After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 605 - 599: Two People Who Cannot Be Offended

Chapter 605: Chapter 599: Two People Who Cannot Be Offended

Fu Tinghan stared intently into her eyes, and upon seeing the helplessness within them, a hint of amusement flashed in his own. His brows curved gently, and he couldn’t help but let a smile form at the corners of his lips.

The guests followed suit, offering praise, yet unlike Zhao Hanzhang, theirs was sincere, filled with admiration as they looked enviously at Ji Yuan.

If they could also receive a flower from the Commander to pin in their hair, they wouldn’t wash their heads for a month. They would strive to preserve the flower, and if possible, hire an artist to capture the scene, have the painting mounted, and hang it in their hall for everyone to admire.

Men of the time cherished elegance, even a General like Beigong Chun couldn’t help but gaze at the flower on Ji Yuan’s temples with a touch of envy.

Fu Tinghan noticed their gazes drifting to the monthly rose in the porcelain vase beside him, with an almost imploring tendency. He promptly stood up, took the porcelain vase, nodded to Zhao Hanzhang, and turned to leave.

Forget it, today is the Dragon Boat Festival; work can wait until tomorrow. It’s better to rest today.

He had eaten his fill and decided to return to his room to rest.

Everyone regrettably watched Fu Tinghan leave, yet dared not disturb him.

The time spent together had been short, but they had already discerned that there were two people under Zhao Hanzhang who seemed uninvolved in matters and decisions, yet were absolutely not to be crossed.

One was Fu Tinghan, and the other was Zhao Cheng.

Fu Tinghan’s relationship with Zhao Hanzhang was profound. Although there were rumors outside that he was freeloading, once involved in Zhao Hanzhang’s affairs, it became clear that most of Zhao Hanzhang’s liquid assets originated from Fu Tinghan;

Whether it was profits sent from Yu State or the local Luoyang workshops’ output, the accounts all passed through Fu Tinghan’s hands.

Even if he didn’t manage the accounts directly, it was handled by someone under his command.

Even Ji Yuan, the chief advisor beside Zhao Hanzhang, treated Fu Tinghan with utmost respect.

Additionally, many of Zhao Hanzhang’s measures to stabilize public sentiment required his assistance. Though he seldom appeared in public, officials from the county government and the Inspector Mansion all sought him out for matters concerning money and supplies.

As for Zhao Cheng, he was even quieter, yet people were more cautious not to offend him.

Luoyang County Magistrate Zhao Kuan, Luoyang-local military record officer Zhao Xin, recently placed in the Inspector Mansion by Zhao Hanzhang, Zhao Shi, and Zhao Yunxin, newly transferred from Yu State... among others, were his students and clan nephews.

Not to mention the talents from Yu State, with many from or connected to the Zhao Family, and it was said that he once was the Mountain Master of the Zhao Family clan school. Now, Zhao Family youths aged twenty to ten were all enlightened by him.

The Zhao Family clan school also accepted relatives’ children for education, so many under Zhao Hanzhang’s command had to address Zhao Cheng as "teacher."

In the schools established by Zhao Hanzhang across various regions, the first instructors generally came from the Zhao Family, trained by Zhao Cheng.

This meant that, even disregarding the present, only considering the future, five, ten, or even twenty years hence, the personnel Zhao Hanzhang might utilize could potentially be disciples or grandchildren of Zhao Cheng.

Especially now, as he resided in the Imperial College, beginning to absorb scholars coming to study from various regions.

They too wanted to send their children to the Imperial College...

Thus, despite appearing uninvolved, these two were decidedly people no one dared to offend or make things difficult for.

The previous offense by the Xiao Family to Fu Tinghan had left them utterly submerged; and as for Xiao Wei, it was said he was killed on his orders, Zhao Erlang having heard it was Fu Tinghan’s decision didn’t blink an eye.

Fu Tinghan had ordered the execution of the culprits, even pulling Xiao Wei’s sons out for beheading, reportedly they had all led people to plunder the populace.

