Not just Zhao Hu—many officials’ hearts stirred as well.

Money—who would think they had too much?

This era wasn’t like later times when officials were ashamed to speak of money. They loved wealth openly and honestly, and if they felt their salary was too low, they would negotiate directly with their superiors.

For instance, Ji Yuan and Ming Yu had expressed dissatisfaction: “Now that refugees have been gathered and the court is largely redeeming people from slavery to freedom, we officials cannot find people to cultivate our official fields. Yet we officials are busy with public affairs and cannot go farm ourselves. The official fields remain fallow upon receipt, and we still must pay considerable taxes each year.”

At that time, Zhao Hanzhang was not yet Emperor. Ji Yuan had said, “This is also why the General’s policy of redeeming slaves has always been delayed. Whether officials or common people, no policy should be enacted that goes against human nature. If the General wishes to free slaves, then officials must be given sufficient salaries so they can use few servants or no servants at all while still receiving adequate compensation.”

Zhao Hanzhang had listened and decided to implement partial reforms once she fully took power.

In any case, because officials’ fields had no one, or few people to cultivate them, their annual income was limited.

Additionally, the national treasury had been empty before, and Zhao Hanzhang had owed them two months of salary, only recently repaid. Therefore, many officials understood the importance of money.

“A gentleman loves wealth but obtains it righteously.” Taking the Emperor’s reward money was one righteous path. They personally couldn’t go to the Western Regions, but could have relatives and friends go, with them investing capital for a share.

However…

“Your Majesty, the journey to the Western Regions is extremely difficult. Along the way there are not only vast deserts but also unconquered tribal states, and one might encounter bandits. If relying solely on the people’s own strength, reaching Kang will be extremely difficult.”

Otherwise, why would she offer ten gold pieces per jin of cotton seeds?

It was precisely because of the difficulty that she offered heavy rewards. Under heavy rewards, brave men would surely emerge. She wanted to obtain as many cotton seeds as possible at the fastest speed.

Of course, she wouldn’t let her people go to their deaths in vain.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at Zhang Shi and asked warmly, “Does Beloved Minister Zhang have routes and maps to the Western Regions, as well as matters requiring attention along the way?”

Zhang Shi did indeed know. His eyes brightened slightly, and he sat up straight asking, “Does Your Majesty intend to personally dispatch envoys to the Western Regions?”

Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes sparkled as she nodded. “I do have such plans.”

Zhang Shi immediately cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, this subject is willing to serve. Please send me to the Western Regions—I can bring back not only seeds but also Buddhist teachings.”

She didn’t need Buddhist teachings for the time being; she only needed various seeds.

Zhang Shi was a devout Buddhist believer. Before his father suffered a stroke and fell into a coma, he had always been traveling abroad pursuing Buddhist teachings.

After his father’s stroke, he was found and carried all the way back to Xiliang, taking over the general’s position and temporarily managing Xiliang on his father’s behalf.

However, although Zhang Gui’s trusted ministers recognized him, it was difficult for them to truly submit to him from the heart.

For example, when Zhang Shi wanted to do something, Xiliang’s officials recognized him as the heir, but if they thought what he wanted to do was unreliable, they would raise many doubts and obstacles.

This was also one of the reasons for the coup and military mutiny in Xiliang. Zhang Gui fell ill suddenly, and neither of his sons could command respect, plus Xiliang was a place that was… very superstitious.

Although the entire country was currently superstitious, Xiliang seemed especially so. The rebel Zhang Yue believed he could replace Zhang Gui because of a prophecy and thus committed treason. Taking advantage of Zhang Gui’s stroke, he nearly overthrew the regime.

Many years later, Zhang Shi, who had become the ruler of Xiliang, would also be killed because of a superstitious activity. Even he himself had always engaged in various superstitious activities.

