Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 40: Identity (Part 1)

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Identity (Part 1)

Having finished the official business, Chen Zhuo and Feng Wenming turned their heads together in tacit agreement.

This mysterious mute boy who appeared out of nowhere could draw the design of a new-style plow. Watching his swift and skilled movements with the brush, one couldn’t help but think.

Perhaps, the mute boy’s mind is filled with many such designs...

The Commandery Princess has truly found a gem.

Chen Zhuo softly suggested, "Commandery Princess, should we mention Mr. Cui’s significant contribution in the report?"

Jiang Shaohua replied blandly, "No need. His identity is unclear, he cannot speak, and he’s so young. It’s not appropriate for him to be overly conspicuous. I will ensure he is not treated poorly. There are still three empty houses in the subordinate officials’ quarters; let him choose one to stay. His daily needs will be treated as per Minister of Industry Shen’s standards."

To punish when there is a fault and to reward when there is merit is only proper.

Chen Zhuo nodded in agreement.

Feng Wenming, hearing the phrase "so young," felt somewhat peculiar. The Commandery Princess and the mute boy were about the same age, weren’t they... The Commandery Princess being calm, steady, and shrewd was a good thing, but she lacked the vivacious dynamism that girls her age should have.

Jiang Shaohua glanced over, "Chief Historian Feng, do you have something to say?"

Feng Wenming steadied himself, "I was thinking, since Mr. Cui will stay at the subordinate officials’ quarters, he should have a proper title."

Jiang Shaohua nodded in approval, "Chief Historian Feng has thought things through. Could I trouble you to carefully think of a suitable title for him?"

Feng Wenming: "..."

As a minister, it’s my duty to relieve the burdens of my lord.

Feng Wenming’s mind turned quickly, and he soon had an idea: "Externally, we can announce that Mr. Cui is a distant relative of the Commandery Princess, coming to rely on the Commandery Princess after losing his family elders."

If they were to keep the mute boy, they needed to provide him with a reasonable and plausible identity.

Chen Zhuo thought briefly and said, "That wouldn’t be appropriate. The Commandery Princess is still young now, but as she grows older year by year, Mr. Cui being close in age could lead to unsavory rumors."

Like having raised a future son-in-law candidate since childhood, for example.

With Chen Zhuo’s reminder, Feng Wenming also realized, got up with a face full of self-reproach, and apologized, "I was thoughtless, please forgive me, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Chief Historian Feng’s good intentions won’t be blamed by me." After a pause, she said, "My grandmother had a direct sister who married into the Boling Cui Family and passed away two years ago. Externally, we’ll say Mr. Cui is the descendant of my aunt, here to seek refuge with Commander Song."

Song Yuan is the direct nephew of the late Princess of Beihai, who came to Nanyang County at the age of fifteen to serve as the personal soldier commander at the Nanyang Prince Mansion.

A nephew seeking refuge with his uncle was quite common. The Commandery Princess was giving face to Commander Song by treating Mr. Cui graciously, making it perfectly reasonable.

Feng Wenming repeatedly expressed his agreement.

Chen Zhuo, meticulous in his thoughts, pondered even deeper. The Commandery Princess clearly intended to keep the mute boy for some time, and this identity had been carefully considered. Today, she merely voiced it through Feng Wenming.

Cui Du was still engrossed in drawing, completely unaware that he had already become "the nephew" of Commander Song.

Jiang Shaohua smiled as she gave instructions, "Tu Bai, go to the kitchen and have them prepare a feast. Tonight, I will host Chief Historians Chen and Feng, Commander Song, Minister of Industry Shen, and Mr. Cui for dinner."

Tu Bai promptly took the order and went to arrange the dinner.

Standing outside, Song Yuan was called in, and upon hearing Jiang Shaohua’s arrangements, he nodded without the slightest hesitation and agreed, "From now on, I am Mr. Cui’s uncle."

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly.

