Chapter 237: Chapter 237: The Assignment (Part 1)
"Lu Sheren coming here so early in the morning, is there something important to report?"
Jiang Shaohua wore a red and white martial attire, with a few beads of sweat on her forehead, like a flower bud covered in dew, looking exquisite. At this moment, she asked gently, with a smile in her eyes.
Lu Cong responded affirmatively and presented the proposal he had written overnight: "I have indeed come to see the Commandery Princess about a matter of importance."
"Mr. Cui has grown new grain in the manor. Promoting the new grain in Nanyang County is the foremost priority from now on."
"Mr. Cui wants to stay in the manor to continue selecting seeds and nurturing seedlings, and does not have the time to go and teach the people of the Fourteen Counties one by one. I believe we should have all counties send people to the manor to learn how to plant the new grain."
"Each county should select five to ten experienced farmers to come to the manor to learn for one or two months, just in time for the second planting season."
"I have no other skills but am willing to recommend myself for this task. This is the proposal I wrote, please have a look, Commandery Princess."
Promoting new grain is indeed a top priority at the moment.
This matter is easy to say but extremely cumbersome to do. As Lu Cong said, Cui Du cannot be everywhere at once and cannot visit each county. Then everyone in each county must send people to the manor to learn how to plant the new grain.
How many people should each county send? How should they be managed once they arrive? Arranging meals, lodging, and daily necessities for one or two hundred people needs to be organized. What level of proficiency is considered qualified? Should there be a standard set as a goal and basis for evaluation? Should those who learn well be rewarded to encourage everyone’s enthusiasm? And whether the method of planting new grain should be recorded in detail, etc.
In short, it is definitely not a light and easy task. It can even be said to be complicated and thankless.
Jiang Shaohua looked at Lu Cong, took the proposal, and quickly browsed through it.
There were three pages in total, with neat and elegant handwriting, round and beautiful. Just seeing this fine handwriting, one can tell Lu Cong’s renowned talent from years past was not gained by luck.
Looking more closely at the content, it is clear Lu Cong put a lot of thought into it. The three pages list dozens of items, from selecting farmers to learn, to the rules to follow upon entering the manor, to arrangements for clothing, food, housing, and travel — each is written clearly and meticulously.
No wonder he managed the government office as a Prefectural Governor; his vision and abilities are in no short measure.
Jiang Shaohua smiled: "Lu Sheren, you must have spent quite some time writing this proposal!"
Lu Cong calmly replied: "I don’t hide from the Commandery Princess, this proposal, I spent the night writing it. In fact, since I entered the manor and saw the corn, I have been pondering over this matter."
"Receives the lord’s salary, must share their worries. As I receive salary, I should wholeheartedly fulfill my duties."
"I implore the Commandery Princess to give me a chance. I will undoubtedly devote myself to accomplishing this matter well."
Lu Cong finished speaking and bowed deeply.
Jiang Shaohua did not immediately agree, only said: "I will call an official meeting later, and this matter needs to be discussed with the officials."
Lu Cong respectfully agreed.
...
An hour later.
In the study of Prince Nanyang, the officials greeted in unison: "We welcome the Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua smiled: "Everyone, no need for formalities, sit down!"
The officials sat down according to their ranks. As the lowest-ranked housekeeper, Lu Cong took the last seat.
Chen Zhuo was the first to speak, reporting all the major affairs from the Prince Mansion over the past half-year.
In fact, these matters were usually written in letters. However, since the Commandery Princess is back for a meeting after being away for half a year, even Chief Historian Chen was somewhat excited, and his voice was noticeably louder than usual.
Next was Chief Historian Feng reporting: "...Commandery Princess, the taxes for each county this year have all been collected and delivered to the Prince Mansion. I led the Household Department in verifying the tax silver, and they are all logged in the register."
After speaking, Chief Historian Feng presented the tax register to the Commandery Princess.
Jiang Shaohua looked through the register, initially smiling, but upon seeing the latter part, her smile faded, and she sighed lightly: "Revenue does not meet expenses, Nanyang County needs to store grain, raise troops, and pay respect to the Empress Dowager, also maintain interaction with the Capital City. Every matter requires silver. Thank you for your hard work, Chief Historian Feng."
Chief Historian Feng also sighed: "I know the difficulties faced by the Commandery Princess. The Prince Mansion has been spending silver rapidly for over a year, and if this continues, even if I had three heads and six arms, it wouldn’t be enough."
Jiang Shaohua looked at Chief Historian Feng’s graying temples and felt a rare sense of guilt.
The enormous Prince Nanyang Mansion’s expenditures all pass through Chief Historian Feng’s hands. It can be said that Chief Historian Feng is the Chief Steward of the Prince Nanyang Mansion.
Jiang Shaohua softly coaxed Chief Historian Feng: "After this busy period, take a few days off."
Chief Historian Feng was pleasantly coaxed by the Commandery Princess, and with a bit of reserved joy, he smiled: "The Prince Mansion’s daily affairs are many, the Household Department never rests for a day, how could I take leave?"
"I said this in hopes the Commandery Princess would understand the Household Department and be more restrained when spending silver."
Jiang Shaohua readily agreed.
Yang Shi energetically began to report on the Criminal Room’s affairs.
This time on the inspection tour, the Commandery Princess only caught him once, handling two cases of widows remarrying. Bearing the black pot, as they say, after several experiences, becomes a routine matter.
Yang Shi was honest about working, doing business, and Jiang Shaohua found him pleasing, praising the Criminal Room a few words with a smile.
Yang Shi was full of joy and happiness.
Following, Chief Clerk Wen, who had passed his six decades, energetically began to report. The storage conditions of Nanyang County’s warehouse and Fourteen Counties’ grain reserves were known thoroughly by Chief Clerk Wen.
Minister of Industry Shen Gongzheng’s workshop was still the busiest. Hundreds and thousands of new plows were made, and recently they’re busy crafting weapons and armor.
After deliberating for half a day, it was finally the turn of the three housekeepers.
Chen Jinyu spoke: "Next, promoting the new grain is the main task. I proactively request to lead this task."
This was not the time for courtesy.
Ma Yaosong immediately picked up: "I have walked about managing affairs since young, and I have some insights. I beseech the Commandery Princess to grant me this task."
Lu Cong remained silent.
Jiang Shaohua’s gaze swept over, smiling slightly: "Chen Sheren Ma Sheren, you were a step late. Early this morning, Lu Sheren came to offer himself. He had spent the night writing the specific proposal."
Then she smiled at Chief Historian Chen and Chief Historian Feng: "The proposal is here. Please, esteemed Chief Historians, take a look and see if it is feasible."
Chen Jinyu: "..."
Ma Yaosong: "..."
This sly old fellow!
The two young housekeepers watched as Lu Sheren’s proposal received high praise and the task naturally fell to Lu Cong.
After the meeting concluded, the officials left one by one. Lu Cong, newly appointed to the task, walked away briskly.
Ma Yaosong, perceptive, quietly retreated.
Chen Jinyu held his pretty face taut, angrily resembling a frog.
Jiang Shaohua teased with a smile: "What’s wrong with Chen Sheren? Your mouth could hang a bottle of oil."