After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

To prevent Zhao Hanzhang from disappearing again, this time Liu Yuan gathered troops from all directions of the Xiongnu forces. To ensure compliance with orders, he used rather stringent terms. In short, this time Zhao Hanzhang must be captured; if not captured alive, then she must be killed.

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Liu Cong is one of Liu Yuan’s favorite sons. Among his sons, although he is neither the eldest nor the youngest, he is the smartest and most capable.

Now, having been injured by Zhao Hanzhang and suffering such a defeat, with the entire Xiongnu army being toyed with by her, it would be surprising if Liu Yuan were pleased.

Previously mentioned, Liu Yuan, the Han Kingdom Emperor, cannot act unilaterally among the Xiongnu. The tribes have nominated him as their leader, but they do not entirely follow his commands, so Liu Cong’s failure greatly undermines Liu Yuan’s prestige.

Especially as Zhao Hanzhang has penetrated their rear, striking left and right, occasionally capturing a city and killing their good generals.

This time, even Qiao Xi was killed in battle, and the various Xiongnu tribes were both outraged and began to doubt Liu Yuan’s decisions, with morale severely impacted.

So, even if only to regain the trust of the tribes and boost morale, Liu Yuan must capture Zhao Hanzhang. Capturing her alive is preferred, but if not possible, then kill her.

Suppressing the murderous intent within him, Liu Yuan deployed numerous troops toward Guan City.

The guards stationed at the rear in Chen County, such as Zhao Ming and others, also learned of this intelligence. After reading it, Ji Yuan stacked up the information and said, "We should prepare as well."

Zhao Ming expressed some concern, "With such a large movement from the Xiongnu, can Third Lady break through?"

Ji Yuan’s gaze was profound as he softly replied, "That’s why Third Lady specifically invited the young master to hold the fort. If not successful, the Zhao Family can adjust the personnel arrangements at the right time. We have invested so much, and cannot hand over the fruits of victory to others."

"Yu State must not fall into chaos."

Zhao Ming lowered his gaze, his thoughts swirling, and he responded lightly, "Give the order to deploy troops according to Third Lady’s arrangements."

The last letter from Zhao Hanzhang was received five days ago. At that time, she had just left Gou Xi and immediately wrote a letter to Chen County, issuing the final battle order.

She was unsure if communication would remain possible between both sides afterward or if the letter could be successfully delivered to Chen County, so she dared not write too explicitly. She only requested that upon receiving information about any Xiongnu movements and troop deployments inward, they should immediately deploy forces and recapture the territories seized by the Xiongnu from Chen County outward.

She instructed Zhao Kuan to invite Zhao Ming and Ji Yuan to heed their command.

In fact, Zhao Ming and Ji Yuan arrived in Chen County even earlier than she anticipated, so even before her letter arrived, having received it, they prepared according to her military orders despite not knowing her exact intentions.

Zhao Kuan hurried in and bowed, saying, "Uncle, Mr. Ji, Governor Zhang and others wish to meet with you both."

Zhao Ming and Mr. Ji exchanged a glance, and Zhao Ming stood up, proudly lifting his chin slightly, "Let’s go and meet them!"

Governor Zhang and about ten others were waiting in the front hall; this was one of He Ci Shi’s mansions.

Currently, the He Family was all in Xiping and, following He Ci Shi’s instructions, visited the Zhao Family upon arrival in Xiping, expressing their wish to rely on the Zhao Family for survival.

Without much thought, Zhao Ming directly offered them protection, generously assigning them a mansion in the county town and allotting them part of the fields near Zhao’s Fortress, showing great pleasure in accepting them.

This is part of why He Ci Shi, even after Zhao Hanzhang left Chen County and was no longer around, continued to entrust Yu State to her.

Reciprocating kindness, the Zhao Family extended courtesies to the He Family and offered protection amidst the chaos of the world, so naturally, He Ci Shi favored choosing the equally capable Zhao Hanzhang.

Therefore, upon Zhao Ming and Ji Yuan’s arrival in Chen County, the He Family directly vacated their mansion for Zhao Ming.

Now that their family has left Chen County, the situation here is uncertain, whether chaotic or peaceful; giving it to Zhao Ming was possible.

Ji Yuan held no official position, and Zhao Ming had only the role of County Magistrate of Xiping County. Thus, they did not reside at the Inspector Mansion. As they stayed here, Zhao Kuan and Zhao Ju obeyed them, as did the Zhao Family Army, and so the people from the Inspector Mansion had to come here to pay their respects.

Upon seeing the pair arrive together, no one dared underestimate them, all shaking hands and greeting them with bows, "Lord Zhao, Mr. Ji."

Lord Zhao was a title given to Zhao Ming in his early years after the court issued a Recruitment Order to him following his appraisal. After he refused, he adopted the title, saying he wished to live freely among the mountains, hence the name Lord Zhao.

However, it was rare for anyone at home to address him as such.

Zhao Ming nodded slightly and sat down in the main seat, saying, "I was just looking for you all. The Xiongnu have already mobilized troops; following General Zhao’s command, preparation for a counterattack is in order."

In the presence of others, Zhao Ming never called Zhao Hanzhang Third Lady, especially in front of these officials from the Inspector Mansion, thus giving Zhao Hanzhang ample respect.

With these words, the ten or so people exchanged glances. Governor Zhang stroked his beard and said, "Lord Zhao is unfamiliar with military affairs; the Xiongnu’s mobilization could very well be a ploy to lure us out. We must not fall for it."

Zhao Ming lifted his gaze to glance at him and said, "Governor Zhang, are you trying to use this opportunity to let the Xiongnu encircle and destroy General Zhao by refraining from deploying troops?"

Governor Zhang’s expression changed to a deep blue, and he stood up swiftly, angrily responding, "Zhao Zinian, do not measure my intentions with the thoughts of a villain. What if this time the Xiongnu’s mobilization is merely to lure us out and then annihilate us all?"

"If the three armies suffer a loss, all of Yu State would be doomed, and can you bear the responsibility for that?"

Zhao Ming nodded directly, saying, "I will take responsibility."

Xun Xiu and several others looked at Governor Zhang, then at Zhao Ming, and finally turned to Governor Zhang, waiting to hear his response.

Governor Zhang replied with a cold smile, "How can you take responsibility? You are a man without position..."

Zhao Ming said, "My Zhao Family stands behind Chen County, and if Chen County falls, then the Zhao Family of Xiping will be doomed along with Yu State. Does Governor Zhang think that General Zhao and I would take such a risk?"

Governor Zhang fell silent.

Xun Xiu and his generals were moved and leaned more toward deploying troops.

Zhao Ming continued, "Governor Zhang, He Ci Shi long ago ordered support from various places, but you delayed deploying troops. You did not come early, nor late, but only after the news of He Ci Shi’s demise quietly spread, did you bring the army. Are you here to fight the Xiongnu, or to face the Yu State Governor Mansion?"

Governor Zhang’s face changed dramatically, and he exclaimed, "Zhao Ming, what do you mean by this? My intentions toward He Ci Shi are as clear as the sun and moon. The reason I didn’t come earlier was because I was held up by the Xiongnu who invaded our border. Our Ruyin County also suffers Xiongnu invasions, unlike your Ru Nan which is still beneath us, making it easier to spare troops for support..."

Ji Yuan interjected, "It is understandable for Lord Zhao to have such suspicions. Hasn’t Governor Zhang done something similar before? Just last year, when He Ci Shi was besieged in Yu Yang, did you not just station your troops nearby without deploying?"