CHAPTER 272: CHAPTER 266 COOPERATION

In these past two years, it was fortunate to have Chang Ning by his side offering advice and strategies, allowing him to sail through crises unscathed.

Thinking of this, County Magistrate Chai missed Chang Ning even more, and now, he felt a bit regretful for letting Chang Ning leave back then.

County Magistrate Chai felt a moment of remorse but quickly returned to the present, thinking, "I wonder what she wants?"

The Chief Clerk softly suggested, "Why don’t the County Lord ask her directly?"

After considering, County Magistrate Chai felt there was no harm in asking. If Zhao Hanzhang’s demands were too excessive, he simply wouldn’t agree.

Thus, County Magistrate Chai returned to the front hall and sat opposite Zhao Hanzhang.

The two raised their heads to look at each other, their eyes seemingly burning with intensity. However, Zhao Hanzhang smiled gently, instantly dissolving the subtle tension and gaining the upper hand.

Zhao Hanzhang initiated, "County Magistrate Chai, Shangcai and Xiping are interdependent; when one prospers, the other does too, and when one suffers, so does the other. If Shangcai cannot stabilize, no matter how flourishing Xiping is, its wealth can’t be preserved."

"That’s the public matter. Privately," Zhao Hanzhang smiled and continued, "You know, I own quite a bit of land in Shangcai. In terms of location benefits, my lands here surpass those in Xiping, so the better Shangcai is, the better for me."

"Additionally, there’s Chief Clerk Chang," Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Chief Clerk Chang is a person who cherishes old ties. Although he has gone to Xiping, he still thinks fondly of County Magistrate Chai and Shangcai, and I am fulfilling his request."

County Magistrate Chai was greatly surprised and simultaneously convinced by Zhao Hanzhang.

Thus, he sighed, saying, "To be honest with County Magistrate Zhao," although County Magistrate Chai wasn’t exceedingly clever, he was quite perceptive and noticed Zhao Hanzhang’s shift in address, understanding how he should approach her.

He said, "Currently, Shangcai is struggling. After purchasing a batch of seeds, the county government can’t even afford next month’s salary."

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Isn’t Xiping County in the same situation?"

County Magistrate Chai widened his eyes slightly: ...

Zhao Hanzhang said, "At that time, the rebellious army looted Xiping County completely. Fortunately, I had some savings, and so Xiping County gradually improved."

She smiled and said, "These past few months, the heavens have been somewhat merciful, allowing us to earn a bit of money, which Xiping doesn’t urgently need. If County Magistrate Chai has needs, we at Xiping are willing to assist, and the two counties can form a brotherly alliance, advancing and retreating together."

County Magistrate Chai was stunned and asked, "Is it Xiping helping me, not Hanzhang?"

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "Since our two counties are brother counties, naturally it’s assistance in the name of the county."

Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Chai was overjoyed; assistance in the name of the county was certainly better than in the name of individuals.

County Magistrate Chai gladly agreed, "Then Hanzhang, oh no, what requirements does your Xiping County have?"

He said with a smile, "Feel free to ask. As long as it’s something we can do, we will certainly strive to assist."

This was the sentence Zhao Hanzhang was waiting for.

She looked towards Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan took out a stack of papers from his wide sleeves.

Zhao Hanzhang handed them to County Magistrate Chai, saying, "Since we’re brothers, we naturally need to advance and retreat together. Xiping County is currently vigorously developing the economy and settling displaced people. I hope Shangcai County can do the same."

She continued, "These are plans for gathering displaced people, reclaiming wasteland, and constructing basic water infrastructure in the county. Please take a look, County Magistrate Chai."

Leafing through the plans, County Magistrate Chai felt as if piles of money and grain passed before his eyes. His expression changed from surprise to blankness and finally to numbness, all in less than a quarter of an hour.

County Magistrate Chai roughly surveyed the plans and closed them, looking at Zhao Hanzhang, "Is County Magistrate Zhao jesting with me?"

