Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 566: The Generous Gift (Part 4)

A few dishes of exquisite snacks, a pot of good wine, and a pair of lifelong friends sitting opposite each other.

The moon is bright with few stars, the night breeze is gentle, sipping lightly, feeling utterly at ease.

Chief Historian Feng drank a few cups with relish and then softly told Chief Historian Chen about the gift of a gold mine from the Boling Cui Family: "...The Boling Cui Family, worthy of being a prestigious family with several hundred years of history, is truly wealthy and generous. Even though it’s a small gold mine and the output is not much, it’s enough to support two or three thousand soldiers."

Chief Historian Chen raised his eyebrows with a smile: "Since the family produced a genius like Elder Changning, it’s only right that family resources are inclined towards him."

Cui Du was a low-key person, never flamboyant, and his reputation outside was not notable. Only the subordinates of the Nanyang Prince Mansion knew how important Cui Du was to Nanyang County and the Commandery Princess.

To the Commandery Princess, a steady supply of food was more important than gold and silver.

To the common people, it was even more so.

The continuous influx of refugees into Nanyang County was largely due to the successful promotion of the new grain, allowing all the homeless and destitute to know there was a place where everyone could have a full meal.

The things Cui Du did could all be documented in the genealogy of the Boling Cui Family, bringing them honor and glory. In the future, should chaos arise, the Commandery Princess would surely protect the Boling Cui Family on behalf of Cui Du. Ultimately, it was the Cui Family who gained a major advantage.

Offering a gold mine of uncertain size, yet to be exploited, was indeed worth it.

Chief Historian Feng raised his cup with a smile: "These last couple of years, money flows like water both within and outside the Prince Mansion. As the Chief Historian of the Household Department, I’m nearly at my wit’s end. This time, with multiple generous gifts received at the Commandery Princess’s grand wedding, the burden on my shoulders has lightened considerably, and my heart feels truly liberated. Come, let’s have another drink."

Chief Historian Chen chuckled and clinked cups with his old friend.

After three rounds of drinks, Chief Historian Feng, slightly tipsy, lowered his voice and asked: "In your opinion, how long will this battle in Si State last?"

Bringing up the war, Chief Historian Chen felt somewhat heavy-hearted and sighed: "I don’t understand matters of war. However, I’m well-acquainted with the behavior of the prominent ministers of the court. The soldiers at the front are fighting tooth and nail, yet the court behind is neither united nor stable, and the infighting has been exceptionally fierce lately."

"If it weren’t for our Commandery Princess fully supporting the border army in war, providing both food and soldiers, barely stabilizing the morale and spirit of the troops, the border army would have been defeated long ago."

He sighed again: "Our Nanyang Prince Mansion can manage to support for a few months, but we can’t continue like this indefinitely. The expense of money and food in war is a bottomless pit, not to mention the constant casualties. Our Nanyang Prince Mansion has poured in more than half of the savings from several years. You, above all, know this."

Isn’t that so?

Chief Historian Feng also sighed deeply, placing the cup down with a thud: "The first time, we dispatched four thousand Nanyang Army soldiers and delivered two hundred thousand shi of military provisions. This time, it’s two thousand elite trusted aides, sending one hundred thousand shi of military provisions."

"I’ve already discussed with the Commandery Princess. Nanyang County has no more food and people to spare. Regardless of what happens in the war next, no more resources can be provided. Otherwise, it would severely impact the foundation on which the Nanyang Prince Mansion stands."

Chief Historian Chen glanced at Chief Historian Feng.

Chief Historian Feng, being a long-time close friend of Chief Historian Chen, knew what was on his mind just by looking into his eyes and muttered: "As a vassal, I’ve said all that needs to be said. Whether she listens and what she does next depends on the Commandery Princess’s intentions."

"That’s right." Chief Historian Chen said in a low voice: "The Nanyang Prince Mansion belongs to the Commandery Princess. Whatever she decides, we as her vassals should follow her lead."

