Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 37: Spring Plowing (Part 1)

Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Spring Plowing (Part 1)

In a flash, two days had passed.

The Spring Plowing Ceremony is a major event. Jiang Shaohua deliberately woke up early today, went to the training ground to practice martial arts for an hour, shot three quivers of arrows, then bathed, dressed, and groomed.

Her long hair was tied up, adorned with a bejeweled crown, and she donned the Commandery Princess attire.

The crown of pure gold was set with dozens of large Dongzhu pearls, interspersed with red and blue sapphires, with exceedingly exquisite craftsmanship. The ceremonial dress of bright yellow was embroidered with a Xuan Bird Pattern in golden thread, complex, dense, and incredibly sumptuous.

A ten-year-old girl with such a youthful face, wearing such attire, seemed slightly burdensome. Nonetheless, Jiang Shaohua carried it with a noble bearing full of presence, completely holding her own.

Her eyes radiated brilliance, and her luminosity was so dazzling that it was difficult for others to look directly at her.

Chen Zhuo, Feng Wenming, and the other officials all wore their official uniforms, each with a respectful demeanor. Song Yuan was also dressed in a military officer’s uniform, leading a retinue of trusted aides surrounding and escorting them.

The trusted aides were all tall and robust, making a young lad of similar height to the Commandery Princess stand out quite a bit.

Chen Zhuo had already heard from the Commandery Princess about Cui Du, but today was the first time he saw him, casting his gaze over for a glance.

His hair was short, quite unusual, but his features were exceptionally handsome. His eyes were clear and open, giving an impression of sincerity and straightforwardness.

His temperament and disposition were unknown, but the first impression he gave was quite favorable.

"I’ve heard the workshop has been busy for two days and nights making a new type of plow." Chen Zhuo withdrew his gaze and said with a smile, "Will the Commandery Princess try it out during today’s Spring Plowing Ceremony?"

In the recent days of study meetings, Shen Mu had not shown up, busily working in the workshop all along. Others might not know the details, but Chen Zhuo was well aware in his heart.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "Yes. If the new type of plow proves to be easy and efficient to use, it can be promoted for widespread use."

Anything beneficial to agriculture is of significant importance.

Chen Zhuo’s spirits lifted, and he chuckled softly: "Shen Gongzheng has made quite an achievement this time."

The real contributor was Cui Du, who provided the blueprint.

In the presence of the others, Jiang Shaohua didn’t say much, only offering a slight smile.

At that moment, Lu Junma, who had been "ill" for several days, arrived.

Lu Xuan had been embarrassed and disgraced in public a few days ago and had since claimed to be ill. Every day, Jiang Shaohua sent people to inquire after his well-being and deliver medicine, outwardly maintaining decorum, yet never once visiting personally.

After many days, the father and daughter finally met again. As their eyes met, their emotions were complex... at least, Lu Xuan’s feelings were highly complicated.

Before the rule of the father over the son, there is the rule of the sovereign over the minister.

As her father, he could not straighten his back before his daughter at all, all because she bore the Jiang surname and was the Nanyang County Princess. He had been too hasty, revealing his ambitions prematurely.

Jiang Shaohua was raised single-handedly by Prince Nanyang, with a sharpness and insight beyond her years. Though she was not yet of age, she was like a fierce beast; anyone who dared to encroach on her territory would face her claws and fangs. Bloody and battered.

He had been mistaken.

Mistaken in underestimating his opponent, mistaken in his arrogance.

From today on, he needed to curb his reckless confidence, endure and obey, patiently wait for the right opportunity. He could outlast his father-in-law, Prince Nanyang, and could likewise endure until his daughter married off.

"I’ve been ill for several days, but I’ve recovered now." Lu Xuan asked gently, "Today I wish to accompany the Commandery Princess to the Spring Plowing Ceremony. May the Commandery Princess consent?"

Jiang Shaohua seemed to have forgotten the previous discord between father and daughter, smiling and nodding: "If you wish to come, then come along!"

Lu Xuan gratefully thanked the Commandery Princess for her grace, then tactfully stood below the officials.

