Chapter 179: Chapter 174: Invitation (Additional Chapter for book friend "Snow*Flower" as a reward)
Zhao Hanzhang raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to continue.
Ji Yuan said, "I think Miss Zhao’s idea is very good. Chang Ning is indeed someone we can use."
He mentioned Chang Ning’s suggestion to County Magistrate Chai about purchasing grain in advance to stabilize prices for the coming year.
Zhao Hanzhang swept her gaze over the group, "This is..."
"Oh, when we were taking hostages in the county town, I befriended two or three government officials in the county government. They are willing to share any news with me," Ji Yuan said blandly, "This is news I’ve just received."
Zhao Hanzhang gave Ji Yuan a thumbs up.
Although it was Ji Yuan’s first time seeing this gesture, he miraculously understood it and lifted his chin proudly.
The two exchanged a smile, both grinning like foxes.
Zhao Hanzhang said, "Sir, care to act as a persuader just this once?"
Ji Yuan thought for a moment and then shook his head, "I’m not suitable."
He said, "When we were in the county town, the two of us were at odds, quite disharmonious. He probably harbors resentment against me, besides, there is someone more suitable now."
"Who?"
"You, Miss Zhao," Ji Yuan said, "Is there anyone more suitable than you to persuade him?"
Zhao Hanzhang pondered, and indeed, when the boss personally comes forward to invite someone, it always appears more sincere.
She said, "Let Zhao Ju lead the people and escort the grain back first, while I stay a couple more days."
Ji Yuan smiled and agreed.
This time they acquired quite a bit of grain, and with some collected from the manor, the troops of nearly three thousand stretched even longer, with most of the grain being transported to Xiping on pushcarts and shoulder poles.
Disaster victims along the road initially ran instinctively toward the wilderness and woods, but after realizing no one was chasing them, they emerged again. Upon seeing so many pushcarts and loads, they couldn’t help but approach to ask, "Hey, brother, what are you carrying?"
The soldiers cast a sidelong glance at them and said proudly, "Our military provisions!"
Upon hearing this, the disaster victims couldn’t help but follow them, only realizing they’d gone off course when they arrived outside Xiping City. They originally planned to go to Luoyang in search of a livelihood.
Common folk were unaware that Luoyang was again at war. They only thought of it as the place below the emperor’s feet, naturally safe and prosperous.
With taxes increasing again this year, they couldn’t survive in their hometown and could only head to possibly life-sustaining places.
But after leaving just two counties, they ended up in Xiping.
The refugees were in a dilemma, wanting to turn toward Luoyang but also considering entering Xiping County to see if they could find a way to survive there.
Seeing all the grain trucks, some who were strong couldn’t help but step forward to ask a soldier at the back, "Is your general recruiting? I’m very strong too and can fight. All I need is some food."
"We’ve recruited enough." Seeing the disappointment on the other’s face, the soldier paused and said, "We lost over a hundred people when we went to Yu Yang, so there might be a need to fill the numbers. Maybe you can inquire at the county government; they might be recruiting."
On hearing this, the other thanked him immediately and followed them into the county city.
Others who overheard followed suit and poured into Xiping County City.
Fu Tinghan, who stood at the county government entrance waiting for Zhao Hanzhang, instead received wave after wave of refugees.
Fu Tinghan: ...
Ji Ping came to report, "Miss Zhao plans to stay two more days in Shangcai and bring the madam back, so Xiping’s affairs still trouble you, my lord."
Fu Tinghan asked, "What about Erlang?"
"Erlang is still with the army. The Standard Bearer led them to settle down," Ji Ping said, "This time, Miss Zhao bought quite a bit of grain, which needs to be stored and accounted for."
The refugees crowded at the county government entrance, grabbing an official and asking, "Are you still recruiting soldiers? Look at me, I’m strong."
"You’re as thin as a bamboo pole, what strength could you have?" A refugee beside him stripped off his shirt to show the official his biceps, "Look at me, I’m strong. Choose me."
"He eats a lot, I eat little. Sir, take me instead."
The official was dumbfounded, subconsciously turning back to look at Fu Tinghan standing at the entrance.
The refugees followed his gaze and, seeing the handsome and distinguished Fu Tinghan, instinctively assumed he was in charge and rushed forward.
Ji Ping immediately blocked in front of Fu Tinghan, drawing his sword halfway and shouting, "How dare you! Retreat at once. How could you casually collide with the lord?"
In truth, there was no need for scolding. Under Fu Tinghan’s cold gaze, the crowd didn’t dare to rush too far forward. They knelt down three steps away and kowtowed, "My lord, take me in. I can fight."
Fu Tinghan scanned the crowd kneeling down and summoned two officials, "Have them line up and register their details, ask about their backgrounds and names."
"My lord, we don’t have much paper left."
Fu Tinghan sighed, "Send someone to Zhao’s Fortress to borrow some, and have others go out to purchase more."
He must hasten the paper-making process. Where is that person who promised to make him paper?
The person who promised to provide paper was sitting on the second floor of a tavern, drinking, watching the street scene below, waiting for someone.
As soon as Zhao Hanzhang’s troops left, County Magistrate Chai felt relieved and paid less attention to the Zhao Family manor, thus unaware that Zhao Hanzhang hadn’t left with them.
County affairs weren’t many, and with County Magistrate Chai managing Shangcai County, there were even fewer. Most issues were resolved by the village chief.
Thus, Chang Ning was also idle.
When he received Zhao Hanzhang’s private letter, he hesitated for a moment but eventually left the county office to meet her at the tavern discreetly.
This tavern wasn’t large, located at the corner of the street, with average business. Zhao Hanzhang directly reserved the whole place.
Whether it was her or Chang Ning arriving, they didn’t fear being seen.
However, Chang Ning still admired her boldness. Privately meeting County Magistrate Chai’s aide in Shangcai County; should this reach County Magistrate Chai’s ears, a rift would surely form between Zhao Hanzhang and him, and certainly with Chai’s aide.
But considering they already weren’t on good terms, and he had decided to find an opportunity to resign and return home, whether or not the suspicion grew deep, Chang Ning wasn’t too concerned.
Chang Ning came openly, and Zhao Hanzhang received him openly.
"Mr. Chang, please sit." Zhao Hanzhang stood to greet and personally warmed the wine, "This is wine my late father buried twelve years ago. I unearthed a jar today to celebrate and share with you."
Chang Ning looked at Zhao Hanzhang in surprise. The significance of this wine was considerable. He carefully cradled the wine cup with both hands, stared at the wine, and did not drink. After a long pause, he smiled bitterly, "Miss Zhao, why not just say what you want? Otherwise, I’m afraid to drink this wine."
The wine was too precious; if he wasn’t mistaken, this was likely wine Zhao Zhi buried for Zhao Erlang.
Zhao Hanzhang also set down her cup, sitting with an upright posture, "Hanzhang seeks your assistance, sir."
Chang Ning looked at her confusedly, assist her with what?
Zhao Hanzhang, with a serious demeanor, said, "Hanzhang lacks an aide and wishes for your counsel."
On hearing this, Chang Ning immediately asked, "Has Ji Yuan abandoned you?"