After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

"Tonight they are setting up a celebratory feast to reward the three armies, it’s the perfect opportunity," Governor Zhang scoffed after understanding what Lu Xiyuan was worried about. "I have thirty thousand troops here; does she dare to kill me?"

Lu Xiyuan was precisely worried about this. He said, "I heard that this time, among the troops she brought back, twenty thousand were the captured troops of Ma Jian’en, a Central Lang General under Prince East Sea. Ma Jian’en had a personal grudge against her, as last year, due to Prince East Sea’s treachery, he harmed Mr. Zhao. So upon meeting this time, Zhao Hanzhang killed him without a word."

So, what wouldn’t the other party dare to do?

Because of personal grudges, a Central Lang General, a valued General of Prince East Sea, she simply killed him without blinking an eye.

So killing another Governor Zhang seems feasible.

Lu Xiyuan wanted to persuade further, but Governor Zhang grew irritable and said, "Sir, being so cautious, how can you achieve great things?"

"Zhao Ming and Ji Yuan wouldn’t act so timidly," he said. "If I had people like Zhao Ming and Ji Yuan by my side, I wouldn’t have been delayed for years and overtaken by a mere child."

Lu Xiyuan: ...

He felt deeply ashamed and couldn’t speak for a moment.

Seeing Lu Xiyuan discouraged, Governor Zhang turned and left with a light hum.

The retainer, seeing his master insulted, was furious. His hand grasped the sword, ready to strike Governor Zhang from behind, but Lu Xiyuan quickly stopped him, not daring to show any odd behavior, whispering, "Don’t court disaster. The moment you draw the sword, my life is over."

The retainer said, "The master being insulted, I am ashamed to continue living."

Lu Xiyuan hurriedly said, "It’s not to that extent..."

He paused and then said, "But there’s already a rift between the Governor and me, making it difficult to renew our former bond. Pack your things immediately, and we will leave tonight."

He felt that Governor Zhang would certainly be no match for Zhao Hanzhang. This was not only a conscious assessment but also the most direct intuition. As a strategist, he trusted his judgment and intuition greatly.

When judgment and intuition align, his predictions are seldom off.

The retainer grudgingly followed Lu Xiyuan back to the tent to pack their belongings.

Lu Xiyuan also felt regret, as getting to Governor Zhang’s side was no small feat, consuming much time and effort. With this move, all his past achievements would be wiped out, and he’d have to start anew.

Moreover, the situation might worsen, as he’d abandoned his lord and fled. Once word spread, he might find it hard to secure future employment.

However, even so, life was most important.

Lu Xiyuan rolled up his luggage, placed it on the bed, and covered it with a quilt, deciding to slip away once darkness fell.

Before night fell, Zhao Hanzhang woke up.

This time she had slept for a full ninety minutes, feeling refreshed and energetic. She changed her clothes, tied her hair into a high ponytail, and rolled up her sleeves before stepping outside.

She wore a narrow-sleeved outfit for easy movement, with a leather belt around her waist. While adjusting her cuffs, she walked out of the tent and immediately saw Ji Yuan sitting not far away, facing the entrance of her tent.

Upon seeing each other, both of them brightened. Ji Yuan stood up, and Zhao Hanzhang put down her hands and went straight to the other, "Mr. Ji!"

Mr. Ji eagerly approached, "My Lady."

They shook hands enthusiastically, and Zhao Ming, standing aside, couldn’t help but cough heavily with jealousy.

Zhao Hanzhang turned her head and only then noticed Zhao Ming standing there, "Uncle Ming is here as well?"

Fu Tinghan couldn’t help but laugh, "Uncle Ming and Mr. Ji were having a conversation."

So how did you see it, obviously, three people were sitting here, but you only saw one?

Zhao Hanzhang swept her gaze over the seat, thinking that she couldn’t be blamed. Fu Tinghan was blocked by the edge of the tent, and as for Uncle Ming...

Perhaps it was because he had his back to her, so it wasn’t noticeable?

Ji Yuan immediately eased her embarrassment, "My Lady must be exhausted. Did you sleep well?"

Zhao Hanzhang promptly replied, "I slept well. Though I’m exhausted, Uncle Ming and Mr. Ji have worked even harder. Thanks to the two of you holding down the fort, I could focus on fighting at the front."

Zhao Ming’s expression improved slightly, and he sat back down on the small stool, speaking with Zhao Hanzhang, "Are you going to distribute rewards tonight for the troops?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded and said, "Yes, like Zhao Ju, Xun Xiu, Zhao Kuan, and Mi Ce, those who performed outstandingly must be highlighted first. We’ll arrange specific rewards once we return to Chen County."

Zhao Ming nodded, asking, "Governor Zhang holds no respect for you. How do you plan to deal with him?"

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Look for an opportunity to replace him."

Zhao Ming scowled, "There are so many people in this world who don’t respect you. Do you intend to replace them all?"

"Of course not," Zhao Hanzhang gave him a puzzled look and said, "If he can’t follow my plan for Ruyin County, he can manage the county properly on his own ability. I’m not someone who can’t tolerate others; it’s just that he doesn’t recognize me as the Inspector. Keeping him would benefit neither Yu State nor Ruyin County."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, "It’s also not beneficial for him nor me. Removing him would be good for both of us."

Otherwise, if conflicts accumulated, it might eventually become a struggle to the death.

This was not what Zhao Hanzhang wished to see.

Hearing her response, Zhao Ming finally felt a bit relieved, nodding, "Since you’ve decided, proceed promptly."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded in agreement.

Before nightfall, many people gathered in the clearing in the middle of the camp, all generals and team leaders from various armies.

A seat was placed at the top, and no one dared to sit on it. Everyone sat on either side, followed by their respective subordinates.

As soon as Zhao Hanzhang appeared, the crowd fell silent, watching her walk forward to stand before the seat. Zhao Hanzhang pressed her hands slightly, and the crowd grew even quieter.

She casually picked up a bowl, poured a bowl of wine, and said, "Soldiers, this year both Yu State and Great Jin have gone through a difficult year, but we have prevailed!"

"We lost many brothers and sisters, many comrades. Because of them, today we enjoy a temporary peace. Let us honor them, honor all comrades who strived to protect Yu State!"

Zhao Hanzhang poured the wine in the bowl onto the ground. The soldiers all raised their bowls, eyes moist as they collectively said, "Honor to the comrades!"

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Everyone poured their wine on the ground. Zhao Hanzhang poured another bowl, raising her hand she declared, "The deceased are gone, and the living should cherish the present all the more, so as not to betray their trust and expectations. Come, dear soldiers, today’s peace in Yu State owes to you too, and I toast to you!"

She raised her head and drank the wine in one go. The military wine was rather strong. Zhao Hanzhang felt a fiery burn, couldn’t help but shout, "Good wine!"

The generals, seeing this, felt their hearts surge with heroism and also drank in one go. At this moment, looking at Zhao Hanzhang standing at the top, their hearts collectively found allegiance and finally truly recognized her.

Invigorated by the wine, Zhao Hanzhang was filled with courage, and took a jar of wine and walked down, offering it to each of them, "Come, come, I’ll pour drinks for you."