Transmigrated as the Doomed Scumbag Alpha of the Eldest Princess - Chapter 71

Because her relationship with Mowan Ci had grown closer, this year’s New Year felt especially satisfying for Jiang Si. She had always enjoyed shopping for the festival, and this time, instead of pulling Lan Shao along, she brought Mowan Ci with her.

After the Minor New Year, she went shopping almost every day. Mowan Ci had told her that everything needed for the festival had already been prepared, and there was no need for more.

But Jiang Si looked a little unhappy, her face tense. After thinking it over, she decided to give away all the things she had bought to the families of the Commanders and Officers.

Liu Jin and Sang Zhi were the ones who handled the distribution. Although neither of them understood why their marquess enjoyed going out and buying things herself, they still carried out her orders without question.

Earlier, Jiang Si had already ordered Su Xun to reward the entire army. This time, the gifts were specially meant for the Commanders and Officers. Her act of generosity once again spread her reputation for kindness throughout the northern border.

The northern region was not like the south or the central plains, which had many merchants. Still, a few powerful and established families lived there. The You family was one of them and was known as a major grain supplier in the north.

The merchants of the north could only profit when the region was peaceful. The Rong and Di tribes dared not invade so easily, and as the northern territory expanded, people clearly saw how much the Jingyuan Army had contributed.

In past years, the You family would donate goods and grain. But this year, the amount they gave had increased several times over.

Other merchants, though not as wealthy as the You family, also sent generous gifts to the Jiajing Marquess’s residence. At first, Jiang Si felt awkward accepting so much and even considered turning them away.

It was Mowan Ci who convinced her otherwise.

“The imperial court has its royal merchants. Here in the north, the You family serves a similar role now.”

A major grain supplier like the You family could not survive if the region was unstable. How would there be any harvest at all?

What Jiang Si had done was not directly tied to the You family, but it was related in an indirect yet undeniable way.

Jiang Si understood this. She just felt the You family had given too much.

They spoke about this privately in their room. Mowan Ci poured her tea while watching her carefully.

She had not expected Jiang Si to hold such thoughts deep inside.

“You keep this land safe. Of course they should thank you.”

“But the Jingyuan Army has never had to worry about food. The You family may grow a lot of grain, but during peaceful times our soldiers farm too. We have more than enough stockpiled.”

“The world is unpredictable. Can you really promise it will always stay this way?”

Just as Jiang Si had admitted, she was quite stubborn. She understood the logic, but in her heart she still felt that going out to battle was different from defending the border.

This was the first time the two of them had a disagreement about politics. Mowan Ci said a few words, then stopped pushing, allowing Jiang Si to think it through on her own.

And she did. Before even finishing her cup of tea, Jiang Si gave in.

“You’re right, Mowan Ci. I was being narrow-minded. If I keep thinking like this, the ones who will suffer are the soldiers.”

Hearing this, Mowan Ci’s expression softened again and she continued speaking.

“A royal merchant serves the imperial family. In this region, the You family now plays that part.”

“One day, when you rule the empire, the You family might not remain just the You family.”

Those words struck Jiang Si like waking from a dream.

Over the past year, she had spent most of her time in war. She had achieved great victories and gained more and more land. But every day, all she thought about was how to take the next city. She had never considered how to help the people live peacefully or how to win their loyalty.

Perhaps she only had the talents of a general and might not be fit to become a wise ruler.

As she finished her tea, Jiang Si looked at Mowan Ci. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated.

Mowan Ci also put down her teacup and looked at her, waiting for her to say something.

After a long pause, Jiang Si gave a small smile. There was regret in her eyes as she finally shared what had been in her heart for a long time.

“I’ve always thought it was a shame. Back when I first heard about you, I thought if you had been the ruler of Yue, things would never have turned out this way.”

“And now, seeing how Mu Zesheng is obsessed with alchemy, ignoring the floods in the south, and hearing your thoughts today… I feel even more certain.”

