Wang Ni and Xie Shi had practiced swordsmanship since childhood. Though they weren’t particularly proficient, looking at Zhao Hanzhang who was younger and smaller than them, they felt they could win against her—until they actually crossed swords with her.

They were young masters from aristocratic families. So far, their sword practice had only been practice—they had never seen blood, let alone killed anyone.

But Zhao Hanzhang had killed people and been on the battlefield. The moment her sword left its sheath, it was different. Moreover, over this past year she had trained intensely in swordsmanship and spear techniques, and she had experience from previous martial arts practice and fighting, making her far stronger than these two who had never seen blood.

Zhao Hanzhang firmly believed that in martial arts under heaven, only speed cannot be overcome, so her swordsmanship emphasized speed above all. Through her deliberate study, sword techniques that were already characterized by speed became even faster in her hands.

This sword technique was a fast sword method that Zhao Ming had specially sought out for her—a gentleman’s sword. However, Zhao Hanzhang intended to use it on the battlefield, so after mastering it, she adjusted it for the purpose of killing.

Every strike aimed to take a life. Even the slower, transitional moves were only to better execute the next killing technique.

Zhao Hanzhang’s sword strikes were swift. After Xie Shi drew his sword, he only had time to see the cold gleam of the blade thrusting toward him. He instinctively blocked. The swords clashed with a crisp sound. Before he could react, Zhao Hanzhang had already changed her move, quickly withdrawing her sword before thrusting toward his right chest. Xie Shi felt a chill run down his spine, simultaneously feeling the sword tip’s sharp pain against his chest…

Xie Shi’s expression changed. He no longer remained on the defensive, switching from defense to offense and attacking Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled slightly, withdrew her sword to parry. Xie Shi’s confidence surged and he wanted to attack even faster. But in the gap as he changed moves, Zhao Hanzhang’s sword slipped like a swimming dragon through his defensive gap, thrusting straight at his throat…

The sword tip stopped just before his neck. Zhao Hanzhang withdrew her sword and cupped her fists, saying, “I concede the match!”

However, Xie Shi looked down at his right chest, where the fabric had been pierced through, though no blood was drawn—clearly she had controlled her force.

Such exquisite control over force showed her swordsmanship was not weak. In a life-or-death battle, he would have died even faster.

Xie Shi became solemn, cupping his fists in return. “County Magistrate Zhao showed mercy.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled slightly, nodding to him without denying this point.

She tilted her head toward Wang Ni. “Would Young Master Wang like a match?”

Wang Ni: …He couldn’t even beat Xie Shi, and Xie Shi had only lasted a few moves against her. What would be the point of him fighting?

Wang Ni declined.

Then Xie Shi said, “County Magistrate Zhao, my courtesy name is Zichen.”

Wang Ni also cupped his fists. “Mine is Zhunzhi.”

The corners of Zhao Hanzhang’s mouth lifted. She readily invited them to speak in the front hall.

Ting He served them tea.

Zhao Hanzhang asked nothing else, only inquiring, “How do you two think this battle should be fought?”

Xie Shi and Wang Ni exchanged glances. Xie Shi asked, “How many troops can County Magistrate Zhao deploy?”

“Ten thousand at most.”

Xie Shi frowned. “That’s too few.”

Zhao Hanzhang sighed. “The matter arose suddenly. I don’t have many soldiers under my command. These ten thousand must be drawn from garrison troops in various counties. Beyond that, I’ll need to recruit new soldiers.”

Wang Ni said, “With County Magistrate Zhao’s current prestige in Runan Commandery, recruiting soldiers shouldn’t be difficult. How many does the County Magistrate plan to recruit?”

Zhao Hanzhang had certainly considered this, but her philosophy of military leadership emphasized quality over quantity. Newly recruited soldiers thrown onto the battlefield against battle-hardened Xiongnu troops would basically serve as punching bags, giving the enemy free kills.

Every person was precious to her, so she said, “I only plan to recruit another thirty thousand.”

Both Xie Shi and Wang Ni frowned simultaneously, feeling it was still too few.

