“One earl and one marquis—setting aside what others might think, wouldn’t the clan members feel satisfied? If we give the title to Erlang, when the title of Marquis Shangcai inexplicably disappears in the future, won’t they feel upset? Or does Mother want Erlang to remain just a Marquis Shangcai for his entire life?”

A marquis rank was higher. If he could be a marquis, how could Wang Shi possibly want her son to remain just an earl?

Seeing Wang Shi bite her lip and say nothing.

Zhao Hanzhang softened her voice and said, “Mother, those I resent are Zhao Ji and Wu Shi. They’re both dead, and died disgracefully at that. I have no feelings for Zhao Yi and his siblings, but Grand-Uncle… he rendered service to the country and also showed kindness to the family. Just consider this as them receiving his favor and protection.”

“Giving this title to the second branch isn’t because I cherish and love Zhao Yi and the others, but because of Grand-Uncle, and treating it as repaying the favor he showed me.” Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes reddened slightly as she said softly, “If not for him willingly serving as a hostage, I wouldn’t have been able to develop so smoothly during those two years. If not for his righteous self-sacrifice, I wouldn’t have such a good reputation now.”

Zhao Hanzhang was a powerful minister. Zhao Hanzhang might one day replace Jin and take its place—such speculation and questioning had never ceased. But why had such voices diminished after this battle?

First was Zhao Hanzhang’s attitude toward the young emperor; but second was the excellent political capital left to her by Zhao Changyu and Zhao Zhongyu.

The two brothers, one dying for the country and one dying for the sovereign, could be said to have embodied both loyalty and righteousness. As their granddaughter, Zhao Hanzhang directly inherited the good reputation they left behind.

People would think that since Zhao Changyu and Zhao Zhongyu were so loyal and righteous, their granddaughter Zhao Hanzhang must naturally be the same, gaining an extra measure of trust.

Zhao Hanzhang had received the benefits left by Zhao Zhongyu after his death, so she needed to reciprocate somewhat.

The clan might not see this point, but she was clear in her heart that if she didn’t do this, she would inevitably feel guilty.

Wang Shi was persuaded, but her heart still couldn’t accept it, so she vented her anger at her, “Since you’ve already made up your mind, why ask me again?”

“Of course I must ask Mother,” Zhao Hanzhang said, hugging her arm and coaxing her softly. “This title once belonged to the first branch, and Mother has a share in it too. If you firmly disagree, I won’t force the issue.” She would just find another opportunity to bestow favor on Zhao Yi.

Wang Shi’s expression softened. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she tried to pull her arm away with disdain. “Fine, fine. This was originally a dispute from our parents’ generation. Their parents are both dead now—they’re pitiable too. If you want to give it to them, then give it.”

After a pause, Wang Shi’s eyes sparkled as she asked, “You’re going to make Erlang a marquis? What kind of marquis? Will the emperor agree?”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, “This matter is still far off. Let’s wait a bit longer. Once the realm is more stable, we can proceed. Erlang fought very bravely in previous battles—his military achievements are all recorded. Once he accumulates enough, he can be enfeoffed.”

Wang Shi became proud and satisfied. “It must be like Marquis Shangcai, inheritable by descendants, not like the title given to your Grand-Uncle that ends in one generation.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and agreed, “Yes, it will definitely be inheritable by descendants.”

Wang Shi was happy, patting the back of her hand with complete satisfaction. “You’re now a Duke, and in the future Erlang will be a marquis. Our family has finally made it through the hardships. If your grandfather and father knew how accomplished you siblings have become, they would surely be delighted.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at Wang Shi without explaining further.

The mother and daughter stayed close together until Qinggu reminded her, then Zhao Hanzhang got up to bathe and change clothes.

Wang Shi also let down her hair to prepare for sleep. Qinggu made her bed, then turned to see her sitting at the dressing table in a daze, so she stepped forward to console her softly, “Since Madam has already agreed with the young lady, why think so much about it? Now both the young lady and the young master are successful—they’re no longer bound by a mere earl’s title.”

