CHAPTER 308: CHAPTER 304 COUNTY MAGISTRATE CHANG

He cautiously replied, "The relief grain has been distributed, ensuring that each household has received enough to get them through to the autumn harvest. As for the investigation you mentioned, we’re still conducting it. Most of those who joined the rebellion have returned to their villages. Although they’re still on guard, because the authorities haven’t held them accountable, the situation is relatively stable."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Comfort them well, and once the autumn harvest is over, their hearts will settle."

Zhao Kuan continued, "Following the data provided by Ting Han, we’ve discovered quite a few hidden households,"

He paused and asked, "Should we summon those families for questioning?"

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, "This matter is not urgent. The biggest issue now is not the problem of hidden households but the survival of the people. As long as they can survive, I don’t mind them being hidden households."

She raised her chin slightly and said, "There will come a day when I will bring them into the open willingly, to live under the sun. By then, if anyone obstructs them, the hidden household issue will become the main problem."

Zhao Kuan quietly breathed a sigh of relief. In these troubled times, the issue of hidden households is widespread. Many people cling to local gentry for survival. Investigating now would not only offend the gentry but also push those hidden households into a desperate situation, which would be detrimental to them as well. Zhao Hanzhang choosing to bypass this issue for now, he fully agreed with that.

"Yu Yang County currently has three goals: stabilize the people’s hearts, encourage agriculture and mulberry cultivation, and develop education," Zhao Hanzhang said. "I grant you appropriate authority. You and Brother Hui have experience in Shangcai, so you should be able to achieve this, right?"

Zhao Kuan replied earnestly, "I will do my best."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded and said, "If you encounter difficulties, let me know. If I’m not in Xiping, you can inform Mr. Ji."

Zhao Kuan agreed and then began to request resources from Zhao Hanzhang, "...You know, everything in Yu Yang is just starting. Although relief grain was given, there are still many idle people. If we could put them to work, it would not only stabilize people’s hearts but also provide an opportunity to repair roads and dig canals, which would be beneficial for next year’s farming."

Zhao Hanzhang felt a sense of déjà vu, very much like she used to when facing Fifth Uncle and Zhao Ming.

But she only felt a slight headache before agreeing, though she cut the proposed amount in half, "Brother Kuan, I am no longer a magistrate of one county but a Prefectural Governor of ten. Even the landlord’s family doesn’t have extra grain; you need to learn to find ways for the county government to earn money."

Zhao Kuan: ... When he was appointed as Yu Yang County Magistrate, it was not said like this. At the time, it was promised that everything would be supported by her, and she would do her utmost to assist him...

Zhao Kuan looked at Zhao Hanzhang with a sense of grievance, and Zhao Hanzhang met his gaze with clarity. She seemed to understand his unspoken words, thought about it, and felt she couldn’t be too heartless. She then smiled gently and sincerely spoke to Zhao Kuan, "Brother Kuan, please empathize with me too. Before taking over Ru Nan County, I truly didn’t know the situations in each county were this dire. This is my oversight."

She let out a deep sigh, "You were there yesterday, listening to the situations of various counties with me. How could your heart be untouched? Initially, there were only the three counties of Xiping, Shangcai, and Yu Yang. No matter how difficult it was, I could support you. But now seven counties have suddenly increased, and the situation in each isn’t good. I... am finding it very difficult too!"

Facing Zhao Hanzhang’s pleading gaze, Zhao Kuan softened. He nodded and said, "I understand, Third Sister, don’t worry. I will manage Yu Yang well."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Of course, if Brother finds difficulties, just write a letter to inform me. Whatever I can assist with, I will not shirk."

Zhao Kuan felt his spirits lift a bit more, with a sense of being valued and cared for by his superior. He nodded in agreement, expressing that he would certainly do his utmost and not let her down.

After seeing off Zhao Kuan, Zhao Hanzhang finally completed her tasks for the day. She turned and walked toward the backyard. The clerks in the office had already left, leaving only the guards, making the whole county government office quiet.

In Fu Tinghan’s office, a light was on, so Zhao Hanzhang walked over.

Chang Ning was in his room. The two were sitting face to face, organizing the files on the table. Upon hearing a sound, Chang Ning turned his head and, seeing it was Zhao Hanzhang, quickly stood up to salute, "Prefectural Governor."

Zhao Hanzhang slightly nodded and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Mr. Fu is handing things over to me." Fu Tinghan was following Zhao Hanzhang on her trip because there were seven counties to visit, and no one knew when they could return. So he needed to hand over some matters to Chang Ning.

Zhao Hanzhang suddenly remembered something, "Right, now that I am a Prefectural Governor, although I can concurrently serve as Xiping County Magistrate, it’s really unnecessary."

She said, "I need to handle the Governor Mansion’s affairs, so you will mainly be in charge in Xiping County. Starting today, Chief Clerk Chang will be promoted to County Magistrate."

Chief Clerk Chang: "... Can a woman appoint a County Magistrate directly?"

According to protocol, isn’t it necessary to submit a memorial to the court for the Ministry of Personnel to review before making a decision?

Zhao Hanzhang laughed and said, "Currently, Luoyang is in chaos, and our communication with the court is cut off. Even if we submit a memorial, it wouldn’t be processed quickly. As a temporary measure, I can make this decision. Tomorrow I will give you the appointment letter."

Chang Ning looked at Zhao Hanzhang in a daze, his heart in turmoil. Could it be that he... just got promoted to County Magistrate like this?

Chang Ning suddenly remembered, looking conflicted, "My lady, I, I... haven’t participated in the official ranking examination..."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "I appoint based on ability, regardless of family background or participation in official ranking exams. I don’t care how it works elsewhere, but in Ru Nan County, talent will need to pass an exam to enter office in the future. I will issue related policies then."

Upon saying this, Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Regrettably, the students in the school are still too young; otherwise, utilizing them would be best."

Fu Tinghan looked up at her and said to Chang Ning, "After we leave, manage the school well and encourage the students to study hard."

He said with deep meaning, "The kids there are our future."

Zhao Hanzhang also nodded, speaking to the still somewhat excited Chang Ning, "Exactly, the kids there are our future. If you face anything you cannot resolve, go to Mr. Ji."

Zhao Hanzhang raised her hand in salute to Chang Ning and solemnly said, "County Magistrate Chang, I entrust Xiping County to you from now on."

Chang Ning’s eyes turned slightly red, and he quickly bowed deeply, almost touching the ground. He said with his head down, "I am willing to serve my lady with all my heart and soul!"

Chang Ning certainly knew how important the school was. The children there relied entirely on Zhao Hanzhang for their food, lodging, and education, and most of the teachers were members of the Zhao Family.

They naturally had a fondness for Zhao Hanzhang and the Zhao Family, especially since Ji Yuan often went to teach them and mentioned what Zhao Hanzhang had done for them. Now, every child in the school, one after another, regarded Zhao Hanzhang as a reincarnated bodhisattva. Probably, no one but their loved ones could replace Zhao Hanzhang’s position in their hearts.