CHAPTER 140: CHAPTER 140: PATRONAGE (PART 1)

County Magistrate Ma is old and experienced, responding swiftly; although initially stunned, he quickly smiled and replied, "If the Commandery Princess has any directives, please feel free to instruct, and I will follow without question."

The Commandery Princess’s mention of "discussion" was merely a courteous gesture. He, deeply favored by Prince Nanyang and promoted from a merchant background to County Magistrate, had no qualifications to "discuss" with her.

In public, Jiang Shaohua maintained County Magistrate Ma’s dignity and smiled, "Today, I traveled incognito and was accompanied by County Magistrate Ma’s eldest grandson. Mr. Ma indeed embodies the meticulous teaching of County Magistrate Ma, speaking and acting thoroughly and astutely, adept at handling miscellaneous duties and affairs."

"Currently, I am in need of such talent by my side. Therefore, I intend to recruit Mr. Ma into the Prince Mansion as an attendant, starting as an assistant by my side. I wonder if County Magistrate Ma would agree?"

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this. Previously, the Commandery Princess had not revealed any indication, and now she suddenly intends to appoint Ma Yaosong as an assistant?

Chen Zhuo instinctively glanced at the granddaughter beside the Commandery Princess and found Chen Jinyu equally bewildered, clearly not informed beforehand.

This silly girl must be reminded in the future to be more perceptive when serving by the Commandery Princess’s side. If she cannot discern the Princess’s thoughts, how can she fulfill the role of an attendant?

The Commandery Princess’s unprecedented favor to Ma Yaosong bestowed dignity upon the Ma Family, leaving County Magistrate Ma with no choice but to quickly thank the Princess: "The Commandery Princess’s favor is fortunate for that foolish boy Yaosong."

Then, he loudly called his eldest grandson from the last seat, "Yaosong, the Commandery Princess has appointed you as an attendant; from today onwards, you will serve by her side. Hurry and kneel to thank her for this honor!"

Mr. Ma, usually smooth and shrewd, was also startled by the sudden benevolence, with a head full of confusion, he reflexively knelt and bowed, "Thank you, Commandery Princess."

The youthful Commandery Princess laughed, "Assistant Ma, please rise."

The newly appointed Assistant Ma, still stunned, thanked the Commandery Princess again in a daze before standing up.

The Commandery Princess turned to Chen Jinyu with a smile, "Assistant Chen, you are familiar with the affairs of the Prince Mansion, and when you have free time, do guide Assistant Ma."

Chen Jinyu, having been by the Commandery Princess’s side for quite some time, experienced for the first time the Princess’s understated yet profoundly influential demeanor, causing a great emotional upheaval, and responded without hesitation, "Yes."

"Someone, add a stool to this table, and invite Assistant Ma to sit." Jiang Shaohua instructed with a smile.

Immediately, a servant brought a stool and placed it at the end of the table.

Ma Yaosong instinctively glanced at his grandfather. County Magistrate Ma promptly shot him a glare.

What are you waiting for?

The Commandery Princess has graciously given you a seat; just sit down.

Ma Yaosong, with a restless mind, sat down.

Only then did Jiang Shaohua ask County Magistrate Ma with a smile, "By the way, County Magistrate Ma mentioned having some requests earlier; what might those be?"

Now, what else is there to say? The Commandery Princess has already taken practical action to assist the Ma Family’s eldest grandson and offered Ma Yaosong a future, effectively silencing his inquiries!

County Magistrate Ma mustered the energy to smile and said, "I initially just wanted to ask the Commandery Princess for a future for my inept grandson. Now, the Princess has anticipated this, for which I am profoundly grateful."

Jiang Shaohua lightly smiled, "The horse farm in Biyang County was built by County Magistrate Ma, who dedicated his family assets and life to it. For years, County Magistrate Ma has diligently served, building Biyang into an Upper County and producing hundreds of fine horses annually. Among Da Liang’s four horse farms, Biyang County’s horse farm is regarded as the finest. These achievements are thanks to County Magistrate Ma."

"Before my grandfather passed, he repeatedly advised me to treat County Magistrate Ma well, and I have remembered these words."

"Rest assured, County Magistrate Ma, my grandfather’s promises to you are engraved in my heart, never forgotten. As long as I govern on a daily basis, your position as County Magistrate remains secure, unchallenged!"

County Magistrate Ma’s eyes turned red, tears streaming down, bowing his thanks to the Commandery Princess.

...

This welcoming banquet lasted until nearly midnight.

After the banquet, the Commandery Princess personally escorted County Magistrate Ma out of Ma Mansion. Ma Yaosong wanted to join his grandfather, but the drunken County Magistrate instructed, "You stay here, ready to await the Commandery Princess’s orders."

Ma Yaosong was full of unspoken words, nodding beside the lantern swaying uncertainly in the wind.

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "It’s so late, what orders could there be? County Magistrate Ma is being overly cautious. Assistant Ma, heed my words; escort County Magistrate Ma back to the county government, and come to serve me tomorrow."

After all, Ma Yaosong was perceptive and promptly accepted the order, bidding farewell to the Commandery Princess, and supported his grandfather onto the carriage.

The whip cracked in the night air, the carriage wheels rolled, and soon the carriage was off into the night.

Jiang Shaohua smirked subtly, revealing an ambiguous smile as she turned and entered Ma Mansion.

Ma Mansion’s interiors were quite spacious, with numerous courtyards, and Chen Jinyu occupied a separate one. However, feeling flustered tonight, she did not return to her own quarters but headed to Chen Zhuo’s study and knocked.

"Grandfather!"

Chen Zhuo was not surprised at all, looking up slightly at his granddaughter, "Close the door and come in."

Chen Jinyu entered, shut the door, and immediately poured out the words she had held all night, sitting beside her grandfather, "Grandfather, why did the Commandery Princess suddenly decide to appoint Ma Yaosong as an assistant?"

"I was baffled throughout the evening and still haven’t figured it out!"

Chen Zhuo glanced at his somewhat naive granddaughter and coolly said, "If you can’t even figure this out, you might as well resign your position as an assistant and return to Bowan County!"

Chen Jinyu: "..."

Her eyes reddened, biting her lower lip in grievance, her white teeth leaving a deep impression on her lips.

Chen Zhuo, unmoved, continued, "If you are merely a playmate of the Commandery Princess, being confused is acceptable. As long as the Commandery Princess tolerates you, I, as a grandfather, can also accommodate you. Slight missteps in words or actions can be laughed off."

"But you are now an attendant of the Commandery Princess, often by her side, yet you cannot grasp her temperament, nor discern her actions. What qualifications do you have to be an assistant!"

Chen Jinyu sniffled, clasping her hands as she sought her grandfather’s guidance, "I have indeed been muddled in my role as assistant; please instruct me, Chief Historian Chen!"

Chen Zhuo restrained his smile, speaking seriously:

"The Commandery Princess is the ruler of Nanyang; she must steer a host of Prince Mansion officials, and merely having the Personal Guard Camp is insufficient. She has also incorporated the Nanyang Army into her control. She inspects each of the Fourteen Counties one by one."

"In Li County, the Commandery Princess eliminated two dens of bandits, exterminated them, and replaced the county magistrate."

"The Tang Family in Xi’e County was compelled by the Commandery Princess to change their head, pledging full support for her grain acquisitions in the future."

"Bowan County is where your father serves as County Magistrate; the Commandery Princess personally inspected the iron and silver mines, appointing you as an assistant. Have you not considered what connects these events?"