After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 523 - 517: Exchange

He quietly breathed out and tugged at his smile, saying, "I dare not, General."

The flatbread was freshly baked, soft, fragrant, and salty. Zhao Hanzhang bit off a third in one go. Eating something tasty brightened her mood a bit, so she reached out and patted Xun Xiu’s shoulder, saying, "I’ll treat you to flatbread later."

Don’t wait till later, he thought it could be now.

Xun Xiu hadn’t felt hungry, but seeing Zhao Hanzhang enjoy her food so much, he couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.

Zhao Hanzhang pretended not to see, and Fu Tinghan also acted oblivious. After she finished eating, he handed her a water pouch.

The water in the pouch was freshly filled and still warm.

Zhao Hanzhang drank the water, and with something in her stomach, she felt better. She looked around and asked, "Where is Ting He?"

"Mr. Ji has a lot on his hands. Ting He is literate, so I sent her to help him along with Fu An." In busy times, Zhao Hanzhang and the servants around him were often dispatched.

Zhao Hanzhang was used to it, nodded, and wasn’t in a rush to find anyone.

She scanned the area and saw the soldiers were hungry and tired, so she told Xun Xiu, "Inform the palace to pull out some provisions. Let the soldiers set up cooking and eat before taking a nap. Stay alert; when Gou Xi enters the city, I might call upon them at any time."

Xun Xiu tensed up. Gou Xi was a significant adversary for them, so he promptly agreed.

The Imperial Palace didn’t have much stored grain. If it weren’t for the families bringing a lot of provisions and treasures when seeking refuge in the palace, the palace’s granary would have been emptied already.

This shows how poor the emperor was.

Zhao Hanzhang asked for grain, but the emperor hid in the palace as if unaware, pushing the matter to the ministers.

Zhao Hanzhang stationed soldiers outside. No one dared to provoke her at this time. She was currently politely asking them for provisions. If they didn’t give, and she became angry, what if she directly deployed troops to snatch it?

Such events were common in the Capital City. Which prince wouldn’t first ransack the city upon entering?

So everyone wisely gathered a batch of provisions for her.

The soldiers received the provisions and gathered in units to start fires and cook.

Zhao Hanzhang proceeded towards the West City, surrounded by the aroma of food throughout the city.

She carried Wang Mi’s head and Fu Zhi along with her.

Upon reaching the West City, Beigong Chun immediately came to pay respects, as Beigong Chun had now occupied the West City Gate, while three armies were stationed outside the city.

Mi Ce and Gou Xi each occupied one side, while Wang Mi’s large army was positioned in the center.

At this moment, everyone peacefully waited; no one was foolish enough to make a move because if any two sides fought, the remaining one could reap the benefits.

Beigong Chun said, "I dare not open the city gates."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded and ordered, "Open them, please. Invite General Gou forward for a discussion."

"Yes."

Under the gaze of three large armies, the West City Gate slowly opened. Gou Xi, who was munching on dry bread in the army, immediately received the news. He stuffed the bread into his fold, mounted his horse, and rode to the frontlines. He saw Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Zhi exit the city side by side, followed by Beigong Chun, Fu Tinghan, and a thousand troops.

Gou Xi squinted and instinctively tightened his grip on the reins. A year ago, he wouldn’t have imagined such a scene.

He admitted Zhao Hanzhang was formidable, but never expected her to enter Luoyang City ahead of him.

Gou Chun also saw Zhao Hanzhang and felt indignant, "Brother, I told you Zhao Hanzhang was no ordinary person; she should have been eliminated sooner."

"Had Zhao Ju not stationed troops at the border and obstructed us several times, we wouldn’t have been delayed so long on the way."

The people and troops under Prince East Sea’s command were not only coveted by Zhao Hanzhang, but Gou Xi and his brother also desired them, so upon hearing the news, they prepared to deploy.

They merely hoped to benefit as a third party, waiting for Shi Le and Prince East Sea to engage in a major conflict; then, he’d intervene after both sides were injured.

