Chapter 1712 – Mi Hua Takes Office
“Lady, is this for real?”
It was dinner time when the concubine timely brought a sumptuous meal to Mi Hua, only to find her staring intently at an appointment letter.
She casually asked what it said, and Mi Hua replied that it was an official letter from Lord Lan Ting appointing her to serve in Ningzhou, which shocked the concubine.
Mi Hua added, “This appointment letter was personally handed to me by Lord Lan Ting’s confidant; it cannot possibly be fake. It’s just…”
The concubine finished for her, “Just that you think this good news came too suddenly?”
Mi Hua sighed, “While I have lofty ambitions, I also know my limitations…”
Indeed, this was an unexpected stroke of luck, but Mi Hua worried that she might get crushed by the very pie that fell from the sky.
The concubine laughed, “This is the first time I’ve heard the lady express such self-doubt.”
In the concubine’s eyes, their esteemed lady was someone capable.
No matter the problem, she always seemed composed, effortlessly tackling even the most difficult tasks.
Mi Hua said, “This isn’t something that can be solved by confidence alone… I have never met Lord Lan Ting, and her understanding of me is limited to that recruiting event. What kind of person would dare to appoint a stranger to such an important position right off the bat?”
The concubine didn’t grasp the intricacies of court politics, but she understood that Mi Hua’s concerns weren’t unfounded.
“So what now? Is there some hidden agenda behind this? Are they planning to pin the blame on you?” The concubine became anxious; she genuinely cared for Mi Hua’s safety since the household relied heavily on her. If Mi Hua faced trouble, they’d be left without support due to that irresponsible man, “Lady, can you decline this appointment? There’s no need to walk into danger!”
Seeing the concubine’s increasingly far-fetched thoughts, Mi Hua couldn’t help but interrupt her spiraling imagination with a chuckle.
“Where are you running off to? I’m just puzzled by Lord Lan Ting’s intentions but haven’t stooped to that level of thinking.” Mi Hua carefully filed away the appointment letter, smoothing every corner; this was the crucial key to her official career. Her future, whether soaring sky-high or wasted, depended on this one opportunity. “However, I’ve heard that Lord Lan Ting is quite the unpredictable woman, often taking unconventional routes that ordinary people can’t foresee…”
The concubine calmed down but still looked apprehensive.
“We can also think positively; perhaps Lord Lan Ting truly recognizes your talents at a glance. Let’s not rush; let’s eat first.” Mi Hua, aware of the uncertainty in her own heart, didn’t want to pass on her anxiety to the women of the household, letting them worry unnecessarily. “Plus, given Lord Lan Ting’s current reputation, she wouldn’t engage in self-sabotaging actions. This is probably your golden opportunity, if seized, who knows… there might just be a place for me in the future.”
The concubine didn’t quite understand all of this, but since Mi Hua said so, she chose to believe it.
After dinner, the candlelight in Mi Hua’s study burned until the rising sun heralded the new day.
Mi Hua spent the entire night poring over books and notes related to flood control, reviewing every bit and compiling useful information. The remaining time was dedicated to gathering intelligence about Ningzhou to ensure she knew her enemy as well as herself; only then could she win every battle without fail.
However, the late night took its toll on her energy, and she managed to catch two hours of sleep. After freshening up, she hurried towards the governor’s office.
Before Mi Hua arrived, Feng Zhen had already mentioned her to Yang Si.
Outsiders might not know Jiang Pengji, but these two loyal ministers had been with her for nearly ten years, fully aware of their lord’s capabilities.
Jiang Pengji never did things half-heartedly, and since she chose Mi Hua, it was certainly because she was competent, not for any other reason.
But to outsiders, this might not be a pleasant surprise but a shock.
“That appointment letter from the lord must have startled her… Is she late because she was scared off?”
As mealtime approached, Yang Si instructed the kitchen to prepare the dishes.
The cuisine of Nansheng differed from that of Dongqing, with the former being more delicate and mild compared to the heavier flavors of the latter.
Wherever Jiang Pengji fought, she hunted for delicacies, and recently she even planned to write a culinary心得 (心得 meaning “insight” or “experience”).
In the world of vastness, food reigned supreme.
Feng Zhen had once complained about her, but he deleted his words just a moment later.
“Yang Si, didn’t you hear what I said?”
Yang Si replied, “I did.”
Feng Zhen continued, “So when is Mi Hua coming over?”
Yang Si took a sip of the rich and fragrant soup, tasted it, savoring the deliciousness.
“Isn’t your lady already here? Why the sudden concern for Mi Hua?”
Feng Zhen: “…”
Clearly, he didn’t listen to what I said!!!
Seeing Feng Zhen’s face darkening, Yang Si cleared his throat, becoming a bit more serious.
“Which woman Lord Jiang favors is any simple affair? Mi Hua is no exception; you should worry less.” Yang Si stated, “Even if she’s a colleague, she is still another man’s wife, while you are a married man yourself. People talk, and it’s always better to maintain some distance…”
Yang Si genuinely hadn’t comprehended what Feng Zhen had mentioned, assuming he was up to his usual antics, hence offered him a warning.
Feng Zhen’s expression turned grim.
“I asked if Mi Hua got scared off by the sudden, unexpected heavy responsibility from the lord… You’re thinking too much!”
Yang Si: “…”
Fearing for his life, Yang Si redirected the conversation.
“By the way, what talents does Mi Hua possess that would have Lord Jiang place such importance on her?”
Going from zero to high rank so fast could make anyone feel dizzy.
Feng Zhen wasn’t so easily fooled, but before he could voice his thoughts, someone announced that Mi Hua had arrived.
Both of them exchanged doubtful glances.
“She’s not here to report for duty; what does she want with us? Let her in.”
When Mi Hua entered, she was laden with bamboo slips and cloth.
She had come to seek guidance.
“Yesterday, I received the appointment letter from the lord to serve in Ningzhou, and I felt terrified, believing my abilities to be inadequate, and I fear disappointing the lord’s high expectations. I spent the night searching for flood control-related materials, but my experience is limited, and there are still many things I don’t understand…”
Mi Hua adopted a low profile, treating Yang Si and Feng Zhen with immense respect, showing no hint of arrogance from her sudden rise to power.
Having never entered officialdom, she understood that being thrust into the spotlight would inevitably draw resentment and envy from some.
She didn’t know how they viewed her, but she was determined to maintain a humble attitude to minimize any ill will directed at her.
If she could learn anything from the two of them to avoid pitfalls, that would be even better.
Feng Zhen and Yang Si exchanged knowing looks, silently understanding each other’s thoughts.
This Mi Hua was indeed intriguing.
If she continued like this, she wouldn’t be off-putting at all.
