Chapter 19

After leaving Bihuatang, Chen Jiao could not help but break into a cold sweat.

The old fox was exactly what he seemed; not a single one of her thoughts could escape his sharp, discerning eyes. She had originally assumed that by hiding behind the guise of a daughter, she could avoid rousing any suspicion from the Prince of Huaian, yet clearly, he had been suspicious all along.

On the other side, the Prince of Huaian sat cross-legged on his couch, his mind replaying the moment he had locked eyes with Chen Jiao. Whether it was his imagination or something more, he felt that the girl was somewhat uncanny. Her methods seemed rather unorthodox.

"Gao Zhan."

Gao Zhan entered the room, and Chen En ordered, "Go and bring Old Chang here."

Gao Zhan acknowledged the command and withdrew. Chen En stroked his beard, lost in thought; the girl had performed a great service, and she certainly deserved a substantial reward.

Before long, Chang De, the steward of Bihuatang, arrived. Chen En instructed him to go to the treasury to retrieve jewelry, ornaments, and property deeds for farms and estates to be transferred to Chen Jiao.

It was the first time Chang De had seen him be this generous, so he asked, "May I ask, Master, should these items be drawn from the public account?"

Chen En pondered for a moment. "The money shall come from my private account, while the fields and estates shall be drawn from the public account."

Chang De agreed and withdrew. After he had left, Chen En seemed to recall something and suddenly added, "Gao Zhan."

Gao Zhan walked to the doorway. "Master."

Chen En said, "Go and fetch Cui Jue; I have matters to discuss with him."

About an hour later, Cui Jue arrived at the estate. He was still in his official robes, having ridden directly from the government office. Gao Zhan led him toward Bihuatang.

Cui Jue tentatively asked, "Guard Gao, do you know why the Master is looking for me?"

Gao Zhan shook his head. "The Master did not say."

Cui Jue gave a soft "Oh," his mind racing with speculation.

Upon arriving at Bihuatang, Cui Jue was ushered into the study. Chen En was busy writing something. Seeing him arrive, he beckoned, "Wen Yun, come here. I have something to discuss with you."

Cui Jue stepped forward, bowed, and took his seat on the couch as instructed. Chen En looked at him and asked, "Ninth Daughter just came to ask for her reward. Guess what she asked for."

Cui Jue’s intuition stirred. He replied, "It must be some strange reward; otherwise, the Master would not be in such a hurry to see me."

At these words, Chen En slapped his thigh and pointed at him. "The reward she requested is indeed very strange."

Cui Jue raised an eyebrow but did not ask what it was.

Chen En said, "She said she wants to farm."

Cui Jue: "???"

Chen En continued, his tone meaningful, "To farm. To farm the land of an entire county."

Cui Jue: "..."

The two looked at each other, both falling silent. After a long while, Cui Jue finally said, "I have something to say, though I do not know if I should."

Chen En stroked his beard. "Speak."

Cui Jue weighed his words carefully, choosing an extremely tactful tone: "There are many ways to farm. One is to merely sow the seeds without ever harvesting; another is to both sow and harvest."

The metaphor was incredibly apt. Chen En laughed and said, "She is the former—she only wants to sow, not to harvest."

Cui Jue fell silent. What was she aiming for, then? This topic was clearly sensitive, and knowing Chen En’s suspicious nature, he chose to remain tight-lipped.

Chen En slowly stood up and threw out a life-or-death question: "Wen Yun, do you think I should grant it or not?"

Cui Jue’s brain worked at top speed. He gently rubbed the scar on his thumb and replied, "Ninth Daughter used the dried mustard brine to control the spread of the lung abscess; she should be rewarded. However, as for how to reward her, I cannot offer a suggestion. But..."

Chen En pressed, "But what?"

Cui Jue deflected the question: "I believe Zheng, the Assistant Magistrate, would likely be willing to offer a suggestion."

Tsk!

Chen En stared at him in silence. Cui Jue kept his gaze fixed on his own nose and heart. He had no desire to provoke Chen Ninth Daughter’s wild, unorthodox methods. If this pit was to be dug, it had to be dug by the Prince of Huaian himself, or by the Zheng family. If he got involved, he might find himself covered in filth. More importantly, Chen Ninth Daughter was useful to him.

Chen En suddenly pointed at him and chided, "As sly as a fox."

Cui Jue gave a dry laugh and brushed it off. "The Master mocks me."

Chen En retorted crossly, "If you can't even offer this much advice, what use are you? Get out!"

***

Cui Jue rose and bowed, then scrambled out. As he left, he specifically adjusted his official cap, feeling a sense of indignation. That wretch Chen Jiao was so wild that she actually wanted to claim a fief—she really dared to think big!

