Zhao Hanzhang left Zeng Yue to accompany Fu Tinghan in leading the main army back, while she and Zhao Kuan headed back to Yuzhou first.

Zu Ti and Zhao Yigui saw them off outside the city. Once she left, he would take over Jizhou’s affairs.

Cui County and Fucheng lacked county magistrates and several other officials. Zhao Hanzhang allowed him to find suitable candidates. When she returned to Yuzhou, if he couldn’t select appropriate people, she would send others.

With the Xiongnu pacified, there were far fewer refugees on the roads. Since Zhao Hanzhang’s “Letter to the People” had spread across the realm, refugees fleeing south had decreased significantly. Most people chose to trust Zhao Hanzhang, staying put to await government arrangements.

As Zhao Hanzhang galloped past on horseback, refugees scattered in all directions. Some, knowing they couldn’t escape, trembled while shrinking to the roadside to make way. She didn’t stop, passing directly through, only slowing her horse’s pace when seeing people to avoid collisions.

The refugees huddled by the roadside felt Zhao Hanzhang’s consideration. When carts couldn’t be completely pulled to the roadside in time, she merely steered her horse around them without getting angry, killing anyone, or plundering.

Only then did some people notice the large “Zhao” character banner. Numb faces couldn’t help showing smiles. They waved vigorously at her, uncaring of the dust, shouting “General!”

Zhao Hanzhang caught a glimpse and felt warmth flow through her heart. In her haste, she waved back at them before leading the cavalry past.

As the army passed refugees, villages, and towns, it proved true to the rumors—the Zhao family army didn’t violate the people’s rights in the slightest. The news spread faster than the Zhao army’s marching speed. When they next encountered refugees, fewer fled. Most only moved to the roadside, watching them pass.

Ming Yu, traveling on the road, heard this news and couldn’t help grinning. He said to his companions, “The Magistrate is quite fast. It seems negotiations at Shanggu Commandery went smoothly. Why don’t we wait here and return with the main army?”

His companion said, “We’ve received news now, but it will probably take several more days for the main army to catch up. We’re already near Meng County—why not go back first?”

Ming Yu was considering this when he suddenly felt the ground shaking. His expression changed, his spine went cold, and he asked, “What’s that?”

His personal guard immediately pressed his ear to the ground to listen, then jumped up. “Cavalry! And not few in number—from the sound, over three thousand.”

Ming Yu couldn’t believe it. “We’re almost at Yuzhou. Where would such a large cavalry force of unknown origin come from?”

The leading vice-general Cheng Da ran over. “Sir, please take cover temporarily.”

While speaking, he organized the entire army for defense. This cavalry came too quickly—they still didn’t know if they were friend or foe. Better to be cautious.

However, Cheng Da’s heart pounded with some fear.

Because in this unit, they only had about a thousand soldiers. The rest were all logistics personnel, clerks, and some documents, supplies, and coffins that needed to be brought back to Yuzhou…

That’s right—the coffins of Zhao Zhongyu and Zhao Ji, along with the coffins of several distinguished officials, all needed to be transported back to Yuzhou together with the emperor’s coffin.

Ming Yu hadn’t followed Zhao Hanzhang to Shanggu Commandery for negotiations. He and the logistics and clerical staff had departed for Yuzhou first because there were too many things and people. Most of these people did clerical work. Though mounting horses and shooting weren’t problems for them, they basically had no use for such skills.

They followed Zhao Hanzhang because information gathered from across the nation needed Zhao Hanzhang’s attention, so this unit was equivalent to half a small court.

To reduce grain consumption and other issues, instead of following Zhao Hanzhang to Shanggu Commandery, they followed Ming Yu back to Yuzhou first.

They hadn’t expected trouble on an otherwise peaceful journey, just as they were about to enter Yuzhou.

Everyone was on high alert. Then they saw a single rider appear first at the end of the road. Before they could see clearly, they spotted the fluttering “Zhao” character banner. Ming Yu’s expression relaxed. Cheng Da’s eyes lit up. He immediately had the troops withdraw to both sides in an orderly manner.

As the cavalry unit approached, Cheng Da recognized Zhao Hanzhang on horseback. He was about to greet her with a smile when Zhao Hanzhang merely moved aside, then waved for Zhao Kuan to continue leading the troops forward.

Zhao Kuan didn’t stop, only slowing the pace as he led the army through.

Seeing them using two horses per rider, Ming Yu immediately sensed trouble. So when Zhao Hanzhang stopped, he immediately asked, “Has something happened in Yuzhou?”

Zhao Hanzhang paused before saying, “No. There were rebel forces at Cui County, but they’ve been pacified.”

Ming Yu and his group had passed through Wuyi County ten days ago. They’d even stayed two days in Xindu to gather information on Jizhou’s commanderies and counties before continuing south. They didn’t know about the Cui County rebellion, so hearing this made his heart tighten. “Were casualties severe?”

Zhao Hanzhang reassured him, “Not bad. They surrendered quickly. Only the county magistrates of Cui County and Jun City both died defending their cities.”

Ming Yu knew them. When selecting people, he and Zhao Hanzhang had examined them together. One was Zhao Jiashi, the other Zhao Yicheng. Both were outstanding students from the academy, and they came from the Yushan Hall, utterly loyal to Zhao Hanzhang.

Hearing this, Ming Yu’s mood soured. He simultaneously realized, “Could this have been instigated by someone with intentions? Is the Magistrate worried something might happen in Yuzhou too?”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded. “To attack Youzhou and pacify the Xiongnu, the main army went abroad. At this time, Yuzhou only has one Zhao family army.”

Ming Yu said, “There’s also Xun Xiu’s Xun family army. The Magistrate has an excellent reputation in Yuzhou, and the Zhao family has operated there for many years. Even if someone temporarily instigates rebellion, they certainly couldn’t reach His Majesty.”

Zhao Hanzhang’s face remained grim, silent.

Ming Yu thought briefly, then startled, his heart shuddering. He said in a low voice, “Could it be Xun Xiu…”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “I need to go ahead. Take your time, sir.”

How could Ming Yu have any mind to take his time? He immediately grabbed a horse. “Magistrate, I’ll go with you.”

Zhao Hanzhang said, “We’re using two horses per rider, not stopping on the road, changing horses directly. A single horse can’t keep up with our speed, sir.”

Ming Yu immediately also grabbed his attendant’s horse. “I also have two horses.”

Ming Yu’s attendant couldn’t help feeling anxious. Looking around, he found no suitable horse.

Because here they only had draft horses pulling supplies. Apart from a few people with their own horses, everyone else either crowded onto ox carts and draft horse carts or relied on their own two legs.

This was one reason their marching speed was so slow.

Ming Yu mounted his horse and told his anxious attendant, “You travel with the main army.”

With that, he pulled his horse to chase after Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang caught up with the main force. Ming Yu also spurred his horse to follow, shouting from the side, “Magistrate, did you send someone back to notify them?”

Zhao Hanzhang replied, “Already sent a messenger ahead.”

If Xun Xiu didn’t have such intentions, that was best—they could guard against others. If he did, she hoped the messenger could arrive first, letting Xun Xiu know she was about to return so he’d have some misgivings and wouldn’t stake his life on testing her.

Unfortunately, the messenger was still a step too slow.