Chapter 186 - Pulled Into the Water
Discover the story in "After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times" Chapter 186: When Zhao Hanzhang came over, Zhao Song had just finished his breakfast. Seeing her, he... Continue exploring!
When Zhao Hanzhang came over, Zhao Song had just finished his breakfast. Seeing her, he immediately smiled and said, "I said youâd come today. Last night, your uncle already told me that you won a victory in Yu Yang, and the matter of Xiping County has gone smoothly."
He turned his head and instructed a servant, "Go and invite Old Six and Old Seven over."
The servant responded and left.
After Zhao Hanzhang smiled and greeted everyone, she sat down, "Itâs Fifth Uncle who cares about me. I was just hoping to see several elders."
The Zhao Family is the largest clan in Xiping County, with marital ties spread everywhere. If a policy is supported by them, it will be much easier to implement.
So when the elders were all present, she first brought up the issue of the exemption from autumn taxes this year.
Upon hearing this good news, the eldersâ expressions softened, and they asked warmly, "Did Inspector He approve this matter?"
Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "We just went through a major battle in Xiping, so this is a favor from the inspector to us."View the correct content at )
Among those present, except for the very naive, who would believe it?
In recent years, there have also been places in Ru Nan County where revolts and battles caused significant damage, yet the required taxes still had to be paid, and the increased military expenses werenât reduced by a bit.
Therefore, they all knew that Xiping County getting this result was likely achieved through Zhao Hanzhangâs strenuous efforts.
Everyone was satisfied, thinking that having a clan member serve as the County Magistrate of Xiping County wasnât a bad idea.
Previously, during the battles, every family suffered heavy losses. Those who died in action needed consolation, and the Wu Castle needed repairs, costing each family a considerable amount.
Zhao Hanzhang then brought up another matter, stating that next yearâs taxes would undergo some changes, and they could discuss specifics later.
Upon hearing that Zhao Hanzhang wanted to set up two accounts, the elders exchanged glances and then looked at Zhao Song in unison.
Zhao Song felt his heart race, recalling his sonâs warnings, and couldnât help but look at Zhao Ming, who continued to sit silently.
Zhao Ming already knew about this matter and had seen Fu Tinghan calculating the tiers. When his father looked at him, he just nodded slightly.
The Sixth Ancestor cautiously said, "So this second account will be in Third Sisterâs hands, and the benefits will also count as hers. What are you using so many people and resources for?"
"To protect Xiping County and the Wu Castle," Zhao Hanzhang didnât hide anything, directly saying, "Currently, Your Majesty cannot wield power. The prince who does has changed several times. The court is in chaos, Ancestors, they are vying for power and profit with the nationâs strength."
"They can neglect the life and death of the local populace, and we canât reach beyond, but we must ensure that we live, our families live, and our friends live."
Zhao Familyâs friends and relatives are mostly distributed in Yu State. The resources retained in this second account are to protect Xiping, Ru Nan, and even Yu State.
The elders looked at the rebellious Zhao Hanzhang, speechless for a long time.
As the elders hesitated and remained silent, Zhao Hu suddenly slapped his thigh and said, "Right, we canât send everything to Luoyang. They donât care about our lives. We must think for ourselves. Fifth Brother, just follow what Third Sister said to do. Iâve wanted to say this for a while, but Big Brother is too rigid, prohibiting this and forbidding that."
Zhao Song irritably rebuked him, "Shut up!"
Zhao Hu closed his mouth unwillingly.
Zhao Song lowered his head in contemplation for a moment before asking her, "When did you come up with such an idea, and does your grandfather know?"
Zhao Hanzhang replied, "It gradually emerged after resolving the crisis at the Wu Castle."
She continued, "This time going to Yu Yang to see the inspector was not only to resolve the Yu Yang crisis but also to seek advice. The Xiongnu Army attacked southward; Yu State was the first in line, Shangcaiâs checkpoint was crucial, and after Shangcai comes Xiping. Our Zhao Family is famous in Yu State. The Xiongnu Army is known for plundering, and they will certainly come for our Zhaoâs Fortress."
The elders nodded slightly and asked, "What did Inspector He say?"
Zhao Hanzhang sighed deeply and said, "This time, the reinforcements sent totaled over twenty thousand. After the battle, Inspector He only sent five carts of provisions. After that, there was nothing more. When I returned, Inspector He was already urging the army to leave, but the troops had eaten all the food, leaving none for the journey."
Everyone fell silent. She didnât explicitly say how Inspector He planned to solve the problems of Xiping and Zhao Family, yet said everything at the same time.
A stingy inspector who wouldnât spare a full meal even for the troops aiding in reliefâis he willing to pay money and provide people to protect Xiping and Zhao Family?
Not to mention self-sufficiency; thatâs simply impossible. The court wants everything from the populace to compete for those top positions and to guard themselves.
Everyone grew uncertain, constantly looking at Zhao Song.
This exceeded Zhao Songâs moral standardsâwasnât this openly undermining the state?
Zhao Ming, silent until now, murmured, "Father, this is not only for protecting Zhao Family but also for protecting the people of Xiping. Xiping County does not consist solely of people with the surname Zhao."
Zhao Song realized this was true, which made him feel slightly better and reluctantly agreed to the matter.
Zhao Hanzhang breathed a sigh of relief. With Zhao Songâs agreement, it was considered approved by the Zhao family, and other clans wouldnât be a problem.
After finishing the serious discussion, Zhao Hanzhang took a sip of water, remembered something, and turned to Zhao Hu, "Seventh Ancestor, you need to pay up the back taxes owed to the county government. Hanzhang is really poor now, and you have to help me."
Zhao Hu was stunned, almost jumping up, "When did I owe back taxes to the county government?"
He glared and unthinkingly shouted, "Youâre going to investigate unregistered households? Good for you Zhao Third Sister, I just spoke on your behalf, and you yourself have unregistered households, and now youâre going to investigate mine?"
Zhao Song coughed heavily, warning, "Old Seven!"
Zhao Hanzhang replied without expression, "Seventh Ancestor, when did I say I was going to investigate your unregistered households? What I want is the portion of taxes thatâs supposed to be listed in the county government account. Iâve checked, and youâve paid less every year, especially last year."
Zhao Song then asked calmly, "Old Seven, did you merge your familyâs open account into the hidden one?"
Zhao Hu started to think hard. Had he really made a mistake?
"Iâll go back and have it checked," Zhao Hu paused before continuing, "County Magistrate Fan is dead, and when people die, accounts disappear. Youâre still asking me for the account..."
Zhao Hanzhang replied quietly, "Seventh Ancestor, that account isnât County Magistrate Fanâs; itâs Xiping County Governmentâs. Iâm now the new County Magistrate."
The others chimed in quickly, "Yes, Old Seven, just give it to her. Things are tough for Third Sister now; she needs to support so many people."
"Just give it to her, give it to her. Your unregistered households have been left alone, and they havenât dug into your base. She, a child, has to tackle a big target first; otherwise, those in the county wonât pay her any attention."
Zhao Hanzhang nodded in agreement, "The Eleventh Ancestor is so insightful."
Zhao Hu said, "So youâre using me as an example to scare others."
Zhao Hanzhang replied, "Not necessarily. From the amount you owe, youâre not exactly the chicken; youâre more like the monkey."
Zhao Song then turned to scold her, "How improper to speak to elders like that!"
Zhao Hanzhang quickly admitted her fault obediently, and the atmosphere relaxed, causing everyone to laugh.