Such an arrangement not only provided Cui Du with a legitimate identity but also took into consideration Song Yuan’s situation. If Song Yuan chose to remain unmarried and childless as in the previous lifetime, he would at least have a younger generation by his side to take care of him in his old age.

Cui Du, absorbed in his own world, was quite unaware that he had already become the nephew of Song Yuan, a favored figure in the Prince Mansion.

As the light dimmed, Yin Zhu used a fire lighter to ignite the candlestick. Eight candlesticks illuminated one after another, making the hall as bright as day.

Cui Du, feeling somewhat tired from drawing, rubbed his right wrist with his left hand and sighed. Upon lifting his head, he noticed that at some point, a few more people had gathered around him, all watching him intently.

Cui Du felt a chill from being stared at and instinctively cast a pleading look towards the most familiar Commandery Princess.

The Commandery Princess pursed her lips and smiled, "Don’t be nervous, Chief Historians Chen and Feng heard that the design came from your hand and are curious to take a look."

Chen Zhuo and Feng Wenming cooperatively wore gentle smiles.

They might not realize it, but that kind of smile could be quite intimidating! Easily reminiscent of a smiling tiger!

Cui Du secretly grumbled while maintaining a well-behaved expression.

Jiang Shaohua then smiled and said, "By the way, this is your uncle, Commander Song; come over and pay your respects."

Cui Du: "..."

It took a cup of tea’s time for Cui Du to come back to his senses.

Great!

The Commandery Princess had given him a legitimate identity! This Song Yuan was the elder and confidant of the Commandery Princess; even privately, she would call him uncle. He wouldn’t suffer any loss by calling him uncle.

Cui Du thought joyfully as he quickly put down the charcoal pen and cupped his hands to salute Song Yuan.

Song Yuan, naturally stern and not prone to smiles, even in such a joyful occasion as "recognizing a nephew," showed little smile, only slightly nodding and reaching out to help Cui Du up.

Chen Zhuo laughed heartily, "The reunion of uncle and nephew is a joyful event. We’re here today to share in the merriment." He casually took a Jade Pendant from his waist and presented it to Cui Du as a token.

Feng Wenming, lacking the habit of flaunting jade pendants, instead used his usual golden abacus as a token. The golden abacus, only the size of a palm, could fit into a sleeve pocket, being exquisite and small.

Shen Mu, feeling embarrassed, rubbed his fingers and, after some thought, took off the Mutton Fat Jade Ring from his hand.

Cui Du wanted to decline but heard his newly acknowledged helpful uncle say, "These are all from the elders, accept them."

Cui Du obediently accepted them and tucked them all into his sleeve pocket.

Jiang Shaohua watched this scene with a smile before saying, "I also have a token to give, I will send it to Mr. Cui’s residence tonight."

The first rule Cui Du learned at the Nanyang Prince Mansion was to be respectful to the Commandery Princess, so upon hearing this, he promptly cupped his hands and expressed his gratitude.

Even though Cui Du could not speak, the scene of acknowledgment was still lively.

Just as they were about to move to the dining hall, Mr. Zhao came with a fragrant presence, "I’m here to join the fun as well."

Jiang Shaohua smiled as she cast a glance at Qiu Yuanshang beside Mr. Zhao, "I was about to send someone to invite Mr. Zhao." Mr. Zhao had just arrived and naturally got the news from Chief Steward Qiu.

Qiu Yuanshang awkwardly avoided the knowing gaze of the Commandery Princess.

Chen Zhuo coughed lightly and introduced Cui Du to Mr. Zhao with a smile, "Mr. Zhao, this is Mr. Cui, the nephew of Commander Song, who came to Nanyang County to seek refuge with Commander Song due to the loss of his family elders."

Cui Du sensibly cupped his hands and saluted.

Having performed the gesture frequently lately, the posture was practiced and refined.

Mr. Zhao sized him up with a smile and praised, "Mr. Cui is truly handsome. Even more so than I was at his age."

Cui Du: "..."