Chapter 177: Chapter 172 Buying Grain
Everyone turned their heads together to look at Zhao Hanzhang.
Under everyone’s gaze, Zhao Hanzhang responded with a smile.
Some furrowed their brows slightly; this was too flattering. Leaving without a result? Did she gain something from He Ci Shi and deliberately rush out as the vanguard?
Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t care less about their disputes; she had a lot of things waiting for her to handle back in Xiping and Shangcai. Getting anything significant from He Ci Shi was not easy. Previously, even when trapped in the city, he was reluctant to spend money on soldiers’ efforts, let alone now.
To her, time was far more precious than any benefits He Ci Shi might offer.
Moreover, they had just reached cooperation.
Zhao Hanzhang boldly took the lead to leave.
The others looked at each other hesitantly, finally turning to Governor Zhang.
Governor Zhang’s hand on his knee instantly clenched, and moments later, he forced a smile and said, "Let us also escort our nephew off."
He didn’t say he was leaving but rather pulled on the relationship with Zhao Hanzhang.
Zhao Hanzhang smiled without objection.
Thus, a group of bigwigs went to see off Zhao Hanzhang.
Zhao Hanzhang thought that after today, no one leaving could have the same treatment as her. She smiled and ordered Zhao Ju to assemble the troops; she then stood with He Ci Shi and others waiting.
By the time Zhao Ju gathered the troops and dismantled the camps, it was almost Si Zheng. Zhao Hanzhang glanced back at the ordinary soldiers behind watching, then whispered to He Ci Shi, "Governor, look back."
He Ci Shi looked back and saw that it was reinforcements from other counties, neither standing nor sitting properly, gazing in this direction. He couldn’t help but furrow his brows slightly.
Zhao Hanzhang said, "They are the future of Yu State."
He Ci Shi thought Zhao Hanzhang was mocking him and Yu State, just as he was about to speak, he heard her sigh, "Liu Yuan declared himself emperor, and is directing his army to attack Luoyang and Yu State. The future of Yu State relies entirely on them for protection. Governor, if you cannot treat them well, will they be willing to risk their lives for Yu State and for you in the not-so-distant future?"
He Ci Shi’s words were halted, his brow furrowed in silence.
Zhao Hanzhang stopped there. Once Zhao Ju had the troops ready, she cupped her fists to the crowd, "Everyone, Hanzhang shall take her leave."
He Ci Shi relaxed his brow; although a bit annoyed, he still smiled and bid farewell, "Please give my regards to your Fifth Uncle."
Governor Zhang also said, "Please give my regards to your Uncle Ming. I received a few jars of good wine; knowing he loves wine, I kept one for him. Another day, ask him to visit Ruyin, and we can drink together."
Hmm, who doesn’t know a couple of Zhao Family people?
Zhao Hanzhang acknowledged them all and promised to pass on their messages upon returning.
The others also smiled and said goodbye to Zhao Hanzhang, watching as she swiftly mounted her horse. With a command, Xiping County’s reinforcements left in an orderly fashion.
Several people squinted, hearing that these were newly recruited by Zhao Hanzhang in recent days. Although their formation wasn’t perfectly uniform, it wasn’t inferior compared to theirs. The key was their spirited demeanor.
Thinking of her valor in battle, everyone was impressed; the Zhao Family would likely soar in this chaotic world. Even if they can’t ascend further, they will be more enduring and stable than others.
And in this era, longevity and stability possess the greatest allure.
Ji Yuan did not step forward to see He Ci Shi; this was the lady’s domain. He, a well-known strategist, would rather not steal the limelight.
One must know that Ji Yuan had participated in previous confrontations between the Lady and He Ci Shi. If he appeared, who knows if the other side would resent him?
After traveling a while, Ji Yuan, who was mingling in the ranks, caught up with Zhao Hanzhang, whispering, "Selected three individuals, all sent into the city. Now it’s up to them to get close to He Ci Shi."
"Did you leave them money?"
"Left some, not daring to leave too much, considering they are seeking refuge."
Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Find a reason to treat their families well upon returning, and take extra care of them on normal days."
Ji Yuan agreed.
Zhao Hanzhang turned to Zhao Ju, "Order rapid march; return to Shangcai before nightfall."
Zhao Ju was taken aback, "Are we detouring to Shangcai?"
Shangcai and Xiping aren’t exactly aligned, they took a detour to Shangcai earlier to pick up Ji Yuan and get the needed provisions, but now...
Zhao Hanzhang said, "Xiping is currently lacking in grain; we’re going to Shangcai to buy some to take back."
"But now winter is approaching, the Xiongnu Army is attacking Yu State, and refugees are rampant. Who would want to sell grain at this time?"
Zhao Hanzhang asserted, "They will be willing."
Ji Yuan glanced over their troops, nodding in agreement, "They certainly will be willing."
By the time they returned to Shangcai Manor, it was dusk. Zhao Hanzhang let the soldiers camp outside the manor and start cooking. She took Mr. Ji back to the side courtyard.
Mrs. Wang was about to sleep when she heard her daughter returned. She immediately got up, changed clothes, and came out to welcome her.
Seeing her in full armor with a long sword at her waist, holding a lantern and smiling while approaching, Mrs. Wang was momentarily reminded of her father.
"Mother?"
Mrs. Wang snapped back to reality, seeing her daughter tilting her head to look at her, quickly smiling again, "Back now, come inside quickly; wearing this armor must be heavy. Remove it quickly. I’ll have someone heat water for bathing. Qing Gu, go and tell the kitchen to make the dishes Third Sister likes..."
Zhao Hanzhang hurriedly said, "It’s already dark, no need to bother; let them make noodles, Mr. Ji also returned, make a bit more."
"No need for you to worry about these, come inside and change clothes." Mrs. Wang nudged Zhao Hanzhang into the house to wash and change.
Meanwhile in Shangcai County, the already asleep County Magistrate Chai climbed out of bed, pacing anxiously in the main hall, "Why would so many troops suddenly arrive outside the county?"
Chang Ning calmly said, "It might be Zhao Hanzhang’s three thousand troops."
"... It’s one thing to pass by Shangcai County on the way there, but why pass by again on the return?" County Magistrate Chai said angrily, "Coming from Yu Yang, Xiping and Shangcai are not in the same direction; what’s the purpose of detouring this way?"
Perhaps it’s to intimidate you.
Chang Ning swallowed the words at the tip of his tongue, contemplating briefly before saying, "Perhaps it’s for the grain; heard Xiping collected many refugees this time, having just rebuilt after breaking the town, likely they lack grain."
"Ah, that’s right," County Magistrate Chai recalled, "Zhao Third Sister’s manor hasn’t paid its autumn tax yet; she wouldn’t skip paying, and directly load the grain to Xiping, would she?"
Chang Ning sighed quietly, payment likely would happen, but she’s probably not there for just the autumn tax.
Sure enough, the next day Zhao Hanzhang ordered carts to be pushed outside Shangcai County. Despite the casualties, she still had over two thousand of her three thousand troops.
Shangcai County wanted to close its gates tightly, but she didn’t have her people enter; they stayed outside as she, accompanied by Qiu Wu and Ji Ping, entered the city. Under the anxious eyes of many observers, they visited several well-known local gentry and merchants.