“The Zhao family…” Inspector He paused before continuing, “They are the greatest aristocratic family in Yu Province. Since they’ve taken an interest in Runan Commandery, do you think they can be easily dismissed?”

“You saw Zhao Hanzhang’s letter too. Without my orders, she directly sent troops to Quyang, deceived County Magistrate Sun into leaving, took direct control of Quyang County affairs, and even withheld the taxes owed to the Inspector’s office without hesitation,” Inspector He’s brow furrowed deeply. “Zhao Ming is right here with me, clearly waiting to break all pretenses with me. Once that happens, Xiping, Shangcai, and Quyang will all descend into chaos. With the war between the Prince of Donghai and Gou Xi currently constraining me, if they rebel, I’ll be caught between enemies from both sides.”

The advisor couldn’t help but say, “Zhao Hanzhang is ungrateful. Your Excellency showed her recognition and favor.”

Inspector He shook his head. “I fear this wasn’t her idea, but rather the Zhao family directing her to do this.”

The advisor was shocked. “What is the Zhao family trying to do? Rebel?”

“Rebellion isn’t likely—Zhao Zhongyu is still in Luoyang,” Inspector He said. “But it’s for the safety of the clan…”

The advisor then recalled last year’s incident when the Zhao family stronghold was surrounded by rebel forces and nearly wiped out. He immediately fell silent.

“Will the Zhao family agree to gather military provisions for Your Excellency?” By now, he wasn’t even mentioning Zhao Hanzhang, clearly convinced this was the Zhao family’s doing, with Zhao Hanzhang merely pushed to the forefront.

Inspector He said, “Since Zhao Ming agreed, he won’t go back on his word. Moreover, exchanging military provisions for Runan Commandery—the Zhao family doesn’t lose in this deal.”

Inspector He smiled mockingly as he said this. “However, in such chaotic times, whether the Zhao family can bring Runan Commandery under control remains uncertain. After all, they’ve pushed a woman to the forefront.”

The other county magistrates might not necessarily recognize Zhao Hanzhang.

The advisor also found the Zhao family’s actions strange. With so many young men in the clan, why push a woman forward?

Zhao Ming’s thoughts weren’t as complex as theirs. Though he had agreed to Inspector He’s terms, he had no intention of using the Zhao family’s resources to help Zhao Hanzhang, so the military provisions would still need to be gathered by Zhao Hanzhang herself.

Therefore, he went directly to Quyang with Zhao Kuan, bringing her this “good news.”

Upon meeting her, he said, “Congratulations. Inspector He will appoint you as Commandant of Runan Commandery.”

Zhao Hanzhang’s first question was, “Does he have that authority?”

Zhao Ming stared at her.

Zhao Hanzhang changed her approach. “Very well, Uncle Ming, what are Inspector He’s conditions?”

“He wants you to gather military provisions for him.” Zhao Ming handed her a document.

Zhao Hanzhang took it. The amount listed was even higher than Quyang’s taxes.

She rolled her eyes and asked, “Does this figure already include this year’s taxes from the various counties of Runan Commandery?”

“Don’t even think about it. This year’s taxes from all counties except Quyang have already been transported to Chen County. Didn’t the taxes from your Xiping County already go out?” Zhao Ming said. “So of course this doesn’t include those.”

Zhao Hanzhang studied the figures carefully. “This is designed to make me force Runan Commandery into rebellion, or to make all the common people of Runan Commandery hate me.”

Zhao Ming said, “I already agreed on your behalf.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Uncle Ming. From today forward, everything I do regarding Runan Commandery will be proper and legitimate.”

Zhao Ming ignored her sweet talk and asked directly, “How will you gather these military provisions?”

Zhao Hanzhang asked, “Did he set a deadline?”

Zhao Ming’s lips curved slightly. “No.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled. “Then we’ll take our time—no rush. As for grain, besides growing it ourselves and collecting taxes, we can buy it with money. Fortunately, I’m not short of money.”

