Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 805: Beyond Extras: Taking Office (3)

In some places in Da Liang, there is a custom of arranging engagements for children. As soon as a child is born, a marriage is arranged. Before they can walk or talk, a fiancé or fiancée is already in place. The children constantly see each other from a young age and become familiar with each other, which is considerably better than blind marriages.

Chen Jinyu found it amusing yet helpless: "Mother, you shouldn’t say such things. The Emperor allowing Kang to enter the palace is for him to be a reading companion, not a child groom."

"It’s quite similar," Mrs. Yao said quickly, laughing softly, "Kang is just over a year younger than Princess Bao’er, so their ages match well. Childhood friends growing up together, it seems only natural."

To say that Chen Jinyu never considered this matter would be impossible. As a mother, how could she not plan for her son? However, the child is still so young, and it’s better not to think much about things that are yet to happen.

"In any case, don’t speak of it again," Chen Jinyu advised sternly. "The Emperor treats me with great favor, but I must not lose the respect a subject should have for the Emperor. And you shouldn’t casually speak of matters within the palace. These are taboo topics."

"If it were to reach the Capital City and the Emperor’s ears, how would he feel? Grandfather is the Da Liang Chancellor; how should he conduct himself?"

"Our Chen Family is not the same as before. In the past, in Nanyang County, Father was a County Magistrate, and Mother could only interact with the women in Bowan County. Now that Father holds a high position, and Mother is the Inspector General’s wife, every word and action is watched, and utmost caution is needed."

Mrs. Yao agreed awkwardly.

Chen Jinyu said, "We will head to our posts tomorrow."

Mother and daughter argued during their meeting, yet felt reluctant to part when the time came. Mrs. Yao held her daughter’s hand, sighing heavily, "Once you leave, who knows when we will meet again."

Chen Jinyu replied with a smile, "I am heading to my post in Runan County, just a few days’ journey from the Yu State Mansion. Once I have official duties, I will need to visit Yu State Mansion. If you miss me, there’s no harm in visiting Runan County for a while."

Mrs. Yao was delighted, "Once you’ve settled, I’ll come to Runan County."

Chen Jinyu thought to herself that she should not have said too much.

The couple bid farewell to Governor Chen and went together to assume their posts in Runan County.

Chen Jinyu was appointed as the Governor of Runan County, and Ma Yaosong was the Chief Historian of Runan County.

The couple worked together in their official roles, with the wife’s official position being higher than the husband’s, which was unprecedented in Da Liang’s officialdom.

The officials of Runan County secretly mocked Chief Historian Ma for being unable to uphold the family authority, but in person, they were extremely warm and courteous.

After all, Chief Historian Ma was an experienced aide by the Emperor’s side, with the Emperor’s favor. The Ma Family started with horse breeding and still supplies horses for the Nanyang Guard Camp to this day. Their contribution in supporting the throne might not be ranked first but certainly among the top three.

Ma Yaosong, known for his shrewdness and eloquence since he was young, further honed his skills during his years in the Ministry of Personnel. At the welcoming banquet, he socialized amicably with colleagues and subordinates, without any pretentiousness.

Chen Jinyu was different. Her background as an Imperial Attendant being sent to govern meant her words and actions had to be particularly cautious, leaving no room for error or ridicule.

Fortunately, she was accustomed to such scenarios and was unperturbed. She had previously interacted with prominent figures like the Six Ministers and the Grand Empress Dowager Li in the palace. The officials before her, at most, held unofficial fifth-rank positions. In terms of rank, she was a Governor; in terms of backing, she was unmatched.

When she departed for her post, the Emperor specially dispatched a unit of the Imperial Army to escort her. Now, the hundred Imperial Guards naturally stayed on as her trusted aides. At this moment, several tall and strong Imperial Guards stood behind her with drawn swords. If anyone showed a hint of disrespect, the long knives would be unsheathed.

With such a display of power, who dared to disrespect?

Who could resist?

Naturally, no one dared to point fingers at the female county magistrate, showing particular reverence.

A County Magistrate stood to propose a toast, but Governor Chen remained unmoved, smiling slightly as she said, "This Governor does not drink; today I will use water instead of wine. I trust County Magistrate Huo will not take offense."

How could County Magistrate Huo take offense? He promptly smiled compliantly and drank in one go.

After the banquet, Governor Chen and Chief Historian Ma left together. The officials of Runan County heaved long sighs of relief and, without lingering even for small talk, quickly dispersed.

"Today, Governor Chen truly exuded authority."

In the bedroom, Ma Yaosong deftly helped his wife change clothes, a skill he clearly practiced regularly.

Chen Jinyu beamed, leaning into her husband’s chest: "A new official must project some authority. As for winning hearts, I’ll leave that to Chief Historian Ma."

The couple, one a Governor and the other a Chief Historian, one strict and the other mild, played their roles perfectly, needing no discussion to understand each other.

Ma Yaosong, holding his wife’s slender waist, laughed softly: "I will follow all of Governor’s commands."

Chen Jinyu laughed, giving her husband a sidelong glance. For the young couple, the joys of the bedroom need not be elaborated.

Upon taking office, the first thing Governor Chen did was reform Runan County’s official administration and inspect the various county towns.

Having been a close aide of the Emperor for many years, Governor Chen had learned the Emperor’s harsh methods to perfection. As she inspected, she executed justice on the spot, dismissing those who needed to be dismissed and showing no leniency in confiscating estates.

The officialdom in Runan County was shaken for half a year, with two heads rolling, three officials losing their hats, and three wealthy families disrupting the area being confiscated. After this purge, the officials of Runan County became as docile as quail. The noble families of Runan County were even more on edge, each more diligent than the last in paying taxes.

Governor Chen was still not satisfied and made recommendations to the Emperor in a private letter.

"...Corruption and laziness in the officialdom have long been rampant. Eliminating the biggest rats can impress for a while. But without proper supervision, it will return."

"The court should establish relevant laws to eradicate corruption and inefficient administration from the roots."

Half a month later, the Emperor’s reply arrived.

"Ever since ascending the throne, I have wanted to undertake this task. Previously, without a firm grip on the throne, it was not convenient to act. But now, it is feasible."

"I have discussed this with Chancellor Chen and Vice Minister Wang. We will begin with the Capital City and the Ministry of Personnel, reestablishing the ethos of official administration."

"With so many officials across Da Liang, implementing this is no easy task. No need to rush it; advance step by step."

"Though the road is long, persistent efforts will surely bring results."

Though the road is long, persistent efforts will surely bring results.

Governor Chen read the Emperor’s reply over and over, silently savoring the ambition it contained, feeling her spirits surge with an unquenchable fervor.

Having been in Runan County for over half a year, she leveraged the Emperor’s power and her family’s support to boldly reorganize the county’s officialdom. Yet, even this was still far from winning the hearts of her subordinates. Governing one county was challenging enough; the Emperor’s task of ruling Da Liang’s vast lands was even more arduous.

Official administration reform is no small matter; acting without caution can cause a ripple effect. One can never be too careful.

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