Thus, he set off a few days later. When he heard Zhao Hanzhang had already rescued over twenty thousand people accompanying Prince East Sea’s army, and that Prince East Sea died of illness without facing Shi Le, he immediately wanted to hasten his pace.

Little did he expect Zhao Ju to wait for him midway.

Although Zhao Ju didn’t engage in battle, merely stationing troops at the border, it was enough for Gou Xi to worry.

He wanted to seize Prince East Sea’s people, but if he failed, losing his rear would render his efforts futile.

Thus, he could only be held back, and once arrangements were made to counter Zhao Ju, he led his men forward, finding Zhao Hanzhang had already headed to Luoyang.

Gou Xi stared at Zhao Hanzhang, suddenly curling the corner of his mouth, though he hadn’t acted without thinking. It remained uncertain how many of the over twenty thousand people she had seized would persist, and of how many aristocrats remain.

Zhang Tao from Wang Mi’s army also galloped to the frontlines, and Mi Ce hurriedly rushed forward.

From afar, Mi Ce dismounted and kneeled, saluting, "Subordinate greets the Commander."

The troops behind also followed suit, "Greetings to the Commander!"

Their voices echoed through the tri-armies.

Zhao Hanzhang joyfully raised her hand, saying, "At ease!"

Only then did Mi Ce stand with a clang from the ground, staring intently at her.

The soldiers received the greeting and stood quietly. Both Wang Mi’s army and the Gou Family Army felt the pressure from the Zhao Family Army.

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at Zhang Tao, then first faced Gou Xi, cupping her fist, "General Gou, how have you been?"

Gou Xi also cupped his fist, "General Zhao is even more impressive than before."

"You’re too kind," Zhao Hanzhang said, "Your Majesty heard General Gou is coming to aid the king and specifically ordered Fu Zhongshu to welcome you."

Gou Xi looked at Fu Zhi.

Fu Zhi then produced a yellow silk scroll from his robe, saying, "Your Majesty’s decree is here, and I invite General Gou to enter the palace for an audience."

Gou Xi wasn’t foolish enough to follow Fu Zhi into the palace alone, fearing Zhao Hanzhang might kill him.

Zhao Hanzhang seemed aware of his concerns and didn’t bother with back-and-forth probing, directly stating, "General Gou may bring troops into the city."

Gou Xi squinted, "Can I bring as many men as I want?"

Zhao Hanzhang smiled lightly, "General, Luoyang City is only so large; how many troops can it accommodate? Mi Ce remains stationed outside."

Gou Chun immediately protested, "Brother, don’t listen to her. She might be luring you into the city to cause trouble; we mustn’t fall for it."

Gou Xi’s gaze was fixed on Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes, asking, "General Zhao, Your Majesty intends to relocate the capital; what is your opinion?"

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Luoyang has suffered famine for a long time, with Xianbei in the northwest, Xiongnu in the northeast, and more chaotic armies wreaking havoc. It’s truly unsuitable as the capital now."

"Where does General Zhao think Your Majesty should relocate?"

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "This matter is of great importance, beyond what I can decide alone. Naturally, it requires Your Majesty, General Gou, and the ministers to discuss together. That’s why Your Majesty invites you into the palace."

Gou Xi asked meaningfully, "Is General Zhao so assured of my entry into the city?"

Zhao Hanzhang responded with equal significance, "Your honey, how do you know I don’t also savor it?"

She declared, "Hanzhang never harbors grand ambitions; I merely wish to protect my family and safeguard the people of Yu State. Therefore, Yu State is mine!"

Zhao Hanzhang gazed brightly at Gou Xi as she said, "General Gou, the remaining four counties of Yu State Region..."

Gou Xi paused in silence before responding, "Once Your Majesty relocates the capital, we’ll handle it together."

Fu Zhi looked at Zhao Hanzhang in shock.

Only then did Zhao Hanzhang proudly lift her chin, waved to the rear, and said, "Please enter the city, General Gou!"