Zhao Changyu was sitting at his desk writing when he heard movement and looked up. Glimpsing her walking in cautiously, he put down his brush and beckoned.
Zhao Hanzhang immediately came forward, “Grandfather.”
“You took Fu Changlong to the west of the city today?”
Zhao Hanzhang acknowledged with a sound.
Zhao Changyu stared at her. “You trust him that much?”
Zhao Hanzhang said, “Grandfather, rest assured, Master Fu doesn’t have that kind of worldly desire for power and profit.”
Zhao Changyu sneered, “Wang Yan also doesn’t like mundane affairs—only loves profound discussion—but he’s still selfish and self-serving, disregarding the people’s livelihood and the state.”
“Wasn’t he personally chosen by Grandfather as your granddaughter’s husband?”
“I personally chose him, but I didn’t tell you to reveal your entire foundation to someone after meeting them just a few times.”
Zhao Hanzhang walked to Zhao Changyu’s side and sat down to grind ink for him. “Grandfather, rest assured. Wang Yan is superficial, but Fu Changlong truly doesn’t like worldly power. And he doesn’t like profound discussion either.”
Zhao Changyu looked doubtful. “He doesn’t like profound discussion?”
In his impression, although Fu Changlong was also a practical youth, he very much enjoyed mixing in profound discussion circles. His reputation for talent mostly spread through profound discussions.
Zhao Hanzhang nodded affirmatively. “He doesn’t like it. Otherwise, how could he have shown no reaction at all when he met Wang Yan yesterday?”
Zhao Changyu thought carefully and realized it was true. Yesterday Fu Changlong had maintained a bland expression facing Wang Yan, showing no excitement whatsoever.
One must know that Wang Yan was Dajin’s foremost person in profound discussion, with an extremely great reputation among famous scholars. Anyone who liked profound discussion, whether their views aligned with his or not, couldn’t help but be excited upon meeting him.
Those with similar views would always admire him.
Those with opposing views would even more want to debate with him.
Zhao Changyu felt something was amiss. “Changlong actually doesn’t like profound discussion?”
Zhao Hanzhang nodded. “All of that is in the past now, Grandfather. You must trust my judgment—I won’t misjudge people.”
Zhao Changyu then recalled her earlier critique of Wang Yan and couldn’t help tapping her head. “Never say such things as your evaluation of Wang Yan again. You’re just a child now—if word gets out, it will harm you with no benefit.”
Zhao Hanzhang acknowledged, “Yes, Hanzhang will remember.”
Only then did Zhao Changyu pick up his brush again to handle the matter at hand. “If you have a good grasp of things, that’s fine. The household is already arranging your dowry. These are all displayed openly—you should pay more attention. The properties in the shadows remain hidden, where no one can see how you handle them, so naturally no one sees your abilities. This is a good opportunity. Handle your dowry well and let everyone see your capabilities—then people will listen to your commands.”
Zhao Changyu continued, “Talented people choose their masters. The master’s ability will always be ranked first. If you demonstrate your abilities, even if you’re a young lady, given time, people will naturally come to serve you.”
Zhao Hanzhang replied solemnly, “Alright.”
Zhao Changyu coughed several times and simply pushed all the documents in his hand to her. “Take a look.”
Zhao Hanzhang reached out to receive them.
What surprised Zhao Hanzhang was that this pile of documents included not only state affairs but also clan matters.
Regarding state affairs, there were many letters from officials at all levels in the court, as well as letters from imperial clan members and military commanders from other regions—all discussing the current situation with Zhao Changyu, either seeking his counsel or requesting he act on behalf of certain interests.
Clan matters were even more numerous. After his death, how various properties should be arranged—he entrusted everything piece by piece, down to the smallest detail.
There were also personnel arrangements, business transitions—too many matters.
No wonder his complexion grew worse day by day. This was completely working while ill, and with an overloaded workload at that.
Zhao Changyu pointed at that pile of letters. “You write the replies for me.”
