After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 597 - 591: Winning People’s Hearts

Fu Tinghan’s eyes brightened upon hearing this, and after a brief thought, he said, "Arrange for them to stay in the city, I’ll meet them later."

"Yes, my lord, they encountered bandits at Hai’er Ridge this time, resulting in significant casualties."

Fu Tinghan pressed his lips together and said, "Tell them to invite a doctor, don’t skimp on expenses, ensure their families are well taken care of, and set aside sufficient compensation funds before accounting for the returned money."

"Yes."

When the message reached the annex, not only were the escorts following the merchant convoy moved, but even Gao Hui and Sima Hou felt touched and convinced. If everything they escorted back would first ensure compensation, it meant their families would receive the most security, leaving them with nothing to fear.

The guards from the Zhao Family Army were already loyal to Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan, and now they were even more loyal to the two.

Listening to their pledges of loyalty, Gao Hui calmly said, "Mr. Fu is indeed kind-hearted, just as rumored. Did he give this order personally?"

Fu An glanced at him and replied, "Yes."

The guards were even more grateful to Fu Tinghan. Although Sima Hou guessed that Fu Tinghan was using such goodwill to win over Zhao Hanzhang’s people, he had to admit that this method was excellent. Even he, if someday his family could be found, as long as he knew they’d be taken care of well and receive a generous compensation after his death, he’d be willing to serve Fu Tinghan.

Even if it meant snatching food from Zhao Hanzhang’s mouth, he’d be willing to do it for Fu Tinghan.

Of course, at this time the guards hadn’t thought this far ahead, in their eyes, Gao Hui, Sima Hou, and Fu Tinghan were all loyal to Zhao Hanzhang.

Later in the night, Fu Tinghan quietly visited the annex to meet Gao Hui, and took a look at the guards and the things they’d brought back.

Knowing there were big bandits at Hai’er Ridge, he frowned involuntarily, "To pass through Xin’an, you must go through Hai’er Ridge, otherwise you’d have to go through Guy City."

Gao Hui immediately refused, "Guy City is garrisoned by the Qihu Army, and transporting goods through there requires paying a heavy tax first, plus there are many loose bandits, and the journey is also longer."

"Then let’s eliminate the bandits at Hai’er Ridge," Fu Tinghan suggested. "We can’t afford to fight them every time we pass, the losses are too great."

Gao Hui whispered, "But we’re short-handed, I was thinking of contacting someone familiar on the mountain to forge a path. We are willing to regularly offer supplies to the mountain, as long as they ensure our safe passage through Hai’er Ridge."

Raised with a discerning character by Zhao Hanzhang, Fu Tinghan couldn’t stomach such grievances.

He said directly, "No need for you to handle this, I’ll call someone back."

Gao Hui anxiously asked, "Is our lord going to request Lord Zhao to take action?"

Fu Tinghan nodded.

Gao Hui whispered, "She won’t do. Lord Zhao is astute, if she senses you privately maintaining a merchant convoy, it won’t be good."

Seeing Fu Tinghan silent, Gao Hui suggested, "Perhaps you could consider contacting the Xiliang Army."

Fu Tinghan’s heart skipped a beat and he looked at Gao Hui, had he already made contacts with the Xiliang Army in such a short time?

Gao Hui whispered, "On our way back to Luoyang today, we encountered a training unit on the road, from the flags it was the Xiliang Army. They seemed quite tempted. The bandits on the mountain are very wealthy, if the Xiliang Army lacks supplies, they’ll definitely look for alternatives."

Fu Tinghan pondered, "I understand."

Gao Hui breathed a sigh of relief, then asked in a low voice, "How should I handle the items we brought back?"

Fu Tinghan said, "Only give me the silver coins and rare books, the rest you can sell off."

Gao Hui opened a box for him to see the contents inside, "What about these jewelry and ornaments..."

"Give them to me as well," Fu Tinghan replied, "I’ll have Fu An convert them into money. After accounting for them, take whatever you need from him."

Gao Hui complied, showing concern for their grand plans, "I wonder if my lord has recruited capable individuals around him recently?"

Fu Tinghan sighed and shook his head, "Still the same people, I had them form two merchant convoys to Liangjiang and Jiangnan, since the journey is long, there’s no news back yet."

Gao Hui frowned, "Why did my lord only form merchant convoys? You are Lord Zhao’s fiancé, always by her side, it’s the time to use people, why not recommend them to Lord Zhao?"

Though money is important, power is more so. If Fu Tinghan places his people near Zhao Hanzhang, over time, as they gradually grasp power, whatever plans they have will become easier.

Fu Tinghan said, "It’s not that I didn’t want to, but before joining me, most of them went through Hanzhang’s path."

Fu Tinghan said meaningfully, "At that time, they weren’t put to use, if I recommend them again, what would outsiders think?"

He said, "Previously, a Manager Zheng from the workshop was assigned to manage an iron mine, and the manager at the iron mine can enter the county town as Chief Clerk and County Magistrate."

Fu Tinghan explained, "Though the process was a bit convoluted, those in charge have real power, unlike those suddenly appearing as advisors surrounding her with mere suggestions."

Gao Hui’s eyes brightened, "So, Manager Zheng is my lord’s person?"

Fu Tinghan shook his head, "Not exactly, but he values me. What I’m saying is, I’m planning to build a bigger workshop next, requiring more talent. When you go to the Northern Land again, help me find Han people of this kind."

"As long as they are skilled, even if they’re slaves, I can let them advance normally in the workshop, eventually jumping from the workshop to the county government, Governor Mansion, or Inspector Mansion."

Gao Hui asked, "What kind of workshop?"

"Water mill," Fu Tinghan replied, "I need people who understand hydraulic engineering."

Gao Hui was disappointed, not seeing this as a promising future, but still agreed, "Next time I go to the Northern Land, I’ll search carefully. Among the Han people abducted by Shi Le and others, many have studied, and some minor officials fortunately preserved their lives, they might know."

Fu Tinghan agreed and entrusted this matter to him.

Upon returning to the Zhao Mansion, he told Zhao Hanzhang, "There should be many sheep for sale in the horse market tomorrow."

Zhao Hanzhang perked up and asked, "They brought back sheep?"

Fu Tinghan nodded, "Also some beef jerky and lamb jerky, several carts of fur... and books."

Zhao Hanzhang sat up straight and first said, "We’ll keep the books for ourselves, as for the fur..."

She ground her teeth, "I’ll let someone buy it tomorrow."

Fu Tinghan’s eyes sparked with amusement, "Several carts, what do you want so much fur for?"

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "To make armor, the army has always lacked fur, you know, and although it’s summer now, time passes quickly, we need to stockpile some things for winter."

"With Sima Hou’s character, he’ll certainly persuade Gao Hui to offer the Zhao Family Army a favorable price, have someone buy it."

As for the money...

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at the sky, deciding it’s not humane to bother Ji Yuan at this hour, so she looked at Fu Tinghan, "Last time you helped Mr. Ji with the accounts, how much money do I have left?"