Chapter 265: Chapter 265

Chen Zhuo had served as the Chief Historian in the Prince Mansion for decades, familiar with the comings and goings of the officialdom. After welcoming the imperial envoy and his retinue into the Prince Mansion, he received the royal decree on behalf of the ill Commandery Princess and diligently set up a feast to entertain Doctor Zhu.

Doctor Zhu had a fondness for fine wines, so Chen Zhuo brought out some of his prized collection from decades past. As Doctor Zhu drank and grew merry, he unintentionally let slip a hint: "I heard that Fourth Young Master Wang wants to meet the Commandery Princess, so Prime Minister Wang used the matter of new grain inquiry as an excuse to summon the Commandery Princess to the Capital City."

Even with Chen Zhuo’s deep-seated prudence, upon hearing such frivolous words, his expression changed slightly.

A surge of anger welled up from his heart. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁

How noble the Commandery Princess is. For Prime Minister Wang to summon her to the Capital City out of the mere curiosity of his young son... it is a great insult to the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

Slightly drunk Doctor Zhu, oblivious to Chen Zhuo’s displeasure, continued to laugh as if he were being humorous: "Although the Nanyang County Princess is young, she is renowned for her born beauty and exceptional looks, even in the Capital City. Fourth Young Master Wang is at the prime of his youth, an outstanding talent unique in a thousand miles. Who knows, maybe after they meet there will be a beautiful tale..."

"Doctor Zhu, I toast you three more cups." Chen Zhuo suppressed his anger and raised his cup with a smile.

Doctor Zhu laughed heartily and happily raised his cup. After finishing the three cups, Doctor Zhu regrettably said: "It’s a pity the Commandery Princess is unwell and cannot promptly respond to the imperial summons to the Capital."

Chen Zhuo sighed alongside him: "Indeed, it’s unfortunate. The Commandery Princess has been healthy for years, but just a few days ago went horseback riding, caught the cold wind, and fell ill upon returning."

Doctor Zhu’s eyes flashed meaningfully as he said: "Of course I believe Chief Historian Chen. However, if I go back with just this report, I’m afraid Prime Minister Wang will be displeased. When blame falls, this Minister of the Ministry of Rites can hardly bear it."

Chen Zhuo appeared earnestly sincere: "Doctor Zhu, please mediate this matter. The Nanyang Prince Mansion will be eternally grateful."

After the banquet dispersed, Chen Zhuo personally escorted Doctor Zhu for a rest, slipping a small wooden box into Doctor Zhu’s hand along the way.

The intoxicated Doctor Zhu seemed oblivious. After Chen Zuo left, Doctor Zhu immediately became energized, opened the wooden box and saw a stack of silver notes as expected. Each note was of five hundred taels, totaling twenty notes.

Doctor Zhu was instantly overjoyed.

The Ministry of Rites is an esteemed yet sparse government office with little gain. Coming to Nanyang County as an imperial envoy was a task he fought hard for. After all, the Nanyang Prince Mansion is notoriously wealthy. Among courtiers who favor the Nanyang Prince Mansion, who has not privately profited?

Just look, he dropped a little hint and earned ten thousand taels of silver. According to officialdom practice, when departing, they surely wouldn’t let him go empty-handed. Meaning, he could earn another sum.

This deal couldn’t be more profitable.

While Doctor Zhu revelled contentedly, Chief Historian Feng wore a scowl and simmered with resentment.

He purposely waited in Chen Zhuo’s study, kicking off with a resentful remark: "A spend of ten thousand taels, Chief Historian Chen’s generosity is grand indeed. Truly, without being the head oneself, one does not know the cost of firewood and rice."

Chen Zhuo sighed, forcing a bitter smile: "I know you’re unhappy. But the money must be spent. Otherwise, how to cope with the current situation?"

Feng Wenming snorted, speaking more caustically: "Just a mere Minister of the Ministry of Rites, besides running errands, delivering decrees, drinking and babbling, what other use is there?"

