Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 41: Identity (Part 2)

Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Identity (Part 2)

When Mr. Cui was swept by those charming eyes, his entire body was covered in goosebumps.

Being more handsome than a eunuch—is that something to be proud of?

Mr. Cui wasn’t skilled in acting, and his internal rejection naturally showed on his face.

Mr. Zhao was an expert at reading people’s expressions. Seeing this, he was somewhat displeased and glanced mockingly, "What’s this? I praise Mr. Cui’s handsomeness, and Mr. Cui isn’t happy?"

Chen Zhuo was about to smooth things over when Jiang Shaohua smiled and took over, "He is but a ten-year-old child who has suffered from mutism due to family misfortunes and hasn’t dared to meet people during his time at the Prince Mansion. Today, upon suddenly seeing Mr. Zhao in his splendor, he was momentarily shocked. Mr. Zhao, please forgive him this time."

Mr. Zhao’s expression softened, "Commandery Princess praises this servant so generously, this servant truly doesn’t deserve it."

"Why not deserve it?" Jiang Shaohua said with a smile, filling Mr. Zhao’s ears with flattery, "When my grandfather was alive, he often praised Mr. Zhao in front of me for his astuteness, his well-rounded demeanor, and how he was the most handsome and premier eunuch in the palace."

Mr. Zhao was coaxed into laughter.

Jiang Shaohua raised her sleeve, "The food is ready. Let’s go to the dining hall. Mr. Zhao, please go ahead."

Mr. Zhao hastily said with a smile, "Commandery Princess should not belittle this servant. Commandery Princess, after you; this servant will just follow you."

Jiang Shaohua took a step forward, and Mr. Zhao let her pass while closely following her.

Chen Zhuo and Feng Wenming exchanged a quick smile and stepped forward to follow.

Song Yuan reached out to pat Mr. Cui on the shoulder, signaling him to follow behind. Mr. Cui came to and quietly followed along.

When he lifted his gaze, the slender figure of the Commandery Princess appeared in his view.

Truly shameful. He, a twenty-five-year-old man, was far less tactful than a ten-year-old girl and had to rely on her protection in everything.

...

An hour later, the evening banquet concluded.

Shen Mu left with satisfaction as the first to take his leave. Inside his sleeve were five blueprints, with the remaining fifteen to be fetched from Mr. Cui in a couple of days.

With these blueprints, gathering all the carpenters and blacksmiths in Nanyang County, many new style plows could be quickly produced. As the Commandery Princess said, at the very least allowing the people in Nanyang County to use them first. By the fall plowing season, they could be promoted throughout all the counties in Nanyang County.

Chen Zhuo, on behalf of the Commandery Princess, escorted Mr. Zhao back to his courtyard and also handed over an "ancient book," conveniently saying:

"Our Commandery Princess is young and determined, unwilling to leave Nanyang Prince Mansion, moreover unable to abandon the hundred thousand people of Nanyang County. She can only disappoint the Empress Dowager’s intentions. Please, Mr. Zhao, speak well of the Commandery Princess when you return to the palace."

Mr. Zhao glanced at the hefty ancient book, felt a thrill, and laughed heartily, "I’ve stayed long enough in Nanyang County and should return to the capital to report. Upon return to the palace, presenting the new style plow to the Empress Dowager will be my first task. Rest assured, Chief Historian Chen, I will speak on behalf of the Commandery Princess in front of the Empress Dowager."

Chen Zhuo expressed gratitude with clasped hands, "In this case, thank you very much, Mr. Zhao. Could Mr. Zhao leave an address so that I may write to you later or occasionally send some local specialties from Nanyang County?"

It was common for the chief eunuchs in the palace to set up outside residences. Some even went as far as pretending to marry wives and raise sons-in-law. Mr. Zhao hadn’t done these things, but he did indeed have an outside residence where he kept most of his gold and silver.

Upon hearing about local specialties, Mr. Zhao was intrigued.

As the Chief Eunuch of Jingyang Palace, many people sent him gifts. However, none were as generous as the Commandery Princess.

Money moves people’s hearts. Being a eunuch, having neither roots nor descendants, what remains is these mundane pleasures.

Mr. Zhao softly recited the address of his outside residence to Chen Zhuo.

Chen Zhuo noted down the address and was just about to say goodbye when he heard Mr. Zhao ask, "By the way, I heard Mr. Qiu plans to resign?"

Chen Zhuo remained calm, "Indeed. Chief Steward Qiu has already submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Personnel, and the Commandery Princess has also sent a memorial to the court."

"Chief Steward Qiu is going to the Ministry of Personnel to report on his duties and seek promotion. Since you’re embarking on your journey, it’s just as well that Mr. Qiu accompanies you back to the capital."

This last sentence was the key point.

Mr. Zhao did not inquire about the reason for Chief Steward Qiu’s resignation and agreed cheerfully.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shaohua personally said to Song Yuan, "There’s an empty courtyard next to my uncle’s residence, where Mr. Cui can be settled. Please ensure my uncle takes care of his daily needs."

Song Yuan agreed at once.

The mute child’s drawings of blueprints proved highly valuable and needed proper care.

Song Yuan led Mr. Cui away, and as Mr. Cui walked a distance, he quietly looked back. Unfortunately, the Commandery Princess did not see him off personally.

In the Prince Mansion, only Chen the Chief Historian received a personal send-off from the Commandery Princess to the door.

Song Yuan, leading Mr. Cui into the side courtyard, ordered two servants to clean out the east wing room and instructed Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao, "Mr. Cui, spending his first night here, might feel uneasy. Since you two know him well, stay tonight to keep him company."

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao nodded in agreement and exchanged a sighing glance.

Who would have thought that the mute child would rise to prominence so swiftly?

Uncle Song Yuan showed care towards Mr. Cui, personally advising him, "In public, call me Commander Song; in private, call me uncle. Remember, you’re my Song Yuan’s nephew."

Mr. Cui nodded vigorously.

He must cling unwaveringly to such a protective figure.

Song Yuan continued, "You can draw blueprints, which is your strength. The Commandery Princess values you highly. Complete the remaining fifteen blueprints; do not let her down."

Mr. Cui straightened his chest, gestured with his fingers, indicating he’d finish them within two days.

Song Yuan nodded with satisfaction.

Yin Zhu arrived with two brocade boxes, smiling as she said, "These are gifts from the Commandery Princess to Mr. Cui."

Before Mr. Cui could react, Meng Sanbao stepped forward to accept the two brocade boxes. Feeling their weight, he almost couldn’t hold them, "Silver Vermilion Sister, what’s in these brocade boxes to make them so heavy?"

Yin Zhu gave Meng Sanbao a playful glance, "These are meant for Mr. Cui. He’ll know once he opens them."

Meng Sanbao sheepishly replied.

After Yin Zhu left, Song Yuan soon departed as well.

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao circled Mr. Cui once, "Strange, earlier we couldn’t see you having such capability."

"Are the new style plow blueprints really drawn by you?"

Mr. Cui felt a deep satisfaction at having risen up to take charge and quietly sat down, pulling out a charcoal pencil and drawing paper.

Qin Hu and Meng Sanbao leaned in to take a look, then immediately took a few steps back, vigilantly watching the surroundings.

In reality, the courtyard was still empty; besides the two cleaning servants, not even a fly was around. How could there be any idle people nearby?

Mr. Cui noticed this and felt both amused and touched.

Their loyalty to the Commandery Princess was truly deep! Obviously looking down on him before, but after the Commandery Princess gave him status and regard, their attitude towards him changed immediately.

Yes, he too must work diligently and serve faithfully, being loyal to the Commandery Princess.