CHAPTER 149: CHAPTER 149: THORNY

After inspecting the grain warehouse, everyone’s complexion was unsightly.

County Magistrate Lei put his pride aside and cried out before the Commandery Princess: "I dare not say I am incompetent. But after five years in Zhi County, I truly find it hard to accomplish anything. I’ve already written to the Ministry of Personnel, requesting a transfer."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at County Magistrate Lei: "Attempting to shirk your duties just by claiming incompetence?"

With just one remark, County Magistrate Lei broke into a cold sweat, falling to his knees with a thud: "I dare not, I absolutely do not mean to shirk my duties. It’s truly because I’m useless; I have no means against White Cloud Temple, cannot keep the people in check, and sometimes even the Government Officials are unmanageable..."

At this point, County Magistrate Lei’s eyes reddened, and tears threatened to fall from the corners.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t soften her heart, and said calmly: "It’s not that there’s no way, it’s that the cost is too high. You’re just a County Magistrate, and it’s already conscientious of you to buy grain with your own silver. But must you be denounced by the populace and sacrifice even the last shred of your reputation?"

County Magistrate Lei: "..."

County Magistrate Lei’s back was soaked with cold sweat, as he stayed on his knees, forehead touching the ground, not daring to speak.

Yes, the cost is indeed too high. Why should he, a County Magistrate who came from afar to hold office, risk everything for this matter?

After all, Zhi County belongs to Nanyang County, and the Commandery Princess, not him.

This bit of cowardice and avoidance could not be concealed from the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua wasn’t particularly angry either.

Everyone has selfish desires. County Magistrate Lei entered office for a salary, so why should he risk life and limb for her, the Commandery Princess?

She has neither groomed him nor bestowed immense favor; County Magistrate Lei’s self-preservation is simply a reasonable action.

"County Magistrate Lei," Jiang Shaohua began slowly.

County Magistrate Lei dared not move, his forehead still pressed firmly against the hard ground: "I am here, awaiting the Commandery Princess’s orders."

"I forbid you to resign and leave," Jiang Shaohua’s voice was of moderate volume, yet struck County Magistrate Lei’s heart like a heavy drum: "White Cloud Temple is indeed tricky, but I will find a way to solve this problem. As for Taiping Grain Warehouse, I will also send people to buy grain and replenish the warehouse."

"And, a location must be chosen to build the grain warehouse next. Don’t worry about the silver or the grain purchase, I will have people arrange it. You just need to handle the trivial matters of the county government and organize the conscription of laborers."

County Magistrate Lei was relieved, tears of gratitude flowed as he kowtowed to express thanks: "Thank you, Commandery Princess. I will certainly do my utmost."

After a moment, County Magistrate Lei cautiously raised his head and asked: "How does the Commandery Princess intend to deal with White Cloud Temple? The Master Pusuan inside White Cloud Temple is a renowned monk, extremely revered by the people. I must boldly remind the Commandery Princess that acting against Master Pusuan requires extreme caution."

If public indignation were truly provoked and unrest incited, it would be difficult to resolve.

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow, offering a cold smile: "That is a matter for me alone; there’s no need for County Magistrate Lei to worry."

County Magistrate Lei met a hard refusal and awkwardly closed his mouth.

After dismissing County Magistrate Lei, Jiang Shaohua sent for Chief Historian Chen and the two, Song Yuan and Meng Dashan, to discuss matters.

The door of the study remained shut for half a day.

Standing outside, Chen Jinyu listened in but heard no sound. Truly bored, she turned and spoke with Ma Yaosong: "Ma Sheren, what do you think the Commandery Princess should do about White Cloud Temple?"

Ma Yaosong contemplated for a moment: "It’s difficult."

Nonsense.

It’s not like wiping out bandits, where one can lead personal soldiers to storm in and kill indiscriminately. This involves religious faith, concerning the stability of hearts in Zhi County, making it undoubtedly very challenging.

Chen Jinyu pursed her lips, hearing Ma Yaosong mutter softly: "There are indeed methods; it just depends on whether the Commandery Princess is heartless and ruthless enough."

Chen Jinyu grew up amidst opulence and wealth, her greatest worry being her mother’s many rules. Based on her experience, she truly couldn’t think of any solutions.

However, being an arrogant young woman, she refused to ask Ma Sheren further and pondered by herself.

The door opened.

Chief Historian Chen emerged with a slightly somber expression.

Meng Dashan and Song Yuan, in contrast, appeared quite normal.

The Commandery Princess was composed and graceful, with a smile, revealing nothing amiss from her face.

Chen Jinyu contemplated as she smiled courteously: "It’s already evening, should the Commandery Princess request dinner?"

Jiang Shaohua chuckled: "It’s been a busy day, and I am indeed hungry. Have the kitchen prepare a banquet and invite County Magistrate Lei."

This kind of errand work didn’t require Chen Sheren’s involvement; Ma Sheren responded and left.

...

The next few days were smooth and calm.

Jiang Shaohua dressed in casual clothes, wandering out daily, in the market or by the fields, and sometimes when in the mood, would randomly visit a household to see how the common people live.

County Magistrate Lei accompanied her closely, along with Chief Historian Chen and others, creating a presence where Jiang Shaohua, despite dressing simply, was unmistakably identified by the people as the beautiful and noble girl she was. Everyone was tense and insecure.

"How many are there in your family?" Jiang Shaohua asked gently to a snot-nosed, bare-bottomed boy.

The boy sniffled hard: "Five."

Jiang Shaohua glanced quickly, and smilingly asked: "I’ve seen your parents, where are the other two?"

The boy answered innocently: "Eldest sister left last year, second sister left this year."

Left?

Jiang Shaohua raised her eyebrows and looked at the couple standing nearby.

The man appeared nervous, and the woman lowered her head answering quietly: "In response to the noble, last year’s Buddhist gathering at White Cloud Temple, we truly had no money, so sold the eldest girl to the brokerage in Biyang County."

Ma Sheren’s expression stiffened, cold sweat surged down his back, wanting to explain a few words. Upon raising his head, he met the Commandery Princess’s whimsical gaze, prompting uncertain guilt, and lowered his head again.

"What about your second girl?" Jiang Shaohua asked blandly: "Could it be that, due to this year’s offerings to the Buddha, you also sold the second girl to Biyang Dental Clinic?"

The woman surprisingly showed no guilt, and confidently replied: "Yes, our devotion to Buddha is sincere, offerings to Buddha cannot be missed. The second girl can’t even eat her fill at home, better to sell her to a good family as a maid."

Jiang Shaohua’s smile gradually receded.

Chen Jinyu listened, fury igniting, she couldn’t help but loudly scold the couple: "You are truly ignorant and confused! Selling your daughters to worship Buddha."

"How do you know where the brokerage will sell them? What if they were sold to unsavory places?"

The man curtly replied: "That’s their fate. The Buddha in heaven will protect them; they’ll reincarnate into good wombs in the next life."

Chen Jinyu: "..."

Chen Jinyu was nearly driven to madness.

How could there be people so ignorantly hateful in the world.

Jiang Shaohua was equally incensed, yet remained composed: "Chen Sheren, calm your anger, it’s time we head back."

Chen Jinyu dejectedly concurred.

A few steps from leaving this household, several Government Officials hurriedly approached: "County Magistrate, something terrible happened at White Cloud Temple!"