Chapter 21: Illustration Of Power.(1/2)

The two of them discussed the situation in Wei County for a long time.

At first, Cui Jue thought that Chen Jiu Niang wouldn’t cause much trouble, but seeing her maneuvers to request troops, it seemed she had something up her sleeve.

If the Prince of Huai’an agreed and was willing to send troops with her to Wei County, it would be even more interesting.

The next day, the Prince of Huai’an summoned Zhao Zhengyang, the governor of Zhangling Prefecture, to inquire about the bandits in Wei County. 

Governor Zhao wore a bitter expression, finding it difficult to speak, and mournfully told the Prince about that troublesome issue.

Similar to what Chen Jiao and others had heard from the local elderly, due to geographical factors, it was indeed difficult to enter the mountains to suppress the bandits.

Chen En did not find fault or scold him.

After dismissing Governor Zhao, he sent someone to invite Zheng Zhang.

Upon learning that Chen Jiu Niang and her group had been beaten upon entering Wei County, 

Zheng Zhang frowned and said, 

“I have something to say, but I’m not sure if I should.”

Chen En picked up a teacup from the table and looked at him, 

“Go ahead.”

Zheng Zhang said seriously, 

“Jiu Niang is, after all, a lady. If she gets hurt out there, it wouldn’t be good.”

Chen En didn’t respond.

Zheng Zhang continued, 

“It’s fortunate that she only suffered minor injuries from the bandits this time. As a lady, how could she endure being beaten or killed?”

Chen En, tired of his nagging, impatiently said, 

“Enough, Zheng Zhang.”

“I called you here not to listen to your endless chattering. I want to hear about how to handle the bandits in Wei County.”

Zheng Zhang countered with a question, 

“Is Your Highness planning to send troops to suppress the bandits? Is it worth the trouble for just a few local ruffians?”

This statement silenced Chen En; indeed, it wasn’t worth it.

Zheng Zhang stroked his beard and earnestly calculated the cost, 

“I know a bit about the bandits in Wei County. Troops have been sent to suppress them several times before, but all ended without success.”

“These bandits operate in the border area between Wei County and Huaian Prefecture. 

Sending troops into the mountains is like fishing for a needle in the ocean.

“If Your Highness intends to suppress them this time, I believe the result will be no different from before, except for wasting resources and harming the people. What benefit could we gain?”

Chen En didn’t argue back, only said, 

“Indeed.”

Zheng Zhang said gravely, 

“I still maintain that Your Highness is too indulgent with Jiu Niang. Just because she has made contributions doesn’t mean she should be allowed to act recklessly.”

Chen En leaned back on the armrest, pointing at him somewhat displeased, 

“Even so, those scoundrels in Wei County are so arrogant as to dare attack officials.

“Should we, as officials, in the future, have to support them and avoid them?”

“Those scoundrels may rob merchants and commoners, but now they dare to disregard government offices. If I, the Prince of Huai’an, pass by there in the future, would I have to pay homage to them?”

Zheng Zhang remained silent.

Chen En was truly uncomfortable inside. 

He knew the cost of suppressing the bandits was too high and might not be effective, but letting it go would damage his dignity.

Zheng Zhang couldn’t come up with a solution either. 

He leaned towards persuasion, thinking that Chen Jiu Niang had brought it upon herself by meddling. 

If she had stayed quietly in the inner quarters, none of this would have happened.

Chen En understood this logic but felt that being challenged by the bandits was a blow to his face.

Firstly, Chen Jiu Niang was not like the typical ladies of the inner quarters.

Secondly, he was already the local ruler of Huizhou, yet someone dared to trample on his authority.

He couldn’t swallow this insult.

Chen En was caught in a dilemma. 

He couldn’t sit idly by, but he also didn’t have a good solution.

For two consecutive days, there was no movement from Bihua Hall. 

Chen Jiao from Lixiang Courtyard became restless; she couldn’t just take a beating for nothing.

Xu Shi gave her an idea. 

Since Chen En liked yogurt, Chen Jiao, under the guidance of Ma Chun, made some herself.

Taking advantage of Chen En’s return in the evening, Chen Jiao specially brought the honey yogurt to him.

Knowing her intentions, Chen En didn’t say much.

Chen Jiao flatteringly served the yogurt, saying, 

“Father loves yogurt. I learned to make it from Ma Chun.”

Chen En took the porcelain bowl. 

The yogurt was milky white, like jelly.

He scooped a spoonful to taste; it was rich in milk flavor but overly sweet.

Chen Jiao asked expectantly, 

“Is it good?”

Chen En nodded, 

“Very good.”

Chen Jiao smiled and started chatting with him about various topics.

Chen En responded half-heartedly, avoiding any mention of sending troops.

Finally, Chen Jiao couldn’t hold back and said in a coquettish tone, 

“Father, can you allow me to enter Wei County again?”

Chen En leaned on the armrest, glancing at her, 

“Still want to go?”

Chen Jiao nodded honestly, 

“My ambition hasn’t died.”

