After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 821 - 811: Respect

Zhao Erlang chased out of the North City gate, first catching up with Zeng Yue, then going after the Xiongnu Army.

This chase lasted for two days; if Zhao Hanzhang hadn’t sent someone with strict orders for him to return, he would have continued the pursuit.

While Zhao Erlang was pursuing, Liu Yi and others were escorted back to the Imperial Palace.

By this time, it was almost dark, and the streets of Pingyang City were empty, with only the sounds of soldiers passing by. Zhao Hanzhang’s siege was swift, leaving little time for others, especially the civilians, to escape.

Now, they kept their doors tightly shut, peeking out secretly from windows. Upon seeing Liu Yi being escorted back, they immediately withdrew, not daring to look further.

Of the Xiongnu Army accompanying Liu Yi, apart from those killed, most surrendered, with only a few fleeing. The Zhao Family Army couldn’t be bothered to pursue them further, sending all captives to the Prisoner Camp, for separate management.

There were quite a number of captives this time, and to manage better, they had to be separated to prevent them from colluding in rebellion.

Liu Yi was then escorted into the Imperial Palace.

Ming Yu accompanied Liu Yi into the palace, while Ji Yuan hadn’t returned yet; Fu Tinghan and other generals and officials had arrived.

The palace was brightly lit, as the Zhao Family Army was counting the looted treasures.

Fortunately, since the city gates were breached quickly, the Prince of Xiongnu and others fled hastily, leaving behind many valuables.

However, the treasury door was still opened, and much of the wealth inside had been taken; amidst the palace chaos, the remaining Jin Army, officials, eunuchs, and palace maids were all thinking of an escape route.

For now, unreachable was everything but the money they could scramble for.

They opened treasury rooms, took what they could from the concubines’ storages and chests, hid it, and tried to escape.

But unfortunately, few managed to escape the palace, especially those carrying valuables.

So the gold, silver, jewels, and money ended up in Zhao Hanzhang’s hands.

With too much to check in a short time, Zhao Hanzhang assigned the task to Fan Ying, while she went to see the captured Liu Yi.

Fu Tinghan accompanied her.

Upon seeing them, Liu Yi turned his head away, refusing to look.

Zhao Hanzhang brought wine, and Fu Tinghan carried a tray of food, placing them on the low table, which they moved in front of Liu Yi, then sat on either side of him.

"Having battled all day and fled for half, you must be starving. Have something to eat," Zhao Hanzhang served him a bowl of rice, then served herself and Fu Tinghan.

Liu Yi ignored her; Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan were unfazed, picking up bowls and chopsticks to eat, commenting as they ate, "To speak of luxury, it must be your palace; pure white rice, it’s been ages since I last ate it."

Liu Yi coldly replied, "If Governor Zhao wants to eat white rice from Pingyang City, just tell me, I’ll send it to you. Why attack my capital and kill my father?"

Zhao Hanzhang wasn’t angered, even adding a piece of meat for him, "Young prince, it was your Han Kingdom that first attacked Jin State; my Majesty, my uncle, my fellow Jin Ministers were all captured by Liu Cong."

"We have national grievances, but no personal vendetta," she sighed, "Of all the people, I wanted Han Country Emperor to survive the most, because only with him alive could I trade for my Majesty; unfortunately..."

Liu Yi paused, his back slightly bent, tears streaming down, "During the New Year’s period, father’s health was already deteriorating, these past two months particularly severe, leading him to seek swift unification of the world. Yet unexpectedly..."

Liu Yi, being understanding, contemplated and comprehended Zhao Hanzhang, then wiped his tears with his sleeve, no longer hating her, "Where is my father? Governor Zhao, I ask, recalling our past acquaintance, let me bid farewell to my father."

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at his bowl, "Of course, but young prince must finish the rice first."

Liu Yi looked at the mound of white rice, picked it up and started shoveling it into his mouth.

Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t help but smile, looking across at Fu Tinghan.

After consuming a bowl, Liu Yi felt somewhat relieved, even his mood lightened.

Liu Yuan had been ill for a long time, and not just him, Liu Yi had mentally braced for his departure. He couldn’t accept his father dying after Pingyang City fell, nor could he accept not being by his father’s side at his death.

Thinking this, Liu Yi looked up at Zhao Hanzhang, asking, "How did you produce that thunderous sound? What smashed our city gate? It exploded like thunder, I saw it; was it sent by a catapult?"

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "That’s my secret weapon, used only in Pingyang City, can’t divulge it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yi bitterly smiled, "Who would’ve thought, Pingyang City would hold such honor."

Zhao Hanzhang wasn’t stingy in praise now, stating, "Your father is a great hero, one of few worthy of such a weapon."

Liu Yi: "Why don’t you curse my father now?"

Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "Respect for the deceased; though our positions differed, he strove for your Xiongnu Five Tribes, I for kinsfolk; interpreting broadly, I yearn for peace for all, as he wished to unify under tranquility. Despite differing stands, I admired him."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yi bitterly smiled, "Father once said the exact same thing; initial hatred turned to admiration."

"He even mentioned wishing we brothers had half your heart and capability, he’d be relieved," Liu Yi wistfully said, "Had it not been a chaotic era and opposing roles, you’d probably have been friends."

Zhao Hanzhang agreed.

She harbor no dislike for Liu Yuan.

Partly due to his foresight, leaning towards Han governance; another part, his sentiment for Han people, seeking equal treatment for all ethnicities. Regrettably, he was but an arm, facing five opposing legs, his lone arm couldn’t overthrow five legs.

Compared to Liu Cong, who was more ruthless and narrow-minded.

Her prior cursing of Liu Yuan was for political correctness and boosting morale.

Only with Liu Yuan’s unjustness could her intervention be justified.

Upon seeing Liu Yi’s tear-stained face, Zhao Hanzhang patted his shoulder, "Rest easy, young prince. I’ve sent for Emperor Liu’s funeral preparations; soon I’ll have someone take you to pay respects."

Liu Yi looked up with his swollen eyes, "Truly?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Truly."

With relief, Liu Yi solemnly expressed, "Thank you, Governor Zhao."

Zhao Hanzhang entrusted Ting He with escorting Liu Yi to the palace where Liu Yuan lay in repose.

Zhao Hanzhang adhered to imperial specifications for his burial; even in organizing repose, the main hall was directly selected.

To lend an appearance of formality and liveliness, Zhao Hanzhang even summoned Xiongnu officials and generals among captives to mourn.

Of course, neither she nor the Jin Ministers would give Liu Yuan a funeral; representing Jin State, she burned incense thrice.

Upon her incense offering, the Han Ministers’ wailing echoed long, nearly toppling the palace in grief. Yet seeing her devotion, bowing respectfully, the ministers’ resentment eased, growing respect and trust.