Let him know then. Right now with warfare outside and communications cut off, Zhao Zhongyu’s control over the Zhao clan had dropped to its lowest point.
Now it was he who needed to rely on the Zhao clan, and he who needed to rely on Zhao Hanzhang. Zhao Hanzhang wasn’t afraid of him turning against her.
Moreover, given Zhao Zhongyu’s cautious and timid character, he wouldn’t openly break with her. Furthermore, whatever else he lacked, he remembered the principle of putting clan first very firmly.
Though Zhao Changyu and he were brothers at odds, he had trained him quite well—basic vision and knowledge he possessed.
Zhao Hanzhang wasn’t afraid of people spreading the word now—she was afraid people wouldn’t spread it. So she actively let this wind blow even more fiercely.
Within two days, the rumor of Zhao Changyu leaving Zhao Hanzhang enormous wealth and treasure had spread beyond Runan Commandery, scattering in all directions.
Some people, upon hearing it, dismissed it with contempt, considering it mere rumor. But others chose to believe and immediately began taking action. Those with resources knew Zhao Hanzhang currently lacked grain and cloth—if they didn’t go earn from her now, when would they?
Besides grain and cloth, as an Inspector, how could she not love fine clothes and beautiful porcelain, or lack refined hobbies?
So other merchandise was also prepared.
Those who had none of these simply set out empty-handed. Zhao Hanzhang also lacked people now—they decided to go pledge allegiance to her, to sell themselves to her.
Zhao Hanzhang let the wind blow, allowing all people and goods to converge on Yuzhou, on Runan Commandery. However, what to buy and use after things arrived would be her decision.
But with so many people and so many great clans and aristocratic families in her Yuzhou, surely they could sell these things?
These wealthy Yuzhou magnates earned money from her—surely they would spend it?
Zhao Hanzhang had the Shangcai and Xiping glass workshops create even more exquisite glassware in preparation. Even at the publishing house, she had Hu Jin produce a specially beautiful edition of the “Thousand Character Classic,” waiting for when those people arrived to stock the Treasure Pavilion.
Fu Tinghan didn’t linger long at the fortified estate. He went directly to Xiping county town to select a location for the medicine workshop.
This was Zhao clan territory, so finding people was much faster than in Chen County. In just one day, Zhao Ming sent him three physicians and ten medical apprentices.
Because Xiping had a glass workshop, the needed glassware was also quickly made and delivered. After all, when Chen County had requested the Shangcai glass workshop make them before, Xiping had followed suit. They’d kept some in stock then, and now with practice making perfect, they quickly produced several more sets.
They even fulfilled Zhao Hanzhang’s request by creating large panes of transparent glass, which after she instructed them to make window frames, were installed in the windows.
The glass workshop craftsmen who came to measure and install gaped in amazement. “This… this is too extravagant.”
Zhao Hanzhang walked around once, tried opening the glass window, found it acceptable, and said to Fu Tinghan, “For now we can only use wooden frames—aluminum is hard to obtain. The current seal isn’t perfect either, but you’ll have to make do.”
Fu Tinghan said, “It’s already very good—at least better than leaving the windows wide open in winter.”
Fu Tinghan hadn’t expected her to remember such a small matter, especially given how busy she’d been lately. Returning the favor, Fu Tinghan lowered his eyes to think for a moment before saying, “Jin people love extravagance. Making a glass greenhouse and decorating a few rooms with glass windows to show them might attract some consumer interest.”
Right now, outside rumors were blazing like fire, all saying that after obtaining the wealth Zhao Changyu left her, Zhao Hanzhang was wealthy enough to rival nations, and the one thing she didn’t lack was money.
But those in the know understood their situation. Fu Tinghan and Ji Yuan both knew they actually didn’t have that much money. To gather more resources, they still needed to open up revenue streams. With income and outflow, the economy could become active.
However, this treasure trove from Zhao Changyu did give them enormous confidence. Even with grain being precious now, this money was enough to settle the first batch, and even subsequent deliveries of supplies.
Ji Yuan and Zhao Ming joined forces to drive down prices. Whether to earn money or to curry favor with Zhao Hanzhang, this new Inspector, everyone opened one eye and closed the other, loosening their grip to sell things to Zhao Hanzhang at a reasonably pleasant price.
Everyone was happy.
Not all the supplies were delivered to Xiping. Rather, both sides negotiated prices here, Zhao Hanzhang paid some deposit, agreed on where to deliver the supplies, and the money and goods would be settled on the spot then.
The areas hit hardest by disaster were still north of Runan, so most supplies were required to be sent there, with a small portion transported to Runan and Nanyang Kingdom below.
Because of the Xiongnu invasion, large numbers of people from northern Yuzhou had flooded into Runan Commandery and Nanyang Kingdom seeking refuge, so both commanderies and kingdoms also needed some aid.
Recently, Zhao Hanzhang’s subordinate state government officials, along with the commandery government officials led by Zhao Ming, had been very busy, precisely because they needed to tally purchased supplies and allocate them.
The specific allocation amounts, along with the personnel sent to supervise, required deploying large numbers of people.
Even Fu Tinghan came out to help with calculations.
Zhao Ming watched as he calculated in less than half a shichen what the clerks hadn’t figured out in two days of calculation, and was speechless for a long while.
Fu Tinghan calmly handed the completed forms to the clerk, saying, “There are patterns to calculations. I’ve listed them out for you—from now on when buying grain, just substitute the numbers into this.”
The seventh-rank clerk looked down at the separately listed calculation method. There were some symbols on it that he’d seen before—students at the school commonly used them. They were actually just division signs.
He didn’t know why they had to divide by three, but seeing the Commandery Governor’s reaction, Young Master Fu’s calculations should be correct. Fine, from now on he’d calculate this way too.
After finishing his work, Fu Tinghan rose and took his leave from Zhao Ming.
Zhao Ming called out to stop him, asking, “Who does Hanzhang plan to send to inspect the commanderies?”
Fu Tinghan stopped and asked, “Does Uncle Ming have a good candidate?”
Zhao Ming said directly, “She herself is most suitable.”
He continued, “Although her military achievements are there for all to see, the various local clans and great families haven’t witnessed them firsthand. If she wants absolute control over Yuzhou, establishing authority only before military generals isn’t enough.”
He said, “I know she wants to use Ji Yuan, wants to use this to make a statement, pushing humble scholars to the forefront. But right now her prestige is still insufficient—acting so hastily is premature.”
Zhao Ming’s expression became solemn. “Since we’re going to kill people, we should kill where it matters most.”
Fu Tinghan paused before acknowledging, “I will pass along your words to her.”
Zhao Ming’s expression improved. He nodded warmly and turned to leave.
Standing nearby, Changning, who had just come to collect documents, heard the entire exchange and couldn’t help frowning.
As soon as Fu Tinghan left, he quickly signed for the official documents and chased after him. “Eldest Young Master, Eldest Young Master…”
Fu Tinghan stopped and turned at the sound.
Changning caught up, bowed, and asked, “Eldest Young Master, will you advise the Lady Inspector to personally inspect the commanderies?”
Fu Tinghan said, “She’ll decide for herself. I’m only passing along the message.”