Chen En laughed in exasperation, looking outside, 

“You, a lady, always have your mind on the outside. What kind of behavior is that?”

Chen Jiao didn’t like hearing this and sat next to him, saying, 

“Then would Father be willing to marry me off?”

Chen En was stunned for a moment, then said, 

“I can still afford to keep you. The family doesn’t lack food for you.”

Chen Jiao pouted, 

“Then does Father think I’m embarrassing him by running around outside?”

“Nonsense, my child is a great contributor to Huizhou. Wherever you go, you represent the face of the Prince of Huai’an.”

“If Father thinks so highly of me, why won’t you let me go out?”

“I’m afraid you’ll suffer outside.”

“Then Father won’t even send troops to back me up.”

Chen En didn’t respond.

Chen Jiao wasn’t in a hurry, instead coaxing, 

“Father, I have something to say, but I’m not sure if I should.”

Chen En looked at her, 

“What is it?”

Chen Jiao theorized, 

“The day we were beaten by the bandits in Wei County, I asked Captain Xu, and he said something: under normal circumstances, bandits are unwilling to provoke officials.

“Father, aren’t you curious? How did those bandits get the guts to defy the Prince of Huai’an?”

Her words were thought-provoking.

Chen En didn’t respond for a long time.

Chen Jiao carefully observed his expression and continued, 

“I want to enter Wei County again to see what’s really going on there.

“I’m not asking for troops to act recklessly. I just want to find out why I was beaten as soon as I entered Wei County.

“Aren’t you curious, Father?”

Chen En said irritably, 

“Don’t make wild guesses behind my back.”

Chen Jiao: 

“I’m protecting Father’s face. Your child, patrolling our own territory, got beaten by a few ruffians. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing if it got out?”

Chen En:””

Chen Jiao: 

“Father, send a couple of soldiers to back me up, just to show off. Otherwise, 

people outside might think you’re easy to bully.”

Chen En still didn’t respond.

Chen Jiao shook his arm, 

“I just want to use them to show off. Just stand there, do nothing, and it’ll be very face-saving.”

Her tone was extremely naive, and Chen En was amused, 

“You think they’re toys?”

Seeing that he was softening, Chen Jiao hurriedly said, 

“Father, please agree. Give me a few soldiers to show off in Wei County. Even if we can’t deal with the bandits, we can at least scare them. The government has to show some attitude.”

This wasn’t wrong.

Being provoked by bandits and not reacting at all would indeed be inappropriate.

Chen Jiao used more sweet talk to persuade him.

Luckily, she was a woman, asking for troops like they were toys, so Chen En didn’t suspect she had ulterior motives.

If she were a man, the situation would be very different.

She coaxed and begged, just wanting a couple of soldiers to show off and gain face. 

Her manner of asking for troops was like a child asking a parent to back them up after being bullied, which indeed softened Chen En.

For this daughter, he was willing to show favoritism because of her inherent value.

This batch of yogurt wasn’t made in vain.

Chen Jiao exhausted all her wits and used a lot of sweet talk to finally get Chen En to agree to back her up.

Chen Jiao was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling as she happily said, 

“Father, you can’t go back on your word!”

Then she deliberately made a childish gesture, wanting to pinky swear with him.

Looking at the young girl in front of him whose face hadn’t fully matured, Chen En cooperatively extended his little finger, saying, 

“Your father always keeps his word.”

Chen Jiao was genuinely happy, linking her finger with his, and asked, 

“How many soldiers will you give me, Father?”

Chen En: 

“Since it’s for you to show off, fifty soldiers should be enough.”

Chen Jiao pouted, 

“Make it a round number? A hundred soldiers?”

Chen En: 

“Fifty.”

Chen Jiao: 

“A hundred, a hundred soldiers.”

The father and daughter bargained.

Chen En was extremely stingy, saying, 

“These soldiers have other uses. If I give them to you for show, there will definitely be objections in the prefecture.”

Chen Jiao: 

“Father, you’re so stingy. Just assign me a hundred soldiers. During the time I use them to show off, the military pay for fifty soldiers will come from my private account, how about that?”

Chen En’s eyes shifted as he calculated, 

“You said it yourself.”

Chen Jiao nodded, 

“Anyway, the money you gave me isn’t of much use.”

Chen En said without hesitation, 

“Then I’ll assign you a hundred soldiers.”

Chen Jiao was ecstatic because getting a hundred soldiers from him meant his bottom line could be pushed further!

Her joy was indescribable.

Chen Jiao was so excited that she started imitating the official steps of men, completely inflated.

“Mother always tells me to learn ladylike steps, but from now on I’ll learn official steps, so impressive!”

After saying this, she lifted her skirt and walked a few steps with style, asking, 

“Father, don’t I look impressive?”

Chen En was amused by her antics, which were as naive and showy as a child wearing adult shoes. 

His eyes showed indulgence as he replied, 

“Very impressive.”

Chen Jiao beamed with joy, flattering him, 

“Having a powerful father is a blessing. I can enjoy the best and even show off with Father.”

