After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 542 - 536 Farewell

Zhao Zhongyu turned around to leave, when a muffled sound came from a carriage.

Zhao Hanzhang paused and glanced sideways, seeing the curtain fluttering. She sharply noticed Mrs. Wu bump against the carriage wall with a thud, then being pulled back and fixed by the woman inside.

Zhao Hanzhang withdrew her gaze and mounted her horse without looking aside.

Zhao Zhongyu slightly furrowed his brow, unwilling for such commotion to happen. If word spread, outsiders might inquire, so he quietly instructed, "You all wait outside the city, prepare a bowl of calming medicine for her."

"Yes."

Zhao Hanzhang, with keen ears, overheard it. The corner of her mouth slightly lifted; yesterday she surrounded the ancestral hall, not to guard against family, but outsiders.

As Zhao Zhongyu and Zhao Ji were going as hostages, the more important the hostage, the better.

Zhao Zhongyu understood this too, thus the grandfather and grandson rode side by side, conversing joyously, appearing to have a good relationship.

Upon reaching the palace gates, Zhao Hanzhang personally escorted Zhao Zhongyu and Zhao Ji to meet the Emperor. Before the Emperor, Zhao Hanzhang was all gentleness towards Zhao Ji, sweeping away her previous indifference; she concernedly said, "Yun City’s climate differs from Central Plains, Uncle, take good care of yourself, to have energy to care for Granduncle."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor couldn’t help but laugh, "Rest assured, General Zhao, with the Imperial Physician’s care, Minister Zhao will be alright."

Zhao Hanzhang gratefully bowed, "I deeply thank Your Majesty’s favor."

Zhao Zhongyu was equally moved, joining her to thank the Emperor for his grace.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at Gou Xi, "General Gou, thank you for your hard work on the journey."

"General Zhao is too kind. We’re awaiting General Zhao’s good news en route. Hope you soon rescue court ministers from Shi Le."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "I have already dispatched Xun Xiu to track Shi Le. As soon as there’s news, I will immediately lead the army to rescue them."

Gou Xi didn’t know whether she was truthful, but still nodded. If she delays, let the Emperor urge her; passing back and forth, rumors would label her as defying the imperial order.

Gou Xi invited the Emperor to board the chariot. Zhao Hanzhang, Fu Tinghan, Beigong Chun, and others escorted the Emperor onto the vehicle. She would escort them out of the city and watch their departure.

Unexpectedly, accompanying her on the roadside watching them leave were quite a few people.

Zhao Hanzhang curiously looked around, asking Fu Zhi, "Grandfather Fu, aren’t you going to Yun City?"

Fu Zhi glanced at her and said, "No, I’m going to Chang’an."

Zhao Hanzhang was dumbfounded.

Fu Zhi sourly remarked, "Serves you right to find out now. Tinghan, you have family in Luoyang, but the home is not on Wutong Street; it’s on Da Liu Street."

Only then did Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan recall this matter. Fu Tinghan blushed slightly; Zhao Hanzhang uncomfortably touched her earlobe, then smilingly said, "Tinghan didn’t forget; however, Grandfather Fu stayed in the palace recently, and the house hasn’t been lived in for a while, so it’s a bit damp. Therefore, I didn’t let him return."

Fu Zhi snorted.

Fu Tinghan lightly coughed, softly saying to Zhao Hanzhang, "My house was burnt down."

So what dampness?

Zhao Hanzhang suddenly realized, immediately saying, "Grandfather Fu, you and my grandfather are close friends. Living with only two grandchildren is lonely; why not move to my house for a while?"

Fu Zhi didn’t refuse, even implying she should look at those staying with him.

Upon seeing, she found quite a few people had stayed.

"These are people unwilling to follow His Majesty to Yun City, but not many wish to remain in Luoyang," Fu Zhi said, "They’ll stay in Luoyang for a few days then leave, so your time is limited; seize the opportunity."

Zhao Hanzhang’s gaze fell on Xiahou Yan in the distance, "Grandfather Fu is right, I indeed should seize the chance."

Following her gaze, Fu Zhi saw Xiahou Yan as well, sighing; her keen eye picked the best.

He said, "Xiahou Yan isn’t easy to invite; as far as I know, he’s leaving tomorrow."

Zhao Hanzhang was taken aback, asking, "Where is he going?"

"Reportedly seeking Zhang Jingyang."

Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes brightened, "Zhang Xie?"

After glancing at her, Fu Zhi nodded.

Zhang Xie was the renowned scholar who first rushed over when she mourned, sitting at Zhao Family’s gate, lambasting Prince East Sea, forcing his men to retreat.

Zhao Hanzhang’s mouth quirked upwards, intending to visit this scholar too.

"Where is he?"

Fu Zhi pointed remotely at a mountain, "In the mountains, but who knows where exactly?"

"No worries, tomorrow I’ll know with Xiahou Yan. Since he’s seeking Zhang Xie, he certainly knows where he is."

Though it was his suggestion, Fu Zhi felt somewhat blocked, turning away to leave.

Zhao Hanzhang quickly followed, "Grandfather Fu, it’ll be dangerous going to Chang’an; why don’t I send a squadron of my personal guards?"

"No need, His Majesty left me some men."

"Oh dear, how can those compare to my battle-hardened guards?" Zhao Hanzhang said, "Moreover, it’s Tinghan’s filial heart, Grandfather Fu, don’t refuse."

Fu Tinghan silently followed, watching her entangle Fu Zhi, insisting he accept her personnel.

Fu Zhi walked back with hands behind his back, ignoring her. Zhao Hanzhang chuckled, "Besides guards, how about I give you two followers familiar with Chang’an? They’ve stayed with General Beigong in Chang’an, familiar with locals."

Fu Zhi’s pace slowed.

Fu Tinghan followed behind, shaking his head and laughing.

When Zhao Hanzhang mentioned preparing some gifts for Fu Zhi, he couldn’t resist temptation anymore, stopped and asked, "What do you want?"

Zhao Hanzhang smilingly said, "I want a pass out of the borders."

Fu Zhi was startled, asking, "What do you need a pass for?"

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at Beigong Chun nearby, "General Beigong is homesick, always wishing to return to Xiliang. I want to ask for a pass for them."

Fu Zhi was moved, asking, "Would you let them go?"

Zhao Hanzhang laughed, "I don’t forcibly retain people. I understand the urgency of the wanderer’s return, so I won’t hinder. Grandfather Fu, please fulfill them."

Fu Zhi lowered his eyes, pondered, and agreed, "I can issue it."

Zhao Hanzhang’s smile widened, "And in Chang’an?"

"I’ll handle matters well once in Chang’an; if the pass can’t be used, just come find me."

Zhao Hanzhang repeatedly bowed, "Hanzhang thanks Grandfather Fu on behalf of Xiliang soldiers." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Wait to thank me; the pass must be for Xiliang soldiers. If used for others, it’ll be worthless."

"Rest assured, I won’t repurpose it."

Fu Zhi reluctantly believed her.

Beigong Chun wasn’t nearby to hear, but Ji Yuan heard, feeling uneasy, fearing Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t persuade Beigong Chun, thus letting him escape. What a loss of a fine general; the thought pained him.

Yet he couldn’t bear to give up; if Beigong Chun stayed, thereafter the entire Xiliang Army would unwaveringly follow Zhao Hanzhang, offering more than just Xiliang Army’s strength.

The soldiers they’d cultivate would brave battle like them, thrilling to contemplate.