Chapter 254: Chapter 254

The letter from Chief Historian Chen reached the Inspector Mansion, and a few days later, Governor Xue replied.

The Chen Family acted swiftly, immediately preparing to visit for the marriage proposal. To show solemnity and importance towards this marriage alliance, Chen Zhuo decided to personally travel to Jingzhou.

Chen Zhuo personally came to request leave from the County Princess.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Chief Historian Chen, feel free to attend to your matters. I will remain at the Prince Mansion to ensure everything runs smoothly. For the correspondence and personnel management, Chen Sheren and Ma Sheren can temporarily cover for you."

Chen Zhuo smilingly agreed, then earnestly bowed to the County Princess as a sign of gratitude: "If this marriage succeeds, it will be entirely due to the County Princess’s efforts. I thank the County Princess."

Jiang Shaohua, with a radiant smile, helped Chen Zhuo rise: "Chief Historian Chen has worked tirelessly for the Nanyang Prince Mansion, and County Magistrate Chen and Chen Sheren have been diligent and devoted. What I’ve done is but a small matter, not worth mentioning. If this marriage succeeds, it would forge a union between the Nanyang Prince Mansion and the Inspector Mansion, relying on each other as allies, which is indeed a good thing."

"Marrying into a family is never a simple affair; many considerations must be taken into account. It is because the court is in chaos and the North is unstable, leaving Governor Xue uneasy, that he is willing to consent to this marriage. During peaceful times, I, this County Princess, wouldn’t have the prestige to make this happen."

Thinking back to three years ago, Governor Xue had minimal connections with the Nanyang Prince Mansion and had never regarded her, this young County Princess, with any significance.

Chen Zhuo laughed and said, "Regardless, I must thank the County Princess for her support."

Some words, indeed, need not be spoken aloud.

The granddaughter of Chief Historian Feng was already engaged elsewhere. The Chen and Feng Families not becoming in-laws was something the County Princess was happy to see. Rather than feeling threatened, Chen Zhuo felt greatly relieved.

This is precisely the kind of strategic foresight and discretion one in power ought to have.

The County Princess’s actions were skillful, taking into account the face of both him and Chief Historian Feng, subtly resolving any potential future disruptions. Most importantly, no one was harmed in the process, and the Chen Family gained significantly.

Right after Chen Zhuo departed, Jiang Shaohua received a letter from Empress Dowager Zheng.

According to custom, private letters usually arrive two days earlier than official court documents.

Jiang Shaohua opened the letter and, upon reading it, did not smile but instead showed a mocking expression.

Both Chen Jinyu and Ma Yaosong were present. Ma Yaosong hesitated to speak, but Chen Jinyu had no such reservations and directly asked, "What did the Empress Dowager say in the letter? Are we still promoting corn and sweet potatoes or not?"

Jiang Shaohua calmly replied, "The Empress Dowager stated in the letter that Prime Minister Wang has obstructed the matter in every way possible, and the promotion of new grains is unlikely to proceed."

Chen Jinyu was so angered that her face turned pale, venting her frustration indignantly.

Ma Yaosong considered for a moment before quietly advising, "County Princess, I have a suggestion that I’m not sure if I should voice."

Jiang Shaohua glanced at him: "If you have any thoughts, feel free to share them."

Ma Yaosong replied affirmatively, "Since the court refuses to promote the new grains, we can undertake this ourselves."

"Not advisable!" Chen Jinyu was the first to oppose: "There are already those in the court accusing the County Princess of spreading misleading rumors. Adding this would seem like you’re currying favor with the people."

"Chen Sheren is correct." Jiang Shaohua sighed lightly, "Regarding this matter, I indeed cannot take direct action."

Ma Yaosong, evidently having given this matter considerable thought, quietly suggested, "My idea is this. The County Princess need not appear directly; we can transport the corn and sweet potatoes out of Nanyang County and sell them to the northern disaster-stricken counties."

"With a high yield, corn and sweet potatoes could be priced significantly lower, about half that of wheat and millet. With such low-cost grains, there would certainly be people willing to purchase them for trial planting."

"After just one year, the benefits would be apparent to the people, encouraging more to plant them the following year. Although this method of promotion is not as swift as an official decree, it still carries substantial advantages."

"Firstly, selling the corn and sweet potatoes can generate significant silver. The corn and sweet potatoes harvested in Nanyang County didn’t fall from the sky; the people painstakingly cultivated them. The County Princess exchanged grains for storage. Previously, if they were to be offered to the court, the court would offer mere praise, to the detriment of Nanyang County. Now, since the court won’t accept them, we might as well sell them."

"For the past two years, the County Princess has been buying grain and maintaining the army, with silver flowing out of the Prince Mansion like water. Chief Historian Feng is constantly worried about silver. With income, this problem could be easily resolved. The County Princess could then support a larger army." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel·fiɾe·net

"Additionally, things given for free may not be valued. When the people use their silver to purchase these grains, they’re likely to cherish and care for them more, perhaps even more smoothly than if the government were to promote the new grains."

Chen Jinyu listened, her eyes sparkling, looking at Ma Yaosong with newfound respect.

Jiang Shaohua slightly nodded, her dark eyes also revealing a hint of amusement: "What you say makes sense."

Ma Yaosong, feeling at ease, continued, "However, undertaking this task poses many challenges. The northern provinces are rife with bandits. Transporting grains is likely to attract raids."

"Therefore, to transport and sell grain seeds, we need both experienced and reliable personnel to organize a convoy and brave, skilled cavalry as house servants to accompany them." Jiang Shaohua arched an eyebrow and smiled, "Fortunately, I have all of that."

Using the Tang Family for grain transport and sales is highly appropriate.

The Personal Guard Camp’s trusted aides are ready to rotate out for ’training,’ seasoned in live battles, becoming the true elite.

Jiang Shaohua pondered for a moment and then smiled at Ma Yaosong, "Since you proposed this matter, draft a plan. I need to convene all officials to discuss it."

Ma Yaosong immediately produced a draft from his sleeve and respectfully handed it over.

It appears he had prepared in advance.

Jiang Shaohua chuckled, taking the draft to peruse carefully.

It must be said, the urge for internal competition is tremendously strong. Chen Jinyu enjoys the advantage of status, thus receiving the County Princess’s trust and importance. Over the past year, Lu Cong has been busying himself in the field manor, playing a critical role in Nanyang County’s promotion of the new grains.

With a silent resolve, Ma Yaosong yearned to prove his own worth, to earn the County Princess’s astonishment, and to showcase his capabilities to Chen Sheren as well.

After reading, Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "This draft is very detailed and well-written. Chen Sheren, immediately convey the County Princess’s verbal order for all officials to come to the study."

Chen Jinyu responded promptly, rushing to deliver the County Princess’s verbal command.

Within half an hour, all the officials arrived at the study. Even Shen Gongzheng, busy in the workshop, set aside his tasks to attend.

With Chief Historian Chen in Jingzhou, Jiang Shaohua naturally handed the draft to Chief Historian Feng for review. Chief Historian Feng’s eyes lit up after reading, particularly praising the idea of trading corn and sweet potatoes for silver.

Following him, Song Yuan also reviewed the draft. Commander Song confirmed that with new recruits in the Personal Guard Camp, it was indeed time to engage in real combat with bloodshed.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes sparkled, "Commander Song, immediately send someone to Xi’e County and invite Tang Wu to the Prince Mansion, telling him the County Princess has an urgent task for him."