Holding himself so lowly, even Chen Zhuo couldn’t help but secretly marvel. This Lu Xuan’s endurance was extraordinary, indeed not to be underestimated.

Chen Zhuo inquired with a glance at the Commandery Princess whether Lu Junma should stand closer.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes flickered slightly, neither approving nor disapproving.

Chen Zhuo understood, withdrawing his gaze.

What the Commandery Princess was willing to give was just a slight semblance of respect. Lu Junma had only himself to blame.

Shen Mu arrived the latest. However, no one blamed him. Shen Mu had stayed up for two nights without sleep, and his thin, dark face was filled with exhaustion, his eyes bloodshot.

Jiang Shaohua was very understanding of her officials: "Minister Shen has stayed up for two days and nights without rest, certainly very fatigued. Take a rest in the carriage later."

The highlight of the Spring Plowing Ceremony is the plowing, and every official must enter the fields today. Shen Mu was no exception. Being able to rest in the carriage for a while was a grace from the Commandery Princess.

Shen Mu gratefully thanked her for the favor.

Mr. Zhao followed promptly. Jiang Shaohua welcomed him with a smile.

With everyone gathered, Jiang Shaohua was the first to step through the main gate of the Prince Mansion. The officials and military officers followed, the procession grand and imposing.

Cui Du stood with Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao, positioned close to the Commandery Princess. By just lifting his head, he could see the slender silhouette of the girl.

This array, this aura, truly magnificent!

...

The even more impressive scene was yet to come.

The carriage turned out of the Prince Mansion, onto the broad street.

This bustling and lively street had been cleared in advance, with townsfolk lining both sides. As soon as the Commandery Princess’s procession appeared, the crowd erupted in loud cheers.

"Long live the Commandery Princess!"

"Heaven bless Nanyang, heaven bless the Commandery Princess!"

Cui Du listened to the thunderous calls ringing in his ears, his blood surging, inexplicably excited, nearly joining in the cheers.

Jiang Shaohua sat serenely in the carriage, listening to the waves of sound outside, a long-lost passion welling up inside her heart.

This is Nanyang County, and the people here are her subjects. Here is her home, her roots. In this life, she would not abandon her people again.

The people’s love for her was all due to the benevolence of her grandfather. Her grandfather had been Prince Nanyang for decades, governing with leniency and kindness. Now that her grandfather had passed a year ago, the people’s admiration and affection for him had transferred onto her.

She instructed Yin Zhutu Bai to pull up the curtains on both sides of the carriage.

As the fine bamboo blinds lifted, Jiang Shaohua turned and waved with a smile at the people. The cheers from the townsfolk grew even more fervent.

Mounted on a fine steed, Song Yuan kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings. The trusted aides each remained on high alert, eyes wide open. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say not even a fly could come close.

Chen Zhuo and Feng Wenming shared a carriage, watching this scene, and Chen Zhuo spoke with satisfaction, "The Commandery Princess, like the Prince, cherishes the people."

Feng Wenming leaned out to look, then laughed softly, "When the Prince used to go on tour, the people’s calls were never this fervent."

Chen Zhuo chuckled silently.

People naturally have a tender spot for the weak.

The Commandery Princess, being young and beautiful, may inspire less awe but engenders a closer affinity among the people.

An hour later, they arrived at the field manor.

The fields are all outside the city, except for this one manor, which was inside the city and in a very good location. The grain planted here each year is specifically supplied to the Prince Mansion. The annual Spring Plowing Ceremony in Nanyang County is also held here.

Upon entering the field manor, Cui Du could hardly take his eyes off the scene.

Everywhere he looked were fertile fields!

This was a beautiful scene that could only appear in his dreams!

Did the Commandery Princess mean to reward him with this fertile land?! _{fr\eewe.bn(o)v\el.c(o)m}

He was willing to work like an ox or a horse, to serve her for a lifetime!

"What are you grinning about?" Meng Sanbao tugged on the daydreaming Cui Du: "The Commandery Princess is changing to go down to the fields. We must all go down with her. Hurry up!"

...