Zhao Hanzhang acknowledged, spread out a sheet of paper, dipped her brush in ink, and waited.
Zhao Changyu stood up and began pacing. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Third Brother, greetings. Qiao has recently felt physically exhausted, with fewer lucid moments, so I can only have my third granddaughter write this reply on my behalf…”
“The state of the nation is already thus—better to plan for the future. The current emperor is talented, while the Prince of Donghai is already aged. Having just gained power, he cannot help but feel proud. At present, we should avoid his aggressive momentum…”
Zhao Changyu’s strategy was that there was no need to confront the Prince of Donghai head-on during his moment of triumph. He currently had a certain arrogance of being first under heaven with no match—so why clash with him forcefully?
The new emperor had just ascended the throne. He was not only intelligent and talented but also young, with no signs of moral corruption yet. Better to lie low and wait until the Prince of Donghai’s proud momentum passed before making plans.
The urgent matter was stabilizing Jingzhao Jun and the Luoyang area, guarding against the Qiang, Hu, and Xiongnu peoples. So his suggestion was to unite entirely on the Prince of Donghai’s side, helping him pacify Jingzhao Jun and the roaming bandits outside Luoyang, securing the passes.
After ensuring the Qiang, Hu, and Xiongnu didn’t dare enter the passes, they could slowly plan for the emperor.
By that time, the proud breath in the Prince of Donghai’s heart should have passed, and many things could be set in motion.
Zhao Hanzhang wrote eight letters for him in one go. The wording differed, but the meaning was largely the same.
Clearly, this was Zhao Changyu’s insight.
Zhao Hanzhang stared at these letters she had personally written, lost in thought.
History was very distant. This era left only two impressions for later generations—Wei-Jin spirit and chaos.
In Zhao Hanzhang’s memory, she hadn’t seen much of Wei-Jin spirit, but the chaos was very real.
She knew many historical events, but measured in years. When it came to specific days, she didn’t know what chaos Luoyang would descend into, nor did she know how many people had struggled for the current situation and what the results were…
Zhao Changyu took a sip of tea to moisten his throat and said gently, “Seal the letters.”
Zhao Hanzhang came to her senses, acknowledged, and placed the letters in envelopes. She then wrote the recipients’ names, sealed them, and set them aside.
Zhao Changyu looked at the remaining clan affairs. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Starting tomorrow, come write for me.”
He had already let her write even state affairs—what was there to avoid with clan matters?
As long as the second branch didn’t know.
Zhao Hanzhang acknowledged. Each day after returning from the west of the city, she would come to write for Zhao Changyu in handling clan affairs. Chengbo personally stood guard outside the door, and not a bit of news from the main courtyard leaked out.
Besides this, Zhao Hanzhang also had to work with Wang Shi in handling the dowry. Her actions were much more decisive than Wang Shi’s. In just a few days, she not only dealt with several troublesome servants but also gathered several people for herself.
She decided to take them with her when she married in the future. With such an extensive dowry, she would need quite a few attendants.
She not only gathered people for herself but also for Zhao Erlang’s future use, especially attendants for Zhao Erlang. Previously, due to the incident of rashly leaving the city, all the people around Zhao Erlang had been sent to the estates. Now he had no one suitable to use.
Zhao Hanzhang looked around and finally set her sights on Chengbo’s youngest son, Zhao Cai.
That young fellow was currently working as a shop assistant in a spice shop in the city. Zhao Hanzhang had seen him—a very clever lad. Zhao Erlang was naive enough; he needed someone clever and loyal by his side.
Zhao Hanzhang, relying on the fact that the spice shop was also part of her dowry, directly summoned the person into the household and assigned him to Zhao Erlang’s side. When she checked the contract of indenture, she discovered it was actually in Wu Shi’s hands.
Zhao Hanzhang sighed. She hadn’t expected that despite deliberately avoiding it this whole time, they would still have to confront each other in the end.
Zhao Hanzhang stood up and called to Ting He, “Come, let’s visit the second branch.”
—