Wang Shi sighed and said, “When we fought over it back then, Dalang’s children weren’t very involved. Wu Shi is dead, Zhao Ji is dead too. I’m not a petty person—I just feel melancholy. Back then we nearly risked our lives for this title, but in the end, it’s just an earl’s title.”

She took out her handkerchief to wipe her tears, saying, “Only now do I know that wealth and honor are but fleeting clouds. Look at Prince Donghai and Gou Xi—how wealthy and noble they once were! But after one battle, forget wealth and nobility—they couldn’t even preserve their own lives.”

“So now I don’t seek great honor for them, only hope they stay safe,” Wang Shi clutched her handkerchief tightly and said, “Though Sanniang hasn’t said so, I know that every step she takes now is on a knife’s edge—it’s terrifying. What I can do for her now is simply not to cause trouble.”

“The young lady and Madam have saved so many people over these years—Heaven will surely grant Madam’s wishes.” Qinggu helped Wang Shi lie down to sleep. The next day, just as dawn broke, she had to get up to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for them. But as soon as she left the courtyard, she heard the sound of weapons cutting through air from the neighboring courtyard.

She walked over and saw Zhao Hanzhang wielding a long spear, moving with dragon-like vigor and tiger-like ferocity as she practiced in the courtyard.

Qinggu watched for a while, then quietly withdrew to the kitchen and cut another plate of braised mutton.

When Zhao Hanzhang changed clothes and came for breakfast, she was stunned. “There’s meat for breakfast too?”

Qinggu smiled and said, “This is the mutton braised last night. It’s fully flavored this morning, so I cut some for you to try, young lady.”

As she arranged dishes for Zhao Hanzhang, she smiled and said, “The young lady has heavy government duties and also practices martial arts—the energy expenditure is great, so you should eat more meat.”

Wang Shi agreed with this view and kept serving her meat.

Zhao Hanzhang felt extremely happy.

Zhao Erlang and the others guarding the city gate were different. They had only slept for two hours in between and were now squatting by the gate with somewhat dazed expressions, not fully awake.

Lu Hu brought them two pieces of dry rations. Zhao Erlang took them and stuffed them in his mouth, taking a fierce bite and chewing.

Zhao Zheng ate with difficulty and asked Zhao Erlang, “Why must we eat military dry rations?”

Zhao Erlang replied, “What else would we eat?”

Zhao Zheng paused, then had his attendant go into the city to buy several large steamed buns.

The gate wasn’t far from some stalls inside—one round trip took only about fifteen minutes.

Zhao Zheng was very generous in sharing the buns with Zhao Erlang. “We can buy them.”

Zhao Erlang said aggrievedly while taking a bite of his bun, “I don’t have money.”

His sister hadn’t paid him a salary in a long time. No salary was one thing—he’d managed before without it—but even his monthly allowance was gone…

Zhao Erlang quickly finished his bun, stood up and said, “There aren’t many people left. I’ll leave the rest to you—I’m going back to the county office.”

“What are you going to the county office for?”

Zhao Erlang said, “To calculate money!”

He continued, “I need to set aside next month’s expenses for the county office. Only the remainder goes into storage.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zheng’s eyes lit up. This was good! They’d collected so much money yesterday—who knew if the General would demand it from them. Regardless of whether she would or not, they had to set aside a portion first.

Zhao Zheng wiped his hands and stood up, saying to him, “Don’t go alone—take Clerk Yu with you. He knows how much money to set aside.”

Zhao Erlang agreed and went to call Clerk Yu to go back together.

Zhao Hanzhang didn’t think about asking for money. After breakfast, she entered the palace to discuss government affairs with Ji Yuan and the others. After handling state business, she still had to make time to meet with Zhao Song and others, then rush out of the palace before noon to meet someone at the Food Taste Tower.

Ah, so busy.