CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 207: LU CONG (PART 3)

A drop of sweat slid silently from Lu Cong’s forehead, landing on his collar.

Another drop slowly fell.

The Commandery Princess’s words were like a sharp blade, cruelly piercing his sore spot.

The study was enveloped in silence.

After a long while, Lu Cong managed to open his mouth with difficulty, forcing out a few words: "Why does the Commandery Princess say this?"

"These matters are originally unrelated to me. However, since you seek a position at the Prince Mansion, I must have a good talk with you."

Jiang Shaohua’s bright gaze fixedly fell on Lu Cong’s face: "I do not keep idle people. If you want a position at the Prince Mansion, you must show me your ability."

"If you rely on the old methods of being an official, then hurry back to Fanyang County. To avoid causing trouble in the future, leading to losing your life."

The words were spoken very bluntly, leaving no space for misunderstanding for Lu Cong.

The Commandery Princess could give him a chance, but he must serve loyally, acting according to her wishes.

This time, Lu Cong did not hesitate, quickly kneeling down: "Minister Lu Cong vows to serve the Commandery Princess to the point of utmost loyalty, without hesitation to die."

Jiang Shaohua did not rush to let Lu Cong rise, letting him stay kneeling: "If I order you to act against prominent families, can you do it?"

Lu Cong gritted his teeth and responded: "I dare."

Ma Yaosong inexplicably felt a chill on the back of his neck, resisting a strong urge to touch it.

In Nanyang County’s fourteen counties, there are a few prominent families. The Ma Family is considered extremely wealthy, a first-class prominent family... Is the Commandery Princess testing Lu Cong today, or hinting at him!

Jiang Shaohua glanced at the uneasy Ma and continued to question Lu Cong: "Can you watch Lu Junma’s every move as I ordered?"

Lu Cong did not know how many times he sweat today, but he dared not hesitate on this crucial issue; "Of course I can. My allegiance is to the Commandery Princess."

The position issue is most sensitive.

Though he is surnamed Lu, he must rely on the Commandery Princess for his livelihood. Thus, he should follow her commands.

Jiang Shaohua’s expression finally softened a bit, and she turned to instruct Ma Yaosong: "Ma, go help Lu Sheren rise."

Ma Yaosong looked at Chen Jinyu: "..."

Yet, Lu Cong reacted more quickly, heavily kowtowing three times: "Thank you for the Commandery Princess’s kindness. It is an immense fortune and favor to serve her. I will dedicate myself to the work, pledging my life to serve her without hesitation."

Ma Yaosong steadied his mind, approached with mixed feelings, and assisted his colleague: "Lu Sheren, please rise."

Lu Cong quickly assumed the role, smiling and bowing: "Chen Sheren and Ma are both trusted by the Commandery Princess. As a latecomer, I should seek guidance from the two of you more often."

Ma Yaosong forced a smile: "Lu Sheren, you flatter me."

Chen Jinyu finally regained his voice from the shock: "Princess, what position will Lu Sheren hold in the future?"

On usual days, she was responsible for keeping the Commandery Princess Seal and handling official documents, while Ma Yaosong did errands and passed messages. Now, with Lu Cong joining, how should things be arranged?

Jiang Shaohua casually said: "Lu Sheren is new here, no rush for tasks. First, accompany me to inspect the fourteen counties, then we’ll decide."

The three attendants all agreed.

Jiang Shaohua then smilingly gave instructions: "After Qiu Dianshan left, an empty courtyard was available. Ma, go pass the message, have someone tidy up the courtyard, so Lu Sheren can settle down temporarily."

Ma Yaosong went off in response.

Lu Cong bowed again, expressing gratitude.

Jiang Shaohua was now immensely gentle, starkly different from her earlier sharpness: "Lu Sheren’s wife and daughter have passed, but there’s a son at home, right?"

Lu Cong respectfully replied: "Yes, Dalang is fifteen this year. He started learning at the age of five, reading for ten years now, but unfortunately hindered by me, unable to partake in the Imperial Examination."

Jiang Shaohua pondered a moment and said: "A criminal’s son cannot take the Imperial Examination; that’s the court’s rule. Nanyang County can’t set a precedent. You should send someone to bring Lu Dalang to the Prince Mansion. Let him stay by Ying’s side and do errands. In the future, he may have a prospect."

Lu Cong could never have anticipated that the Commandery Princess would take the initiative to arrange this. At this moment, he was overwhelmingly grateful to her, without any false pretenses: "Thank you for the Commandery Princess’s kindness."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "Ying, though surnamed Lu, is also the son of my father’s brother. I won’t mistreat him or those around him. Let Lu Dalang earnestly learn to work."

Lu Cong repeatedly agreed, his eyes turning red.

Of course, Jiang Shaohua did not take Lu Cong’s "genuine display of emotion" to heart. If he lacked such ability, how was he to navigate the official circles?

After Lu Cong expressed countless thanks and left, Chen Jinyu, who had been holding back and silent all along, couldn’t help but ask: "Why does the Commandery Princess lift him up so?"

Jiang Shaohua chuckled: "Using an attendant is indeed an elevation if I want to use them, otherwise, it’s an idle position."

"Whether it truly is elevation, still depends on Lu Cong’s own choice."

Chen Jinyu suddenly understood, laughed softly: "Regardless, the Commandery Princess still gave him a good chance. It’s up to him whether he can grasp it."

Jiang Shaohua indifferently said: "He has managed to rise from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a fifth-rank Prefectural Governor, surely capable and skillful. It just depends if he sincerely works for me. If he seeks to please both sides, he’s doomed for failure."

...

Lu Cong slowed his pace after walking some distance from the study, his heart still beating fiercely.

He stopped to take a few deep breaths and glanced back in the direction of the study. His gaze was uncertain.

This Nanyang County Princess truly astounded him. Her sharp, seasoned rhetoric and adept manipulation were astonishing.

No wonder Lu Xuan, his own father, was thoroughly suppressed. It wasn’t that Lu Xuan was weak or incompetent, but this eleven-year-old girl was indeed too formidable.

Choosing between Lu Xuan and the Commandery Princess? Isn’t this question needless?

He sought favor with Lu Xuan to secure a position. Now that the Commandery Princess provided him an opportunity, he naturally ought to dedicate himself wholly to serving her.

Lu Cong stood for a moment, then went to see Lu Xuan.

Lu Xuan learned that Lu Cong had become the Commandery Princess Attendant and would accompany her on county inspections, feeling quite proud: "The Commandery Princess finally gave me, the father, some face, giving my older cousin a decent position."

Lu Cong chuckled: "Indeed. My present could not have been without my cousin’s fortune. In the future, if my cousin has any need, just instruct me."

To instruct is one matter, how to execute is another.

The Commandery Princess had him watch Lu Xuan, which tacitly allowed closeness with Lu Xuan. It would depend on his skill to balance the act.

Lu Xuan was greatly pleased, saying with a smile: "I’ll have someone prepare wine to celebrate my older cousin."