CHAPTER 348: CHAPTER 342 ASSEMBLY

Once Zhao Hanzhang gave the order to reinforce defenses and clear the fields, the Inspector Mansion was divided into two camps, with half in favor and half against. However, before the debate concluded, Inspector He directly ordered everyone to obey Zhao Hanzhang.

Thus, the orders began to be disseminated.

Avoiding the others, Inspector He spoke to Yu Sheng, "I had thought Zhao Hanzhang, being a woman, would be soft-hearted. Unexpectedly, she is even more decisive and ruthless than I imagined. Now that she’s issued the order for reinforcement and clearing, the criticism will surely increase."

Yu Sheng sighed with relief, "With her giving this order, if the Governor issues a similar order in Yu State afterward, there will be less criticism."

Inspector He twitched the corners of his mouth. He cared about his reputation but actually valued tangible benefits even more.

He lowered his gaze, pondered for a moment, and then whispered to Yu Sheng, "My sons are disappointing. Although I’ve sent them to Xiping, if Yu State can’t be defended, Xiping will not be safe either. In that event, I hope Mr. Yu can take them south."

Yu Sheng agreed without hesitation.

Only then did Inspector He feel at ease.

He had two sons, both older than Zhao Hanzhang, but... alas, he wanted to pass on his authority to them, but they were too incapable.

Before leaving, he was still torn but finally called his two sons to him, gave them a look, and decided to let them avoid involvement and leave with the family wealth.

His two sons couldn’t handle people like Xun Xiu.

Seeing this now, even Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan had to be cautious. It was likely that if he closed his eyes, his two sons, or even the entire family, would follow in his footsteps shortly.

Inspector He sighed. He had loved wealth and luxury all his life, but in the end, he had to entrust his most valuable possessions to outsiders. To say he wasn’t heartbroken would be impossible.

But compared to money, the lives of his family were more important.

Feeling heartbroken repeatedly, he confirmed with the doctor that his wounds were worsening and that he didn’t have much time left to live. Then he called Zhao Hanzhang and one of his clan brothers.

Pointing to his clan brother, he introduced, "This is my clan brother He Heng, who manages the iron mine in Ru Nan County."

Zhao Hanzhang was slightly surprised; she never expected Inspector He could go to this extent, even handing over the iron mine.

Inspector He twitched the corners of his mouth, "This iron mine should belong to the court. Back then, your grandfather nearly had me removed from office over this mine. Over the years, although I’ve been extracting ore, I’ve contributed significantly to the court. So, fundamentally, this still belongs to the court."

He said, "Now you are the Prefectural Governor of Ru Nan County, so you should oversee this iron mine."

Inspector He looked at her meaningfully, "After all, Mr. Zhao was right: an iron mine is a national asset and should not be privately owned."

He wanted to see whether Zhao Changyu’s granddaughter would privatize the mine or keep it public.

It would, of course, be public!

Only, this public ownership might be limited to Ru Nan County.

Zhao Hanzhang appeared moved, and indeed she felt moved. Later, she secretly confided to Fu Tinghan, "Back then, for this mine, Inspector He almost became enemies with my grandfather. I didn’t expect him to give it away just like that. Even as someone who loves wealth and is selfish, he can make such a decision, while court ministers are still indulging in internal strife, hesitant for their own gains."

Fu Tinghan asked, "Do you admire him?"

Zhao Hanzhang thought for a moment and nodded, "This level of decisiveness and broad-mindedness isn’t common. I hope when I face this situation, I can also prioritize the greater good and not harbor resentment just because the other party is an enemy."

Fu Tinghan knew she was referring to Zhao Ji’s family and thought for a while, then said, "Zhao Zhongyu aside, Zhao Ji likely doesn’t have the capabilities worth trusting."

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "That’s not certain. Who knows what situation might require me to trust them in?"

Fu Tinghan’s expression turned serious, and he said solemnly, "We won’t reach that day."

If there ever came a day when they needed to rely on someone like Zhao Ji, it would mean the situation had deteriorated to an extreme.

Suddenly, Fu Tinghan felt somewhat worried and asked, "How confident are you about the night raid?"

Zhao Hanzhang lowered her gaze and said, "Sixty percent."

Fu Tinghan frowned deeply, "Is Liu Cong formidable? I saw in military reports he conquered two cities in succession, and two months ago attacked Luoyang after breaching Prince East Sea’s defenses."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "Quite formidable, but it’s precisely because he’s won so many battles consecutively that I dare to raid him."

"He is someone who is easily arrogant."

Fu Tinghan felt somewhat reassured, thinking for a while, then offered, "I’ll accompany you. I have the maps in my mind."

"I have the maps in my mind too," Zhao Hanzhang said. "You’ve done what you should; the rest is up to me. This time, I’ll take Second Son, and you stay behind."

Fu Tinghan pressed his lips but didn’t oppose further.

As night fell, tranquility enveloped in and around Chen County. Zhao Hanzhang and the soldiers had already eaten and were now lying down fully clothed. She slept deeply, but as soon as the drumbeat sounded, she opened her eyes.

Her eyes were as clear as water, seeming never to have slept.

She moved her neck to ease the stiffness in her shoulders and neck, then nudged Ting He awake and said, "Go check the hour."

Ting He awoke with a start, rubbed her eyes, and yawned as she went to check the time, returning shortly to report, "It’s now the hour of Zi."

Zhao Hanzhang had already dressed. Upon hearing Ting He’s words, she said, "Go wake Second Son, have Zhao Ju come to see me."

Ting He bowed her head in acknowledgement, "Yes."

Zhao Ju and Sun Linghui, aware of the upcoming night raid, had not slept much. As soon as Zhao Hanzhang summoned them, they awoke.

Besides Zhao Erlang and Zhao Ju, others had traces of fatigue on their faces.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at them, "I’m the one going to battle, yet you seem unable to sleep?"

Sun Linghui was tense and worried, unable to sleep for most of the night, "Prefectural Governor..."

Zhao Hanzhang gestured for her to stop, her expression hardened, and she directly commanded, "Wake the soldiers; they must gather at the city gate by the hour of Chou."

Everyone responded and left.

At this time, people were in their best sleep of the night, but also at their most drowsy. Those chosen as team leaders had guessed a raid would occur tonight when informed earlier to sleep an hour early, and thus were prepared. Once the order was given, they immediately called the centurions, who then notified the soldiers under their command.

The troops quickly assembled. Zhao Hanzhang, clad in armor and holding a spear, rode over, and all the soldiers silently watched her.

In the firelight, Zhao Hanzhang’s expression was resolute; she spoke, "We didn’t come to Chen County to sleep or idle around eating. We came to relieve the crisis in Yu State. Tonight’s battle will show the Xiongnu that Yu State is not without defenders, and let them know the bravery of Ru Nan County. Soldiers, do you pledge to follow me to battle?"

The troop responded in a low voice, "We pledge!"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded with satisfaction, lifting her chin, "Everyone mount up, let’s go!"

The small door by the city wall quietly opened. Zhao Hanzhang turned her horse’s head, glanced to the side, and saw Fu Tinghan standing with his hands clasped. Noticing her gaze, he nodded towards her.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and led her horse to leap through the small door first...