He answered cautiously, “The relief grain has all been distributed, ensuring every household received enough grain to last until autumn harvest. The census investigation you mentioned is still ongoing. The vast majority of those who participated in the rebellion have returned to their villages. Though still wary, since the county office hasn’t prosecuted them, things are relatively stable.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, “Pacify them well. After autumn harvest ends, their hearts will settle.”

Zhao Kuan continued, “Following the data Tinghan provided, we’ve investigated and discovered quite a few hidden households.”

He paused before asking, “Should we summon those families for questioning?”

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, “This matter isn’t urgent. Right now the biggest contradiction isn’t the hidden household problem, but the problem of people’s survival. As long as they can stay alive, I don’t mind them being hidden households.”

She lifted her chin slightly and said, “Someday, I’ll make them willingly emerge from the shadows to live under the sun. When that time comes, if anyone obstructs them, hidden households will become the main issue.”

Zhao Kuan quietly breathed a sigh of relief. In these chaotic times, the hidden household problem existed universally. Many common people depended on local gentry for survival. Investigating now would not only offend the gentry but also push those hidden household commoners into desperate straits, equally disadvantageous to them. He very much agreed with Zhao Hanzhang’s decision to set this problem aside for now.

“Quyang County’s current goals are only three: stabilize people’s hearts, encourage agriculture and sericulture, and develop education,” Zhao Hanzhang said. “I give you discretionary authority. You and Cousin Hui have experience from Shangcai. You should be able to manage, right?”

Zhao Kuan said solemnly, “I will do my utmost.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded and said, “If you have difficulties, tell me. If I’m not in Xiping, you can also tell Master Ji.”

Zhao Kuan agreed, then began asking Zhao Hanzhang for things. “…As you know, everything in Quyang is just beginning. Though we’ve provided relief grain, there are still many idle people. If we could put them to use, not only would it stabilize people’s hearts, but we could also take the opportunity to repair roads and dig irrigation channels, which would benefit next year’s cultivation.”

Zhao Hanzhang felt this scene was very familiar—extremely similar to her past self facing Fifth Great-Uncle and Zhao Ming.

But she only felt a headache for a brief moment before agreeing. However, she cut the amount he reported in half. “Cousin Kuan, I’m now not the magistrate of one county, but the commandery commandant of ten counties. Even a landlord’s family has no surplus grain. You must learn to find ways to earn money for the county office yourself.”

Zhao Kuan: …When they asked him to become Quyang County magistrate, that’s not what they said. Back then they said they had his back, that she would do everything to help him…

Zhao Kuan looked at Zhao Hanzhang resentfully. Zhao Hanzhang met his gaze with clear eyes. She seemed to read his unspoken words and thought for a moment, feeling she couldn’t be too heartless. So she showed a warm smile and said earnestly to Zhao Kuan, “Cousin Kuan, please understand my difficulties too. Before taking over Runan Commandery, I truly didn’t know the situation in each county was this dire. This is my fault.”

She sighed deeply and said, “Yesterday you were also present when we heard about each county’s situation together. How could I remain unmoved? Originally there were only three counties—Xiping, Shangcai, and Quyang. No matter how difficult, I could support you all. But now seven more counties have been added at once, and each county’s situation is quite poor. I…am also in difficulty!”

Meeting Zhao Hanzhang’s pleading gaze, Zhao Kuan’s heart softened at once. He nodded, “I understand. Third Sister, rest assured, I will manage Quyang well.”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “Of course, if elder brother has difficulties, feel free to write and tell me. Whatever I can help with, I definitely won’t shirk.”

Zhao Kuan felt even better and developed a sense of being valued and cared for by his superior. He nodded in agreement, expressing that he would certainly do his best and not disappoint her.

After seeing Zhao Kuan off, Zhao Hanzhang finally completed today’s tasks. She turned to walk toward the rear courtyard. The officials in the office had all left duty. Aside from the guards on watch, there was no one else, and the entire county office was completely quiet.

Fu Tinghan’s office had a lamp burning. Zhao Hanzhang walked over.

Chang Ning was in his room. The two were sitting face to face organizing documents on the table. Hearing movement, Chang Ning turned to see it was Zhao Hanzhang and quickly stood to bow, “Commandery Commandant.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded slightly and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Master Fu is transferring work to me.” Because Fu Tinghan was going out with Zhao Hanzhang, and with seven counties to visit, no one knew when they’d return, some matters in his hands needed to be transferred to Chang Ning.

Only then did Zhao Hanzhang remember something. “Right, I’m the commandery commandant now. Though I can concurrently serve as Xiping County magistrate, there’s really no need.”

She said, “I must handle commandery office affairs, and Xiping County will mainly be your responsibility. Well, from today on, Chief Clerk Chang will be promoted to county magistrate.”

Chief Clerk Chang: “…Can the lady directly appoint a county magistrate?”

According to procedure, shouldn’t one petition the court, have the Ministry of Personnel review it, and then decide?

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, “Now Luoyang is in chaos, our messages to the court are cut off. Even if we petition, it won’t be quick. This is an expedient measure. I can still make this decision. Tomorrow I’ll give you the appointment letter.”

Chang Ning stared blankly at Zhao Hanzhang, extremely excited. He had actually…just been promoted to county magistrate like this?

Chang Ning suddenly remembered something and said with a tangled expression, “My lady, I…I haven’t participated in the ranking evaluation…”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “I employ people based on ability, regardless of family background or whether they’ve been ranked. I don’t care how things are done elsewhere, but in my Runan Commandery, henceforth people entering official service will need to take examinations. I will issue related policies later.”

Speaking of this, Zhao Hanzhang sighed, “Unfortunately the children in the school are still too young. Otherwise, employing them would be best.”

Fu Tinghan looked up at her, then said to Chang Ning, “After we leave, the school must also be well managed. Supervise the students to study hard.”

He said meaningfully, “The children there are our future.”

Zhao Hanzhang also nodded and said to the still somewhat excited Chang Ning, “Indeed, the children there are our future. For matters you cannot decide, go find Master Ji.”

Zhao Hanzhang raised her hands to salute Chang Ning, saying solemnly, “Magistrate Chang, I entrust Xiping County to you from now on.”

Chang Ning’s eyes reddened slightly. He quickly bowed deeply, almost to the ground, and said with lowered head, “I would gladly give my life for the lady!”

Of course Chang Ning knew how important the school was. The children there depended entirely on Zhao Hanzhang for food, housing, and education. The teachers were basically Zhao clan members.

They naturally felt favorable toward Zhao Hanzhang and the Zhao clan. Especially since Ji Yuan occasionally went to teach them, mentioning what Zhao Hanzhang had sacrificed for them. Now, every single child in the school regarded Zhao Hanzhang as a living bodhisattva. Except for their loved ones, probably no one could replace Zhao Hanzhang’s position in their hearts.

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