Chapter 251: Chapter 251

Jiang Shaohua had a deeper intention that Lu Cong could not guess at all.

Jiang Shaohua privately instructed Chen Jinyu: "When you arrive in Jingzhou, first go to find your brother. When delivering the grain seeds to the Inspector Mansion, have Chen Haoran accompany you."

Chen Jinyu, being very clever, immediately lowered her voice and laughed, "Is the Commandery Princess trying to seize the opportunity to matchmake for my elder brother?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "In any case, let your brother meet Governor Xue. If Governor Xue takes a liking, then we can plan slowly. If he doesn’t, it’s nothing. After all, nothing has been made explicit."

Chen Haoran went to the Jingzhou Prefecture School last year to study and excelled remarkably in his coursework there. In terms of appearance, he is a handsome young man. In terms of lineage, he is the legitimate eldest grandson of Chief Historian Chen. Speaking of which, he is qualified to seek the hand of Governor Xue’s youngest daughter.

"Do not reveal this matter to your brother." Jiang Shaohua cautioned with a smile, "Just go under the pretense of respect towards elders. If it leaves traces, it will be less than ideal."

Chen Jinyu nodded in agreement.

Ten thousand stone of grain was loaded onto hundreds of carriages, escorted by several hundred trusted aides from the Personal Guard Camp. Chen Sheren also went to see Cui Du and took twenty new agricultural seed charts before setting off quickly.

The unending convoy of grain transport drew significant attention once it left Nanyang County. It even silently attracted several groups of mountain bandits.

At the sight of the tall and fierce soldiers exuding a murderous aura, the mountain bandits quickly retreated.

Grain is good, but one must have a life to enjoy it.

One month ago, the Nanyang Army set out and eliminated over eight hundred bandits. This Personal Guard is evidently more formidable than the Nanyang Army. Once they make a move, they would end up as ghosts under the blade.

Forget it, it’s better not to rob.

"Reporting to Commander Qin, the few hundred bandits that have been trailing us have quietly retreated."

Qin Zhan sneered, "The escort of grain is paramount. Otherwise, I would certainly give them a lesson."

The trusted aides roared with laughter, each eager to try, showing no fear.

A tall and sturdy youth, as imposing as a black tower, suddenly spoke, "Commander Qin, let me lead people to fight."

Qin Zhan glanced over, "Do not act recklessly on your own. We are on a mission from the Commandery Princess to escort the grain seeds. Only when safely arriving in Jingzhou is the task considered complete."

Tao Da responded sulkily.

Qin Zhan leisurely added, "On the return journey after completing the task, if there are any blind bandit rogues blocking our path, then we can give them a lesson or two."

Tao Da’s eyes, as big as copper bells, suddenly brightened, and he grinned, "Alright!"

Qin Zhan saw this and also smiled.

Tao Da, having failed in the matters of love, has yet to marry a wife, despite being twenty-four this year, and has become the eldest bachelor in the camp. Qin Zhan has tried to persuade him a few times, but Tao Da is stubborn, so he had no choice but to leave it be.

The grain convoy took seven or eight days on the road to reach Jingzhou.

Outside the city gate, a group of people was already waiting.

At the forefront was Zhang Mulo, whom Governor Xue trusted and relied upon the most. Zhang Mulo beamed with joy upon seeing the convoy filled with grain seeds. However, upon noticing the beautiful young lady leading the convoy, his smile paused slightly.

The officialdom was dominated by men, and suddenly an unexpected young woman appeared, creating an awkward situation.

Even though the young lady before him was the Commandery Princess Attendant, the beloved granddaughter of Chief Historian Chen, Zhang Mulo still felt a bit uncomfortable.

Chen Jinyu noticed Zhang Mulo’s hesitancy, and her smile faded slightly, "I am here under the Commandery Princess’s orders to deliver the grain seeds. May I know who is responsible for receiving them?"

She was feigning ignorance, which was also an expression of dissatisfaction.

Zhang Mulo quickly regained his composure, smiling as he stepped forward to greet with clasped hands.