This speculation was not unique to Cui Jue; the Prince of Huaian felt the same way. They both thought Chen Jiao’s appetite was too large. Now that the ball had been kicked to Zheng Zhang, Cui Jue didn't want to offend anyone, and neither did the Prince of Huaian. Chen Jiao’s merit was plain for all to see, and Chen En couldn't easily suppress her, but her arrogance had to be curbed. Using Zheng Zhang to do so was the perfect solution.

Thus, when the problem was tossed to Zheng Zhang, he privately brought it up with his nephew, Chen Sanlang, Chen Xianrong.

Chen Xianrong was twenty-seven, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, possessing a heroic air and inheriting the fine looks of the Zheng family. As the legitimate son, he served as the Director of the Ministry of Justice, responsible for inspecting the officials of the province, and held significant power.

Hearing that Chen Jiao wanted to claim the land of an entire county, Chen Xianrong was clearly shocked. He couldn't make heads or tails of it and asked the soul-searching question: "What does she want with so much land?"

Zheng Zhang sneered, "Who knows?"

Chen Xianrong always felt she was reckless and held a prejudice against Chen Jiao. He asked, "Did Father agree?"

Zheng Zhang replied, "He hasn't. Yesterday, he asked me whether he should grant it or not. If I say no, he will surely think the Zheng family is taking our anger over Fifth Daughter out on Chen Ninth Daughter. Now that she is using her merit to demand land, if the Zheng family blocks it, we will surely become unpopular."

Chen Xianrong was filled with questions. "We will not be the villains in this."

Zheng Zhang nodded. "But we can't let her off easy, either."

Chen Xianrong: "What does Uncle mean?"

Zheng Zhang said meaningfully, "Since she wants to ask for a county to farm, I shall grant her wish. Let’s give her Wei County in Zhangling Commandery."

Upon hearing "Wei County," Chen Xianrong’s expression turned subtle.

Two days later, Bihuatang sent over a considerable amount of jewelry and wealth, along with two shops, an estate, a hundred acres of farmland, and a two-courtyard residence. These assets had all been transferred to Chen Jiao’s name.

Not only that, but Lady Xu also received the document recognizing her as a legitimate concubine. After sending away the Steward Chang, who had delivered the items, Lady Xu was ecstatic. She had never seen so much wealth in her life and picked up one item after another, exclaiming, "Oh, Heavens! We are rich!"

Chen Jiao sat on a stool, smiling helplessly as she lifted her cup. "Look at Mother’s lack of poise."

Lady Xu turned to look at her, her eyes shining. "Steward Chang said that your father has never rewarded his children like this before; you are the first."

Chen Jiao had no interest in the items and simply said, "If Mother likes them, then keep them."

Lady Xu replied, "I'll save them for your dowry."

As they spoke, the voice of Old Mother Jiang came from outside, saying that Gao Zhan had arrived. Chen Jiao went to the front hall. Gao Zhan saw her approach, bowed, and said kindly, "The Master sent me to inform Ninth Daughter that he has granted your request for the land."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao’s spirit lifted, and she asked joyfully, "Truly?"

Gao Zhan nodded. "The Master said to give you the land in Wei County, Zhangling Commandery, to farm."

Chen Jiao rarely showed such joy; her eyes sparkled with genuine delight. Gao Zhan also smiled, though his expression was enigmatic.

After he left, Chen Jiao immediately sent someone to find Old Mother Jiang’s son, Ma Chong, as she had questions for him. Ma Chong was on duty at the gatehouse, greeting visitors and managing arrivals, and knew many things. He was invited by a maid into the side chamber.

Chen Jiao glanced at Old Mother Jiang, who understood and withdrew to guard the door. Ma Chong bowed respectfully.

Chen Jiao went straight to the point: "I ask you, does Commandant Xu have any real power in the provincial government?"

Ma Chong was stunned, then replied, "Returning to the Young Lady, as far as I know, the Commandant’s real power is held by the Master. The Eldest Young Master and the Zheng family also hold some, but for military and political matters like the Commandant’s, the Master would never leave them to outsiders."

Chen Jiao nodded and slowly stood up, thoughtful. "And Young Master Cui? Does he have real power?"

Ma Chong said, "Young Master Cui is a favorite of the Master, even more highly regarded than the Zheng family."

Chen Jiao laughed, satisfied. "You are quite sharp. You will have a bright future."

Ma Chong quickly said, "Thank you for your praise, Ninth Daughter. During this epidemic, we all benefited greatly from your kindness. If you have any orders in the future, just speak; I will do my utmost."

Chen Jiao nodded and then asked about Xu Zhao’s relationship with Cui Jue and his background. Ma Chong answered everything he knew.

Before long, Old Mother Jiang returned. Chen Jiao looked at Ma Chong, and he withdrew.

Chen Jiao said, "I need to go to the Cui residence."

Old Mother Jiang asked tentatively, "Will the Young Lady go openly, or..."

