Chapter 31 - Winning Over

Chapter 31: Chapter 25: Winning Overƒrēewebnovel.comThere are fifteen people in total, which isn’t many, but they’re all centurions, each with nine to fifteen subordinates under them.

Altogether, that makes one hundred ninety-nine people, not including Zhao Ju.

But these one hundred ninety-nine people aren’t solitary; they have families behind them. Everyone over one year old is registered, and now there are eight hundred ninety-six people on the register.

All these people can be used by Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Changyu handed the register to Zhao Hanzhang and then closed his eyes in the room to rest, pretending to relinquish all power.

But his fingers were clenched tightly, and he wasn’t calm inside.

These people, though not numerous, weren’t few either, and they were all elite fighters he had carefully selected, the best in the Zhao Family’s battalions.

If Zhao Hanzhang could handle them, that would be good; if not, there might be backlash.

Zhao Hanzhang flipped through the register and asked, "How many horses are in the team?"

Zhao Ju replied, "Only two companies are equipped with horses, a total of twenty-four mounts."

Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes shone, "That’s plenty, usable."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ju looked up at her, then Zhao Hanzhang asked, "What are the daily training contents? How much grain, eggs, and meat are consumed..."

These people looked considerably more robust compared to the farmers seen on the street. Clearly not starving, they were properly maintained "regular soldiers," and such consumption was no small matter, especially with the twenty-four horses they had.

Whether now or in her future, warhorses were more valuable than men, requiring much more care and sustenance.

Zhao Changyu was also impressive, managing to secretly raise them without Zhao Zhongyu discovering.

Zhao Hanzhang asked detailed questions and, after communicating with the centurions, ran back to Zhao Changyu, "Grandfather, can I watch them work tomorrow?"

Zhao Changyu poured himself a cup of tea and smiled, "What’s there to see in farming?"

"Regardless, I need to interact more with them. Not only could I develop relationships, but also understand their strengths and weaknesses, for better command in the future." If her leg weren’t still healing, she would have wanted to train with them.

Trust in the army is usually forged through battle; whether they are in sync and obedient can only be determined through training.

Zhao Changyu paused his hand, slightly frowning, "I intended for you to lead them, to let them protect you, not for you to..."

"It’s the same, it’s the same," Zhao Hanzhang cheerfully approached him, "Grandfather, Luoyang hasn’t been stable in recent years, and just farming can’t support so many people, right? Look, you’ve given me these people, but I have no money. If I can’t support them..."

Zhao Changyu’s heart tightened, and after a moment of silence, he said, "There are still some shops; I’ll hand them over to you when we get back."

Zhao Hanzhang diligently massaged his leg, "Thank you, grandfather."

Zhao Changyu shook his head with a meaningful smile, "I’ve given you things, but it’s best if you can handle them; otherwise..."

"Granddaughter understands: only what’s held in hand is mine; if I can’t hold it, I can only watch it slip away, unable to forcefully keep it," Zhao Hanzhang said with a smile, "But don’t worry, grandfather; my hands are large and tight."

Zhao Changyu: "What if you really can’t hold it?"

"Then let go graciously, at least maintaining some goodwill for future needs. Given the current chaos, who knows when we might need someone’s help? If it’s not a matter of principle, we can afford to be lenient."

Zhao Changyu exhaled, feeling comforted. Although her words were just talk, without proven effect, conversing with a smart person saved effort, and he was very pleased with Zhao Hanzhang.

The grandfather and granddaughter happily headed home, but the good mood vanished upon returning, as people from the palace had arrived, and Zhao Zhongyu had been hosting them for a while.

Following Zhao Changyu, Zhao Hanzhang saw the messenger eunuch. The eunuch immediately stood up upon seeing Zhao Changyu, and after paying respects, said, "Shangcai Marquis, Your Majesty received your memorial today and specifically sent me to discuss matters."

Zhao Changyu invited him to take a seat, but the eunuch refused, glancing at Zhao Zhongyu and Zhao Hanzhang, "This..."

Zhao Changyu sighed, "I am not as strong as before; now most domestic and national affairs are handed over to my second brother. The eunuch may speak freely."

After a brief thought, the eunuch said, "I request that the Marquis and the Marquis Ting keep this confidential; these words from me should only enter your ears."

Zhao Changyu nodded in agreement but didn’t ask Zhao Hanzhang to leave. Zhao Hanzhang, too, stood by respectfully, mindful not to draw attention, thinking, You can’t see me, you can’t see...

The eunuch glanced at her again, seeing that Zhao Changyu was ignoring her, could only try to overlook her, and whispered, "His Majesty is also concerned about the northern Qiang and Hu, so he intends for Wang Yan and Gao Tao to govern Jingzhao County. Fu Zhongshu also supports this idea, and there are many in the court who back this change. If the Marquis could submit a memorial, the matter would be even more seamless..."

In summary, it was a request for Zhao Changyu to submit another memorial, suggesting that Jingzhao County be handed over to Wang Yan and Gao Tao instead of Prince East Sea. The Emperor would be extremely grateful, as would Wang Yan and Gao Tao.

Zhao Changyu laughed amiably to see the eunuch off, but as soon as he left, the smile fell from his face as he clutched his chest, staggering a couple of steps.

Zhao Hanzhang quickly reached out to support him, and Zhao Zhongyu also lent a hand to hold his elder brother, noticing Zhao Hanzhang coming from the other side, frowning: Why is she still here?

But more pressing was not this; ignoring Zhao Hanzhang, he helped Zhao Changyu to the couch, "Brother, is the Emperor asking you to oppose Prince East Sea?"

Zhao Hanzhang poured a cup of hot water for Zhao Changyu.

Zhao Changyu took a sip, eased his chest, and said, "It’s just pulling in allies."

"Then should we..."

"I’m ill," Zhao Changyu interrupted, exhaling, "From tomorrow onward, close the door and refuse visitors. Since I’m ill, naturally I can’t deal with national affairs; let them proceed."

Zhao Zhongyu murmured, "Actually, lending a hand to His Majesty could be beneficial. Wang Yan is the Emperor’s uncle, Gao Tao isn’t weak either. Offering them friendship now could benefit the Zhao Family..."

Zhao Changyu waved his hand, "Not suitable; Wang Yan and Gao Tao can’t compete with Prince East Sea."

"But Fu Zhongshu has also proposed that Wang Yan take over Jingzhao County, hasn’t he?"

Zhao Changyu pursed his lips, "Our Zhao Family is not like the Fu Family. This matter is not appropriate; don’t mention it again."

Zhao Zhongyu looked somewhat displeased, his face taut, but seeing Zhao Changyu’s chest heaving intensely, dare not discuss the matter further, fearing he might agitate himself badly.

He was about to rise and take his leave when he caught sight of Zhao Hanzhang standing nearby, frowning and asking, "Is your leg injury healed?"

Zhao Hanzhang bowed respectfully, "Yesterday, grandfather fell ill, and in my haste, I stood up. After walking a bit, I found there’s still pain, but it’s not affecting mobility."

Zhao Changyu: "..."

After glancing at Zhao Hanzhang, he defended her, "The child is filial."

Zhao Zhongyu hadn’t said anything, even though he suspected she was pretending to be injured, it was not appropriate to bring it up now. He could only maintain a stern face and say, "Serve your grandfather well."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, watching Zhao Zhongyu leave.