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Chapter 396 No Appointment
Thirty miles along the official road outside the city gate of Nanyang County, a long convoy of cars was resting.

The Imperial Guards, known as the elite of Daliang, were covered in dust after a long journey, no longer as glorious as before. They gathered in groups of three or four to eat dry food and drink cold water, and grumbled in low voices.

"The emperor ordered to summon Zheng back to the capital, why did Zheng Sheren go to Nanyang County halfway?"

"This delay will take at least ten days."

"Young people are not steady when doing things. Mr. Zheng wants to see Princess Nanyang himself. Once he gives the order, we all have to follow him."

"Hush! Keep your voice down! It's not your place or mine to interfere in this matter. It's good to come to Nanyang County to rest for a few days. We encountered a riot by refugees a few days ago, and so many people were killed. There are also many injured in the team. It's a good time to recuperate for a few days before leaving."

The whispers of the Imperial Guards naturally could not reach the ears of Imperial Envoy Zheng Sheren.

At this time, Zheng Chen got off the carriage, stood with his hands behind his back, and gazed into the distance.

The deputy imperial commissioner, Doctor Jiao, also got off the carriage, stroked his beard, and said with emotion: "After staying in Yan County for a few months, I came to Nanyang County. It's a world of difference."

Nine out of ten houses in Yan County were empty, and the people died or fled, leaving less than 20% of the population. Large areas of good farmland were abandoned and no one cultivated them, leaving the whole place desolate.

Along the way, places like Yan County were not uncommon. It was different when we entered Jingzhou. There were many fertile fields beside the official road, and farmers could be seen busy in the fields from time to time. The farmers were obviously well fed and not hungry, and they all had strength.

Only those who have witnessed the chaos and disorder in the north and the suffering of the people can appreciate the gravity of this.

The peace in Jingzhou is of course all thanks to Princess Nanyang Jiang Shaohua.

The new grain from Nanyang County has been distributed throughout Jingzhou. In the past year, every family has had a good harvest, and after paying the grain tax, there is still enough food for the whole family. For the people, this is the best of days.

Moreover, with the two elite armies of Nanyang Army and the Imperial Guard Battalion, all refugees and bandits would have to avoid them. The entire Jingzhou was safe and prosperous because of Nanyang County.

After entering Nanyang County, this feeling became even more profound. Doctor Jiao really admired the Princess of Nanyang County and couldn't help but praise her: "It is really admirable for a girl to have such ability."

When Zheng Chen heard these words praising Jiang Shaohua, he felt proud and proud: "The princess is really amazing."

This Jiang Shaohua was very different from her previous life, and even more and more unfamiliar to him. But his feelings for her did not cool down, but became more and more intense.

He should have hurried on and returned to the capital as soon as possible. When he passed through Jingzhou, he could not help but make a detour to Nanyang County, just to see her.

Doctor Jiao was an old and shrewd man. He knew what Zheng Sheren was thinking, but he didn't say it out loud. He smiled and said, "We are on the way to Nanyang County. It won't be too late to let the Imperial Guards rest for seven or eight days before setting off again. My old bones can't stand the bumps. When we get to the Nanyang Palace, we must have a good rest."

Thinking of the upcoming reunion with Jiang Shaohua, Zheng Chen's heart warmed up. He nodded and ordered everyone to set off.

An hour later, the convoy arrived outside the city gate of Nanyang County. According to convention, a team of more than 100 people could not approach the city gate at will. Otherwise, it would be regarded as a malicious attack on the city gate.

Zheng Chen and his entourage stopped five miles outside the city gate, and the personal guard commander Peng Sihai rode his horse to the city gate to deliver the message. Next, they just had to wait for Princess Nanyang to come and greet them in person.

Zheng Chen waited patiently with a secret and joyful mood. This wait lasted for half a day.

As expected, someone from the Nanyang Palace came to greet them. However, it was not Jiang Shaohua who came, but Feng Changshi, Yang Shenshi, Shen Gongzhengwen, and Lu Junma, who rarely appeared in public, also came, which was considered grand.

Zheng Chen's smile faded and he bowed and greeted Lu Junma Feng Changshi and others.

Seeing the unhappy look on the imperial envoy's face, Feng Changshi explained, "Our princess was unable to come to greet you in person because she is not in the palace and is inspecting the farm. I have sent someone to the farm to deliver a letter. The princess will return to the palace tomorrow at the latest."

Zheng Chen calmed down a little: "So the princess went to the farm."

Feng Changshi replied calmly, "That's right. Coincidentally, there was an imperial envoy who arrived a few days earlier than Zheng Sheren, and that was Wang Sheren. The princess went to the farm this time with Wang Sheren."

Zheng Chen: "..."

Zheng Chen's smile froze: "Wang Sheren has also come to Nanyang County?"

"He came five days ago." Feng Changshi replied with a smile: "Since Mr. Zheng is here, it's a good opportunity for him to stay with Mr. Wang for a few days, and then they can return to the capital together."

Zheng Chen's complexion quickly returned to normal, and he smiled and said, "It is a pleasure to meet Mr. Wang unexpectedly."

This Wang Jin was really determined and came to Nanyang County to get involved. When Zheng Chen thought that Jiang Shaohua was traveling with Wang Jin, the jealous fire in his heart spread like wildfire.

Doctor Jiao immediately laughed and continued, "We came to Nanyang County to rest for a few days and to personally thank the princess for sending us food."

It would have been fine if he hadn't mentioned grain, but when he did, the outspoken Feng Changshi had to say something ambiguous: "Grain is the most precious these days, and we don't have much surplus grain in Nanyang County. The princess is broad-minded and cares about the court and the people, so she donated grain. People who know about it praise our princess for her generosity and kindness, but some villains with ulterior motives secretly mock our princess and spread some untrue rumors, which is really annoying."

"This is only possible for our princess, she doesn't bother with those villains. If it were someone else, they would have turned their backs on them long ago. It would be much better to keep plenty of food for your own people, why bother offering food and being gossiped about."

Even though Doctor Jiao was thick-skinned, he still felt the heat of this indirect criticism. Those who gossiped behind the scenes were not only the Prime Minister's followers, but also the officials of the Queen Mother's faction, who also talked a lot in private.

Even Doctor Jiao himself privately told Zheng Chen that Princess Nanyang was too generous and seemed to be seeking fame.

Doctor Jiao smiled awkwardly: "Mr. Feng is exaggerating. Princess Nanyang is a noble and upright person who cares about the people. Her generosity is well known to everyone. I have nothing but admiration for her."

Feng Changshi then softened his tone, "I have a bad temper. I have to say what I want to say. When I was working in the Ministry of Revenue, everyone hated me. It was only in Nanyang County that the princess did not mind my bad temper and used me in every possible way."

"Today I spoke nonsense and complained a lot, which made Zheng Sheren and Jiao Langzhong laugh at me. However, what I said just now was directed at those petty people in the court who were just sitting there doing nothing but eating and drinking, and had nothing to do with the two adults."

Doctor Jiao: “…”

Zheng Chen: "..."