CHAPTER 205: CHAPTER 205: LU CONG (PART 1)

Outside the warm room, there was suddenly some unusual commotion.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows moved slightly as she turned to glance.

With quick steps, Meng Sanbao entered and reported in a low voice, "Reporting to the Commandery Princess, Commander Song has arrived."

Jiang Shaohua relaxed her brow and personally went out to greet him.

Cui Du stood up without thinking and followed her out.

Having rested at the Prince Mansion for more than half a month, Commander Song looked completely revitalized, his gaunt face now plump. Smiling, he clasped his hands in greeting and then exclaimed, "After not visiting the field manor for a few months, I didn’t expect it to change so much."

Upon stepping into the field manor, what met the eyes were rows upon rows of white warm rooms, densely packed, seemingly extending to the horizon.

Anyone would be moved by such a magnificent sight coming into view.

Jiang Shaohua laughed and said, "This is all thanks to Cui Du."

Cui Du’s handsome face shone brightly from the praise, and with joy, he responded, "It was the Commandery Princess who allocated the silver and manpower; I dare not claim the credit."

Having acknowledged Cui Du as his nephew, Song Yuan was more intimate with him both publicly and privately than others, "You’ve worked hard, everyone’s seen it. Your contribution can’t be taken by anyone else. When the new grains yield high production as you predicted, they will fill the people’s bellies, saving countless lives during famine years. This is a meritorious deed."

"So, you shouldn’t belittle yourself."

Song Yuan, always reticent, had never spoken such a long compliment before.

Pleased, Cui Du grinned widely, "If uncle keeps praising me, I’ll float up to the heavens."

Song Yuan also laughed.

Understanding Song Yuan’s temperament well, Jiang Shaohua waited patiently before asking, "Is there something happening at the Prince Mansion?"

Song Yuan replied, "Nothing particularly urgent, though there are three minor matters. One is that the Personal Guard Camp over there wants to invite the Commandery Princess for an inspection. The Nanyang Army also sent a message hoping for your visit. Moreover, Lu County Magistrate has been staying at the Prince Mansion for over half a month, and, being restless, wishes to come to the field manor to see the Commandery Princess. Lu Junma especially asked me to speak on his behalf, so I’ve come to inquire about your wishes."

Though father and daughter could be at odds, they were still father and daughter. Song Yuan’s disdain for Lu Xuan was one thing, but he maintained enough respect in appearance.

Jiang Shaohua thought for a moment and said, "I originally planned to return after the new seedlings were transplanted. Given the circumstances, it’s better to return to the Prince Mansion earlier. The spring plowing is about to commence, and preparations for inspecting the Fourteen Counties should also be arranged."

"Cui Du, I’ll leave everything here at the field manor to you."

In that brief sentence, there was a profound trust and expectation.

Cui Du raised his head to meet the bright gaze of the Commandery Princess and solemnly nodded, "Starting today, I’ll reside directly at the field manor. Once the new grains are harvested, I’ll send someone to inform the Commandery Princess."

"It’s a deal!" Jiang Shaohua replied with a smile.

Cui Du grinned widely.

Watching the two young ones exchange smiles, Song Yuan’s eyes also flashed with amusement.

...

The next day, Jiang Shaohua set off back to the Prince Mansion.

Riding for half a day, Jiang Shaohua was full of vigor without a trace of fatigue, smilingly telling the assembled subordinates, "Continue with your duties; I’ll summon you if needed."

The subordinates clasped their hands in salute and quickly dispersed.

Only Lu Xuan and Lu Cong remained.

Over the past half month, the two had been in each other’s company day and night, exchanging countless heartfelt words and untangling a decade of knots, growing much closer in demeanor.

"I didn’t expect the Commandery Princess to return so soon." Lu Cong initiated the conversation, "I heard Mr. Cui is experimenting with new grains at the field manor. I wanted to visit the manor for insight, but the Commandery Princess returned so swiftly."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, "Whether the new grains can be cultivated, we’ll have to wait and see. There’s no need for my elder uncle to be anxious—there will be opportunities later."