Originally, Zhao Erlang intended to keep them as military slaves to open up wasteland, but due to Fu Tinghan, the orders were changed without the slightest regard for losing authority.

Who could remain ignorant of Fu Tinghan’s status among the Zhao siblings?

Once Fu Tinghan departed, Zhao Hanzhang also couldn’t stay; mainly because her presence seemed to make everyone a bit uneasy, she decided to take a stroll, this time taking Ji Yuan along.

With Ji Yuan gone, everyone then gathered around Zhao Cheng.

They heard that there would be exams at the Imperial College this August to select a batch of students for study, and wondered if it was true.

Zhao Cheng confirmed it was true, and this time, they will not only accept students through exams but also officials and eminent figures’ recommendations.

This was a consensus reached through deliberation.

Zhao Hanzhang originally intended to select students through exams, but Zhao Ming sent a letter from distant Chen County upon hearing this.

He remarked, "I understand your intentions; you disdain sidelong interference from heritage families, so ever since you’ve grown your wings, you’ve been fostering talents independently within schools, wanting full autonomy. But don’t forget, you’ve only just grown wings, there aren’t many feathers on them yet."

Zhao Ming cautioned her not to be overly proud, nor to escalate a minor conflict into an irreparable one, "Our present greatest enemies remain Liu Yuan of the Han Kingdom, Shi Le of the Jiehu, and even the Xianbei, who are somewhat friendly to us, rather than the similarly displaced heritage families of the same origin."

"Your school has been busy for three years, within these years, aside from a few subordinate officials that obey orders, has it produced any notable characters?" Zhao Ming asked, "Out of a hundred students, how many can excel, and how many can match the intelligence of noble scions?"

Zhao Ming bluntly stated, "Compared to noble scions, they are still far inferior; even if you wish to avoid sidelong interference, you must employ them, or you can anticipate being ousted from Luoyang back to Yu State."

Though the words were unpleasant, Zhao Hanzhang took them to heart and immediately sought counsel from Ji Yuan and Zhao Cheng.

Then decided on four recruitment channels.

Currently, talent remains chiefly recommended, presenting Filial Piety, even the Nine-Rank Merit System’s grading is a form of recommendation.

Thus Zhao Hanzhang had to employ the recommendation method: besides exams, regional officials could recommend students and talents they deemed excellent into the Imperial College;

Heritage families could recommend promising scions;

Village elders could recommend deserving sons of humble origins and students.

Imperial College students need not participate in the talent recruitment exam; passing the graduation exam suffices to become an official under her command. Of course, those unwilling to serve under her could receive a recommendation to other positions or the court, going wherever they wish (provided the receiving one is willing to accept).

Zhao Hanzhang wouldn’t hesitate with letters of recommendation.

Of course, this discussion remained private, yet to be publicly announced.

But it was imminent; Zhao Hanzhang just discussed the matter with Ji Yuan, "Given current inconvenient transportation, earlier action is preferable."

She said, "Once quotas for each region and family are set, draft the official document and send them out. Selection takes time, traveling to Luoyang takes time, I’ve decided the Imperial College recruitment test to be held early August, with enrollments commencing post Mid-Autumn Festival."

Ji Yuan acknowledged and remarked the task was substantial, saying, "I wish to ask the lady for two individuals."

"Speak."

"Fan Ying, Zhao Shi, Zhao Yunxin, and Wang Hufeng."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "Fan Ying cannot be lent to you; she’s needed for many matters at my side."

"Determining regional quotas must be discussed with the lady, and there’s none better suited than her for conveying messages. Wang Hufeng possesses thorough knowledge of regional aristocratic families, Zhao Shi and Zhao Yunxin are still young and can merely assist."

Zhao Hanzhang contemplated briefly and agreed, "Very well, I’ll have her come over during discussions."

Ji Yuan smiled and nodded in agreement.

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