As a secretary, he had no official rank. Also, the Commandery Princess Attendant held no formal rank. However, the Nanyang County Princess greatly valued Chen Sheren, so Zhang Mulo naturally had to be courteous.

The task of counting the grain and putting them into storage fell to Zhang Mulo. Once Chen Jinyu delivered the grain, her duty was fulfilled.

"May I know when Lord Governor is available so that I may call on him and deliver the Commandery Princess’s handwritten letter?"

Zhang Mulo smiled, "Lord Governor will be available tomorrow. Please, Chen Sheren, visit the Inspector Mansion tomorrow."

"Furthermore, we have also prepared accommodations for Chen Sheren, please enter the city."

Then, looking at the hundreds of tall and strong personal soldiers, Zhang Mulo felt slightly troubled. How could so many people be accommodated?

Qin Zhan took the initiative to speak, "I have completed my duty and will return now. Chen Sheren, I will leave twenty people with you."

Chen Jinyu nodded with a smile.

Qin Zhan led the trusted aides back, while Tao Da brazenly sidled up to Commander Qin, muttering something, only to be kicked away by the commander.

Meanwhile, Chen Jinyu was escorted to a large residence for her stay.

Before finishing a cup of tea, a refined and handsome young man came in with a smile.

The siblings reunited after a long time, naturally filled with joy. Chen Jinyu kept the Commandery Princess’s instructions in mind, not mentioning Xue Liuniang at all, only smilingly saying, "Tomorrow, I will go to the Inspector Mansion to deliver a letter, elder brother, accompany me!"

Chen Haoran did not overthink it and promptly agreed.

The following morning, the siblings each dressed anew and went to Governor Xue’s Mansion.

Now, about Governor Xue, he had given away twenty thousand taels of silver in exchange for ten thousand stone of new grain. This amount was enough to promote as grain seeds throughout Jingzhou.

Such generosity was indeed substantial.

Governor Xue had accepted this favor, thus treated the Chen siblings, who came to deliver the message, with exceptional hospitality. Otherwise, how would a Scholar and a low-ranked housekeeper have the qualifications to be guests of Governor Xue’s table?

"This is the Commandery Princess’s handwritten letter, please accept it, Lord Governor."

Chen Jinyu, neither humble nor arrogant, presented the letter with a smile. Governor Xue readily accepted it and broke the seal to read the letter on the spot.

It was Chen Haoran’s first time seeing his sister in her official capacity, feeling both amazed and respectful.

To carry oneself so calmly and eloquently in front of a high official like Governor Xue was truly remarkable.

After reading the letter, Governor Xue’s brows relaxed as he smiled, "The Commandery Princess is noble and generous. I shall write a reply immediately. Please wait for a moment, Chen Sheren."

Chen Jinyu smiled in response. Follow current novels on novel fire.net

Once Governor Xue left, Chen Haoran gave his sister a thumbs-up.

Chen Jinyu smirked proudly, raising an eyebrow.

A stick of incense later, Governor Xue returned and invited the Chen siblings to partake in a midday meal at the Inspector Mansion.

Chen Jinyu felt a surge of emotion and signaled her brother with her eyes. The siblings were always in sync; Chen Haoran agreed immediately.

It seemed as if Governor Xue only now noticed Chen Haoran, and he casually asked with a smile, "I have heard that Mr. Chen is studying at the Jingzhou Prefecture School?"

Chen Haoran stood up and affirmed.

Governor Xue asked a few cursory questions such as about studies, age, and marital status.

Chen Haoran answered respectfully.

At noon, Governor Xue called for his nephew Xue Lin and daughter Xue Liuniang to join them, although men and women sat separately. Before the feast began, everyone was introduced.

The delicate-featured, fair-skinned, and exceptionally beautiful Xue Liuniang smiled and greeted, "Liuniang greets Mr. Chen and Mr. Sheren."

Chen Haoran’s handsome face turned slightly red, and he returned the greeting with cupped hands.