After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 581 - 575: The Fish and the Clam at Peace

"But what identity would be suitable? We can’t just say I’m from Luoyang, can we?"

"You’re from Shu," she said, "Shu is secluded and far from Shi Le, with no conflict of interest. Moreover, Shu is rich in treasures, and we’ve collaborated with the Zhao Family of Shu many times. A Shu merchant is the best cover."

Gao Hui also agreed with this.

Relying on Zhao Hanzhang not doubting Fu Tinghan, Gao Hui routinely presented a card to Fu Tinghan, meeting him directly at the Zhao Mansion.

"Sir, it’s no secret that Luoyang City was empty before. If I go to the Northern Land as a Luoyang person again, it might arouse suspicion."

Fu Tinghan looked up at him upon hearing this, "Then what identity do you wish to use to go to the Northern Land?"

Gao Hui replied, "In my earlier years of roaming, I visited Shu and stayed there for a while. I’m somewhat familiar with Shu and can speak their dialect, so I wish to go as someone from Shu."

Fu Tinghan then stood up, took a box from a nearby shelf, and casually handed it to him.

Gao Hai was slightly stunned and quickly accepted it.

Seeing that Fu Tinghan had no further explanation, he opened it.

Inside was an identity document, proof of tax payments along the route, and a profile detailing his family background.

It was also named Gao Hui, a Shu person from Guanghan, also surnamed Gao, second in the family, generous and charitable. After coming of age, he parted ways with his family, managing a merchant caravan alone. Due to his love for travel and pursuit of chivalry, he would run towards danger, befriending people regardless of their background, based solely on affinity.

The identity documents were incredibly realistic; at least Gao Hui couldn’t see any flaws. If the name on it wasn’t Gao Hui, he would have thought these were genuine.

Fu Tinghan said, "This is genuine."

After pausing, he added, "Except for the name, but the surname is correct."

"This person has died, and his family in Shu is unaware. It’s normal for people to change names now, so you can use this identity without concern."

Gao Hui was delighted and quickly bowed to express his gratitude, "The Lord is indeed thorough."

The one who was thorough was Zhao Hanzhang. He couldn’t have procured these identity documents himself; it’s Zhao Hanzhang, with refugees from all over under her command, knowing people from every region and identity, picking an identity suitable for Gao Hui was effortless.

It wouldn’t have been that simple if it were him.

Fu Tinghan did not refute his praise, saying, "The people have arrived in Luoyang, and everything has been prepared. Choose a day to set off."

He added, "The people I’ve given you were selected from Xiping Academy and the stationed troops. They are all loyal to Zhao Hanzhang."

Gao Hui was startled and quickly asked, "Why is that?"

Fu Tinghan replied, "I haven’t had the opportunity to cultivate my forces, so I can only borrow hers. However, she is unaware of this, and these people trust me as well. So, when faced with them, your allegiance is to Zhao Hanzhang. I suppose you know what to do, right?"

Gao Hui realized and his eyes lit up, "Ingenious! Using her people to cultivate forces for the Lord—it remarkably aligns with our previous plan."

Fu Tinghan nodded, indicating he agreed with everything said.

Gao Hui happily informed him, "During this time, I have not failed my mission and have recruited some people for the Lord."

He immediately presented a roster, "These people are willing to swear allegiance to the Lord and jointly undertake great endeavors."

Talking about undertaking great endeavors, Fu Tinghan silently took it and flipped through it, curiously asking, "They all come from noble families. Why don’t they participate in the recruitment examination?"

He noted, "The recruitment examination in Luoyang will commence in two months."

Gao Hui responded, "So what? Zhao Hanzhang is merely a woman, with an uncertain future, and her conduct is domineering. Although the move back to Luoyang seems resolved, and no one outwardly opposes, many secretly resent her."

Fu Tinghan inwardly sneered. If not for the fact that Luoyang is gradually improving and more people are seeking Zhao Hanzhang, he almost believed him.

These people looking down on Zhao Hanzhang might not be true, nor is there much truth in resenting her. It’s likely they find it hard to approach her or are unwilling to be subordinate to Ji Yuan and others.

He accepted the roster, nodded, "Alright, I’ll review it carefully and get back to you."

Gao Hui complied, bowed, and retreated.

During dinner, the roster reached Zhao Hanzhang’s hands.

In this era, pledging allegiance nearly always involved bringing a family along, so the list became more of a roster, detailing the power of their families.

Zhao Hanzhang held the roster in one hand and a steamed bun in the other. Even with the simple fare, she ate with enthusiasm while contemplating the list.

"Perfect, give them a way to vent. Use all these people."

Fu Tinghan: "To oppose you?"

Zhao Hanzhang chuckled, putting down the roster, "I once heard a story from classmates. Outside the south gate, there were two fruit shops in intense competition. Alumni visited to check if both were still there. Eventually, when one owner fell ill, the other also closed for days, and students realized the two owners were a married couple."

"Though there were other fruit shops nearby, none did as well as the two. Customers either went to one or the other after leaving the gates, with few leftover for other shops, which had to be divided further, so the two longest-lasting shops witnessed batch after batch of graduates."

Fu Tinghan understood. She wanted to be one of those shops. Those who supported her would naturally come under her command, while those who opposed her would first choose Fu Tinghan.

The rest, who neither favored Zhao Hanzhang nor wished to join Fu Tinghan, would head to others. But how many could actually leave with both of them surrounding?

Fu Tinghan looked at the list in her hand, "What about these people..." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"Use them if possible. Our goal is not internal conflict but building," Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "If they want to vie for power, they must accomplish something. Without results, how can they win over people, let alone seize power?"

Seeing her confident stance, Fu Tinghan couldn’t help but smile, nodding, "Good."

Fu Tinghan handed the roster to Fu An, intending to employ these people.

Neither informed anyone about this venture, yet Ji Yuan quickly noticed something amiss.

The people under Zhao Hanzhang, Ji Yuan had a general understanding. Initially, he didn’t see the anomaly, but to collaborate with Fu Tinghan, Zhao Hanzhang moved many people.

These people quietly vanished from Luoyang, with no one knowing where they went.

Ji Yuan only discovered their absence when trying to find someone for a task, and the last person to move them was Fu Tinghan.

Ji Yuan instinctively investigated, and was finally taken aback.

He looked conflicted, hesitated for a moment, then approached Zhao Hanzhang to speak in whispers, "My lady, a letter has arrived from Yun City."

"Oh?" Zhao Hanzhang put down her pen, reaching for the letter, "Is it about Your Majesty and Gou Xi?"

Ji Yuan handed the letter to Zhao Hanzhang, saying, "It wasn’t from Zhao Zhongyu, but from our contact in Yun City. Zhao Zhongyu’s letter should arrive in a couple of days."

He added, "Mrs. Wu has passed away."