“But what identity would be suitable? We can’t say he’s from Luoyang, can we?”

“He’s from Shu,” she said. “Shu is in a corner by itself. Shi Le and Shu are too far apart with no conflicting interests. Plus Shu has many treasures and extensive cooperation with our Zhao clan. A Shu merchant is the best identity cover.”

Gao Hui thought the same.

Taking advantage of Zhao Hanzhang not suspecting Fu Tinghan, Gao Hui sent his usual calling card and met Fu Tinghan directly at Zhao Mansion.

“Young Master, that Luoyang was emptied isn’t a secret. If I go north as a Luoyang native again, I’m afraid it will arouse suspicion.”

Fu Tinghan looked up at him. “Then what identity do you want to use when going north?”

Gao Hui said, “In my early years, I traveled extensively and once went to Shu, staying there for some time. I’m somewhat familiar with Shu and can speak with that accent, so I’d like to go as a Shu native.”

Fu Tinghan stood up and retrieved a box from a nearby bookshelf, casually handing it to him.

Gao Hai was slightly stunned but quickly accepted it.

Seeing Fu Tinghan made no other indication, he opened it.

Inside was an identity document, along with proof of taxes paid along the route, and a dossier detailing his background.

Also named Gao Hui, from Guanghan in Shu. Also surnamed Gao, second in his family. Light with money and fond of giving, he had established his own household after coming of age and ran his own merchant caravan independently. He loved traveling and aspired to chivalry—practically going wherever danger was greatest. He made friends regardless of birth or ethnicity, only caring about compatibility.

The identity document appeared extremely authentic. At least Gao Hui couldn’t see where it was fake—if the name on it weren’t Gao Hui, he would have thought it was a real document.

Fu Tinghan said, “This is real.”

He paused before adding, “Except for the name. But the surname is correct.”

“This person is dead, and his family in Shu doesn’t know. People changing names now is normal, so you can openly use this identity.”

Gao Hui was delighted and quickly bowed. “The master is still most thorough in his planning.”

The one who planned thoroughly was Zhao Hanzhang. He couldn’t produce such an identity document. Only Zhao Hanzhang—with refugees from all over under her command, people from everywhere with all kinds of identities, and so many connections—could easily select an identity Gao Hui could use.

For him, it wouldn’t be so simple.

Fu Tinghan didn’t refute his praise, saying, “The people have arrived in Luoyang, and everything is prepared. Choose a date to depart.”

He continued, “The people I’m giving you were all selected from Xiping’s school and garrison. They’re all fiercely loyal to Zhao Hanzhang.”

Gao Hui was startled and quickly asked, “Why is this?”

Fu Tinghan replied, “I’ve never had the opportunity to cultivate my own power and can only borrow her people. However, she doesn’t know about this. These people trust me equally, so when facing them, the person you serve is Zhao Hanzhang. I trust you know what to do?”

Gao Hui understood, his eyes brightening. “Brilliant! Using her people to cultivate power for the master has the same ingenious parallel as our previous plan.”

Fu Tinghan nodded, indicating he was quite right.

Gao Hui happily told him, “During this time, I have not failed in my mission and have recruited more people for the master.”

He immediately presented a roster. “These people are all willing to serve the master and create great achievements together.”

Creating great achievements together had even come out. Fu Tinghan silently accepted it, opened it to look, and curiously asked, “They’re all from gentry families. Why don’t they participate in the recruitment examination?”

He added, “In two more months, Luoyang’s recruitment examination will begin.”

Gao Hui said, “So what? Zhao Hanzhang is merely a woman—her prospects are uncertain. Plus her behavior is tyrannical. The matter of relocating back to Luoyang seems settled with everyone having no objections, but actually many people privately resent her.”

Fu Tinghan sneered inwardly. If not for Luoyang gradually improving and more people seeking audiences with Zhao Hanzhang, he would almost believe his words.

These people looking down on Zhao Hanzhang was false, and resenting her had little truth either. They probably just couldn’t get close to her or were unwilling to rank below Ji Yuan and others.

He put away the roster and nodded. “Good. I’ll look carefully and give you my response.”

Gao Hui agreed and bowed before withdrawing.

That evening during dinner, the roster reached Zhao Hanzhang’s hands.

In this era, pledging allegiance basically meant one person bringing an entire family, which is why the list became a roster recording their family power in detail.

Zhao Hanzhang held a steamed bun in one hand and the roster in the other, eating the coarse grain bun with relish while reading.

“Perfect—give them an outlet to vent. Use all these people.”

Fu Tinghan asked, “Use them to oppose you?”

Zhao Hanzhang laughed and put down the roster. “I once heard classmates talk about something. Outside the south gate were two fruit shops that competed fiercely. Graduating students returning to campus would always check the south gate to confirm both fruit shops were still there. Later, one shop owner fell ill and the other shop owner also closed for several days. Only then did students learn the two shop owners were husband and wife.”

“There were other fruit shops near the school, but none did as well as those two. Once students left campus, they were either drawn to one shop or snatched by the other. Few leaked to other shops, and that small customer base had to be divided among the rest. So those two fruit shops lasted longest, seeing off batch after batch of graduates.”

Fu Tinghan understood. She now wanted to be one of those shop owners, supporting her while opposing her. Supporters would naturally come under her command, while opponents would prioritize choosing Fu Tinghan.

Those who looked down on both Zhao Hanzhang and were unwilling to join Fu Tinghan would leave for others’ embrace. But under their pincer attack, how many could escape?

Fu Tinghan looked at the roster in her hand. “Then these people…”

“Use who can be used. Our goal isn’t internal strife but construction,” Zhao Hanzhang smiled. “If they want to compete for power with me, they must accomplish things. Without achievements, how can they convince others? How can they seize power?”

Fu Tinghan saw her confidence and couldn’t help smiling, nodding. “Alright.”

Fu Tinghan gave the roster to Fu’an, planning to put these people to use.

Neither of them told anyone else, but Ji Yuan quickly noticed something wrong.

Zhao Hanzhang’s people and money—Ji Yuan had a rough idea of both. Initially he didn’t notice the problem, but to coordinate with Fu Tinghan, Zhao Hanzhang also deployed many people.

These people all disappeared without a trace in Luoyang. No one knew where they’d gone.

Only when Ji Yuan needed to use someone did he discover they were missing, and ultimately it was Fu Tinghan who had transferred them away.

Ji Yuan instinctively investigated and was finally shocked at what he found.

Looking conflicted, he hesitated before coming to find Zhao Hanzhang for a private conversation. “Miss, a letter has arrived from Yuncheng.”

“Oh?” Zhao Hanzhang put down her brush and reached for the letter. “Have the Emperor and Gou Xi had developments?”

Ji Yuan handed the letter to Zhao Hanzhang. “It’s not from Zhao Zhongyu but from our people in Yuncheng. Zhao Zhongyu’s letter should arrive two days later.”

He said, “Wu Shi has died of illness.”