Chapter 217: Chapter 217: Maneuvering for Position
Jiang Shaohua arrived at Bowan County and first went to inspect the grain warehouse.
The six newly built Taiping Grain Warehouses were now all empty.
"Tang Wu has already taken people to buy grain." Jiang Shaohua smiled and said to County Magistrate Chen, "When the first batch of grain is transported back, it will be sent to Bowan County first."
County Magistrate Chen was greatly encouraged and immediately clasped his hands in gratitude, "Thank you for your grace, Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua laughed, "Bowan County has more land and fewer people. Most of the able-bodied men have gone to the iron mine, inevitably delaying farming, so grain has to be bought every year. I remember all these! You don’t have to worry about storing grain; managing the iron mine well will be a great achievement."
Warmth surged in County Magistrate Chen’s heart.
Interacting with the Commandery Princess, it was easy to overlook her age. The Commandery Princess wasn’t just shrewd and resourceful, she also had a remarkable breadth of mind and courage.
"This year, I will focus on the iron mine and ensure that the iron ore output doubles." County Magistrate Chen solemnly promised.
Then there was also the silver mine, which couldn’t be mentioned in public, and its output also needed to double. The Commandery Princess’s Personal Guard Camp was expanding, and the Nanyang Army had returned under the Commandery Princess’s command. The Commandery Princess was also busy stockpiling grain for the counties, each task requiring silver.
Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly and glanced at County Magistrate Chen, "I trust you to handle matters, County Magistrate Chen."
County Magistrate Chen was not the kind of official who fawned over superiors, and being praised by the Commandery Princess like this, he merely smiled. However, he was determined to live up to the Commandery Princess’s trust and high expectations.
After inspecting the grain warehouse, Jiang Shaohua went on to inspect the iron mine.
The usually silent Lu Sheren suddenly became talkative upon entering the iron mine and proactively suggested, "Commandery Princess, I observed for half a day and found that the efficiency in the iron mine is not very high. I think the residents in the iron mine can be divided into several groups, each with ten people, to work in shifts. After a day’s work, the group that digs more ore should receive double wages."
"This way, without spending much more silver, we can greatly increase the iron mine’s output."
Lu Cong, having served as the Prefectural Governor for several years, had abilities beyond family support. He had been pondering ways to offer advice to the Commandery Princess all along, and his suggestion gathered attention immediately.
County Magistrate Chen glanced at Lu Sheren but remained silent.
Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly and said, "Lu Sheren’s suggestion was actually thought of by County Magistrate Chen several years ago. It was tried for a period, but the people started straining themselves to earn more wages, which was too physically taxing. County Magistrate Chen cherishes the people and does not wish to do so."
Lu Cong was not embarrassed; instead, he smiled and saluted County Magistrate Chen, "County Magistrate Chen cherishes the people like his own children. I am ashamed in comparison. In the future, I must seek advice and learn more from County Magistrate Chen."
That’s the way of old hands in bureaucratic circles. Had it been Chen Jinyu or Ma Yaosong, they might have been too ashamed to lift their heads by now.
County Magistrate Chen laughed and responded, "Lu Sheren, you’re too modest. As a county magistrate, I am but a novice before you. Your words make me ashamed."
Lu Cong laughed, "My past matters are not worth mentioning now. As we both serve in Nanyang for the Commandery Princess, there is naturally a hierarchy in arrival. County Magistrate Chen, please guide me more."
With just a few words, Lu Cong naturally drew closer to County Magistrate Chen and also moved closer to the Commandery Princess, humbly inquiring about matters of the iron mine.
Chen Jinyu: "..."
Ma Yaosong: "..."
This old fellow is not only thick-skinned but also exceptionally skillful in social maneuvering.
Jiang Shaohua observed and simply smiled.
There are all kinds of officials. Sometimes, petty individuals are more useful than gentlemen. It depends on where and how they are used. She gave Lu Cong a wake-up call. Lu Cong was a smart person, exploring her temperament while adapting to her ways.
Since she came to Bowan County, she certainly had to visit the silver mine.
Chen Jinyu could tag along, but Lu Cong and Ma Yaosong were not yet qualified.
Jiang Shaohua didn’t explain, but instead assigned tasks to them, "I have other important matters to handle. Ma Sheren and Lu Sheren will inspect the spring plowing in Bowan County on my behalf."
The two housekeepers accepted the mission without question.
...
Once Chen Sheren left with the Commandery Princess, Lu Cong whispered, "The Commandery Princess trusts Chen Sheren the most."
Ma Yaosong was not swayed by this provocation and glanced at Lu Cong, "Chen Sheren is the Commandery Princess’s playmate and grew up with her. I only became a housekeeper last year, and you’ve been with the Commandery Princess for less than two months. If I were the Commandery Princess, I would trust Chen Sheren the most as well."
Lu Cong chuckled, "I was just joking, Ma Sheren, don’t be upset. Chen Sheren is decent, smart, and lively, also a young lady, perfectly suited to stay by the Commandery Princess’s side."
Ma Yaosong also chuckled, "Lu Sheren’s words are very true. Since we have the task, we must do it well. Why not set off now?"
Young people have good physical strength and energy, unable to stay idle for a moment.
Lu Cong grumbled inwardly but showed a pleasant expression, "Alright, let’s take a stroll through the fields now."
Inspecting spring plowing was a familiar task for Lu Cong. As a county magistrate, spring plowing and autumn harvest required inspection. After becoming Prefectural Governor, it was even more necessary to put on a good show.
However, when inspecting with Ma Sheren, Lu Cong was surprised to find that this young Ma Yaosong was quite familiar with spring plowing.
"Ma Sheren is not only familiar with horse brokerage but also very knowledgeable about spring plowing. A young talent, truly admirable."
Ma Yaosong smiled, "I’ve been accompanying my grandfather on spring plowing tours since I was six. But it’s just superficial knowledge, and I’m just putting on a show."
The words were modest, but his actions were decisive. Upon seeing an elderly woman and a child helping with a wooden plow, Ma Yaosong immediately stepped forward, took over, and plowed a few rounds quickly and steadily,
The elderly woman and child repeatedly thanked him.
Lu Cong: "..."
Serving by the Commandery Princess’s side is truly not easy. Young Chen Sheren had the advantage of familiarity, leading the way. Ma Sheren was capable and willing to work, with strong skills.
To stand out, he would have to continue to strive.
...
Three days later, the Commandery Princess finished her "important matters" and returned to Bowan County.
Both Ma Yaosong and Lu Cong were tactful and did not ask where the Commandery Princess had been in those days.
Jiang Shaohua took a day’s rest and then set off again. Chen Jinyu happily bid farewell to her parents and departed with the Commandery Princess to Bi Yang.
Chen Haoran was likewise delighted, for he was also setting off for Jingzhou Prefecture School on the same day. He could travel with his sister for two days.
The brother and sister bickered all day, but their relationship was very good.
After parting ways two days later, Chen Jinyu felt a pang in her heart and quietly wiped away a tear.
Jiang Shaohua comforted with a smile, "In the future, you must write to your brother often."
Chen Jinyu sniffed and nodded.
"Commandery Princess!" Outside the carriage, Qin Hu’s somewhat excited voice suddenly sounded, "The scouts have returned with a report; there is a group of mountain bandits ten miles ahead."