With the precedent of Xiping and Shangcai counties, Zhao Kuan’s stabilization and development of Quyang proceeded relatively smoothly. They not only had examples to follow but also experience.

Zhao Hanzhang began handling Runan Commandery affairs, keeping Ji Yuan by her side while deliberately leaving Zhao Ju behind, instructing him to recruit and train troops in Quyang.

She said, “I’m giving you a quota of one thousand men. Food, weapons, and supplies will be delivered later.”

Zhao Ju didn’t question why Zhao Hanzhang wanted to maintain such a large military force. He simply followed orders and agreed immediately.

Zhao Kuan was terrified. He couldn’t help but secretly return to see Zhao Ming, but as soon as he began, Zhao Ming said, “This is Quyang business. I’m merely a minor county magistrate of Xiping. This matter doesn’t concern me, so you needn’t tell me.”

Zhao Kuan: …

He understood. So he said nothing and secretly slipped back to Quyang, turning a blind eye. When Zhao Ju wanted a military camp, he used work-relief to have people build it for them.

Thus, Quyang County also opened a brick workshop.

Zhao Hanzhang was generous. She not only provided technical personnel for the brick workshop but also had people open a Treasure Pavilion branch in Quyang. The goods sold there were the same as at Xiping’s Treasure Pavilion. This way, some merchants didn’t need to go to Xiping—they could buy inexpensive paper, books, glazed items, and other goods right in Quyang.

Zhao Hanzhang’s second directive as commandant was also issued at this time, ordering county magistrates to come to Xiping before the Mid-Yuan Festival to meet her and attend her coming-of-age ceremony.

Zhao Hanzhang was approaching her coming-of-age ceremony. Her birthday fell just before the Mid-Yuan Festival. Since she was still in mourning, she hadn’t wanted to make it elaborate.

However, Ji Yuan had discussed with her that she should find an opportunity to meet with the county magistrates, and her birthday banquet was a good excuse.

Whether the ceremony was held or not, the first priority was getting people there.

A new official lighting three fires upon taking office—she might not have three fires, but she needed to let the county magistrates see their new commandant.

Zhao Hanzhang agreed, so she issued orders to the county magistrates.

When the county magistrates received the orders, they were already numb to such things. The court was now fragmented, with the emperor being fought over by the Prince of Donghai and Gou Xi. So having a woman as their superior didn’t seem too incomprehensible.

Zhao Hanzhang might lack personal prestige, but for the Zhao family’s sake, they had to make the trip.

After all, the new commandant had moved the commandery administration to Xiping.

So the county magistrates began preparing gifts to attend the new commandant’s coming-of-age ceremony.

By comparison, the Zhao family was much cooler about it. However, they still gathered to discuss. “Is Sanniang’s coming-of-age ceremony really going to be held?”

“Didn’t she send word back saying it was just an excuse to meet with the county magistrates?”

“Since the invitation has already gone out, we might as well do it properly.”

“She’s still in the mourning period—it wouldn’t be appropriate to make it too elaborate.”

Everyone looked to Zhao Song to make the decision.

Zhao Song sighed. “Don’t serve alcohol on the day of the ceremony—use tea instead. After all, it’s Sanniang’s important day. Since we’ve invited guests, we should host them properly.”

Though he said this, Zhao Song was still somewhat displeased. “Sanniang shouldn’t have made such an elaborate ceremony. She could wait until after mourning ends to hold a supplementary ceremony. Why the rush?”

Zhao Ming explained, “She’s not doing it for personal glory, but to meet with the county magistrates. Without a pretext for the summons, they might not come.”

Zhao Song still hadn’t fully processed Zhao Hanzhang becoming commandant. He sighed and asked, “What exactly are you trying to do?”

Zhao Ming remained silent.

Zhao Song couldn’t help but say, “Zinian, our Zhao family descends from loyal ministers. Don’t let you and Sanniang make mistakes, or else…”

He paused, his voice dropping low. “Even if you are my son, I will show no mercy.”