"Your blunt nature needs to be restrained a bit. Words that shouldn’t be spoken, don’t let them slip out in excitement and cause the Commandery Princess displeasure."

Chief Historian Feng took the advice and nodded in agreement.

...

The day before the Commandery Princess’s grand wedding, the Nanyang Prince Mansion was freshly cleaned, decorated with lanterns and festoons, and adorned with red celebratory decorations everywhere.

All the guests who were supposed to come had already arrived.

Chief Historian Feng, who had received countless gifts, was unexpectedly surprised by a grand gift sent from the Capital City today. Upon seeing the gift list, he was quite shocked and hurriedly took it to see the Commandery Princess.

"Commandery Princess, this is the gift list sent by the Wang Family. Please have a look."

Jiang Shaohua took the thick gift list, quickly browsed through it, and after reading, remained silent for a moment.

This gift was indeed overly generous, far exceeding the usual specifications of congratulatory gifts.

Based on her "relationship" with Prime Minister Wang, the Wang Family should not have sent such a hefty gift. Clearly, this gift wasn’t prepared by Prime Minister Wang. Then who could it be?

A handsome and elegantly refined young face flashed in her mind.

In her past life, dressed in her bridal attire, she married into the Wang Family. That young man, whose eyes were full of admiration, lifted her red veil, and they drank their nuptial wine, becoming husband and wife.

In this life, having severed ties with her past, she embarked on a path entirely different from her previous life. She and Wang Jin were destined to part ways, never to have a marital connection again.

"There’s also a letter from Wang She Ren, sent along with the gift list to the Prince Mansion." Chief Historian Feng presented the letter as well.

Jiang Shaohua steadied herself, opened the letter, and the familiar handwriting came into view.

Wang Jin’s letter was written with proper etiquette, without any impropriety, congratulating her on welcoming a husband into her home, and wishing her and her spouse a deep and loving relationship after the marriage.

It was very respectable.

In contrast, the silence from Zheng Chen was rather lacking in grace.

It made sense; after all, everyone’s character differs, and naturally, so does how they conduct themselves.

Jiang Shaohua said to Chief Historian Feng: "Keep this gift list well. When Wang She Ren gets married in the future, remember to prepare a gift of the same magnitude."

Chief Historian Feng bowed and accepted the order.

...

The night before the wedding, another slightly embarrassing situation arose.

After bathing and changing clothes, Jiang Shaohua was reading some leisure books on her bed.

At this moment, Mrs. Zhang entered.

Mrs. Zhang first shot a look at Yin Zhu and Tu Bai. The two maids exchanged glances and left together. Mrs. Zhang sat by the bed, coughed softly, took out a thin booklet from her sleeve, and quickly stuffed it into Jiang Shaohua’s hand: "Commandery Princess, take a look at this booklet."

Jiang Shaohua: "..."

In fact, she understood all she should about matters between men and women. She had even given birth and raised a child. Such a booklet was of little consequence to her.

However, Mrs. Zhang’s gaze was firm and insistent.

Jiang Shaohua had no choice but to say: "I’ll take a look later."

Mrs. Zhang immediately said: "Look at it now, your servant will be here to accompany the Commandery Princess. If there’s anything you don’t know or understand, just ask your servant."

Jiang Shaohua: "..."

Mrs. Zhang, thinking Jiang Shaohua was shy and embarrassed, lowered her voice with a smile: "Matters of humanity and ethics are nothing to be embarrassed about. Elder Changning is of the same age as the Commandery Princess, without even a maid by his side, and never entangled with any women, it is evident that he knows nothing. Commandery Princess, take a good look and learn, so you can smoothly consummate the marriage tomorrow night."

Jiang Shaohua, feeling her scalp tingle under Mrs. Zhang’s gaze, had no choice but to open the first page, seriously observing and studying carefully.

...