After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 534 - 528 Grudges

Zhao Zhongyu looked at her and asked, "Where do you think they should go?"

Zhao Hanzhang flashed him a light smile and said calmly, "I want to see my aunt."

Zhao Zhongyu: "If you want to see her, you can see her anytime. It’s her who finds it difficult to see you."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "I want to meet her in the ancestral hall."

This time, Zhao Zhongyu remained silent for a longer moment. He nodded and was about to leave when Zhao Hanzhang called out to him, "Great Uncle, some grievances are better clarified to avoid misunderstandings and deepening resentment; it only leads to undesirable outcomes."

"So please have the elder brother and sisters wait outside the ancestral hall and listen to the conversation between me and my aunt."

Zhao Zhongyu turned back, his gaze sharp as he stared at her, "Third Lady, do you know why I agreed to go to Yun City for the Emperor and brought your uncle along?"

Zhao Hanzhang also became serious and said earnestly, "I understand, Great Uncle and Uncle are going as hostages for me, for the Zhao family."

Zhao Hanzhang stepped forward, looking Zhao Zhongyu in the eye, and said, "That’s why I want to meet them in the ancestral hall rather than rushing into the house to seize people."

"You!"

"Great Uncle, perhaps in your eyes, I was merely injured back then and didn’t lose my life, but not in my perspective," Zhao Hanzhang said, "I truly know that I have died once; a life stands between us, more than just one perhaps."

Zhao Hanzhang leaned closer, whispering, "Great Uncle, have you forgotten about Uncle abandoning Grandfather’s coffin?"

Zhao Zhongyu wobbled slightly; it was the most disgraceful mark of Zhao Ji’s life. Because of this, although he was the Shangcai Marquis, he hadn’t been given an official position upon returning to the Capital. Neither the esteemed scholars of Wang Yan’s lineage nor the upright figures of Fu Zhi’s lineage, or even the Emperor, thought him worthy of being employed.

This time, he received an official position only because the Emperor and Gou Xi wanted to use him as a hostage accompanying them.

But Zhao Zhongyu knew that perhaps he himself had some utility, but Zhao Ji?

Zhao Hanzhang probably wished he would die sooner and couldn’t care less about him being a hostage.

Zhao Hanzhang straightened up, smiling slightly, "Just for this reason, he won’t ever dream of being the clan leader of the Zhao Family. Great Uncle accompanying the Emperor to Yun City while leaving Zhao Yi here, that’s already an equal exchange. As for the rest, grudges should be settled accordingly."

Hence, Zhao Hanzhang didn’t owe Zhao Zhongyu anything, even if he were to be a hostage; it was still the second branch that owed her.

Zhao Zhongyu’s back hunched slightly. In a hoarse voice, he said, "At the hour of Si, I’ll have them waiting for you at the ancestral hall."

As Zhao Hanzhang watched him leave, Ji Yuan and Fu Tinghan came out from the courtyard, not knowing how long they’d been standing and listening.

Ji Yuan sighed and said, "Lady, where it’s possible to let people off, one should spare them. What the Zhao family needs now is unity."

"I know, that’s why I’ve only brought up Mrs. Wu and haven’t yet settled scores with Zhao Ji."

Ji Yuan frowned. In his eyes, Zhao Hanzhang had only been injured back then, not even severely. A while in bed, and she would have recovered. Why take it so far?

But Fu Tinghan knew that there truly was a life lost between them. That little girl, regardless of whether her soul had exchanged places with them to reside in their world, genuinely died here.

He stepped forward, holding Zhao Hanzhang’s hand, and whispered, "Do you need me to accompany you?"

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, "I’ll go by myself."

"Second Son..."

With an expression of disdain, Zhao Hanzhang said, "Don’t bother calling him. Has he gone out with people to search houses again?"

Ever since Xun Xiu took him out once, the child got obsessed with searching houses. Now that there were few residents in the Capital, he led people to search house by house, bringing home all sorts of random things.

Fu Tinghan couldn’t help but laugh, "This time, General Beigong personally took him out. Rest assured, with General Beigong around, he won’t cause any trouble."

As soon as Zhao Hanzhang heard it was Beigong Chun leading him, her expression softened, "That’s good, let him learn from General Beigong."

Looking at the time, Zhao Hanzhang decided to change into a lighter Hu outfit, then took the sword her grandfather left her and headed to the ancestral hall.

Zeng Yue brought his guards to surround the ancestral hall and even went in first to inspect it, making sure there was no danger before allowing Zhao Hanzhang inside.

Upon stepping into the ancestral hall, Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes immediately fell on the memorial tablet of Zhao Changyu placed in the center.

The Zhao Family also placed a memorial tablet here, obviously Zhao Zhongyu had done a lot to restore Zhao Ji’s reputation, but Ji Yuan was not easily deterred and ruined his efforts.

Compared to Mrs. Wu, who was suspected of harming Zhao Hanzhang, Ji Yuan despised Zhao Ji more for abandoning the coffin.

Zhao Hanzhang pulled out three sticks of incense, lit them from the candle, and closed her eyes to silently speak: Grandfather and the ancestors of the Zhao Family, you should already know, I’m not Zhao Hezhen anymore, right?

Whether that little girl’s soul went to my world, into my body or returned to the void, wherever she is, please bless her.

I hope she finds joy and peace in the days to come.

I will avenge her today.

Zhao Hanzhang opened her eyes and placed the incense onto the altar.

Sounds of conversation came from outside the ancestral hall, and it was Zhao Ji’s family arriving.

Zeng Yue reached out to stop them, speaking only to Mrs. Wu, "Madam, please."

Mrs. Wu looked pale and couldn’t help but glance at Zhao Ji.

In a low voice, Zhao Ji said, "Go inside. She won’t dare to do anything to you. Father is still in the mansion."

Mrs. Wu felt skeptical. She had once hidden beside the palace path, looking at Zhao Hanzhang from afar. She was nothing like the person she was over two years ago; she rode into the palace on horseback, stopping only before the grand hall.

With a team of trusted aides behind her, she was imposing and majestic. Even the notorious, brutal Wang Mi was slain by her.

And to think Zhao Zhongyu would go to the emperor as a hostage for her. He was not only an elder but also a clan leader, yet he had to serve as a hostage for a grandniece.

Trembling, Mrs. Wu stepped forward, pushing the door and entering.

Zhao Hanzhang was facing away from her, placing incense. After setting the incense, she glanced at the spiritual tablets above, then turned to look at Mrs. Wu.

Forcing a smile, Mrs. Wu greeted her, "Third Lady, it’s been two years, and you’ve grown even more beautiful."

Zhao Hanzhang also scrutinized Mrs. Wu, noticing her haggard appearance. She no longer possessed the grace and composure she once had, and Zhao Hanzhang asked, "It seems Aunt is very afraid of me, even your voice is trembling. Why is that?"

"No, not at all, it’s just that Third Lady carries a stronger aura than before, and... I am somewhat unaccustomed to it."

"Is that so? I thought perhaps Aunt had wronged me and feared I’d bring up the past."

Mrs. Wu forced a laugh, "Third Lady jests. We used to live together, a bit boisterous, but even the teeth and tongue sometimes clash; how can a family not overlook such matters?"

"Aunt speaks rightly. If it’s trivial matters, naturally, one shouldn’t be meticulous within a family. Even blood brothers argue and fight, let alone us who are one step removed."

Mrs. Wu’s lips turned white, and she could only respond in agreement, "Yes, yes."

"But what if it concerns a life?"