Wang Xuan was only surprised for a moment before accepting it. He had two elder sisters and two younger sisters. His eldest sister not only had beauty but was also a genuine lady of refinement. His third younger sister also had a gentle personality, though her appearance and talents were slightly inferior to the eldest sister.
But his second elder sister and fourth younger sister had different temperaments. Second Elder Sister was gentle on the outside but firm inside, while Siniang was firm both inside and out. Both had loved reading since childhood and had their own insights. Not to mention him—even their world-renowned father couldn’t convince them.
So no matter what they did, Wang Xuan wasn’t surprised.
He withdrew his tears, suppressed the excitement in his heart, and asked, “I can’t do the job of Jingzhou Governor well.”
Wang Siniang said, “I’ll assist you. Otherwise, I’ll become the governor and Elder Brother can assist me—how about that?”
Wang Xuan’s mouth fell open. After a long while, he said, “This, this—how can this be?”
“Why not?” Wang Siniang said, “You are a Wang clan descendant, and so am I. Father sent Second Uncle to Jingzhou to leave a backup route for our Wang clan. Now that Second Uncle has sent an envoy to find you, it’s to have you take over this backup route.”
“What you can do, I can also do. What you cannot do, I can do as well,” Wang Siniang said. “So if you’re unwilling to be governor, then I’ll do it. If you become governor, I’ll be your deputy.”
Wang Xuan’s mouth gaped open. Just as he was about to speak, he caught sight of Fu Tinghan, who had put down his writing brush and was watching them seriously. All the words he wanted to say were instantly swallowed back.
He hurriedly bowed to Fu Tinghan and pulled Wang Siniang outside.
Holding back his words, he walked all the way to the garden and chose a pavilion to stop. Here the four sides were relatively open—no one could hide nearby, and speaking in lowered voices could prevent eavesdropping.
“Siniang, do you know why Zhao Hanzhang wants us to go to Jingzhou?”
“I know,” Wang Siniang said. “She wants Jingzhou.”
“Since you know, why do you still want to go to Jingzhou?”
“It’s precisely because I know that we must go to Jingzhou even more,” Wang Siniang said matter-of-factly. “Elder Brother, with Jingzhou’s current situation, can our Wang clan still use it as a backup route?”
“Second Uncle has no heart for governing. Jingzhou has been managed by him to the point of universal complaint. If the Wang clan relocates to Jingzhou, not to mention the local aristocratic families—even the common people won’t accept us, will they?” Wang Siniang said, “Since Second Uncle wants us to take over this mess, then we must be in charge. Otherwise, with our hands tied, how can we manage Jingzhou well?”
“And if we’re to be in charge, currently only Hanzhang can recommend us to the court to be Jingzhou Governor.”
Wang Xuan said, “Everything you say is correct, but do you know that if Jingzhou also comes under Zhao Hanzhang’s control, then this realm…”
“I know. In the future, this realm might bear the surname Zhao. Oh, it might also bear the surname Fu,” Wang Siniang said matter-of-factly. “So what? Father prepared backup routes early on—he never intended to be loyal to the Jin imperial house anyway. By the way, you don’t know yet, do you? When Father was captured, he once advised Shi Le to rebel against Liu Yuan and establish himself as emperor. He pledged allegiance to Shi Le.”
It’s just that Shi Le didn’t accept.
Wang Xuan: …
Wang Xuan looked at her quietly. Wang Siniang showed no sign of backing down, staring straight into his eyes to express her firm attitude.
Wang Xuan had no choice but to say, “Will Zhao Hanzhang recommend you as governor? Will the court agree? Will Second Uncle and the clan agree?”
Wang Siniang asked, “Elder Brother, are you willing to help me?”
Wang Xuan nodded. “If Zhao Hanzhang is truly willing to recommend you, and the court is also agreeable, then I’m willing to help you.”
“Good. I’ll go request the Governor right now.” Wang Siniang turned and went to find Zhao Hanzhang.
Looking at the determined Wang Siniang, Zhao Hanzhang didn’t immediately agree or object, but asked, “How do you plan to handle the current chaos in Jingzhou?”