The friendliness in her words secretly delighted Lu Cong, invigorating his spirit, "The Commandery Princess is right."

Lu Xuan gently smiled, "There is something I wish to discuss with the Commandery Princess. I wonder if you have time?"

Jiang Shaohua casually smiled and said, "I have time now; father and elder uncle can come together!"

Even Lu Cong, not to mention Lu Xuan, hadn’t anticipated his daughter’s pleasant disposition today, and they quickly responded with smiles.

As they entered the main hall, Chen Sheren and Ma stood respectfully aside, with Song Yuan leading the trusted aides also standing by.

Lu Xuan coughed lightly, "I wonder if the Commandery Princess could dismiss the others?"

"If father wishes to discuss private matters, they can leave." Jiang Shaohua said indifferently, "If it’s business, speak freely!"

Lu Xuan encountered a tough situation, feeling somewhat awkward. Yet, the words exchanged during their private father-daughter conflicts were harsher than this.

The saying goes: enduring a hundred hardships turns bitterness into sweetness. Just endure!

What else could be done?

"This matter is both personal and considered official." Lu Xuan steadied his mind and said, "My cousin Lu Cong, passed the Advanced Scholar exam in his youth, rose from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a fifth-rank prefectural governor, with annual excellent evaluations from the Ministry of Personnel, proving to be a capable and diligent official. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side, and three years ago, a violent uprising occurred under his governance, leading the court to dismiss him."

"He has come to the Prince Mansion to celebrate the Commandery Princess’s birthday and also seeks a position at the Prince Mansion to serve the Commandery Princess."

Lu Cong cooperatively showed a hint of embarrassment and deep sigh.

Jiang Shaohua, without showing any emotion, casually said, "If I recall correctly, the Da Liang Dynasty has a precedent where noblemen with criminal records are not allowed to re-enter officialdom."

Lu Xuan nodded affirmatively, "Indeed, there is such a precedent. So, my elder cousin, ashamed, dares not return to the Capital City Ministry of Personnel and has come to the Nanyang Prince Mansion."

"The Commandery Princess seeks talent, appointing a scholar-born steward as county magistrate in Li County. With this precedent, I shamelessly request from the Commandery Princess."

"I implore the Commandery Princess to give me a chance." Lu Cong suddenly stood up and knelt, his gaze full of eagerness and expectation, "I seek neither high position nor wealth, only a chance from the Commandery Princess. I, Lu Cong, am willing to give my all to serve the Commandery Princess."

When it comes to thick skin, there’s no denying Lu Cong’s expertise in the officialdom for over a decade, kneeling without hesitation.

Chen Jinyu was also enlightened today and couldn’t help but look at the Commandery Princess.

The Commandery Princess, without moving a brow, said, "This matter requires a few days for consideration."

Not outright rejecting was a good sign.

Lu Cong, encouraged, exchanged a quick glance with Lu Xuan, thanking the Commandery Princess for her grace.

In the following days, the Prince Mansion was bustling with preparations for the Commandery Princess’s inspection tour.

Lu Cong, waiting and waiting, never received a summons from the Commandery Princess, growing anxious and impatient. He couldn’t help but urge Lu Xuan, "Has the Commandery Princess forgotten her promise? Perhaps, you could request the Commandery Princess again."

Having been dormant for nearly a year, Lu Xuan felt a certain exhilaration due to this situation, being persistently approached by Lu Cong. Besides some annoyance, he also experienced the delightful euphoria of being close to power.

Feigning reluctance for a moment, Lu Xuan eventually agreed begrudgingly.

Just as he stood and was about to leave the study, Chen Sheren cheerfully relayed the message, "The Commandery Princess invites Lu County Magistrate to speak."