“Maybe one day, if I conquer the world, you could become Empress. That might not be a bad thing at all.”

“Marquess, you must not joke about such things,” Mowan Ci replied firmly.

“There have been many empresses in history, but never has someone born of yin become a ruling sovereign.”

Her face was calm but serious. She looked at Jiang Si with great intensity, clearly hoping she would take back her words.

But Jiang Si did not agree. She felt Mowan Ci was being far too traditional.

“Let’s drop the subject. That day hasn’t come yet. Why argue until we’re red in the face?”

“Why not talk about what we’re having for dinner?”

Jiang Si had always been fond of food, but at the New Year’s Eve banquet she barely ate. In the past few days, her appetite had not returned. Mowan Ci truly didn’t know what she wanted to eat, so she listed everything that had been prepared in the residence.

Jiang Si shook her head after hearing it all, clearly unsatisfied.

Unable to hold back, Mowan Ci asked, sounding slightly annoyed, “Then what do you want to eat?”

“Sweet wine dumplings. You promised me you’d make them.”

So that was the reason her stomach had been upset these past few days. Mowan Ci let out a breath and muttered, “Unbelievable.”

Their interactions had become more and more casual. Perhaps it was because Jiang Si treated her so informally in private. Even after being scolded, she didn’t get upset. She simply followed Mowan Ci to the small kitchen in the back.

Jiang Si rarely went to the northern wing anymore. She ate and stayed here, so she was very familiar with the path.

After just a few steps, she ran ahead of Mowan Ci and quietly reminded her, “Watch your step.”

It was only a few steps, and Mowan Ci thought Jiang Si was overreacting. But her hand was warm, and Mowan Ci didn’t argue.

There was no one in the small kitchen at this hour. Once they stepped inside, Jiang Si let go of her hand, lit the stove, and took out the rice flour.

Mowan Ci was fairly confident in her ability to make sweet wine dumplings. She believed they would taste better than those sold on the street, but she still felt a little unsure as she began.

“If they don’t turn out well, don’t blame me.”

Jiang Si was adding firewood while she spoke, and some smoke got into her eyes. She rubbed them and waved her hand dismissively.

“I won’t. I trust you.”

Hearing that, Mowan Ci finally started cooking with ease.

It took about an hour before the sweet wine dumplings were ready.

She made quite a lot, enough for Jiang Si to eat three or four bowls. But Mowan Ci only served herself one.

Worried that the flavor might not be right, Mowan Ci held back the heat and took the first bite.

It tasted good, better than she had expected, but the dumpling was so hot that it burned her mouth.

Jiang Si, just about to eat, noticed her expression shift. These had just come out of the pot. Of course they were still hot.

“Mowan Ci, are you being foolish?” she asked, alarmed. She quickly got a bowl of cool water and brought it over to her.

Mowan Ci took it with her lips pressed tightly together and mumbled, “It tastes really good. Better than what you get on the street.”

This was not the time to focus on flavor. Jiang Si was too worried about her to eat any more. She set her bowl aside and watched closely as Mowan Ci drank the water. Seeing her instinctively stick out her tongue to cool her mouth, Jiang Si’s heart tightened.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s tasty or not. What matters is the thought. You really don’t need to do that again,” she said gently.

After speaking, Jiang Si picked up her bowl and began eating again. Mowan Ci stood behind her, silent, watching her quietly.

But her gaze never left Jiang Si.

As someone born into royalty, she rarely had moments like this. No one else treated her like this. No one else dared to.

The ease between them made her heart warm. Being scolded like that, being cared for so plainly, felt warmer than the sweet wine dumplings themselves.

In the end, Jiang Si overate. She lay on the bed, rubbing her stomach to ease the discomfort.

Mowan Ci looked over with a helpless expression. After a few glances, she put down her book and sat by Jiang Si’s side.

“How can you be so lacking in discipline? Just a few bowls of dumplings and you’re like this already?”

