She asked, "Who do you think is suitable to go to the Shu region?"

Ming Yu pondered, looked at Ji Yuan, and spoke in unison, "Zhao Xin."

Oh, her cousin Xin, who now serves as an Imperial Censor, is like a good brick, ready to be moved wherever needed. "Is Zhao Xin still in Liang County?"

"Yes," Ming Yu paused and then said, "There has been no news recently. Should we send someone to inquire?"

Liang County is under the jurisdiction of Si Province, not far from Yu State. Earlier this month, reports came in of numerous merchant caravans being robbed in Liang County. There were rumors that local powerful families and the county magistrate were masquerading as bandits, using the castle’s convenience to plunder, so Zhao Hanzhang had the Imperial Censorate dispatch an Imperial Censor to investigate.

The Imperial Censorate chose Zhao Xin.

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "How many days has it been?"

Ming Yu calculated mentally and said, "Six days."

That’s quite long. Zhao Hanzhang immediately said, "Send Zhao Shen with troops to Liang County. If the reported information is false, then suppress the bandits. If it’s true, then destroy the castles."

Zhao Hanzhang paused here and asked, "How many castles remain in Liang County? Didn’t Shi Le clear them all out back then?"

Shi Le was an expert at destroying castles. During the war between two sides, he broke all the castles he saw along the way.

At that time, Zhao Hanzhang felt quite pained, as these castles, although civilian forces, could resist foreign invasions and prolong the dynasty’s life.

But after the war ended, she actually found herself... rather satisfied, and she naturally enjoyed the results.

The external force of the castles was beneficial, but internally, they were a burden, oh, no, a burden to her.

But she never thought of using forceful means to eliminate the castles. After all, she rose from these castles. Thinking empathetically, if someone wanted to destroy Zhao’s Fortress, she would definitely fight to the end.

So, to prevent others from fighting her to death, Zhao Hanzhang decided to adopt a gentle policy, silently dissolving the castles.

However, if any castles dared to plunder passing merchants or even the people, then she wouldn’t hold back.

"I don’t care what their identities are. As long as there’s plundering, they are bandits, and bandits must be suppressed!" Zhao Hanzhang ordered Zhao Shen to replace Zhao Xin and bring Zhao Xin back.

Zhao Shen was delighted to receive the order and immediately took the letter to the military camp to select soldiers.

Although it was entertaining to see the single, older soldiers participating in matchmaking events every day, anyone who organized so many events would grow tired. At this moment, telling him to suppress bandits, or even to roll in mud, he would eagerly accept—just not another matchmaking event.

Zhao Shen received the order in the afternoon, immediately went out to mobilize troops, made the preparations by sunset, and quickly readied provisions for the journey, mainly portable dried food.

The army’s granary was independent, and since it was a rapid march with only a thousand men, preparations were swift.

He didn’t return home that night and set off at dawn the next day, aiming to reach Liang County in a day and act the following day.

Fifth Uncle woke up to find his grandson hadn’t returned home all night. Upon inquiry, he learned he went to suppress bandits.

Fifth Uncle: "...Such a big affair, and he ran off without informing us?"

The villager said, "Perhaps it’s confidential, so it’s not suitable to tell you, sir."

"Nonsense, if it’s confidential, how do you know about it?"

The villager said, "Sir, how could you speak such coarse words?"

Zhao Song remained silent, remorseful inside, suppressing his emotions, he asked, "Are there many bandits in Liang County to make him, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, suppress them?"

The villager looked around, lowered his voice, and said, "I’ve heard they’re planning to wipe out the castles in Liang County."

Zhao Song showed surprise, "Why destroy the castles?"

The villager said, "They say the castle’s power is strong and doesn’t heed the court’s orders. Some even say Third Lady wants to demolish our Zhao’s Castle."

Zhao Song looked at him as if caring for the mentally deficient, "Villager, you go out to buy vegetables every day, but you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. What good would demolishing our fortress bring her? Zhao’s Castle is under her rule. Why would she want to tear down the fortress?"

The villager said, "They say because our Zhao Family will soon appoint a new Clan Leader, and then maybe won’t listen to Third Lady’s orders."

Zhao Song remained calm, "Second Son hasn’t married or had children yet. How can a Clan Leader be appointed? Outsiders worry too much."

The villager said, "But Third Lady is about to marry Mr. Fu."

Zhao Song was slightly surprised, then said, "They are of age indeed and should marry. I’ve already urged them."

However, he couldn’t help but worry, though Zhao Family lacked a Clan Leader now, Zhao Hanzhang was effectively the invisible Clan Leader.

Firstly, Zhao Song was unwilling to let Zhao Family fall to the second lineage, secondly, he worried Zhao Erlang couldn’t manage the clan well, so he turned a blind eye, silently approving Zhao Hanzhang to lead Zhao Family.

Many of Zhao Hanzhang’s measures were executed within Zhao Family through Zhao Song and Zhao Ming.

As she’s the daughter of Zhao Family now, she naturally prioritizes Zhao Family’s interests, but once married...

Even though Zhao Song trusted Zhao Hanzhang enough, continually urged their marriage, he couldn’t help but doubt—once she marries into the Fu Family, could she still prioritize Zhao Family?

As he pondered, a subordinate came to report, "Sir, Third Lady is here."

Zhao Song regained focus and said, "Invite her in." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Zhao Hanzhang entered carrying a large fish.

Zhao Song fixed his gaze on the fish in her hand.

Zhao Hanzhang lifted the fish with a smile and said, "Early today, Ting Han and I went to the water mill, and just happened to see fishermen fishing. A glance revealed a big fish leaping up. I was quick to grab it."

Truthfully, it was quick footwork. When the fish leapt up, she was on the side, immediately jumped up, swung her foot, and kicked the fish onto the shore.

Zhao Hanzhang felt this fish represented her good fortune, so she thoughtfully brought it to honor Zhao Song.

Even her mother didn’t have this privilege.

Zhao Song sensed her filial piety, his lips slightly curved but asked first, "Why have you come so early today?"

Actually, he wanted to ask, why had she returned after leaving town for official business, so early in the morning... for what? Agenda?

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Firstly, to visit Uncle, secondly, to formally inform Uncle that I and Ting Han are getting married."

Zhao Song nodded, "Your marriage has been arranged long ago, and indeed, you should marry."

He paused and decided to ask, "What do you plan for Zhao Family?"

Zhao Hanzhang sat across from Zhao Song, leaned forward upon hearing his question, "Uncle, how about I let Uncle Ming be the Clan Leader?"

"Absolutely not," Zhao Song refused outright, "The Clan Leader must be inherited by the legitimate lineage. Otherwise, after a hundred years, I won’t be able to face my ancestors or your grandfather."

"Alright," Zhao Hanzhang didn’t force him to change his view, "Then let Uncle Ming act as Clan Leader, until twenty years later when the child of Second Son grows up."