CHAPTER 448: CHAPTER 448: CALLING TO ACCOUNT

Half a month later.

News came from the Capital City once again.

Jiang Shaohua, residing in Li County, read the letter from the Capital City, and a storm gathered between her brows as if a sudden downpour.

Chen Jinyu felt a sinking in his heart and asked in a low voice, "What does the court intend to do?"

Jiang Shaohua was in no mood to speak and casually handed the letter to Chen Jinyu. Chen Jinyu took the letter, glanced over it, and his pupils widened in fury: "The Emperor has dispatched General Fan to take charge of the border army and ordered the Left General to return to the Capital immediately to face punishment!"

"The Left General indeed deserves death. But this will cause the border army’s morale to plummet and the troops to be in disorder. If the Rouran Cavalry invades the border again, the border army may suffer another defeat."

Jiang Shaohua tugged at the corner of her mouth, with no hint of a smile in her eyes: "Even someone like you, who knows nothing of military matters, can foresee this. Do you think the ministers at court are unaware? Especially Duke An, who has served as Minister of War for many years, surely understands the logic. Yet he still advocated for this, firstly to align with the wishes of the Grand Empress Dowager, using the opportunity to greatly weaken Prime Minister Wang’s power and influence. Secondly, if General Fan succeeds, it would be best. If he fails, they can suppress General Fan to prevent the Fan Family’s power from growing too strong."

"In essence, it’s just the same old court intrigues. The Emperor has a soft ear, unable to withstand the manipulations of the Grand Empress Dowager and the petty people around him, and eventually issued such an edict."

With that, the burning anger in Jiang Shaohua’s heart was fully ignited, and flames rose in her eyes: "The Emperor truly disappoints me. He is a filial grandson, a trustworthy brother, yet he is not a good Emperor. He cannot control the court, being manipulated by powerful ministers."

"Sitting on the Dragon Throne but like a puppet, unable to govern the country well or protect the people. What use is there in such an Emperor!"

Chen Jinyu’s heart thumped like a drum, instinctively glancing around, making sure only he and the Commandery Princess were inside and that no one outside could overhear, before his tense heart relaxed slightly: "Commandery Princess, mind your words. The Emperor is the True Dragon Emperor, the sovereign of Da Liang..."

"Others can be mediocre and incapable! He, in this position, doing nothing, is the greatest mistake!" Jiang Shaohua, agitated, interrupted Chen Jinyu without a second thought: "What True Dragon Emperor, what sovereign—those are all to deceive the masses. It’s just that he was lucky to be born into the right family, becoming Crown Prince from a young age. Once the late Emperor passed, he naturally became the Emperor."

Just like in the previous life, the Second Prince Jiang Hao was intellectually deficient and knew nothing, yet he still became the Emperor of Da Liang? This has nothing to do with aptitude, talent, or ability, purely because Jiang Hao was the only heir to the throne.

The overwhelming anger and indescribable frustration gathered in her chest.

The deeply suppressed thoughts suddenly surfaced clearly in her mind.

None of them are capable!

She could!

She could suppress the ministers and control the court; she would cherish the people and let everyone live in peace... She was the most suitable one!

Why not?

She wouldn’t actively strive for it. But if chaos arose in the Capital City, when it was her time to stand out, she would step forward.

With this thought, the world suddenly brightened.

Chen Jinyu, unaware of the rebellious thoughts swirling in the Commandery Princess’s mind, would have been shocked pale if he knew: "Commandery Princess, don’t be angry! This is a settled matter. Perhaps General Fan is already on the move, and the edict to punish the Left General might be on its way. We’ll just watch the situation develop."

Jiang Shaohua slowly exhaled and responded with a nod.

Chen Jinyu found it odd how easily the Commandery Princess was persuaded, but it was always good for her to calm her anger quickly.

Jiang Shaohua sat for a moment, then stood up, saying: "With nothing to do, I’ll go look at the newly reclaimed fields."

The topic changed so swiftly that Chen Jinyu was momentarily stunned but quickly agreed and stepped towards the door.

Ma Yaosong, who was guarding outside, immediately came over: "Does the Commandery Princess have any orders?"

"The Commandery Princess wants to take a walk in the fields, prepare a horse!" Chen Jinyu said softly. Ma Yaosong acknowledged and went to make arrangements immediately.

The Chen Family and Ma Family were already discussing a marriage, and once the two were betrothed, their days working together from morning till night would come to an end.

Watching Ma Yaosong’s figure, Chen Jinyu felt a bit reluctant. But then he thought of their soon-approaching engagement and marriage, and joy welled in his heart again.

As if telepathically connected, Ma Yaosong, who had already walked some distance, suddenly turned back.

Their eyes met from afar, each feeling a bit shy, reluctantly looking away.

...

An hour later, Jiang Shaohua rode to the edge of the fields.

In recent years, Li County had been thriving, with many babies born each year. Coupled with the continuous influx of outsiders, Li County’s population had long surpassed ten thousand. In the past two years, the amount of newly reclaimed fields was the most, approximately fifty to sixty thousand acres.

The gaunt, dark-skinned County Magistrate Cai never stayed in the yamen during spring plowing, wandering the fields every day.

The refugees...or rather, the new residents of Li County, were long accustomed to the not tall, not handsome, and even somewhat ugly face of County Magistrate Cai, finding peace at the sight.

"Lord Cai, the Commandery Princess is here."

Tang Yamen Runner reported in a low voice, unable to hide his excitement.

County Magistrate Cai also perked up, hastily turning to find the Commandery Princess’s figure, his feet not stopping as he went to greet her: "This official greets the Commandery Princess."

In the warm spring, with gentle breezes and bright sunshine.

Under the sunlight, farmers bent over, working hard to till the soil, their sweat falling to the ground, planting seeds of hope and dreams for life. It was the most beautiful scene in the world.

Jiang Shaohua’s heavy mood suddenly lightened a lot, and she smiled at the hardworking County Magistrate Cai: "Rise. During the spring plowing, you come to the fields every day to inspect, you’ve worked hard."

County Magistrate Cai smiled, "The hard work is done by these farming folks. I merely wander around with my hands behind my back, not much hardship."

From afar, some commoners knelt and kowtowed, and County Magistrate Cai turned and loudly said: "No need to kneel and bow, keep working, finish the spring plowing and planting early."

The commoners, most willing to heed County Magistrate Cai’s words, indeed quickly got up and resumed farming.

Jiang Shaohua smiled knowingly and teased County Magistrate Cai: "Lord Cai’s prestige indeed is high. The people all listen to you."

County Magistrate Cai laughed heartily: "Today’s good life for the people is because the Commandery Princess sent for them to come to Nanyang County, gave them a place to stay, provided them with food and seeds. It’s the Commandery Princess who is revered, I merely benefit a little from being near her."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled: "I just found out today, County Magistrate Cai is so eloquent."

County Magistrate Cai replied, "I am not one for flowery words; every word is from the heart."

Chen Jinyu whispered to Ma Yaosong with a smile: "The first County Magistrate of Nanyang County indeed lives up to his reputation."

Diligent and sincere at work, as adept and unmatched in flattery and bootlicking!

...