Chapter 138 - Restoration

Chapter 138: Chapter 132 RestorationThe heads of each family eagerly watched Zhao Ming, straining their ears to catch what the uncle and nephew were discussing.

But alas, their voices were too soft, and despite their efforts, they heard nothing.

Thus, they could only observe Zhao Ming and Zhao Hanzhang’s expressions, hoping to glean some insight.

If only they’d argue... that would be wonderful.

Though internal strife within the Zhao Family is currently not ideal, given Zhao Hanzhang’s recent methods, they were somewhat on edge.

Soon, Zhao Ming turned, and together with Zhao Hanzhang, approached them, causing each family head to quickly avert their gaze and stand solemnly.

Zhao Ming stepped forward to bid farewell, stating he had matters to attend and must return to Wu Castle first.

The family heads were taken aback, hastily asking, "Zi Nian, with Xiping County now leaderless and in need of redevelopment, do you not wish to stay and discuss?"

Zhao Ming replied, "Isn’t Hanzhang here? If you need anything, consult her. She can act on behalf of the Zhao Family in Xiping County."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Zhao Hanzhang stood by, smiling at them, causing a collective shiver.

They watched Zhao Ming depart with longing eyes, and only when their reluctant gazes had lingered enough did Zhao Hanzhang turn to them and say, "Everyone, please come inside to sit. Today, my troops are still clearing corpses and aiding the injured; there aren’t enough hands. The city gate is damaged and should be repaired."

Someone among the family heads regained composure and asked, "Are there sufficient medicinal supplies?"

Zhao Hanzhang recognized him, knowing his family traded in medicinal goods, and said, "The two pharmacies in the county town have been taken over, and the Zhao Family has sent a batch of herbs, yet there’s still a shortage. Mr. Qian, do you have any good suggestions?"

The other picked up on the implicit message, especially since he had intended to offer goodwill, thus he said, "My family is somewhat involved with medicinal herbs and has some stored up, which can help a bit."

Zhao Hanzhang promptly expressed gratitude on behalf of the citizens of Xiping County.

Seeing Zhao Ming left and realizing they had to bow their heads under the circumstances, the others generously contributed resources.

From morning till afternoon, each family head not only donated supplies but also took on various tasks for rebuilding Xiping County. When they left the county government, their expressions were complex, filled with both trepidation and burgeoning confidence.

Upon exiting the county government’s premises, they didn’t immediately disperse but rather gathered in small groups, walking with close acquaintances.

"Did Third Sister Zhao seize power from Zhao Ming on her own, or did the Zhao Family intentionally push her forward to handle us?"

"What do you think?"

Another remarked, "Judging by today’s arrangements, do you feel she’s merely being pushed by the Zhao Family as a shield?"

"Indeed, quite formidable. Even County Magistrate Fan might not achieve such outcomes," the one who questioned said, "With her arrangements, within three days, Xiping County will likely find stability."

"She’s so capable, yet I feel quite uneasy in my heart."

"Indeed, it is said she’s only fourteen, yet so wise and seasoned. No wonder she’s Zhao Changyu’s granddaughter."

"Thank goodness she isn’t male."

"I rather regret she isn’t male..."

Each family lamented differently, but ever since they met Zhao Ming and learned from him that Zhao Hanzhang could represent the Zhao Family in Xiping County, the numerous affairs promptly fell on Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang didn’t mind the workload, relishing in it. The next day, she summoned each village chief, proposing that if one were tragically killed in battle, either a new village chief should be nominated for meetings or their surviving family members should represent them.

Through the village chiefs, Zhao Hanzhang swiftly clarified the losses from the recent conflict, while Fu Tinghan provided her with analytical charts based on the data.

Based on these charts, Zhao Hanzhang reassessed the county’s lands and population, then urged the village chiefs to persuade fleeing people to return.

"As it’s harvest season, let each village organize manpower to reap beans and rice," Zhao Hanzhang said, "Families who lost strong men should have the township organize people to help harvest. Lands left by entire families who faced catastrophes will temporarily be managed by the county government."

None of the village chiefs had objections, bowing in agreement.

Though the policy was set, implementation was challenging, and Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t simply give orders without following through.

Thus, she personally rolled up her sleeves, went out to recruit help, and led them into the fields to harvest beans and rice.

The wages were covered by the county government, in addition to which repairs of damaged houses in the county town, and reconstruction of the walls and gates, could be done as work-for-relief efforts.

The once lifeless Xiping County town suddenly came alive, and as everyone busied themselves, they temporarily forgot the pain of losing loved ones. Today marks only five days since the Battle of Xiping concluded.

Mr. Song and others didn’t expect Xiping County to recover so swiftly, even previously fleeing citizens returned on their own, collecting relief grains before either heading to harvest their crops or obtaining work-for-relief badges from the county government.

Amidst everyone’s busyness, Zhao Hanzhang posted an announcement to exempt all from Xiping County’s autumn tax this year.

Alongside this announcement was one requisitioning the impoverished West Second Street area to construct military barracks, where she would station troops in Xiping for its defense.

The two announcements posted simultaneously had most ordinary citizens focusing on the first. After hearing the government official read it aloud, they instantly began loudly discussing it, "So this year’s autumn tax won’t be collected?"

"By rationing food accordingly, we can indeed last until next summer."

"This is wonderful; Third Lady Zhao truly is kind and benevolent."

Amidst widespread discussion, few paid attention to the second announcement.

When the government official finished reading and left, most couldn’t read and didn’t care about this announcement, instead gathering to discuss the autumn tax.

However, some specifically noticed the second announcement, scanning it twice before squeezing out of the crowd and running back to inform their family heads.

"Zhao Hanzhang plans to station troops in the town?"

"Indeed, right on West Second Street. Head, once rebuilt, it could hold at least a thousand soldiers. If so many stay, wouldn’t Xiping County become the Zhao Family’s backyard?"

"Should we bring it up at the Zhao’s Fortress?"

"Discuss what?" Mr. Song asked, "Given how Zhao Hanzhang has been decisively acting in the county town these days, has anyone from the Zhao Family come?"

Currently, Zhao Hanzhang is in charge at Xiping County Government; she commands troops, who dares to provoke her?

"Wasn’t County Magistrate Fan’s daughter a survivor? The XiPing County Magistrate was supposed to be appointed by the court," the person stated, "Since County Magistrate Fan’s family died heroically, the surviving Fan Family Girl remains loyal. If she reports to the court and requests them to appoint a new magistrate..."

Mr. Song pondered deeply.

None realized that Luoyang had already received Zhao Ming’s letters.

The memorial and letter arrived in the Capital City simultaneously; the memorial was submitted, while the letter was delivered straight to Zhao Zhongyu at Zhao Mansion.

As the local aristocracy, the Zhao Family possessed both the privilege and duty to report regional conditions to the Emperor.

Zhao Ming was once regarded as a middle-grade scholar; though he never held office, drafting memorials posed no challenge for him.