Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 22: Gathering In

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Gathering In

One hour later.

Yin Zhu tiptoed in and whispered, "Commandery Princess, Meng Sanbao reports that Doctor Sun has already examined the mute boy. He has a few abrasions that will be fine in a few days with some medicine."

To have fallen from such a height and only suffer minor injuries was indeed fortunate.

Jiang Shaohua nodded.

Yin Zhu continued to report, "Doctor Sun also carefully checked his throat and prescribed some medicine, suggesting a period of medication first."

Jiang Shaohua slightly nodded and put the matter aside.

The mute boy, whether capable or just bragging for a meal, wasn’t worth her effort. It wasn’t significant.

A dreamless night.

The next day at the fifth hour, Jiang Shaohua got up and as usual, went to the Martial Arts Training Ground. Her sparring partner was, as always, Song Yuan.

Song Yuan took a loss among the snickering of young trusted aides like Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao without changing his expression.

With a flushed face, Jiang Shaohua chuckled softly, "Uncle accompanies me in practice every day, taking the blame for my losses."

Song Yuan’s right hand tingled with pain as he offered a helpless smile: "These mischievous lads think I’m just currying favor with the Commandery Princess by letting her win."

In time, they will know the Commandery Princess’s true prowess.

For now, they can misunderstand as they please!

Speaking softly, the trusted aides couldn’t hear what was said from afar.

Qin Hu nudged Meng Sanbao with his elbow, "Though Commander Song let her win on purpose, the Commandery Princess’s skills are genuinely impressive."

Meng Sanbao nodded in agreement, "The Commandery Princess can definitely take on three by herself."

For a ten-year-old girl to possess such skills was something to be proud of.

Of course, with them around, there was no need for the Commandery Princess to make a move.

"I’ve arranged for someone to keep an eye on the mute boy," Qin Hu casually mentioned, "In ten days or so, report to the Commandery Princess."

Meng Sanbao was somewhat reluctant, "Why does this task fall to me?"

Qin Hu smiled mischievously, "The mute boy spit on nobody but you, indicating your fated connection."

Meng Sanbao’s face darkened as he spat in disdain.

...

Jiang Shaohua practiced for an hour, then returned to the courtyard.

From afar, she saw three figures, one tall and two short.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyebrows slightly twitched. Yin Zhu immediately said, "If the Commandery Princess doesn’t wish to meet Aunt Mei, this servant will send her away."

"No rush," Jiang Shaohua quickly decided, "Let’s see what she has to say."

Aunt Mei had brought Lu Ying and Lu Ruohua to pay respects, clearly at Lu Xuan’s behest.

Seeing the Commandery Princess’s figure from afar, Aunt Mei inexplicably grew nervous.

She was born and raised in the Nanyang Prince Mansion, serving Jiang Yan from a young age. Later, she served Lu Xuan, gave birth to Lu Ying, and was elevated to Aunt’s status. Though seemingly respectable, the Prince never gave her a freedom contract.

When the Prince passed, that contract fell into the hands of the Commandery Princess.

"This servant greets the Commandery Princess," Aunt Mei bowed her head humbly.

Lu Ying and Lu Ruohua had been instructed, bowing together: "Greetings to the Commandery Princess."

Their mother had told them to address her as ’older sister’ before their father, and ’Commandery Princess’ in his absence.

Aunt Mei’s cautious tact was apparent to Jiang Shaohua.

Jiang Shaohua casually glanced over, "Aunt Mei, please rise. You two may also rise," she said, stepping past them into the courtyard gates.

She didn’t send her away.

Aunt Mei secretly sighed in relief and quickly led her children into the courtyard.

Lu Ying kept his eyes downcast without looking around. Lu Ruohua, only four years old, playful and innocent, quickly forgot her mother’s instructions and looked around curiously.

Inside, Jiang Shaohua sat at the head. Aunt Mei never intended to sit, standing respectfully to the side. Lu Ruohua exclaimed, "Mother, my legs are sore."

Alarmed, Aunt Mei was about to console her softly when the Commandery Princess casually said, "Sit down."

Aunt Mei gratefully responded and led the children to sit. Not daring to wait for further command, she gently said, "This servant brought them to pay respects to the Commandery Princess. Should we disturb the Commandery Princess, we beg pardon."

Her demeanor was extremely humble.

In truth, it was Lu Xuan who sought to seize the family wealth in the past life. Aunt Mei neither had the capability nor the audacity. After Lu Xuan continued taking new concubines, Aunt Mei, aging and losing favor, could only rely on her two children.

A thought crossed Jiang Shaohua’s mind, softening her attitude toward Aunt Mei significantly, "If Aunt Mei is inclined, feel free to visit often."

Aunt Mei looked up in surprise, "Is the Commandery Princess serious?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly, "Aunt Mei is an elder in the Prince Mansion, serving my mother for years, and then my father, raising two children. Your cautious and conscientious manner hasn’t gone unnoticed."

"My grandfather often praised Aunt Mei for understanding etiquette, otherwise, you wouldn’t have been chosen for my father, nor granted your rank."

"In my presence, Aunt Mei can be more relaxed, no need for formality."

Aunt Mei never expected Jiang Shaohua’s gentle manner, feeling both honored and uneasy, she rose, "The Prince’s grace is immeasurable, as is the Commandery Princess’s kindness, truly this servant’s fortune accumulated over lifetimes."

Jiang Shaohua faintly smiled, "If you keep calling yourself a servant, where does that leave Ying and Ruohua? Though they don’t bear the Jiang name, they are my half-siblings. For their sake, Aunt Mei should hold her head high."

Tears welled in Aunt Mei’s eyes, unable to respond.

Everyone in the mansion envied her luck. Only she knew how constrained her life had been. Lu Xuan never looked her way. She seldom appeared so as not to offend the Commandery Princess.

Today, obeying Lu Xuan’s orders, she came with low expectations, prepared for humiliation.

Yet, the Commandery Princess was so understanding and gentle...

Jiang Shaohua turned to Lu Ying, "I heard you’ve begun studying."

Lu Ying raised his clear eyes, "Yes, father sets aside an hour daily to teach me literacy."

Lu Ying inherited Lu Xuan’s good looks, with Aunt Mei’s delicacy and gentleness in his features. Facing such a well-behaved, precocious child, it was hard to feel anything but fondness.

Jiang Shaohua spoke kindly, "Father enjoys literary gatherings and often leaves the mansion. Moreover, studying for only an hour a day is too little. I’ll find you a good teacher to focus on your education. When you’re older, I’ll send you to Jingzhou Prefecture School."

Lu Ying was slightly bewildered, but Aunt Mei was so moved she trembled, clutching her son’s sleeve, "Quickly thank the Commandery Princess!" _{fre/ew.ebnovel.c om}

Nanyang County belongs to the Commandery Princess, as does the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Her words far outweigh anything Lu Xuan might say.

Lu Ying obediently thanked her.

Aunt Mei also rose, formally expressed gratitude for the Commandery Princess’s kindness.

In a mother’s heart, nothing mattered more than her son’s education and future.