Jiang Si’s eyes were half closed, and her gentle rubbing was almost lulling her to sleep. But when she heard Mowan Ci speak, she suddenly sat up and pulled her toward the bed.

“I haven’t bathed yet. I’m not clean,” Mowan Ci protested softly.

Jiang Si didn’t care at all and kept pulling her closer.

“It’s just the two of us. I don’t mind, so why should you? I’ve seen worse during campaigns.”

Mowan Ci didn’t reply but shifted a little closer. Jiang Si no longer pushed and simply held her hand while talking.

“Tomorrow morning, I will begin preparing for the campaign to the Eastern Sea. Su Xun is my best commander and will lead in my place. Lan Shao will be coming with us. Do you have any thoughts?”

This was the first time Jiang Si had involved Mowan Ci in military planning. Although Mowan Ci felt happy, she kept her emotions restrained. It wasn’t until Jiang Si asked again that she finally spoke.

“General Su is highly capable. But I’m not sure his reputation alone is enough to deter Nangong Xuan and Mu Shuyang.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“You should declare yourself king and grant titles to your trusted men.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Si never delayed in taking action. The next day, she asked Mowan Ci to draft a list of names and titles. She herself worked with Su Xun and Liu Jin to prepare the investiture ceremony. The arrangements for the Eastern Sea campaign were handed entirely to Lan Shao.

Earlier, Mu Zesheng had given Jiang Si the title of Prince of Jiajing. But that had been under completely different circumstances, more like an attempt to keep her quiet. He had even sent Feng Yao afterward just to provoke her.

This time, it was not a local prince’s title. It was a declaration of sovereignty.

Though the borders had yet to be fully defined, the new nation had been named. It was called Beijing, taken from the northern territory and the Jing of the Jingyuan Army.

Because of the unique situation, the ceremony was not extravagant. It was held in Ling Shang City, with the people of the northern region serving as witnesses.

After announcing her new title as king, Jiang Si immediately began granting ranks. Su Xun became Marquis of Wuping. Lan Shao, Ye Chan, and Cheng Pu were granted the title of Earl. All the other Commanders and Officers were named Viscounts.

Even Liu Jin received a noble rank and was named Chamberlain of the Royal Court.

The founding of the Kingdom of Beijing had come from a simple conversation between Jiang Si and Mowan Ci, but it was taken seriously by the officials and the people. A new court was formed, and the north would no longer be ruled by the Yue Empire.

The people were filled with joy and celebrated loudly.

Jiang Si took the opportunity to announce the upcoming expedition to the Eastern Sea. But there was one more matter of great importance.

“Princess Shao Yuan is graceful, intelligent, and wise. She is without question the most suitable choice for the Queen of Beijing. These are unusual times, but once I return victorious, I will marry Her Highness.”

Her voice was steady and powerful. But after she finished speaking, a stillness fell over the crowd.

Then someone clapped. One person began, and soon others followed. Cheers and applause broke out, echoing across the square. The people shouted together for the King and Queen of Beijing.

Standing on the stage, Jiang Si finally let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The northern region had always been isolated. The people had never acknowledged the emperor of Yue. That was why past Marquesses of Jiajing had always been watched with suspicion. The court had never truly cared for the people of the north.

She had feared they might not accept Mowan Ci either. But to her surprise, the people welcomed Mowan Ci even more warmly than they did her.

They even surrounded Mowan Ci and brought her up onto the stage to stand beside Jiang Si.

This had never been a sudden decision. Jiang Si had planned to say these words today, but she had kept it from Mowan Ci. When they finally met face to face, Mowan Ci gave her a slightly reproachful look.

“Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”

Jiang Si looked a little guilty, but she still felt justified.

“You promised me that once I returned from the Eastern Sea, we would be married. What I said today was all true.”

“So, Your Highness, this title of Queen of Beijing is yours now. There’s no backing out.”

She has claimed the crown. As for the Queen of Beijing, do you really think that day is still far away?

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