Hearing this, Chen En was in a good mood. 

Even though the yogurt was overly sweet, he still ate several more spoonfuls.

Later, Chen Jiao returned with joy, and Xu Shi was surprised to learn she could lead a hundred soldiers.

Chen Jiao couldn’t hide her excitement, her eyes shining as she said, 

“Mother, you know Father’s temper well. A bowl of yogurt solved the problem.”

Xu Shi was half-convinced, 

“Did he really agree to let you lead troops to Wei County?”

Chen Jiao nodded, 

“I’ll take a hundred soldiers. Even if I do nothing, the officials in Wei County will have to cower when they see me.”

Xu Shi clicked her tongue, 

“You really are impressive!”

Chen Jiao grinned, saying she would take some money with her since the military pay for fifty soldiers would come out of her own pocket.

Xu Shi felt the pinch, complaining, 

“Your father is too stingy. The wages for fifty soldiers are no small amount. How can he make you pay?”

Chen Jiao didn’t mind, picking up a cup, 

“I asked for it myself.”

Xu Shi came forward, 

“Fifty soldiers are enough for you to show off. Why spend more?”

Chen Jiao took a sip of warm water, shrewdly saying, 

“Taking more people will always be useful.” 

She added, 

“Mother, prepare it for me. I’ll earn even more for you in the future.”

Xu Shi was pleased by her flattery, poking her shoulder, 

“You talk big.”

Chen Jiao chuckled. 

She suddenly felt that this troublesome world wasn’t so hateful after all because she wanted to try to change it.

Starting with those hundred soldiers.

Starting from the south.

One day, they would embark on the Northern Expedition, reclaim the Central Plains, and restore the Han Dynasty.

The actions of this father and daughter were truly jaw-dropping-one dared to ask for troops, the other dared to send them.

Their wild and unreliable methods caused quite a stir among the officials in the prefecture.

Not only did the Zheng family react strongly, but even Li Shi from the second branch found it absurd.

Earlier, Zheng Zhang had earnestly advised, fearing to provoke the Prince of Huai’an, and dared not trouble him further. 

Instead, he sent his nephew Chen Xian Rong to persuade.

Chen Xian Rong was very astute and specifically went to the Qiuxiang Pavilion of the second branch to discuss the matter with Chen Xian Sheng.

When Chen Xian Rong arrived, he coincidentally met Chen Xian Sheng and his wife, who were chatting with Li Shi.

Chen Xian Sheng was around thirty years old, with a physique similar to the Prince of Huai’an, showing signs of gaining weight.

He had a kind face and a mild temperament, with no ambitions. 

Currently, he serves as the Director of Studies, overseeing the education of the prefecture.

The couple had a son and a daughter.

At that moment, Li Shi was holding her seven-year-old grandson in her arms, coaxing him.

Chen Xian Sheng said, 

“When my elder brother returns from Jiaozhou, it will probably be March.”

Li Shinodded, giving her grandson some maltose candy, 

“The journey to escort the bride is tiring. Fifth Lady is weak, so the first son and his party

will naturally travel slowly.”

Suddenly, a maid came to report that Chen Xian Rong had arrived.

Li Shi looked at her son, her eyes filled with confusion.

Chen Xian Sheng had already guessed something and said to his wife, Wang Huan, 

“Second Lady, take the children away. I’ll be back soon.”

Wang Shigot up and led the two children out.

Li Shi asked, 

“Do I need to leave?”

Chen Xian Sheng replied, 

“No need for Mother to leave. You can listen too, as it’s not good news anyway.”

Hearing this, Li Shi couldn’t help but feel puzzled, though she didn’t ask further.

Soon, Chen Xian Rong entered the side hall and bowed to the mother and son.

Li Shi smiled and ordered someone to bring a seat.

Chen Xian Rong knelt on the couch and mentioned the eldest son, Chen Xian Shu, saying, 

“I guess the Fifth Lady and the others haven’t reached Jiaozhou yet.”

Chen Xian Sheng said, 

“I was just talking about it with Mother. It will probably be March when the eldest brother returns.”

Chen Xian Rong nodded, 

“Most likely mid-March.”

The three chatted for a while before Chen Xian Rong tentatively asked, 

“Second Brother, have you heard about Father planning to send troops to Wei County?”

Chen Xian Sheng feigned ignorance, 

“What’s the reason for sending troops out of the blue?”

Chen Xian Rong immediately explained the whole story in detail.

Chen Xian Sheng didn’t want to meddle, but Li Shi frowned upon hearing it and couldn’t help saying, 

“Isn’t this nonsense? Such a small matter requires sending troops?”

Chen Xian Rong also felt it was inappropriate and replied, 

“Aunt Li is right. The officials in the prefecture all think it’s improper, but Father won’t listen to any advice.”

Chen Xian Sheng remained silent.

Li Shi looked at him and said, “What does Second Son think about this?”

Chen Xian Sheng: 

“This is Father’s decision. He must have his own considerations.”

Chen Xian Rong quickly said,