For the young, growing up happens in an instant.
For example, the lively and innocent Chen Jinyu, awakened by her grandfather’s words, tossed and turned all night, and the next day rose with dark circles under her eyes, yet her face was calm as usual.
Looking into the mirror, Chen Jinyu was startled by her haggard appearance, needing to carefully apply fine powder to her pretty face, and soon she regained her vibrant and radiant look.
Silently repeating to herself several times "to serve diligently and cherish the Commandery Princess", she energetically went to the Commandery Princess’s courtyard.
Jiang Shaohua had long risen, clad in red and white martial arts attire, practiced boxing for an hour, and shot two quivers of arrows. Slightly sweating, she bathed and changed clothes, looking exceptionally radiant like a dew-covered begonia.
"Sister Jin Yu comes at a perfect time," Jiang Shaohua greeted with a smile, "Join me for breakfast."
Chen Jinyu happily agreed, seated as usual, joining Jiang Shaohua for breakfast. The round table held four types of soup, more than ten varieties of pastries, and six light and tasty side dishes.
"The Ma family’s chef is quite skilled," Chen Jinyu praised with a smile.
Jiang Shaohua nodded with a smile, "Indeed. After touring for over two months, today’s breakfast was the most exquisite and delicious."
Chen Jinyu felt proud in her heart for performing well, deserving applause!
Little did she know, not mentioning what happened last night was itself unusual.
Given Chen Jinyu’s temperament, for her to hold back words, there was only one reason. Clearly, last night Chief Historian Chen had already "enlightened" her.
Jiang Shaohua understood this but did not say it out loud.
As Chen Zhuo said, their friendship with Chen Jinyu was genuine. Using Chen Jinyu as a housekeeper to subtly manipulate the Chen Family father and son was also true. The two were not contradictory.
Like an old fox such as Chen Zhuo, he understood well. Chen Jinyu, still young and pure, momentarily could not figure it out. Now that she has comprehended it, feeling a little upset and uncomfortable is inevitable.
No matter, Chen Jinyu will gradually adapt.
Just like when she entered the palace at ten years old with a sincere heart, she suffered many hidden losses and cried secretly many times, only then gradually adapting to the life of open and covert conflicts.
Chen Jinyu, as a woman entering officialdom, serving beside her, wanting to make achievements, cannot always be a naive girl, must mature and grow up.
"To report to Commandery Princess," Yin Zhu announced with a smile, "Ma is already waiting outside the courtyard."
Jiang Shaohua casually instructed, "I will inspect the grain warehouse today, let him arrange the carriages and horses."
Yin Zhu responded and withdrew.
Jiang Shaohua looked at Chen Jinyu with a smile, "Sister Jin Yu, I appointed Ma Yaosong as housekeeper; are you unhappy about it?"
"How could I be," Chen Jinyu answered smoothly, "Ma Yaosong has been with County Magistrate Ma since childhood and is very familiar with official duties. The Commandery Princess elevating him to housekeeper, the Ma Family is grateful, and Ma will earnestly fulfill his duties. It’s a good thing."
Jiang Shaohua patiently listened, then softly asked, "I mean, do you feel you’re not the only housekeeper, do you feel disappointed?"
Chen Jinyu wanted to say no, but looking into Jiang Shaohua’s clear and calm black eyes, a suppressed bit of grievance surged up. Her nose suddenly felt sour.
"A little," Chen Jinyu lowered her eyes, shyly admitting.
Jiang Shaohua held her hand, her voice extremely sincere, "I use him to restrain County Magistrate Ma. Sister Jin Yu is different."
The difference is, isn’t it also to restrain my grandfather and father?
Chen Jinyu couldn’t help but look up, meeting Jiang Shaohua’s gaze, but couldn’t say the words on her lips.
Jiang Shaohua didn’t give her time to think or hesitate, continuing, "When I appointed you as housekeeper, there were indeed reasons related to your grandfather and father, but more importantly, I wanted you beside me. Otherwise, I could have waited one or two years until your brother became an Advanced Scholar, then elevate and make use of him."
"I have a lot to do, I need someone I fully trust by my side. Sister Jin Yu, do not belittle yourself because of Ma Yaosong, and don’t overthink."
"In my heart, you are different from others."
These heartwarming words soothed Chen Jinyu’s underlying grievances.
Chen Jinyu bit her lip, self-mockingly whispered, "Look at me, even though I’m three years older than you, I still act like a child needing comfort."
"You needn’t say anything more! I know you’re hardworking and painstaking. In the future, I’ll definitely serve sincerely, becoming your right-hand person as soon as possible."
Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows curved, she laughed.
Ma Yaosong indeed was a clever young man, after Commandery Princess’s order, in just the time of burning an incense stick, the carriage and horses were ready.
Jiang Shaohua and Chen Jinyu rode in one carriage, with Yin Zhutu Bai serving inside. Chief Historian Chen and Chief Clerk Wen rode another. As for Song Yuan and others, they rode horses alongside.
Ma Yaosong himself rode a horse, leading the way ahead.
The Ma Family has raised horses for over twenty years; the ranch never lacks good horses. Ma Yaosong rode an impressive black horse today, with quite the vibrant and youthful demeanor.
With such a display, the people along the way knew it was the Commandery Princess traveling, quickly moving to the sides of the street.
Chen Jinyu occasionally glanced outside the carriage, turned to Jiang Shaohua and smiled, "Ma rides excellently."
Jiang Shaohua casually smiled, "Most of Biyang County is designated as ranch land; how could Ma not know how to ride?"
The carriage proceeded through several streets, soon stopping outside a large grain warehouse.
"Commandery Princess, this is the Taiping Grain Warehouse." Ma Yaosong quickly dismounted and personally opened the carriage door, looking quite respectful.
Jiang Shaohua alighted from the carriage, glanced around and smiled, "This grain warehouse is larger than those in Bowan County and Ye County."
Chen Jinyu laughed and continued, "I wonder if the warehouse is stocked as per the Commandery Princess’s requirements."
Ma Yaosong immediately replied, "Upon receiving the Prince Mansion’s document, my grandfather wasted no time, promptly sending people to purchase grain. The warehouse contains five types: millet, wheat, rice, sorghum, and beans, all filled. A new warehouse is being located and built, and within three months it will be ready."
"Please rest assured, Commandery Princess, Biyang County will certainly store three years’ worth of grain for the people."
He paused and added, "The Biyang County ranch is also storing hay. Though storing for three years is not easy, storing enough for one year is no problem."
No matter the personal motives of County Magistrate Ma, in terms of handling duties and work, there’s really nothing to criticize. Bowan County’s warehouse is full, with half of it old grain. Ye County is all new grain, though less diverse than Biyang County.
Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, "Ma spoke so well; I must personally take a look."
As they spoke, they saw County Magistrate Ma coming out of the warehouse to greet them.