After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Zhao Hu, the kind of person who flourishes with a bit of sunlight, and even without it, could use moonlight as if it were sunlight. If Zhao Hanzhang were truly to ennoble him, he would probably soar to the skies.

I don’t know how crazed he would become.

Zhao Cheng already foresaw that if Zhao Hu were to gain a noble title, it wouldn’t take long before he’d make a grave mistake from overconfidence. Yet Zhao Hanzhang, who could tolerate the finest strands of hair in her eyes, would not abide even a grain of sand.

Zhao Hanzhang might overlook Zhao Hu’s occasional minor errors, but if he crosses her bottom line, she will certainly not be lenient.

With a pleading expression, Zhao Cheng asked, "Please, Great General, spare his life."

Therefore, suppress him, and do not grant him a noble title.

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "You see, Uncle, you obviously care about Granduncle, so why is it every time you meet there’s a conflict?"

Zhao Cheng opened his mouth and after a moment of difficulty said, "I don’t care about him."

Zhao Hanzhang laughed and said, "Alright, if you say you don’t, then you don’t. I mention this to tell you, Granduncle isn’t just someone who gains benefits from me; he has also contributed much for me, for the country, for the people."

"Mr. Ming said those things only to provoke him, alas." Zhao Hanzhang sighed and said, "If it weren’t for me, Mr. Ming wouldn’t say such sardonic things so shamelessly."

Zhao Cheng’s expression softened as he spoke to Zhao Hanzhang, "You need not dwell on it. The burden of the nation and family is all on you now. As a court official and a clan member, one naturally must exert his efforts."

He paused and then said, "I will advise him later; even if he cannot donate half of his family fortune as Ming Zhongshu suggested, he will try to donate more."

Zhao Hanzhang stepped back and deeply bowed, "Uncle, your righteousness is commendable."

Zhao Cheng felt unworthy of the gesture and sidestepped to avoid it, considering Zhao Hanzhang had devoted her entire fortune to the country, and now even had to economize on eating an egg.

After watching Zhao Cheng leave, Zhao Hanzhang finally turned around to take the tray into the palace, and upon entering, saw Zhao Hu’s somewhat flustered back. Zhao Hanzhang pretended not to notice, smiled and called out to Zhao Hu who was only three steps away, "Seventh Ancestor, the noodles are here. Uncle Cheng is not present, so I will accompany you."

She then casually chose a central seat and placed the tray down, fetched a cushion from the side, and sat down at one side of the table, pointing at the other side with a smile, "Seventh Ancestor, please sit."

Zhao Hu haughtily walked forward with hands behind his back, sat opposite her, and when he saw the noodles now swelling into a lump, frowned slightly. Yet he restrained himself and didn’t speak, directly picking a piece of vegetable to eat.

The vegetables were unexpectedly delicious, crisp in texture with a hint of sweetness. He picked up some noodles, which were smooth and chewy, not crumbling despite being lumped.

Zhao Hu finally satisfied, reluctantly said, "Your chef is rather good, where did you find him?"

Zhao Hanzhang said, "The former Imperial Chef."

She added, "He is a eunuch. It’s rare for him to have survived during the escape, searched and brought him back, and now he cooks in the palace for me."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hu asked, "Does he wish to leave the palace? I say, though he’s a eunuch, it’s not necessary to confine him always. What’s the point of spending a lifetime in the palace? If he wants to leave, you should let him."

Hearing this, Zhao Hanzhang nodded with a smile, "Granduncle, that’s a good suggestion. If he wants to leave, I certainly won’t hold him back."

Zhao Hu then raised his eyebrows proudly and said to her, "You truly have a kind heart."

He paused and then continued, "In this regard, you are very similar to Zitu, like your grandfather. Alas, our family has so many people with a compassionate heart, serving the country and people. Your grandfather was like this, so was your Fifth Uncle. Humph, don’t be fooled by your Uncle Ming’s arrogance, he’s just like you all."

Zhao Hu sneered, "Although I don’t understand why you protect the common people but refuse to enjoy their offerings and instead endure hardship to save and support them, but... No matter, if not for them, just for your sake."

He sighed, "Zi Nian has a point, now the clan’s honor lies with you. If you succeed, the Zhao Family remains stable. If you fail, not only these riches but also my family’s lives would probably be reduced to ashes."

Zhao Hanzhang cautiously explored, "Are you referring to Uncle Ming, not Uncle Cheng?"

Zhao Hu snorted disdainfully, "Of course it’s Zi Nian. The knowledge that Uncle Cheng talks about, I don’t understand it, nor do I wish to!" So, unbeknownst to Zhao Hanzhang, Zhao Ming advised Zhao Hu on donating family wealth?

Zhao Hu continued mumbling, "He’s read books until foolish. I tell you, some of the things he says can be listened to, but most should not be. You mustn’t heed him."

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "I was originally thinking of appointing Uncle Cheng as Minister of Rites and also Imperial College Sacrificial Officer..."

Zhao Hu shuddered and immediately changed his tone, "Actually, what I said earlier was in anger. Though he seems a bit foolish, he’s well-read from a young age and understands profound truths. It’s just that I read less, so couldn’t comprehend. If you should use him, do use him."

Zhao Hanzhang looked troubled, "But the Ministry of Rites supervises ceremonies, funerals, military matters, guests, and the five rites of crowns and marriages, and also commands the schools’ commendation methods. All talents under heaven emerge from the Ministry of Rites, making it the strictest of positions. Filial piety is foremost of all virtues, Uncle Cheng..."

Zhao Hu replied angrily, "You can say Uncle Cheng’s brain is problematic, but you cannot question his virtue. If his virtue were questionable, would the clan dare to entrust disciples to his teaching?"

"But doesn’t Granduncle constantly call him unfilial?"

Zhao Hu’s face turned red with anger, and after a moment, gritting his teeth, said, "I was speaking nonsense, don’t you know what quarreling is? In a quarrel, no good words are spoken, words follow words, naturally saying the harshest things."

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Granduncle might believe what’s said in a fit of anger doesn’t hold, but outsiders don’t think so."

"The struggle over interests under the heavens never ceases. Now Zhao Family disciples occupy many prominent court positions, even I have many wanting to topple me, let alone Uncle Cheng, right?" Zhao Hanzhang continued, "He oversees the nation’s schools, and I intend for him to oversee the Ministry of Rites, meaning future recruitment exams go through his hand, all talents under heaven would have to call the Minister of Rites ’sir’ out of respect."

"Such a crucial position, even if there’s no mud, they would create it and throw it at Uncle Cheng. You, as Uncle Cheng’s father, declared him unfilial with your own mouth, doesn’t this deliver mud right into their hands, for them to splash it against Uncle Cheng’s head?"

Zhao Hu opened his mouth but couldn’t speak for a long time.

He shivered and came to his senses, grabbing her sleeve and said, "Then about today’s matter..."

Zhao Hanzhang lowered her voice and said, "Do not worry about the people in the hall today like Mr. Ji and Mr. Ming; although they have some discord with Granduncle, they greatly respect Uncle Cheng and surely won’t spread it. As for the others, I’ll reprimand them later, but can only say I’ll do my best."