Chapter 255: Chapter 255

Three days later, in the Tang Family’s grand residence in Xi’e County, upon hearing the Commandery Princess’s command, Grandmaster Tang immediately responded without hesitation, "I will leave at once!"

Meng Sanbao, who came to deliver the command, smiled and said, "The Commandery Princess specifically instructed that Grandmaster Tang should bring capable juniors from the Tang Family along."

Grandmaster Tang quickly agreed with a smile and turned to find Old Master Tang.

The Tang Family’s grain purchasing team encountered bandits on the road and suffered heavy losses. The Commandery Princess boldly dispatched troops to annihilate the bandits completely, sending the captured ones to the mines, where they will never see the light of day again.

The Tang Family’s deep-seated hatred was avenged, and everyone expressed their gratitude to the Commandery Princess. Even Old Master Tang now speaks of the Commandery Princess with utmost respect.

Upon hearing that the Commandery Princess has an important task for the Tang Family, Old Master Tang immediately said, "Take more people with you."

Grandmaster Tang nodded and said, "I think so too. Tang Qi will go with me."

Among the grandchildren of the Tang Family, nineteen-year-old Tang Qi is the most capable. Since last year, he has led a team on his own to purchase grain.

Facing this major event, the minor disagreements between the two brothers are best left unmentioned.

Having served as the Family Head for decades, Old Master Tang is particularly concerned about the future prospects of the Tang Family. He whispered, "Currently, the North is experiencing a severe drought, and the court has been requisitioning grain from the South. Our Tang Family’s original channels for buying grain have dropped below thirty percent, and they can no longer sustain so many grain shops."

"Since the Commandery Princess has entrusted the Tang Family with an important task, it’s evident she intends to make good use of the Tang Family. We must not miss such a great opportunity."

"Both you and I know how the Ma Family rose to prominence back then. Perhaps, this is heaven’s opportunity for our Tang Family. We must seize it."

Grandmaster Tang nodded vigorously.

Old Master Tang, with wrinkles and gray hair, looked deeply at Grandmaster Tang, "Go and handle the task with peace of mind; I’ll guard the house for you, ensuring nothing goes wrong."

After more than two years of managing the family, this is the first time Old Master Tang has truly bowed his head and treated him with the attitude due to a Family Head.

Grandmaster Tang felt invigorated and respectfully bowed, "Thank you, brother."

Grandmaster Tang promptly selected eight young and strong juniors and packed bags that night. They set off for the Prince Mansion early the next morning.

Along the way, during moments of rest, Grandmaster Tang cheerfully chatted with Meng Sanbao to build rapport. The source of thɪs content is novelꞁire.net

Though Meng Sanbao appeared rough and boisterous, he was in fact sharp and discreet, keeping his lips tightly sealed, no matter how Grandmaster Tang tried to indirectly pry information, not uttering a single word.

Having to abandon that idea, Grandmaster Tang focused on the journey. Upon entering the Nanyang Prince Mansion, he didn’t even take a sip of water before going to see the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua, with a gentle smile, said, "Grandmaster Tang, you’ve endured a tiring journey; quickly, have a seat and let’s talk."

Grandmaster Tang, taken aback by the cordial treatment, replied, "I dare not presume; just calling me Tang Wu or Tang Xianzhong will do, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "In times of turmoil, heroes emerge; in crises, loyalty shines. Grandmaster Tang’s name is well chosen."

In just a few words, a profound meaning was conveyed.

Grandmaster Tang felt invigorated and immediately bowed his hands, "The Tang Family has received great favors from the Commandery Princess, and we are willing to brave any danger in service to the Commandery Princess, without hesitating."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled and gently said, "I summoned you here because there’s indeed a matter I want to discuss with you."

Then she revealed the plan to transport corn and sweet potatoes to the Northern Provinces: "...The amount of silver earned from selling the grain is secondary; the most important part is promoting this new grain. One acre of corn can yield thirteen or fourteen units, and the yield of sweet potatoes is even higher. If these two grains are promoted, they can save countless lives. This is truly a great deed that benefits the nation and the people."

"However, it also carries significant risks. First, it’s a long and arduous journey. Second, it may take two or three years, possibly even longer."

"Moreover, the road is currently unsafe, with bandits everywhere. I will dispatch the Personal Guard Camp to escort you, but encountering a large group of desperate, hungry individuals still poses significant danger."

"If the Tang Family is willing to undertake this task, I will ensure that your family is well rewarded."

"For the silver from selling corn and sweet potatoes, the Tang Family will retain thirty percent. You shouldn’t turn it down; I won’t assign tasks without compensation."

"Consider the matter for a few days. You can send someone back to discuss with your elder brother, and once you’ve reached a decision, report back to me."

After quietly listening to everything, Grandmaster Tang bowed and said, "No need for consideration; I can give you my answer now. The Tang Family will take on this task."

A hint of amusement flashed in Jiang Shaohua’s eyes, "Have you really made up your mind?"

"I made up my mind before coming," Grandmaster Tang solemnly replied. "The Tang Family owes the Commandery Princess a great debt, and now is the time for us to repay her loyalty, without hesitation."

"Furthermore, it’s difficult to buy grain outside; Nanyang County doesn’t lack grain, and I’m worried about how to operate the grain shop. Now, if we can expand our business to the North, the Tang’s Grain Shop might catch the favorable winds of the Commandery Princess and spread across the Northern Provinces, becoming the largest grain merchant in the North."

"Regarding danger, taking risks in opening business routes and operating a business is worthwhile."

He indeed is a clever person.

Capable of handling matters at critical moments.

Jiang Shaohua looked deeply at Grandmaster Tang and suddenly said, "I remember your son is working in the Xi’e County Government."

Grandmaster Tang’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately responded, "My incompetent son works in the Household Department at the County Government as a clerk."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "I will have someone issue a mandate immediately, transferring Tang Sili to work in the Household Department at the Prince Mansion. Let him study with Chief Historian Feng for a few years, and he’ll be of great use in the future."

Grandmaster Tang restrained his excitement and bowed deeply, "Thank you, Commandery Princess."

Who doesn’t have some personal desires?

Grandmaster Tang is willing to risk his life for this task; naturally, he is delighted to achieve a promising future for his son.

That day, the Commandery Princess had the transfer order written and sent to Xi’e County.

None of the officials objected. Whether it was Chen Sheren or Ma Sheren, they all had personal connections and support. Even Lu Sheren leveraged the influence of Lu Junma.

Grandmaster Tang is going to risk his life for the Commandery Princess, so her assistance to Grandmaster Tang’s son is reasonable.

They even subtly hoped for this to become a norm, allowing their own juniors to gain ease in entering officialdom.

Several days later, Chen Zhuo returned from Jingzhou, coinciding with the arrival of Tang Sili reporting to the Prince Mansion.

Tang Sili, thirty years old, of average build and full of competence, followed closely behind Chief Historian Feng with a respectful attitude, "Tang Youyin greets Chief Historian Chen."

Chen Zhuo observed him with a composed demeanor and casually smiled, "We’ll see each other often working in the Prince Mansion, so no need to be so formal."

Chief Historian Feng laughed and chimed in, "Go see the Commandery Princess first, then follow me to the Household Department. There’s a lot to prepare, as the grain team will depart in a few days."

Tang Youyin, unaware that he would soon be worked to his limits, eagerly nodded, buoyed by excitement, as he entered the study.