After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 832 - 822: Reinforcements

Zhao Hanzhang flipped through Xuan Yuxiu’s confession, let out a soft snort, and handed it to Ji Yuan, saying, "Move Xuan Yuxiu to another position for labor reform. He definitely has other information on him. Improve his meals to let others see the good days he’s having now."

Ji Yuan agreed, as these were trivial matters that the people below would handle. The crucial point was how they would proceed next. Ji Yuan suggested the army return to aid, "...The capital city of the Han Kingdom can be abandoned, but our Yu State cannot be lost. Miss, we are not the same as them. Not to mention our years of arrangements in Yu State and the Zhao Family’s clan, our foundation is entirely there. Losing Yu State would mean a heavy loss for us."

Ming Yu also nodded, "That’s right, losing Yu State would render our eventual capture of Bingzhou useless."

Zhao Hanzhang knew well that giving up Yu State would be akin to swapping homes with Shi Le and Liu Cong, just switching places.

If Shi Le and Liu Cong could manage the locals well, temporarily losing Yu State wouldn’t be a big deal. She was confident she could take it back eventually, but they were not capable.

Shi Le could be dealt with. Although cruel, he was only ruthless during battles. When he became conscious of becoming a ruler, he would genuinely govern the area.

But Liu Cong was not like that.

Aside from military skills and literary knowledge, Liu Cong did not inherit any of his father’s virtues, so Zhao Hanzhang could not let them take Yu State.

After years of work, Yu State would be her never-ending source of grains and a hub for talent cultivation. She would not give it up unless absolutely necessary.

Zhao Hanzhang sighed and asked, "Has there been no response from Wang Jun?"

Ming Yu shook his head, "No, he has kept his troops inactive. Liu Kun has dispatched troops, but the army Liu Yuan sent to attack Jinyang hasn’t retreated, so he can’t assist us right now."

Zhao Hanzhang paced on the spot but finally resolved, "Have Chen Wu lead the army back. Instruct him to guard Pingyang. Erlang and I will lead the army back to assist."

Ji Yuan and Ming Yu both breathed a sigh of relief, stood, and agreed in unison.

Just as they were about to leave, Zhao Hanzhang called them, asking, "Has there been any message from General Beigong?"

"No, he is still fighting Liu Cong and has penetrated deep behind enemy lines. His cavalry is very agile, making it difficult for our messengers to catch up, so messages are delayed."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Send a message to Zu Ti, tell him if he sees General Beigong, let him know what I mean. Beigong Chun does not need to return to assist Yu State. Their task is to fight Liu Cong and shatter him!"

"If they can rescue Your Majesty and the Great Uncle, that would be best. If not, don’t be constrained by the opponent; just attack!" Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes gleamed with cold light, "Drive them towards Youzhou and Qingzhou. Does Wang Jun want to remain unaffected? I’ll drag him into this mess!"

Trying to reap benefits without effort? It depends on whether this clam of mine is willing.

Ji Yuan and Ming Yu exchanged a glance and responded in unison before going to prepare.

Zhao Hanzhang began to gather her forces, ordered the collection of provisions to proceed first, and a day later instructed Zhao Erlang and Xie Shi to lead the army back to Ningling.

Ningling had already fallen, and their mission was to retake it.

When Chen Wu returned, Zhao Hanzhang would hand over Pingyang City to him, and then she would lead the army back to reinforce Yu State.

"Once we leave, the remnants of the Liu Family will certainly counterattack Pingyang City. You must defend it well. If it’s truly indefensible, then withdraw," Zhao Hanzhang said, "We haven’t invested much in Pingyang City, so losing it is no big deal. Keeping people alive is what’s important. As long as there’s life, there’s hope."

Chen Wu, deeply moved, agreed. Though Zhao Hanzhang spoke as she did, he still resolved to defend it to death. This city wasn’t easily captured; how could it be easily lost?

Moreover, since Pingyang City was the capital of the Xiongnu Khanate, its significance was immense and couldn’t be cast aside just like that.

Zhao Hanzhang took Liu Yi along with the army, and key Han officials like Xuan Yuxiu also accompanied them.

They were cramped in an ox cart, moving along with the supplies, and if the cart fell into a pit along the way, they had to get off and push it. When they stopped to camp and rest, they had to perform the laborious work of moving things. In just a few days, all of them had lost significant weight and experienced the hardships of the world.

During a camp inspection, Zhao Hanzhang saw Liu Yi trying hard to lift a sack but failing after several attempts.

She placed her whip at her waist, stepped forward, grabbed a corner of the sack, and with a lift, hoisted it onto Liu Yi’s shoulder.

Liu Yi realized that it was only with someone’s aid that the sack was so easily lifted. His head was pressed down, unable to look up, so he could only stare at his toes and thank repeatedly, "Thank you, brother, thank you."

Zhao Hanzhang didn’t reply, clapped her hands, and seeing him walk off, she simply lifted a sack from the cart onto her shoulder as well.

The guarding soldier nearby was startled, cautiously approaching with his hands raised, "My lord, this, this is wheat."

A sack of wheat is not light.

Zhao Hanzhang gestured that it was fine, carried the large sack, and followed behind Liu Yi.

They needed to deliver the grain sack to the kitchen. When Zhao Hanzhang caught up and put her sack down, she not only set down her own but also helped Liu Yi with his.

Liu Yi turned with a smile, but upon seeing her, his smile vanished instantly.

Zhao Hanzhang shrugged her shoulder, dusted off the grime, and jokingly asked, "What, seeing it’s me means no thanks?"

Liu Yi thought better of it and formally thanked her, though his face no longer bore a smile.

Walking back with her, Liu Yi couldn’t help but ask, "Why are you, an Inspector, personally carrying bags?"

"I was inspecting the camp and hadn’t planned on carrying, but seeing you do it, I carried one conveniently. It’s not a big deal or hard to do; just lending a hand."

Liu Yi retorted, "This is a slave’s work."

"Hey, I disagree with you there. In the past, there were no slaves in the army, and those carrying bags were soldiers," Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "It’s just work, carrying food that we ourselves will eat, so where’s the distinction of noble or not?"

Liu Yi remained silent.

Zhao Hanzhang asked him, "Have you adapted during this time?"

Liu Yi nodded, no longer showing his former innocence, but rather a mature and deep expression, "I have adapted."

"Have you noticed anything then?"

Liu Yi furrowed his brow, "Noticed what?"

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "Your position is that of the lowest rank guard in the entire camp, but the people you can interact with range from me at the top, to the Assistant General and Colonel in the middle, down to the slaves. Haven’t you noticed anything?"

Liu Yi looked puzzled.

Zhao Hanzhang sighed in exasperation, "Alright, maybe I thought you were too clever."

Liu Yi: ...

Zhao Hanzhang stopped walking, earnestly telling him, "In my army, from the lowest soldiers to the Assistant General, we have people of all ethnicities whose previous statuses were diverse."

"Ordinary people, refugees, captives, slaves, beggars," Zhao Hanzhang looked at him, "These people have earned their positions and power in the army solely through military merits and their capabilities. In the Zhao Family Army, we do not base merits on origin but on capability and conduct."

"Therefore, Liu Yi, though you are a captive, you can still have a place in the Zhao Family Army, and someday, all the citizens of your Han Kingdom can too!"