Zhao Ming had the same thought, which was why he dared to agree immediately.

However, such a large quantity of grain couldn’t be purchased all at once. Zhao Ming didn’t intend to get too involved, so he pointed at Zhao Kuan. “I’ve brought your new county magistrate. You two handle things.”

Seeing him turn to leave, Zhao Hanzhang quickly caught up. “Uncle Ming, since you’re already here, why not stay at the county office? We’re family—it would be nice to be closer.”

“You should figure out how to buy the grain. I won’t disturb you.”

Zhao Hanzhang felt he had indeed worked hard traveling for several days and should rest. She quickly had servants attend to Zhao Ming, not pressing him further.

That left the question: for such a major matter, who should she consult?

Of course, they should discuss it together—pooling everyone’s wisdom!

So Zhao Kuan, newly arrived in Quyang County, stood with his clan brothers in the main hall of the county office to deliberate.

Zhao Hanzhang sat in the main seat and asked, “Do any of you have good solutions?”

Zhao Kuan, being new, remained respectfully silent even though he was nominally the county magistrate of Quyang. He didn’t voice any opinions.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hui and the other clan members hadn’t yet processed the situation. They were still somewhat bewildered and turned to ask Zhao Kuan, “What does this mean? Is Inspector He giving Runan Commandery to our Zhao family?”

Zhao Kuan corrected him, “Not to our Zhao family—to Sanniang!”

That’s why the military provisions must be gathered by Sanniang. Didn’t you see even Uncle Ming turn around and wash his hands of this matter?

Zhao Hanzhang ignored them, letting them discuss freely, her gaze mainly on Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan stated simply and directly, “Give him the grain. First transport a batch to Chen County and have him immediately grant you the position of commandant. With that official position, you’ll be able to gather military provisions.”

Zhao Ju asked, “How do we gather them? Surely we can’t tax the people again? With such a large quantity of military provisions divided among everyone, I’m afraid it won’t just be Quyang County rebelling.”

Ji Yuan glanced at him. “Buy it, of course. Ordinary commoners lack grain, but there are always those who don’t. First, we must secure the commandant position.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded. “We can’t give too much at once. The commandant position must be secured first.”

Fu Tinghan interjected, “What if he finds another commandery governor for Runan Commandery?”

Ji Yuan frowned—it wasn’t impossible.

Zhao Hanzhang, however, smiled. “That depends on whether the commandery governor can wrest control from my hands.”

Ji Yuan relaxed his brow. “Exactly right. Qianli should train the troops well. As long as we have sufficient military force, we needn’t fear.”

“Then regarding these military provisions…”

Ji Yuan directly took charge. “I’ll handle the purchasing.”

He paused. “We currently have enough money, but spending this way will make things difficult later.”

Fu Tinghan said, “The paper workshop’s profits are gradually increasing, and the bookshop’s earnings are also showing results. Money won’t be a concern.”

Zhao Hanzhang happily slapped her thigh. “Then what do we have to fear?”

Zhao Kuan and the other Zhao family members thought: …

This is so worrying. Uncle, where are you?

Zhao Ming was entertaining guests. As soon as he arrived, Quyang County’s wealthy gentry immediately came calling. They had one purpose: to find out what the Zhao family was actually trying to do. Were these actions Zhao Hanzhang’s personal decisions, or the Zhao family’s intentions?

Zhao Ming naturally couldn’t implicate the entire Zhao family, so he told them straightforwardly that these were Zhao Hanzhang’s personal decisions and had nothing to do with the Zhao family.

Old Master Guan and the others thought: Bah! If it were really Zhao Hanzhang’s personal decision, why would the new county magistrate be a Zhao family member? Why would Zhao Ming personally come to Quyang? Why would there be so many Zhao family members at the county office?

They became even more convinced this was the Zhao family’s scheme.