Thus, Feng Wenming spent many years in the Ministry of Revenue without a promotion, not solely because of his unremarkable appearance. With this straightforward temperament, he simply couldn’t navigate the officialdom. It’s thanks to Prince Nanyang and the Commandery Princess valuing talent that he managed, but for most, he would be unbearable.

Chen Zhuo knew of his old friend’s bad temper and didn’t hold it against him, laughing off: "The King Yan is easy to deal with, the little ghosts are tricky. Consider it as tossing a meat bun out. Don’t grumble."

After venting his grievances, Feng Wenming’s dissatisfaction slightly relented, and he asked softly: "What did Doctor Zhu really say to you at the banquet tonight?"

Chen Zhuo murmured a few words.

Feng Wenming’s face instantly transformed, eyes flaring: "Utter disgrace! Treating our Commandery Princess like what? Traveling thousands of miles to the Capital City, just to let Fourth Young Master Wang take a look? Bah! How dare he!"

"No, I must see the Commandery Princess at once."

Just as he finished speaking, familiar footsteps echoed outside the study.

Chen Sheren came to deliver a message: "The Commandery Princess invites the two Chief Historians to converse."

One incense stick later.

Chen and Feng, the two Chief Historians entered the Commandery Princess’s courtyard and were led into the study.

Jiang Shaohua asked with a smile: "What’s the matter? Why is Chief Historian Feng so angry? Did Doctor Zhu say something inappropriate?"

Chen Zhuo had not yet stopped him when Chief Historian Feng blurted out: "Doctor Zhu said it’s because of Wang the Fourth that the Prime Minister requested the Emperor to issue the decree."

Jiang Shaohua’s smile paused.

Chen Zhuo glared at Chief Historian Feng. Couldn’t he have been a bit more tactful?

Chief Historian Feng curled his lip. Tact or not, the matter is as it is. Would being tactful change this humiliating reality?

"I understand." After a moment, Jiang Shaohua spoke coolly, lacking any smile: "Ultimately, it’s because Nanyang County doesn’t have enough strength and acts low-key, so Prime Minister Wang disregards us."

Hence, he dares to be so bold and reckless.

The palace’s Empress Dowager Zheng should know too, yet hasn’t sent word of caution. Clearly, in crucial times, she cannot be relied upon. As for Zheng Chen... Firstly, he cannot yet contend with Prime Minister Wang, and secondly, he is eagerly hoping she gets summoned to the Capital.

Chen Zhuo looked at the expressionless Commandery Princess, feeling profoundly uneasy, he said softly: "Commandery Princess, this situation must not be repeated. This time we faked illness to avoid it, if it happens again, what then?"

Jiang Shaohua replied coldly: "Then I will go to the Capital City to meet Prime Minister Wang."

The same words Jiang Shaohua spoke to Chen Jinyu before, with a playful tone. Today she spoke them, and chilling intent accompanied her words.

Chen Zhuo startled, lifting his gaze toward the Commandery Princess.

The Commandery Princess’s dark eyes flickered a hint of killing intent, then returned to normal: "In the coming days, it will be taxing for Chief Historian Chen to entertain the imperial envoy. When Doctor Zhu leaves, present him with a generous parting gift."

Chen Zhuo bowed and accepted the command.

Jiang Shaohua gently said to Chief Historian Feng: "Chief Historian Feng has also worked hard. The affairs of the Prince Mansion are complex, and the expenditure flows like water, all thanks to Chief Historian Feng supporting the Household Department."

Feng Wenming was mollified into a smile: "Be assured, Commandery Princess, I can handle it."

Jiang Shaohua smiled: "With Chief Historian Feng here, I am a hundred and a thousand times reassured."

Chief Historian Feng laughed heartily.

Chen Zhuo glanced at the amused Chief Historian Feng, thinking where’s your integrity, old friend?

"For some time I need to recuperate in seclusion. Affairs big and small in the Mansion, Chief Historian Chen must labor and care for them." The Commandery Princess said softly.

Chief Historian Chen replied without hesitation: "With me here, Commandery Princess may rest and recuperate at ease."

Feng Wenming glanced at his old friend, thinking how smoothly you flatter the Commandery Princess.