

Along the way, many rocks were visible, scattered with groups of miners, and the sound of iron chiseling continued. The higher they climbed, the more people there were and the noisier it became.

Through rock chiseling, blasting, and preliminary iron refining, some pig iron could be obtained. These pig iron pieces were transported to Nanyang County, where blacksmiths refined them into high-quality iron, then fashioned into farming tools or weapons. Farming tools were for the peasants’ planting activities, while weapons were specifically for the Personal Guard Camp.

Given the current mining speed, even with two hundred years of excavation, this vast iron mine would likely remain untapped.

It could be said that this Iron Mine was one of the most important assets Prince Nanyang left for Jiang Shaohua.

Indeed, this Iron Mine does not belong to the court, nor to Nanyang County, but is entirely owned privately by Prince Nanyang. Currently, it belongs to Jiang Shaohua.

The men mining had no idea who the youthful, beautiful, dignified young woman was, but the County Magistrate was a familiar figure. They had long been instructed to focus on their tasks and not to bow or salute without reason. After a brief observation, each returned to their hammering and clinking with iron chisels.

Jiang Shaohua observed with satisfaction, turning to County Magistrate Chen with a smile: "County Magistrate Chen has managed this Iron Mine admirably; significant rewards are due."

County Magistrate Chen was indeed a clever man, replying with sincerity: "Please let the Commandery Princess reserve this reward. Should Jinyu err in the future while accompanying the Commandery Princess, I beseech the Commandery Princess to forgive her once considering my diligent service."

Jiang Shaohua burst into laughter.

Chen Zhuo shared an amused smile.

Chen Jinyu, who had been holding a stern face to appear serious, was discontented: "Father underestimates me. How could I, being so smart and clever, ever make a mistake."

The County Magistrate chuckled fondly at his daughter: "Preparation averts peril!"

Everyone laughed in unison.

At noon, the group had a simple lunch atop the Iron Mine. In the afternoon, Jiang Shaohua led the group down the mountain.

The next day, they headed to the silver mine.

Like the Iron Mine, the silver mine was also privately owned by Jiang Shaohua.

The silver mine was hidden in a remote location, about ten miles of mountainous road away from the Iron Mine. No second route existed, and they could only trek on foot.

Round-trip amounted to thirty miles of mountain trails, necessitating nearly two days on the road. A visit to the silver mine required at least a night or two spent in the mountains.

The County Magistrate, accustomed to walking this path himself, was somewhat concerned, often glancing back at the Commandery Princess. To his surprise, after half a day, the Commandery Princess was composed and showed no sign of fatigue. Chen Jinyu, having practiced martial arts since childhood, was equally healthy, remaining energetic after half a day’s trek.

The Personal Guard was no exception.

The only one exhausted was Chen Zhuo, the Chief Historian. Midway, he couldn’t continue, so Jiang Shaohua instructed the strong and sturdy Qin Hu to carry the Chief Historian forward.

"Age doesn’t grant endurance," Chen Zhuo said self-deprecatingly as he caught his breath: "Had I known I’d be a burden, I should have stayed at the county government with Chief Clerk Wen."

Jiang Shaohua remarked with a smile: "Chief Clerk Wen is more than capable of handling grain warehouse inspections alone. Although it’s been years since the Chief Historian visited the silver mine, this visit is a rare opportunity to have a thorough look."

The silver mine was overly crucial, so naturally, idle individuals were unqualified to enter the mountains... Indeed, it’s Chief Clerk Wen who was referred to as idle here.

They rested twice along the way and arrived at the silver mine by dusk.

This was Jiang Shaohua’s second visit to the silver mine. Her last visit was three years ago. Her grandfather, Prince Nanyang, led her into the mountains himself, and pointed to the silver blocks filling the storage room, saying: "Shao Hua, this silver mine is even larger than the Iron Mine, yielding countless ore annually. The silver blocks refined and minted into silver are sufficient to support a Personal Guard of about four thousand."

"Remember, this silver mine should be entrusted only to those most trusted. The Chen family father and son are loyal and capable retainers, you can rely on them at ease."

Indeed, Chen father and son did not disappoint grandfather’s high expectations. Chen Zhuo handled labor and worries at the Prince Mansion, while County Magistrate Chen worked diligently in Bo Wang County, delivering cartloads of pig iron and silver blocks to the Prince Mansion every year.

The silver mine was secluded and hidden, with miners not being ordinary people, but those early sentenced to death from various county jails. Entering the silver mine meant there was no possibility of leaving again. However, although mining silver here was arduous, it preserved their lives, and food and clothing were not skimped.

"Currently, there are 132 people in the silver mine," County Magistrate Chen was thoroughly familiar with the people here: "Divided into ten groups, each with a leader. I come to inspect twice every month, strictly punishing those idle and lazy."

Mining was a grueling task unseen by daylight, and these convicts were not benevolent, so the rules were naturally very harsh.

This was a band of individuals doomed to execution, and killing one or two wasn’t a major issue.

Jiang Shaohua thought for a moment: "I remember there were 159 people here two years ago."

County Magistrate Chen nodded in agreement: "The Commandery Princess has a good memory, indeed. In these two years, thirteen have attempted escape and were caught and executed. Another five died of severe illness, while nine others died due to secret disputes and mutual conflict."

"I was about to discuss with the Commandery Princess, the silver mine’s manpower is insufficient; it would be best to send more people."

Jiang Shaohua agreed: "Upon returning, I will dispatch others to various jails to retrieve people."

County Magistrate Chen added: "Should the Commandery Princess ever lead troops to eradicate bandits, keep some alive."

Since the massacre of bandits in Li County spread, County Magistrate Chen was the most regretful and remorseful. Such bandits should have been sent to the mountains to mine silver; killing them was too wasteful.

Jiang Shaohua rarely reflected: "That day, to establish authority and intimidation, I indeed acted heavily. When eradicating bandits in the future, I’ll certainly retain some to send here."

Just then, a commotion suddenly arose.