Zhao Hanzhang said, “Inspector He currently has eighty thousand men, and Inspector Gou has even deployed two hundred thousand troops nearby.”

Wang Ni’s heart stirred. “Does County Magistrate Zhao intend to ask Gou Xi to take action?”

Xie Shi’s expression soured. “I’m afraid that won’t be easy. He’s fiercely competing with the Prince of Donghai right now—why would he be willing to expend his military strength at this time?”

Zhao Hanzhang looked at Wang Ni. “If Minister Wang would come forward, this matter should succeed.”

Wang Ni: …He was from a collateral branch and not at all familiar with Wang Yan. Most importantly, even if he were familiar, with his abilities he couldn’t persuade Wang Yan!

Xie Shi glanced at him and said to Zhao Hanzhang, “Gou Xi loves fame. County Magistrate Zhao might approach from that angle.”

Zhao Hanzhang pondered this thoughtfully, smiling and nodding. She brought up recruitment. “I’d like to entrust the recruitment in Pingyu and Xincai to you two. I wonder if you can lend me your assistance?”

Xie Shi and Wang Ni were both stunned, not expecting Zhao Hanzhang to entrust such an important matter to them as soon as they arrived.

Zhao Hanzhang was especially sincere. She not only wrote letters to officials in Pingyu and Xincai asking them to assist Xie Shi and Wang Ni with recruitment, but also had Fan Ying and Zhao Yunxin accompany them.

Zhao Hanzhang first introduced Fan Ying. “This is the Registrar of the Personnel Office in my Commandery Governor’s office. She’s exceptionally talented and can assist you two with recruitment and procurement.”

“Zhao Yunxin is my clan sister and also my Chief Secretary. If you two need anything, you can tell her.”

Both Xie Shi and Wang Ni were straightforward people. Since Zhao Hanzhang valued them so highly, they naturally didn’t hesitate and immediately accepted, saying directly, “We’ll depart for Pingyu and Xincai tomorrow.”

The two looked at Fan Ying standing to the side, quite worried whether she could keep up, being a woman after all.

However, Fan Ying was very excited, her face slightly flushed as she said to Zhao Hanzhang, “My Lady, rest assured, I will not fail your trust.”

From watching Zhao Hanzhang spar with Xie Shi just now, her heart had been filled with excitement. Now she wished she could give her life for Zhao Hanzhang. Forget asking her to go to Pingyu and Xincai to recruit and procure—she’d even go to the front lines!

She volunteered, “I’ll go find Yunxin right now and return home to pack. We’ll depart first thing tomorrow morning.”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and agreed.

Because troops were being deployed, both Zhao Yunxin and Sun Linghui were busy. Though it was now completely dark, they hadn’t left the office and were working alongside the other officials.

When Fan Ying came to pull her away, Zhao Yunxin was still somewhat dazed as she looked up from her documents, asking, “What is it?”

“My Lady wants us to accompany Xie Shi and Wang Ni to Pingyu and Xincai to recruit soldiers.”

As one of Zhao Hanzhang’s secretaries, Zhao Yunxin naturally knew who Xie Shi and Wang Ni were. She was stunned. “Didn’t they say there would be an examination?”

Sun Linghui beside her said without looking up, “Uncle Ming came to see the County Magistrate this morning. The County Magistrate agreed to meet them, but then military intelligence arrived. Runan Commandery is deploying troops, so the recruitment examination probably can’t happen.”

However, Zhao Hanzhang intended to proceed as scheduled, entrusting the matter to Ji Yuan. “This battle—who knows how long it will last. We can’t neglect the rear because of the front lines, so the recruitment examination will continue. I’m also entrusting the grain and supplies matter to you, Sir.”

Ji Yuan agreed immediately, saying, “This afternoon, the grain and supplies from Xiping and Shangcai were counted. The first batch of provisions has already departed. My Lady, just proceed to Chen County—there’s no need to worry about grain and supplies for now.”

Zhao Hanzhang was very satisfied. She knew Ji Yuan was capable—entrusting this matter to him was no problem.