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Chapter 563: Generous Gift (I)

The thing that made Governor Fang specially take it out as a gift is certainly not an ordinary desolate mountain or a small hill, but a mine.

This mine does not contain iron ore, but copper ore.

Iron ore can be smelted into pig iron and cast into armor and weapons. The iron pots and shovels used by the people also come from iron ore.

The importance of copper mines is no less than that of iron mines. With copper mines, copper coins can be minted in large quantities. Some noble families in the north have such "industries" in private. Most of the private coins are slightly lighter than the copper coins minted by the court, and they are still circulated and used normally among the people.

Once such things were discovered by the imperial court, it would naturally be a serious crime punishable by genocide.

Governor Fang had no ambitions, nor the courage to open a copper mine privately. He simply gave the copper mine as a gift to Princess Nanyang in exchange for Jiang Shaohua's promise to send troops to protect Luozhou at any time.

After presenting the gift, Governor Fang felt relieved and left happily.

Jiang Shaohua was very happy about obtaining the copper mine, and immediately called Feng Changshi over.

Feng Changshi's small eyes immediately lit up, and he asked, "Where is the exact location of this mountain? How much land does the copper mine occupy? If we want to mine it, should we send people there, or hire local people in Luozhou? Also, after mining the copper ore, should we smelt it on the spot, or transport it to Nanyang County for disposal?"

Jiang Shaohua laughed: "This princess did not ask in detail. Feng Changshi can ask Fang Zhishi privately."

As the Princess of Nanyang, she only needed to grasp the general direction. Of course, the chief secretaries were the ones who were busy worrying about how to implement the details.

Feng Changshi felt very conscious of his own shortcomings, so he happily put the land deed into his sleeve, and then went to find Governor Fang to chat.

"Congratulations, Princess. You own Jingzhou and Pingzhou, and now you have Luozhou!" Chen Jinyu congratulated with a smile.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, and then whispered: "After all, we still need soldiers and food."

Without military strength, the prosperous Nanyang County is just a piece of fat meat, and anyone can covet it and want to take a bite. Only with a strong military force can Nanyang County truly stand proudly.

The Nanyang Palace sent food to Sizhou twice, first with 4,000 Nanyang troops, and now with 2,000 guards under the banner of the Nanyang Army. And each of them is an elite cavalry. Just by showing their strength, it is enough to shock people.

Chen Jinyu reminded in a low voice: "The princess has already sent 6,000 people to Sizhou. No matter how the battle in Sizhou goes, no more reinforcements can be sent."

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly: "Everything should be done in moderation. I know this matter well."

At this moment, Cui Du came.

Chen Jinyu retreated tactfully.

Cui Du was very conscious: "Did I disturb the princess's business?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled sweetly, stepped forward and held Cui Du's hand: "Nothing is as important as you."

Cui Du was filled with sweetness from this mouthful of honey: "I came to say goodbye to you. I will move out of the palace later."

Cui Du usually lived in the side courtyard of the palace, so there had to be a wedding ceremony on the wedding day. The Bo Ling Cui family also bought a house in Nanyang County, and Cui Du stayed there temporarily. On the wedding day three days later, Jiang Shaohua would go to "welcome" Cui Du into the family.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "I'll take you there."

This is of course against the rules. However, Jiang Shaohua never cared about any rules. Cui Du ignored all this and asked with a low smile: "So many people are waiting to see the princess, but the princess didn't see anyone and sent me out of the house. Isn't she spoiling me too much?"

Jiang Shaohua was amused and laughed non-stop. She stretched out her hand and pinched Cui Du's thick skin: "Yes, yes, I will only love you." Cui Du stretched out his hand and held Jiang Shaohua's hand tightly. The two held hands together and looked into each other's eyes. The air suddenly became hot.

There was a sudden cough outside the door.

It was Zhang’s mother’s voice.

Mother Zhang was afraid that the fiancée would be too intimate when they were alone, so she stayed by Jiang Shaohua's side for the past few days, reminding him from time to time.

Cui Du took a step back with some regret. Jiang Shaohua blushed slightly and smiled softly, "Wait another three days. After we get married, no one will care if we are intimate anymore."

We have to wait three more days!

Cui Du smiled and sighed: "Time passes too slowly."

I wish three days would come in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Shaohua smiled again and pulled Cui Du out of the house. Mother Zhang took a quick look and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the princess and the Earl of Changning were dressed neatly and looked calm.

That’s right, there will be plenty of time for us to spend together in the future, so we have to keep our distance before getting married.

……

The Cui family's residence and the Ma family's residence were on the same road, so there was no need to ride a horse, one could just stroll there.

When Jiang Shaohua went out, he was surrounded by his personal guards. All the strangers were kept dozens of steps away.

Ever since the assassination outside the Ministry of Works last year, and the subsequent assassination of Cui Du at the farm, Song Yuan has become increasingly wary of the princess's travels, and has been extra cautious even when walking around the palace.

Seeing such a scene, the Cui family had already been alarmed and gathered together at the main gate to welcome them.

Cui Du's marriage to the Nanyang Prince's Palace was a great joy to the Bo Ling Cui family. The head of the family, Cui Shishi, had arrived in Nanyang County ten days ago, and Cui Ping and others also came with him.

Cui Shishi is over 60 years old this year, with white hair and beard, but he is in good spirits. He smiled and bowed, "Welcome, Princess!"

Of course, it was against the current customs for a girl who was about to get married to leave her home. However, the princess was different from ordinary girls. If the princess didn't want to pay attention to these customs and rules, she didn't have to pay attention. She personally sent her fiancé over, and the Cui family welcomed him with joy.

Jiang Shaohua was quite polite to Cui Shishi and said with a smile, "Old Master Cui, please get up quickly."

Cui was sometimes flattered and even said he didn't dare.

In the peaceful years, the Cui family of Boling could still maintain the airs of a prominent family. Now Sizhou is almost in chaos. The six counties that were ravaged by the Rouran barbarians are in a terrible state. The northern nobles are trembling with fear and everyone is in danger. At this time, the Princess of Nanyang, who has a strong military force, is like a lighthouse in the raging sea, shining brightly and making people want to get close.

At this time, Cui Shi would once again be thankful for the correct decision he made three years ago. Recognizing Cui Du was an extremely important and correct choice for the Cui family of Boling.

Cui Du's marriage to the emperor was different from Lu Xuan's. At that time, the one in charge of the palace was the Prince of Nanyang, and the princess Jiang Yan was weak and sickly. After Lu Xuan entered the palace, he just accompanied Jiang Yan and did nothing.

Now, Jiang Shaohua is the master of the Nanyang Palace, and Cui Du is not a freeloader. The new grain he grows is spread all over Daliang, allowing countless people to survive. The high-quality grain varieties he cultivates have greatly increased the yield per mu, and various fruit and vegetable seeds have enriched the people's dining tables and rice bowls. It can be said that his merits are truly immeasurable.

The princess is the most dazzling pearl in Daliang, and the Earl of Changning is equally brilliant and worthy of standing beside the princess.