The envoy who came to Chenxian from Jingzhou was Wang Cheng’s retainer. Wang Cheng was Wang Siniang’s own uncle, so he also had to respect Wang Siniang as his mistress.
She had learned about Jingzhou’s affairs, and combined with intelligence from Zhao Hanzhang’s side, she knew that Jingzhou’s biggest problem now was refugees causing unrest everywhere, banditry was serious, and Wang Cheng hardly managed anything, letting the situation develop. Moreover, he was merciless and cruel to subordinate officials, causing discord between superiors and subordinates.
“I’ll first meet with Jingzhou officials and tell them that I’m under your command, Governor. My coming to Jingzhou represents not only the court and the Langya Wang clan but also the Xiping Zhao clan.”
Zhao Hanzhang’s lips curved slightly as she gestured for her to continue.
“Your benevolence is known far and wide, Governor, and your reputation is extremely high. Furthermore, Second Elder Sister is in Luoyang, and I was personally recommended by you. They will certainly trust me. As long as Jingzhou’s officials are united in purpose, I can accomplish many things.”
Zhao Hanzhang nodded in agreement.
Wang Siniang quietly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling less nervous, and continued, “Jingzhou’s chaos stems from having no leadership, with my Second Uncle not attending to government affairs. Since Elder Brother and I are taking over, naturally we must change this atmosphere. First, gather the refugees, pacify the people, find ways to provide disaster relief, then distribute fields for cultivation so they have work to do. This way they won’t wander everywhere attacking fortified villages and county offices.”
For the rest, they could basically follow Yuzhou and Sizhou’s development path. The details might differ, but the general direction could borrow from their experience.
After only a moment’s thought with lowered eyes, Zhao Hanzhang said, “Good. I’ll recommend you as Jingzhou Governor.”
Zhao Hanzhang stood up and poured her a cup of water, saying, “You must know that once you go to Jingzhou, things will be different from now. By my side, I can protect you. But in Jingzhou, you must protect others.”
Wang Siniang’s eyes shone brightly as she stared at her and said, “I know. I know it all!”
She raised her cup and said solemnly, “Governor, I’ll wait for you in Jingzhou.”
Waiting for you to go from Jingzhou to Jiangnan.
Zhao Hanzhang’s lips curved as she clinked cups with her and drank all the water in one gulp.
Zhao Hanzhang laughed heartily and said, “Go see Brother Wang. You two prepare—in a couple of days you can set out for Jingzhou.”
“Yes.” Wang Siniang put down her cup, bowed, and withdrew.
After Wang Siniang left, Zhao Ming emerged from behind a massive screen holding a book. He glanced at the two cups on the low table with disdain. “I clearly have wine here, but you insist on pouring water. Isn’t that shabby?”
Zhao Hanzhang said, “I still have to go riding this afternoon. I can’t drink wine.”
“Who knows where you picked up this bad habit—who says you can’t ride after drinking wine?” Zhao Ming sat down cross-legged and raised his chin slightly. “Jingzhou’s position is special. Will His Majesty give Jingzhou to you?”
“If he doesn’t give it to me, he can’t hold it either,” Zhao Hanzhang said. “Right now with Jingzhou and Jiangnan, which one can the Emperor control? So as long as Wang Cheng agrees and the Langya Wang clan doesn’t obstruct, it’s settled.”
Zhao Ming lightly tapped the table with his fingers and said, “Wang Cheng won’t be difficult. That person is arrogant and superior, without heart or conscience. As long as Wang Yifeng and Wang Xuan speak up, he’ll definitely yield his position. But the Langya Wang clan will be unwilling, especially Wang Dao beside the Langya Prince. If you recommend Wang Xuan as governor, the chances would be even greater.”
But Zhao Hanzhang said, “Siniang is more suitable than Wang Xuan—not only because of her temperament and abilities, but even more because of her loyalty to me.”
If one day she had to choose between the Wang clan and herself, Wang Xuan would definitely choose the Wang clan. But with Siniang, it wasn’t certain. Zhao Hanzhang was very confident that she would choose her.
Zhao Ming only looked at her once and didn’t object further. “How do you plan to convince His Majesty?”
Just tell him directly. She and the Emperor had already become a good sovereign and subject, good friends. For matters like this, naturally she would bring it up directly.
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