Chapter 223: Chapter 223: Change
Three days later, Jiang Shaohua led the group out of Ye County, and after a day’s journey, they arrived at Biyang County.
"From the order of the Commandery Princess’s inspection of the counties, one can see the intentions of the Commandery Princess," Lu Cong silently thought to himself. "Although Li County is poor, it is vibrant with life. County Magistrate Cai was personally supported by the Commandery Princess, works diligently and attentively, unmatched by anyone. The Commandery Princess holds him in high esteem, evidently for all the county magistrates to see. In the future, I must befriend County Magistrate Cai more closely."
"County Magistrate Chen of Bowan County oversees the iron mines and perhaps other mines too; he is the most trusted by the Commandery Princess. I should extend more goodwill towards this County Magistrate Chen."
"The Commandery Princess also holds high hopes for County Magistrate Cui of Ye County. County Magistrate Cui has Li Ying, a virtuous helper; in the future, with the couple working in harmony, they will surely be in the spotlight. I should maintain good relations with County Magistrate Cui."
"Biyang County is the territory of the housekeeper Ma, and County Magistrate Ma is a cunning old fox. It’s not easy to win him over. Moreover, I am now a colleague with housekeeper Ma and also a competitor. It’s already a good situation if County Magistrate Ma doesn’t sabotage me..."
The calculations in Lu Sheren’s mind were clicking away.
In contrast, Chen Sheren and Ma Sheren’s thoughts were much simpler.
Especially Ma Yaosong, whose eyes turned red when he saw the city gates of Biyang County from afar. Being away for nearly a year, how could a traveler not feel excited about returning home?
Jiang Shaohua smiled as she glanced at Ma Yaosong: "County Magistrate Ma personally came out to greet us. Housekeeper Ma, go ahead and support County Magistrate Ma on behalf of the Commandery Princess."
Ma Yaosong responded loudly, kicking the horse’s belly forcefully, and the horse beneath him shot forward like an arrow, reaching the group of County Magistrate Ma in an instant.
Ma Yaosong dismounted, suppressing his excitement, and supported his trembling grandfather: "The Commandery Princess ordered me to help County Magistrate Ma."
County Magistrate Ma chuckled: "Don’t be fooled by my old bones; I’m actually quite vigorous. I can serve as a county magistrate for another ten years."
Ma Yaosong tightly gripped his grandfather’s arm, feeling a wave of emotion.
County Magistrate Ma was sixty-nine last year and would turn seventy after the New Year. It is said that people living to seventy are rare, and reaching such an age is considered long-lived these days. At this age, he hasn’t retired; he still has to exert effort and work, ultimately all for the Ma family.
County Magistrate Ma glanced at his eldest grandson, smiling as he whispered, "Wipe your eyes, be cheerful; don’t let everyone make a spectacle and laugh at you."
Ma Yaosong nodded, quickly calming his emotions.
At this point, Jiang Shaohua had already ridden over. County Magistrate Ma energetically stepped forward, bowing in greeting: "Your humble servant welcomes the Commandery Princess."
The officials behind him echoed in unison: "We welcome the Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua’s eyes sparkled, and she smiled, saying, "Please rise and dispense with the formalities."
Upon entering Biyang County, they naturally rested at the Ma family estate.
Without needing a directive from the Commandery Princess, County Magistrate Ma took the initiative to speak: "It is rare for the Commandery Princess to visit Biyang County. I wonder if you would like to visit the racecourse first or inspect the brokerage?"
Jiang Shaohua smiled as she glanced at the proactive County Magistrate Ma: "Let’s go to the racecourse first."
If the horses are well-kept, discretion can be afforded with the brokerage.
County Magistrate Ma caught the meaning in the Commandery Princess’s words and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
His previous strategy was indeed correct. By reducing the scale of the brokerage and fully expanding the racecourse, as long as enough warhorses are raised, the Commandery Princess will be sufficiently tolerant and patient with the Ma family.
