Qiu Wu and his three men moved very quietly, making no sound. Zhao Hanzhang had already walked to the side, hiding from the lamplight to avoid casting her shadow on the screen.

The people outside the screen were completely unaware that someone had entered the study, still earnestly discussing, “From her previous conduct, she’s extremely domineering. This sudden arrival means County Magistrate Gao is probably in grave danger.”

“Wasn’t the previous County Magistrate of Biyangxian beheaded without a word? Since winter began, she’s issued order after order, yet our Nanyang Kingdom hasn’t complied with any. This time we probably won’t escape unscathed either.”

Another person suggested, “Why not make some show of compliance before she arrives, at least get through this and send her away first.”

“Improper. If word spreads, won’t it seem our Commandery Administrator fears her?”

“This isn’t fear, but avoiding unnecessary conflict. Nanyang Kingdom belongs to Yuzhou after all. She’s the Yuzhou Inspector. Even if we disagree with her governance orders, we can’t remain completely unmoved.”

“Hmph, the court hasn’t even acknowledged her position as Inspector.”

“If we’re going to argue about that, then there’s no point discussing anything today. Let’s not debate titles—let’s discuss reality. Is she currently the Yuzhou Inspector or not? Can she control Yuzhou?”

“Commandery Administrator, regardless of whether it’s the Zhao Clan backing her, her own military forces, or her reputation—within Yuzhou, no one can contend with her. We must acknowledge her, whether we want to or not. She is the Yuzhou Inspector!”

Pei He, sitting with his back to the screen, nodded in acknowledgment, “She is the Yuzhou Inspector.”

Seeing him concede, the other’s expression improved and his voice became more temperate, “Since she is Yuzhou’s master, then we must perform some surface duties. The governance orders she issues—we must implement them. Just to what degree is another matter. Let’s appease her and send her away first.”

Pei He: “I fear she won’t be so easily appeased.”

“Yuzhou has ten commanderies and kingdoms—five inner and five outer. Now the inner five commanderies more or less heed her commands, and our Nanyang Kingdom is among them. She can’t possibly inspect every county like before. At most she’ll visit the commandery seats and check on conditions in places she passes.”

“We’ve already lost the opportunity with Xi’e County. Sacrificing County Magistrate Gao is sufficient—after all, he’s not your man, Commandery Administrator.” He continued, “Next we just need to manage Luyang County well.”

“How do we manage it?”

“Starting tomorrow, stop collecting commercial taxes from passing merchants. Drive the refugees lingering outside the city farther away—best to drive them in the other direction. If possible, have people pose as merchants waiting along the route. When she arrives, we’ll do this and that…”

Zhao Hanzhang, who had found a spot on the couch to sit, propped her chin on her hand and listened to their complete one-two-three methods for deceiving Inspector Zhao.

Honestly, she wasn’t surprised at all. These deception tactics were leftovers from her era.

Oh wait, that’s not right. In the later world, these were the predecessors.

It seemed deception methods had similarities across ancient and modern times. The predecessors were quite impressive too.

She was well-informed, but Qiu Wu and his men weren’t.

The four listened in stunned bewilderment, continuously glancing at the other party involved, only to see Zhao Hanzhang’s expression unchanged, showing not a trace of emotion. They couldn’t help but admire inwardly—the young lady was indeed worthy of being the young lady. This was remaining composed even with Mount Tai collapsing before her, far superior to them.

It seemed they still needed to learn more.

The three discussed for a long time before finalizing their plan to deceive Zhao Hanzhang. After settling all the details, it was getting late. Pei He stood up to personally see the two advisors out.

He escorted them to the study door with great courtesy, watching them depart.

After they’d gone far, he turned back and said to an attendant who’d been waiting outside, “Bring hot water. I’ll rest in the study tonight.”

“Yes.”

Pei He casually closed the door and walked toward the rest room behind the screen, somewhat weary.

Just as he passed through the screen, his body stiffened, his heart pounding violently, his pupils contracting sharply, and his hands and feet instantly turning ice cold.

Zhao Hanzhang, sitting on the couch, smiled faintly at him and raised her hand, “Commandery Administrator Pei, please sit down for a chat.”

Pei He saw a powerfully built guard walking toward him. He couldn’t help but retreat a small step, both wary and probing as he asked, “Inspector Zhao?”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded with a smile, “Precisely Hanzhang. We truly are fated. Through some mystical connection, I seemed to hear Commandery Administrator Pei thinking of me, so I came.”

Pei He: …

His face turned deathly pale. When had this person arrived? How much had she heard?

No, wait, what did she mean by hearing him thinking of her so she came? She clearly intentionally infiltrated his home. What did she want to do—assassinate him?

No, even if such dirty work needed doing, she wouldn’t come personally. That would be too beneath her status.

With this thought, Pei He’s complexion improved slightly.

Qiu Wu had already walked past him, brought back a low stool and placed it opposite the couch. He politely stepped back and said to Pei He, “Please sit.”

Pei He: …This is my home, you know?

But now wasn’t the time to quibble about such things.

Pei He slowly walked to face Zhao Hanzhang and sat down slowly, “Inspector Zhao visits late at night, yet this subordinate received no notice and failed to welcome you properly.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and nodded, “No matter. I’m not one to fuss over such empty courtesies.”

But he was!

Pei He screamed inwardly. Coming to visit without sending a calling card in advance was one thing, but at least let him know!

Zhao Hanzhang smiled sweetly as she looked at Pei He and said, “Your two advisors are quite capable, Commandery Administrator Pei. The methods they devised—I listened and couldn’t help but want to applaud.”

She had indeed heard everything. Pei He’s expression became impassive. He couldn’t manage any expression at all, only asking, “How much did Your Excellency hear?”

“All of it,” Zhao Hanzhang said considerately, “from when you said I wasn’t easy to deal with.”

Oh, so she really had heard everything. They had only just started then.

Pei He became even more expressionless.

Zhao Hanzhang’s smile faded slightly as she said, “Though the two advisors are talented, their talent isn’t used for righteous purposes. Talent without virtue makes them a great menace—they should be killed.”

Pei He’s heart turned cold.

Before he could speak, the window he was facing opened and two boxes were handed in.

Qiu Wu turned to receive them, presenting the boxes.

Zhao Hanzhang indicated he should place them on the floor. She kicked one open with her foot—inside was a black cloth bag containing something round. A strong smell of blood wafted over. Pei He’s face instantly paled.

Zhao Hanzhang asked without changing expression, “Would Commandery Administrator Pei like to see them once more? After all, you shared a master-servant bond.”

Pei He turned to vomit. His hands trembled slightly. Eyes reddening, he raised his head to look at Zhao Hanzhang, “What does Your Excellency intend to do?”

Zhao Hanzhang’s smile completely vanished. Like an unsheathed sword, she looked at him with piercing sharpness and said gravely, “Pei He, do you know what a commandery administrator’s responsibility is?”

Pei He said nothing.

Zhao Hanzhang said, “To guard the lands of a commandery and kingdom, to benefit the people of that commandery and kingdom. With surplus capacity, give back to the province and the realm!”