After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 706 - 696: Questioning the Cause

"Because this matter involves high officials and noble families," the young man said, "there are still quite a few families in Luoyang who dislike Governor Zhao, but they dare not speak out due to the powerful army she holds."

"She forced people to move back to Luoyang, cutting off many people’s prospects and causing many families to separate. Those noble families of ancient lineage don’t receive good treatment here, now having to pay taxes like commoners and even serve in the military. Who knows how many people hate her?"

The young man whispered, "As far as I know, everyone secretly writes articles cursing her."

Zhao Hanzhang also lowered her voice to ask, "What do they curse her about?"

"They call her greedy and miserly, hoarding wealth but not sharing it, saying she’s obsessed with money, even more so than her grandfather, yet lacks her grandfather’s virtues, being inherently deceitful..."

Ting He was so enraged that her eyes turned red, about to explode, but Zhao Hanzhang grabbed her hand, smiling as she listened, and even nodded approvingly, "She is indeed somewhat miserly."

The young man sighed and remarked, "Otherwise, I believe our Governor is only stingy with herself; she is much more generous to the common people than many high officials and noble families. Unfortunately, she forces those with tax exemption privileges among the high officials and noble families to pay taxes as well. Such disregard for established figures naturally invites criticism."

Zhao Hanzhang asked him, "Do you also think Governor Zhao shouldn’t impose taxes on those high officials and noble families?"

The young man nodded, "It’s always been like this throughout history. After all, Governor Zhao is a woman; she might not have thought of these things at first. If she wants support from each family, she could negotiate benefits or even form alliances through marriage."

The young man expressed regret, "It’s a pity that Governor Zhao is already betrothed; otherwise, she could choose another powerful family. In fact, she’s only engaged; even if she’s married, she could dissolve the marriage and remarry. The Fu Family is still somewhat weak at this time."

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "...You’re quite clever. Does everyone think like you?"

"How could others be as smart as me?" The young man boasted, "I am a scholar and have listened to countless stories; that’s how I came up with this brilliant plan. Can those people’s minds compare to mine?"

He continued, "In the past, Emperor Guangwu dismissed his wife and remarried to ally with King Zhen Ding. Great achievements require ignoring minor details, and Governor Zhao is only engaged now—there’s still a chance for the best talents in the world."

Zhao Hanzhang was not much interested, waved her hand, and decided to listen attentively to Zhao Kuan’s case inquiry.

However, the young man was addicted to the conversation, quietly saying to Zhao Hanzhang, "My lady, don’t dismiss this. Just imagine, if she were to directly marry into the Gou Family, it would resolve the conflict with them. Wouldn’t the world be under her and General Gou’s control? Then, if they have a child, the future could be handed over to the child, saving countless troubles."

Zhao Hanzhang asked him, "With your great talent, why don’t you participate in the recruitment exams?"

The young man regretfully said, "I did, but the timing wasn’t right, so I need to wait for a better opportunity."

In other words, he took the exam but failed to pass.

Zhao Hanzhang remarked, "If you were to be assessed on the affairs of the world, you surely wouldn’t pass. But if it were for a petty official, you might stand a chance."

Upon hearing this, the young man became displeased, "Why do you judge that I can only become a petty official, my lady?"

Zhao Hanzhang saw that Zhao Kuan had already comforted the crying families and started the case inquiry. She asked one question and then signaled him to quiet down, "Then tell me, do you think the Zhao Family and the Emperor would agree to Governor Zhao marrying Gou Xi?"

The young man was stunned and began to ponder.

The Emperor... certainly wouldn’t want that. If Gou Xi and Zhao Hanzhang became a family, where would that leave him?

But the Zhao Family... might agree, right?

On the other hand, they might not. If Zhao Hanzhang were to marry into the Gou Family, her reliance on the Zhao Family would diminish. If she has a child, what role would the Zhao Family have?

But marrying Fu Tinghan would present similar dilemmas, wouldn’t it?

While the young man was entangled in his thoughts, Zhao Hanzhang lifted her veil and stepped forward.

Zhao Kuan, upon seeing her, immediately stood to greet her, "Commander."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, glanced around the courtroom, and said, "Bring more mats, remove their shackles, let’s sit down and talk."

The three families were also very excited upon seeing Zhao Hanzhang, having many things they wanted to communicate to her.

The Chen Family and Xiao Family were both noble families, but with different circumstances. The Chen Family stayed in Luoyang with the emperor, hiding together in the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately, the master of the Chen Family, two sons, and three nephews died in the battle to defend the city, leaving behind only women and children and a twelve-year-old son;

The Xiao Family, on the other hand, left with Prince East Sea. They were slightly luckier; during their escape, they were scattered. Some were captured by Shi Le, but apart from the adult men, Zhao Hanzhang redeemed all the others. The separated ones were also relocated, and after returning to Luoyang, the family was reunited.

Therefore, the Xiao Family had adult men in charge. The third brother, Xiao Sanlang, named Xiao Zhi, unfortunately, his intelligence might not match his name.

Zhao Hanzhang sat cross-legged on the now spread-out mat, motioning for everyone to sit down as well.

She sat casually, but since this was the courtroom, Zhao Kuan didn’t dare to sit cross-legged before her, so he knelt by her side. The others followed suit, kneeling with their hands placed on their knees, ready to listen intently.

Zhao Hanzhang also asked someone to bring a dozen bowls and a pot of water, serving them water, "Come, have some water before we continue."

Xiao Zhi took a bowl, drank a sip, and his eyes turned red. The other two madams remained relatively composed, taking the water bowls respectfully with both hands.

Zhao Hanzhang first asked the Chen Family’s Madam Chen, "Madam, why did you decide to leave Luoyang with the entire family?"

Madam Chen placed down the water bowl, wiping her tears as she replied, "Times are tough; all that’s left in my family are the elderly, women, and children. With winter approaching, I don’t know if the Xiongnu will invade again. I only have one young son left and can’t bear another war, so I wanted to leave."

She looked imploringly at Zhao Hanzhang and said, "I beg the Commander to have mercy and allow us to leave."

Yet Zhao Hanzhang was unmoved, solemnly stating, "There are no established rules without order. Since I set the rule that the relocated residents of Luoyang are not permitted to leave, it cannot be changed lightly. Otherwise, if the Chen Family leaves today, can the Qian Family and the Sun Family also request to leave tomorrow?"

She reassured, "Madam Chen, my Zhao Family Army is stationed in Luoyang. I can assure you that if there is ever a battle, I, Zhao Hanzhang, and the Zhao Family Army will be the first to meet it. If there ever comes a day when the Zhao Family Army cannot defend Luoyang, I will certainly let you all leave early."

"So, if it’s the threat of war that makes you want to leave, I ask you to stay and help me build Luoyang, okay?"

Madam Chen looked troubled, instinctively glancing at the tearful Old Madam Chen and Second Madam Chen.

Old Madam Chen hesitated but eventually nodded to Madam Chen.

Only then did Madam Chen say, "Commander, may I explain? Our departure is also due to taxes and forced labor."

She wiped her tears and sorrowfully stated, "The family’s wealth is nearly exhausted, and we genuinely cannot bear the burden, which is why we have no choice but to leave Luoyang in pursuit of our relatives and friends."

Zhao Hanzhang then turned to Old Madam Chen and Second Madam Chen, asking, "Is this the reason?"