Zhao Ming replied, “…Father, you’re overthinking. Sanniang merely wants Runan Commandery for her own security. Our Zhao family is in Runan. If we can manage Runan Commandery like an iron fortress, our stronghold will be much safer.”

Zhao Song’s expression remained serious. It was unclear whether he believed this or not.

After leaving the study, Zhao Ming thought for a moment and decided to go to the Xiping county office.

Zhao Hanzhang had gone to the military camp for training. Only Ji Yuan, Fu Tinghan, and a few others were at the office.

Zhao Ming didn’t bother Ji Yuan, who was handling administrative affairs, but went to find Fu Tinghan instead.

Fu Tinghan was drawing maps. He felt that Eleventh Grand-Uncle and the others were working too slowly, and with Zhao Kuan taking away Zhao family members who could draft maps, few skilled draftsmen remained.

Since he wasn’t busy now, he decided to do it himself.

When Zhao Ming arrived, Fu Tinghan was immersed in his work, with sketches and documents scattered around him. He held a ruler in his hand, comparing them one by one.

Unlike Eleventh Grand-Uncle, who would compare sketches and documents while first drawing a rough draft and only copying it neatly after confirming everything was correct, Fu Tinghan would review the sketches and documents, then begin drawing directly. His movements flowed like clouds and water, as if he were the original artist.

Zhao Ming stood at the doorway watching for a while. Seeing Fu Tinghan absorbed in his work and unaware of his presence, he made no sound, simply standing quietly.

This map of mountains, rivers, cities, and towns was nearly complete. Fu Tinghan’s speed was truly remarkable—his one day’s work equaled what ten Zhao family members could accomplish.

Despite such encyclopedic knowledge and intelligence, he rarely participated in administrative affairs. Zhao Ming seldom saw him interact with county office officials.

Fu Tinghan completed the final road direction, couldn’t help but rotate his stiff neck, and looked up to see Zhao Ming standing at the door. He was slightly surprised.

He put away his writing implements and stood up. “Uncle Ming, when did you arrive?”

The nearly numb Zhao Ming casually replied, “Just now.”

He invited Fu Tinghan, “Where is Sanniang? Let’s go see her together.”

Fu Tinghan still wanted to review the remaining sketches and documents, so he said, “She should be at the military camp. You can go find her yourself.”

Zhao Ming insisted on looking at him. “Come with me.”

Fu Tinghan looked at him in surprise. Seeing his persistence, he thought for a moment, collected the scattered papers from the floor, and nodded. “Very well.”

Fu Tinghan locked the door and handed the key to Fu An before leaving with Zhao Ming.

Servants had already prepared horses for them.

Zhao Hanzhang was at the military camp outside the city. They headed directly out of the city.

But Zhao Ming wasn’t hurried at all. He even slowed his horse’s pace and asked Fu Tinghan, “How many times have you been to the military camp?”

Fu Tinghan replied, “I haven’t counted, but I go often.”

Zhao Ming smiled and asked, “Do you also go to train troops?”

Fu Tinghan said, “I go to exercise and watch them train.”

Zhao Ming asked, “I heard you’re also raising troops in Quyang County? Adding the retainers at the Shangcai estate, you have quite a military force now, don’t you?”

Fu Tinghan said nothing.

Zhao Ming reined in his horse, looking intently at Fu Tinghan. “What is your ultimate goal?”

Fu Tinghan asked back, “Why don’t you ask Hanzhang, Uncle Ming?”

Zhao Ming said with distaste, “There’s not two honest words in her mouth.”

Fu Tinghan disagreed. He shook his head. “Though she talks a lot, she rarely lies to people.”

Zhao Ming looked at him quietly.

Fu Tinghan smiled slightly. “Uncle Ming, I’m serious. Though she seems fond of making grand claims and sweet talking, the promises she makes are never false. If you want to know something, just ask her directly.”

“What about you?” Zhao Ming asked. “Don’t you have your own thoughts?”