Chen Jiao replied, "Openly." She paused, "I am going to ask him for a person."

Old Mother Jiang closed her mouth and remained silent.

***

Chen Jiao suddenly added, "I will be leaving the estate in a few days. I entrust my mother to your care, Mother Jiang. With you and Ma Chong in the house, I can rest easy."

Old Mother Jiang asked worriedly, "The outside world is not as stable as the estate. Are you really planning to leave, Young Lady?"

Chen Jiao did not answer, only saying, "Your daughter, Ma Chun, is steady. If she is willing to follow me, she can come along to seek her fortune; I will certainly not treat her poorly."

Old Mother Jiang had already witnessed her abilities and quickly agreed, "As long as the Young Lady thinks well of her, she will naturally be willing."

Chen Jiao said, "Discuss it with her yourself; I will not force her."

Old Mother Jiang nodded.

The next day, when the provincial officials were on leave, Chen Jiao paid a formal visit to the Cui residence. When Cui Jue learned she was coming, he naturally knew her purpose, for he had already heard rumors about the Prince of Huaian granting her Wei County.

The mistress and her servant were invited into the residence. It was not very large, but the layout was exquisite, reflecting the elegance of a scholar in every detail. Chen Jiao walked with a lady’s grace, observing her surroundings. She wore a goose-yellow dress with trailing ribbons, her shawl fluttering with every step. Apart from two gold pins and a jade comb in her high bun, there were no other accessories. She held an exquisite peacock-feather fan, her eyes darting about with a gleam of cunning.

Cui Jue had been on guard since she threatened him last time; he could not let her manipulate him again.

The two were invited into the front hall, where Cui Jue had been waiting for some time. Today, Chen Ninth Daughter carried enough weight to catch his eye, and Cui Jue performed a bow. Chen Jiao returned the gesture.

Cui Jue gestured for her to sit. They each took their seats. After the maid served tea, Chen Jiao glanced at Old Mother Jiang, who tactfully withdrew to guard the entrance. The attendant Wang Ni also stood guard outside, ensuring no one could eavesdrop.

Chen Jiao took the initiative: "I have come uninvited today to ask a favor of Assistant Magistrate Cui."

Cui Jue looked at her coldly. The word "ask" was used with great subtlety. Last time she came to "ask," she had displayed shamelessness to the extreme. If she came to "ask" today, it likely boded ill.

Cui Jue gave a forced smile. "The Young Lady honors me too much. You are now a favorite of the Prince of Huaian; is there anything the Master would not grant you?"

Chen Jiao played with the jade pendant on her fan’s handle, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I want to ask you for someone."

Before she could say who, Cui Jue refused: "Forget it."

Chen Jiao gave a "humph" and used the same tactic she had used on the Prince of Huaian, acting coyly: "Assistant Magistrate Cui is so stingy."

Cui Jue knew the nature of this wicked woman and was not swayed by this at all. He issued an order to leave: "I have important business to attend to. If the Young Lady has any matters, you may seek the Master. Please forgive me for being unable to solve your difficulties."

Chen Jiao lifted her chin and dropped the act, speaking directly: "I want to ask for Xu Zhao. I want him to accompany me to Wei County."

Cui Jue fell silent.

Chen Jiao continued, "He is an old acquaintance of yours. If you speak, he will surely do his best to protect my safety."

Cui Jue’s temples throbbed. Wei County was a giant pit, and one that the Zheng family and the Prince of Huaian had dug themselves. If Xu Zhao got involved, it would surely lead to disaster.

"Assistant Magistrate Cui, why do you not speak?"

Cui Jue remained silent for a long time before saying, "Xu Zhao will not go."

Chen Jiao said with crystal clarity, "Of course he won't go. What kind of good place could Zheng Zhang possibly pick for me?"

Cui Jue: "..."

Chen Jiao said calmly, "But that doesn't matter. I am a person who loves to force things."

Cui Jue: "..."

Even though he had already witnessed her lack of shame, the degree of it today still opened his eyes. Facing such a boorish and unreasonable wicked woman, if she wouldn't leave, he would!

Without any hesitation, Cui Jue got up to leave. However, he underestimated her unscrupulous methods. To drag him back to the negotiating table, Chen Jiao decisively stood up and shoved a large door across his path.

Cui Jue stopped abruptly, not daring to move forward. Because the woman had suddenly loosened her collar, revealing a glimpse of her chest. A lock of hair fell onto her beautiful collarbone; her slender neck, the flowing lines of her shoulders, and her fair skin radiated the energy of youth. It was truly eye-catching.

Chen Jiao looked at him with a charming smile and challenged, "Try taking another step forward, Young Master Cui."

Cui Jue stared fixedly at her face, his amber pupils filled with a haze that could not be seen through. "And if I refuse, what will you do?"

Chen Jiao smiled brilliantly. "Guess."