Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 562: Honored Guests (Part 2)

Mr. Zhao, on behalf of Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, came to observe the ceremony and settled down in the Prince Mansion.

Subsequently, waves of guests arrived at Nanyang Prince Mansion for the Commandery Princess’s wedding. Compared to last year’s grand occasion at her coming-of-age ceremony, this was even more impressive.

Last year, most attendees were the legitimate descendants from various Northern families, and many State Inspectors sent trusted aides with congratulatory gifts. This year, numerous heads of families personally attended. Additionally, dozens of Prefectural Governors and two Inspectors came to witness the ceremony. Places like Yingchuan County, Ruyang County, Shunyang County, Liang County, and others are not too far from Nanyang County, arriving within a few days by fast horse.

Of course, Governor Xue was bound to come, and so too did Governor Fang of Luozhou. Remarkably, Lu Cong, officially appointed as Governor of Pingzhou by the court, also wished to return to Nanyang County to offer his congratulations to the Commandery Princess. However, Jiang Shaohua had previously written to Pingzhou, instructing Lu Cong to prioritize Pingzhou’s official duties.

The journey between Pingzhou and Nanyang County was too far, taking two months back and forth. The current state of Pingzhou could not do without Lu Cong.

Reluctantly, Lu Cong had to abandon this idea, instead secretly sending a generous gift back to the Prince Mansion through a trusted aide.

This generous gift was not listed on the registry; it was a secret letter. After reading the letter, Jiang Shaohua smiled and asked for Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng to be summoned.

After both Chief Historians read Governor Lu’s secret letter, they were overjoyed: "Governor Lu is indeed astute and capable, achieving such a feat in just two years in charge of Pingzhou."

"With this large salt mine, the people of Pingzhou need not worry about a salt shortage in the future. They can even transport it to various northern states for trade. This is truly beneficial!"

Indeed, Lu Cong’s generous gift was the discovery of a large salt mine within Pingzhou’s borders. Lu Cong did not report this to the court, instead quietly offering it to the Commandery Princess. If this matter were to get out, it could lead to losing office and facing execution for harboring malicious intentions.

"Lu Cong aims to express his loyalty to me, the Commandery Princess, by offering the salt mine," Jiang Shaohua said with a smile. "If I refuse, it would dampen his sincerity, so I shall accept it!"

"Please, Chief Historian Feng, safeguard this land deed."

A thin land deed bearing the grand seal of government and Inspector’s official seal. The vast "wasteland" recorded belongs to Jiang Shaohua, meaning the land with the salt mine is entirely Jiang Shaohua’s private property.

According to Da Liang Law, mineral resources like iron mines and salt mines, regardless of whose land they’re discovered on, belong to the court.

Yet, the law is one thing, and reality is another. Noble families entrenched in local lands for years all have some undisclosed, hidden assets.

Even if this matter comes to light in the future and reaches Emperor Taihe, Jiang Shaohua can justifiably argue that she was unaware that the donated wasteland contained a salt mine.

Chief Historian Feng happily accepted the land deed, already planning how to open the salt mine and sell private salt.

Chief Historian Chen whispered with a smile: "There are truly too many people coming to congratulate the Commandery Princess on her wedding. Such a grand scene is unexpected."

Jiang Shaohua responded calmly: "There has been ongoing warfare in Si State. Rouran Cavalry previously captured six county cities, looted, burned, and kidnapped many young people. Although the court has increased military aid, they are no match for Rouran and have suffered heavy casualties."

"The noble families of Northern Land, with all their kin and foundations in the North, will be the most vulnerable if the border army collapses and Rouran Barbarians rampage. Naturally, they are the most panicked and frightened now."

"I have contributed provisions and troops to fully support the border army against Rouran Barbarians. In their panic, it’s logical for them to seek favors and allegiance by attending to the wedding."

Chief Historian Chen gave the Commandery Princess a deep look: "Thus, by ostentatiously donating military provisions and openly sending them to Si State, you are showing all state officials and noble northern families your real power and encouraging them to submit."

The Commandery Princess is executing her overt strategy with elegance.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "By contributing provisions, troops, and strength, I am demonstrating my loyalty to the Emperor, supporting the border army, and showcasing the power of Nanyang Prince Mansion. It’s a win-win situation!"

Such a maneuver even made Chief Historian Chen bow in admiration: "Indeed, the Commandery Princess’s move is brilliant and effective."

After a pause, he added with a smile: "I’ve received many calling cards in the past few days; many people wish to see the Commandery Princess. I have respectfully declined, citing the Commandery Princess’s upcoming wedding and the unsuitability of seeing outsiders."

Jiang Shaohua replied: "You may handle these people, Chief Historian Chen. I intend to personally meet with Governor Fang of Luozhou."

Chief Historian Chen nodded: "I will arrange it."

Of all the esteemed guests present, only Governor Fang truly merited an audience with the Commandery Princess.

Luozhou, neighboring Jingzhou, has far less land and population and is naturally not as prosperous as Jingzhou. More unfortunate still, Luozhou has no stationed troops and only a few hundred garrison soldiers.

Witnessing constant warfare in the border army, Governor Fang felt genuinely uneasy, and brought generous gifts upon arriving in Nanyang County. After waiting a day, he received a personal summons from the Commandery Princess.

Governor Fang was invigorated and privately sought out Governor Xue before meeting the Commandery Princess: "Governor Xue, having frequent interactions with the Commandery Princess, surely understands her disposition. I humbly ask for your guidance."

Governor Xue spoke with deep meaning: "The Commandery Princess, though a woman, is ambitious and broad-minded. As for her methods, I’m sure Governor Fang has already heard of them and needs no further elaboration from me."

"How to approach the Commandery Princess depends entirely on the intentions behind Governor Fang’s visit to Nanyang Prince Mansion."

Governor Fang and Governor Xue had some personal friendship, unabashedly confiding in a low voice: "To be honest, the court is far away. In case of any disturbances, help from afar may arrive too late, and by then, my people might suffer. I know Nanyang County is strong, so I wish to submit allegiance to the Commandery Princess, hoping she’ll help Luozhou in case of any crisis."

Governor Xue laughed: "That will depend on Governor Fang’s sincerity."

Thinking the Commandery Princess would unconditionally agree to send troops for Luozhou without evident sincerity is merely a daydream!

Having come prepared, and heeding Governor Xue’s "advice," Governor Fang felt somewhat reassured and gathered his spirits to meet the Commandery Princess. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

This audience was much smoother than Governor Fang had anticipated.

As Jiang Shaohua was about to be married, her face was radiant, in excellent spirits, and more amicable than usual: "Luozhou and Jingzhou are adjacent, interdependent like lips and teeth."

"Should anything happen in Luozhou, Governor Fang can just send word to me. I will not stand idly by."

Governor Fang was overjoyed, repeatedly bowing to thank the Commandery Princess for her grace.

Then, quite naturally, he presented some "special local products" from Luozhou: "Commandery Princess, Luozhou is a poor place, nowhere near Jingzhou in wealth. This small hill is a new wedding gift prepared by this subordinate for the Commandery Princess. Please accept it."