Regarding Zhang Gui, Zhao Hanzhang still held great respect, and with the beloved general Beigong Chun having emerged from under his tutelage, she earnestly advised, “Beloved Minister Zhang, all things in this world emphasize moderation. Though Buddhist teachings are good, one must maintain clarity and keep a distance that is neither too close nor too far to see clearly.”

Zhang Shi deeply agreed, his face full of devotion. “This subject is currently too far away, not yet enlightened by Buddha. If I could go on a mission to the Western Regions to find the source of Buddhist teachings, this subject would die without regret.”

Since he had such aspirations, Zhao Hanzhang still admired him, so she said, “Good. I shall appoint you as envoy to the Western Regions.”

But for such a major matter, Zhang Shi alone was naturally not enough.

Zhao Hanzhang’s gaze swept across the officials, planning to discuss this matter further in a few days. Since Zhang Shi had long planned to go to the Western Regions to seek Buddhist teachings, he must have done research.

She decided to have him discuss directly with the Court of Diplomatic Relations, after which they would publish relevant information in several major newspapers, preferably printing maps as well, and then selling them in bookshops.

Seeing Zhao Hanzhang so delighted with that white flower that she’d even forgotten about the father-son matter between them, Tuoba Yilu didn’t know for a moment whether to be happy or sad.

Finally, taking advantage of Yuan Li’s temporary absence, Tuoba Yilu grabbed Tuoba Liuxiu’s hand and said in a low voice, “Liuxiu, do you know that Zhao Hanzhang intends to take Dai?”

Tuoba Liuxiu tried to shake off his hand, but Tuoba Yilu gripped it tightly, saying quietly, “However you and I fight as father and son, it’s a family matter. If you let her take the opportunity to seize Dai, you and I will both be sinners of the Xianbei.”

Tuoba Liuxiu sneered, “Aunt is more righteous than you. She said that severing someone’s ancestral line is a great evil under heaven. Whether Xianbei or Xiongnu, in her eyes they are subjects just like the Han people.”

“The Xiongnu once invaded the Central Plains so viciously, yet even now, doesn’t she treat the remaining Xiongnu people well?” Tuoba Liuxiu said, “She has no intention to kill me, nor any intent to destroy you. But you—your intention to kill me has never ceased.”

He forcefully broke free from Tuoba Yilu’s hand, coldly shifting his position to distance himself a bit more. “She is your sworn sister and also my aunt—we’re family.”

Tuoba Yilu was furious.

However, something even more infuriating happened quickly. The next day at the grand court assembly, Zhao Hanzhang first elevated her birth mother, Wang Shi, to Empress Dowager, and her husband Fu Tinghan to Imperial Consort, then issued an edict praising Xiliang, Chengguo, and Dai, with Tuoba Yilu and Tuoba Liuxiu taking up a large portion. At the end, she naturally appointed the Dai Crown Prince as King of Dai, while Tuoba Yilu was to remain in the capital to accompany the sovereign, teaching the Emperor martial arts and archery.

Standing among the officials, Tuoba Yilu felt his hands and feet turn cold. He had thought there was still room for negotiation. After all, today they established the Empress Dowager, tomorrow the Imperial Consort, and the day after they would reward meritorious service. After dealing with all these matters, even if he hadn’t thought of a good solution, he would have struggled for several days and perhaps wouldn’t feel so aggrieved.

But now only one night had passed, and he hadn’t fully struggled yet. His heart was so unwilling!

The officials had no objections to the newly appointed King of Dai. Tuoba Yilu, who might have had objections, didn’t dare raise any after that conversation in De Yang Hall.

Seeing Tuoba Liuxiu had already stepped forward, he could only walk out as well and kneel together with his rebellious son to receive the decree.

The Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort both had investiture ceremonies, though the ceremonies were smaller than the enthronement.

The national treasury had no money, so everything came from the private treasury. After these two ceremonies, Zhao Hanzhang’s private treasury was also depleted.

That evening, Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan took up brushes before a pile of name lists, circling and marking. “Erlang is martial. I’m thinking of enfeoffing Erlang as Prince of Qin.”