Zhao Hanzhang was surprised, "Where does this come from?"

"We in Shangcai can’t even pay our salaries; how can we possibly provide so much money and grain to settle displaced people, reclaim wastelands, and construct waterworks?"

Zhao Hanzhang smiled slightly, "I’ll provide the funds."

County Magistrate Chai was astonished and greatly puzzled, "What do you have to gain?"

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "County Magistrate Chai, asking this makes me appear too selfish. Can’t it just be for the people?"

County Magistrate Chai hesitated. It wasn’t impossible, even though Chang Ning often said she had ulterior motives. Based on her actions, County Magistrate Chai thought she was more good than not.

In this world, there aren’t many willing to exert themselves for the people.

Even among the high officials in the capital, it’s rare to find such a public servant mindset, and all Zhao Hanzhang’s actions indeed matched those of a loyal and heroic figure.

Seeing County Magistrate Chai genuinely consider this possibility, Zhao Hanzhang felt awkward and decided not to tease him further. She smiled and redirected the conversation, "County Magistrate Chai, look carefully at the listed locations and focus areas."

County Magistrate Chai looked attentively and was slightly astonished, "This is..."

"The first to benefit will be the village and the fief where my family’s lands are located." This is using her own money for her benefit, though presented by the county government.

Zhao Hanzhang even gained personnel management, with County Magistrate Chai leading the management.

County Magistrate Chai sighed, "But County Magistrate Zhao’s willingness is still commendable."

He readily agreed.

Zhao Hanzhang pointed to Ji Yuan, saying, "I will have Mr. Ji assist you. Whatever you need, just ask him."

County Magistrate Chai liked Ji Yuan very much. Even now, he believed Ji Yuan was a good person, so he happily nodded in agreement.

Zhao Hanzhang and County Magistrate Chai jointly signed a friendly development agreement. To express his appreciation for Zhao Hanzhang, County Magistrate Chai even paid out of his pocket to treat them to a meal.

In the end, everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and Zhao Hanzhang happily left with Ji Yuan.

On the way back to the manor, Ji Yuan sighed deeply.

Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t help but turn to look at him, "Why the sigh, sir?"

"Today, it becomes clear why Chang Ning was willing to stay by County Magistrate Chai’s side for so many years," Ji Yuan remarked, "Considering the tasks ahead, does the young lady feel any anxiety?"

Raising her eyebrows with a smile, Zhao Hanzhang replied, "No. He is the County Magistrate of Shangcai now and will be in the future, isn’t it?"

Ji Yuan then smiled slightly, "Indeed. I thought the young lady would soften." After all, it seemed she wasn’t inclined to completely deceive County Magistrate Chai and chose to change the subject rather than continue presenting herself as entirely altruistic.

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Deceiving honest people is quite pressuring."

Ji Yuan smirked, "You’re quite natural at deceiving us."

Zhao Hanzhang remarked, "If someone sees through the ploy, how can it be called deception?"

Ji Yuan said, "Shangcai is destined to progress slower than Xiping, but with such plans from the young lady, considerable talent would be required here too. Do you have any personnel set aside for this?"

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "Does sir wish to employ members from my Zhao Family?"

"But aren’t the offspring of noble families too proud and unwilling to heed advice from someone like me, a strategist?"

Zhao Hanzhang laughed, "If they refuse, you can dismiss them outright. They receive my salary, so naturally they should accomplish what I want done, or replacing them isn’t impossible."

"I fear that the young lady might struggle within the family."

"Understanding is mutual. If I show consideration for them, they should reciprocate; otherwise, it’s not me troubling them, but them troubling me."

Ji Yuan instantly understood and agreed.

Zhao Hanzhang added, "However, the personnel I send to you, although somewhat arrogant, would not disregard the larger picture."

Ji Yuan, knowing exactly what she intended, replied, "I will nurture them well."