...
The next day, Jiang Shaohua led the personal guards to the racecourse.
There were several hundred new foals at the racecourse, along with many unfamiliar foreign grooms.
Seeing so many foals, Liu Hengchang’s eyes lit up. He rarely took the initiative to suggest: "Commandery Princess, during the martial exercises at the beginning of the year, our Third Camp took first place. Should we let the Third Camp pick their horses first this year?"
Jiang Shaohua’s eyes gleamed with a smile as she spoke slowly, "Of course. Whatever I, the Commandery Princess, have said always counts."
Liu Hengchang was overjoyed inside but maintained his composure on the surface: "Many thanks to the Commandery Princess."
Li Tianxi and the other young personal guards frequently peeked out. A few kept winking at Li Tianxi.
Li Tianxi, mustering his courage to step forward, heard the Commandery Princess say with a laugh: "It’s rare to come to the racecourse, so find yourselves fine horses and enjoy a ride."
Li Tianxi left gladly after giving his thanks and, along with the other young personal guards, scattered like a flock of birds in search of horses with enthusiasm.
For martial practitioners, seeing horses is like a lecher seeing beautiful women or a glutton seeing a feast.
Jiang Shaohua smiled knowingly, then turned to Qin Hu and others, saying: "You go, too! I have Commander Song and Commander Liu by my side, that is enough."
Qin Huma and Meng Sanbao brightened up, replying in high spirits, each showing joy.
Song Yuan said in a low voice, "Commandery Princess shouldn’t indulge them too much."
Jiang Shaohua casually laughed, "Being beside me every day is dull. Now that they’re at the racecourse, they should stretch their limbs."
Ma Yaosong immediately laughed: "Grandfather mentioned last night that there are a few untamed horses here at the racecourse that no one has been able to tame. Would Commander Song and Commander Liu like to have a try?"
This flattery was just right.
Song Yuan and Liu Hengchang exchanged glances, each tempted.
After all, men love horses. County Magistrate Ma, having raised horses for decades, would only set his eyes on truly fine horses.
Jiang Shaohua eagerly smiled, "Come on, let’s have a look too."
The Commandery Princess loves horses. Lu Cong mentally noted this and quickly followed the crowd.
When the few wild horses appeared before them, everyone gasped in amazement.
Truly fine horses!
Song Yuan chose a black horse, while Liu Hengchang picked a brown horse.
Jiang Shaohua’s eyes fell upon a white horse. This white horse had a tuft of red on its forehead, with lean long legs, smooth coat, and was very majestic.
Jiang Shaohua had seen many fine horses. This horse, which caught her attention at first glance, naturally had its reasons.
"Huh?" Chen Jinyu’s exclamation sounded from beside: "This horse looks familiar. It seems to resemble the one Young Master Zheng rides."
Indeed, this splendid horse did resemble Red Cloud very much.
Jiang Shaohua hadn’t thought of Zheng Chen for a long time. The presence of this horse, resembling Red Cloud, quietly stirred her inner memories...
Ma Yaosong eagerly smiled: "Would the Commandery Princess like to try this remarkable horse?"
Jiang Shaohua’s gaze turned to Ma Yaosong’s bright smile: "Did you specifically have County Magistrate Ma find this horse?"
Wait, the smile on the Commandery Princess’s face seemed to have faded a bit.
Could it be that his compliments had missed the mark?
Ma Yaosong’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly restrained his smile, replying respectfully: "Your servant once saw Young Master Zheng’s majestic horse and thought of finding an even better horse for the Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua said calmly: "Housekeeper Ma has been thoughtful. However, I am not lacking in fine horses in my stables, so this horse
will stay in Biyang Racecourse!"
Ma Yaosong quickly responded with due respect.
The Commandery Princess turned slowly, going to look at other splendid horses.
Chen Jinyu gave Ma Yaosong a teasing smile.
Ma Yaosong: "..."