Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 563: Generous Gift (Part 1)

The fact that Governor Fang specially took it out as a congratulatory gift suggests that it is not just any ordinary barren hill, nor is it a small mountain; it is a mine.

This mine is not an iron mine, but a copper mine.

Iron ore can be smelted into pig iron and cast into armor and weapons. The iron pots and shovels used by the common people also come from iron ore.

The importance of a copper mine is no less than that of an iron mine. With a copper mine, it is possible to mint large batches of Copper Coins. Some noble families in the Northern Land have such "industries" in secret. Most of the privately minted coins are slightly lighter than the court-minted Copper Coins, yet they still circulate normally among the populace.

Once such activities are discovered by the court, they are naturally a grave crime punishable by the extermination of the family.

Governor Fang had neither ambition nor the courage to privately operate a copper mine. Thus, he simply presented this copper mine as a gift to the Nanyang County Princess, in exchange for Jiang Shaohua’s promise to send troops at any time to protect Luozhou.

After giving the gift, Governor Fang felt relieved and happily took his leave.

Jiang Shaohua was equally delighted with the copper mine and immediately summoned Chief Historian Feng.

Chief Historian Feng’s small eyes sparkled instantly, and he eagerly inquired, "Where exactly is this mountain located? Approximately how large is the copper mine? If we are to mine it, should we send people there or hire the locals in Luozhou? Also, after mining the copper ore, should it be smelted on-site or transported to Nanyang County for processing?"

Jiang Shaohua chuckled, "I did not ask in detail. Chief Historian Feng, you may privately consult with Governor Fang."

As the Nanyang County Princess, she only needed to grasp the big picture. The detailed execution and logistics, naturally, were the responsibilities of the historians.

Chief Historian Feng, fully aware of his role, gleefully tucked the land deed into his sleeve before going off to have a chat with Governor Fang.

"Congratulations to the Commandery Princess for possessing Jingzhou and Pingzhou, and now gaining Luozhou as well!" Chen Jinyu offered his congratulations with a smile.

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly and then said in a low voice, "Ultimately, we must have troops and provisions."

Without military strength, the wealthy Nanyang County is just a piece of fat meat, inviting anyone to covet it. Only by possessing a powerful army can Nanyang County truly stand proudly.

The Nanyang Prince Mansion sent provisions to Si State twice, first with four thousand Nanyang Army soldiers, and now with two thousand elite cavalry disguised as trusted aides of the Nanyang Army. The displayed strength alone was enough to awe others.

Chen Jinyu quietly reminded, "The Commandery Princess has already dispatched six thousand men to Si State; no matter how the situation unfolds there, more reinforcements should not be sent."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, "Everything must have its measure. I am well aware of this."

At that moment, Cui Du arrived.

Chen Jinyu tactfully excused himself.

Cui Du was quite considerate, "Am I interrupting the Commandery Princess’s official business?"

Jiang Shaohua giggled, stepping forward to hold Cui Du’s hand, "No official business is more important than you."

Cui Du, delighted by this sweet proclamation, said, "I came to bid you farewell; I’ll be moving out of the Prince Mansion soon."

Cui Du usually resided in the Prince Mansion’s annex. On the day of the grand wedding, there must be a ceremony to welcome him. The Boling Cui Family had established a residence in Nanyang County, where Cui Du would temporarily stay. On the wedding day three days later, Jiang Shaohua would go to "welcome" Cui Du into the mansion.

Jiang Shaohua laughed, "I’ll send you off."

This, of course, was unconventional. However, Jiang Shaohua never cared about conventions. Cui Du didn’t mind either, chuckling softly as he asked, "With so many people waiting to see the Commandery Princess, yet she skips meeting them to send me off, am I being spoiled?"

Jiang Shaohua burst into laughter, pinching Cui Du’s cheek, "Yes, yes, I want to spoil only you."

Cui Du grasped Jiang Shaohua’s hand firmly. The two stood hand in hand, their eyes locked, and the air around them suddenly grew warm.

A cough sounded from outside.

It was Mrs. Zhang’s voice.

Worried that the engaged couple might be too affectionate when alone, Mrs. Zhang had been keeping close watch on Jiang Shaohua in recent days, often speaking out to remind them of propriety.

With some regret, Cui Du stepped back, while a soft blush crept up Jiang Shaohua’s cheeks as she smiled, "Just wait three more days; after we are married, no one will mind if we are affectionate."

Is it still three days away!

Cui Du smiled and sighed, "Time moves far too slowly."

He wished he could blink and have three days pass.

Jiang Shaohua laughed again, pulling Cui Du along as they exited the room. Mrs. Zhang quickly assessed them, relieved to see both the Commandery Princess and Elder Changning composed and their clothes tidy.

Indeed, there would be plenty of days in the future to cherish each other; before the marriage, they had to maintain a proper distance.

...

The Cui Family’s residence and the Ma Family’s residence were on the same street, so there was no need to ride; a leisurely stroll would suffice.

When Jiang Shaohua went out, her trusted aides surrounded her. Ordinary people were kept dozens of steps away.

Since the assassination attempt outside the Ministry of Industry last year, followed by Cui Du’s attack in the field manor, Song Yuan had become increasingly vigilant about the Commandery Princess’s outings, being especially cautious even when near the Prince Mansion.

This kind of display had long since alarmed the Cui Family, who assembled at the front gate to welcome them.

Cui Du marrying into the Nanyang Prince Mansion was a great event for the Boling Cui Family. Family Head Cui Youshi had arrived in Nanyang County ten days ago, bringing Cui Ping and others along.

Cui Youshi, aged over sixty, was entirely white-haired yet vigorous, smiling as he cupped his hands in salute, "Welcome to the Commandery Princess!"

Although it went against current customs for a soon-to-be-married girl to leave her family home, the Commandery Princess was different from ordinary girls. Such common customs could be ignored at her discretion, and her personal escort of her fiancé delighted the Cui Family.

Jiang Shaohua showed great courtesy to Cui Youshi, smiling warmly, "Old Master Cui, please rise."

Cui Youshi was taken by surprise and repeatedly said, "I dare not."

During times of peace, the Boling Cui Family could still uphold the airs of a noble family. Now, with the chaos in Si State making those six counties ravaged by the Rouran Barbarians a sorry sight, the northern nobles lived in fear. At times like these, the powerful Nanyang County Princess was like a beacon in the stormy sea, shining gloriously and drawing people closer.

At such times, Cui Youshi felt grateful yet again for the wise decision made three years ago. Recognizing Cui Du was an extremely important and wise choice for the Boling Cui Family.

Cui Du’s entry into the family was different from Lu Xuan back then. Back then, the Prince Nanyang managed the Prince Mansion, and the Commandery Princess Jiang Yan was frail and often ill, leaving Lu Xuan with no significant role.

Now, Jiang Shaohua was the master of the Nanyang Prince Mansion, and Cui Du was not an idle presence; his new crops spread throughout Da Liang, allowing countless people to survive. His cultivated high-yield grains greatly increased per-acre yields, and various fruit and vegetable seeds enriched the people’s tables. It was truly a remarkable merit.

The Commandery Princess was Da Liang’s most dazzling Mingzhu, and Elder Changning was equally radiant, worthy of standing by her side.