After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 907 - 893: Everyone Is a Monkey

Zhang Bin really didn’t want to continue living this nomadic life. Their Shi Army claims to have territory, but in reality, it’s not much different from the Qihu Army; it constantly changes hands.

Zhang Bin was ambitious. Either they find a wise leader to settle down with, or they might as well become independent, let Shi Le be king, and manage their own land rather than roam around plundering.

He was Han, and Han people had a natural desire for stability in their bones.

Zhang Bin considered Zhao Hanzhang’s actions over the years and nodded slightly, "Gou Chun tried to assassinate her, yet she managed to endure without reacting—she’s someone capable of great things."

He continued, "Gou Xi first betrayed the country then died in battle, yet she didn’t condemn him for treason, only praised his heroic death. Even if it wasn’t genuine, it’s commendable. Compared to Gou Xi, our lord and she were originally from opposing camps. Battlefield slaughter is normal; you had only public vendettas, not personal grievances. Now that our lord has allied with her, he is one of her people."

Shi Le nodded.

Although he didn’t like being constrained, he had no choice under the circumstances.

Since he surrendered, he had to show some sincerity. Zhao Hanzhang had many good generals under her command. Without some achievements, it would be difficult to establish himself among them. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Shi Le expressed his concerns to Zhang Bin, saying, "This time we’re going to Jinyang, Zhao Hanzhang is only using the Shi Army, so it’s our chance."

Zhang Bin understood and softly reminded him, "The King of Youzhou, Wang Jun, is powerful. It’s said that many troops and civilians in Jizhou were forced by the Xiongnu and plagued by locusts, causing them to retreat to Youzhou to seek refuge under Wang Jun. Therefore, he has many ministers and military generals under him. Zhao Hanzhang appoints you as the Youzhou Governor; she’s not going to let you take Youzhou yourself, is she?"

Shi Le pursed his lips, his gaze deep, "If she does, then I can’t be blamed. It’s not like I’m short of people; why would I lack a governor role?"

He said, "Don’t say Governor, even as a King, I can do that!"

Zhang Bin nodded in deep agreement.

Shi Le took Zhang Bin to see Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang had long been renowned for Shi Le’s strategist. If not for them to catch up and chat, she would have already gone out to greet them.

Seeing Shi Le finally leading the person in, Zhao Hanzhang happily walked forward to greet them, "Is this Mr. Zhang? I’ve heard so much about you."

Zhang Bin was surprised at Zhao Hanzhang’s politeness, momentarily shocked and somewhat... fearful, his heart instantly tense, wary of any of her schemes.

Zhao Hanzhang pretended not to see his stiff body and sudden vigilance, cheerfully welcoming him, asking, "Mr. Zhang, how many troops have you brought this time?"

Zhang Bin quickly glanced at Shi Le before respectfully replying, "The orders from the General and the Governor came abruptly, so we’ve brought only fifty thousand men."

Zhao Hanzhang thought for a moment and said, "Fifty thousand is enough."

She heard Liu Kun was having a hard time now, and she still wanted to reach him as soon as possible.

Shi Le also wanted to make achievements and establish himself in the Zhao Family Army, so he had no objections.

Zhang Bin worriedly glanced at Shi Le, very concerned about his injuries.

At that time, near death, he hadn’t recovered much, and now he had to head into battle, which could be highly detrimental to his health.

Shi Le didn’t let it bother him, whispering to him, "Zhao Hanzhang is also injured, and I have rested for more than twenty days after my injury. Since she has been busy and never rested since her injury, as a woman, if she can do it, why can’t I?"

Zhao Hanzhang only brought her guards, a team of officials, and the rest were all Shi Army people. Her boldness left even the usually fearless Ming Yu heart shaken, unable to resist advising, "A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. If Shi Le harbors rebel thoughts halfway, wouldn’t it ruin your great enterprise? It would be too late for regret then."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "I trust General Shi."

Ming Yu was about to retort that in these times, one cannot even trust their parents, so why trust an outsider?

Then Zhao Hanzhang said, "I’m taking Ting Han along, and also more penicillin."

Ming Yu paused, swallowing his words, and instead asked, "I heard Shi Le was injured when returning; how serious is it?"

"Very serious," Zhao Hanzhang replied, "He had a high fever and was in a coma in the middle of the journey, almost didn’t make it. Military doctors gave him a penicillin shot, and he barely pulled through."

Ming Yu understood that while Zhao Hanzhang trusted Shi Le, holding the medicine was another matter.

It’s likely because of this miracle drug that Shi Le would not easily betray, and with Mr. Fu accompanying them, he too was a formidable presence—silent yet powerful.

Who knows what’s in his mind?

However, Ming Yu insisted, "I want to come along."

But they also needed people here, and Zhao Hanzhang urged him to stay.

Ming Yu tearfully said, "Please, Governor, let me go along. On the trip to Anping Country, I couldn’t protect the late emperor or the Zhao Clan Leader, and I feel ashamed of myself. If I can’t go this time to do my utmost to protect the Governor, I’d feel too embarrassed to live in this world."

Zhao Hanzhang was startled, seeing him crying so badly, she was at a loss, agreeing, "You’re so insistent, then go."

A grown man crying like this looked very pitiful.

Ji Yuan returned to find Zhao Hanzhang comforting Ming Yu, his face immediately sinking.

Fu Tinghan saw Mr. Ji’s unpleasant expression and gently coughed twice to remind Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang turned back, seeing Ji Yuan, her eyes lit up, "Mr. Ji, you’re back? Did you bring back the scattered Shi Army?"

Ji Yuan nodded, his expression not looking good, "I’ve instructed them to temporarily camp outside the city. Governor, there’s an anomaly in the south."

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "What anomaly makes Mr. Ji’s face look so bad?"

Ji Yuan recounted the appearance of stone monkeys from the river, monkey fossils from the ground, and white monkeys from Yunmeng Marsh.

Zhao Hanzhang was briefly stunned then asked, "What do monkeys have to do with King Langya?"

Ji Yuan gave her an appreciative glance before saying, "King Langya is a monkey."

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "What am I?"

Ji Yuan was speechless, but after glancing at Zhao Hanzhang, he said, "The Governor is an ox."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, quickly calculating in her mind, raising an eyebrow as she said, "Isn’t young emperor also a monkey?"

Ji Yuan was momentarily stunned, his eyes brightened, "Indeed, the young emperor is also a monkey."

Zhao Hanzhang laughed heartily, then asked, "What’s Wang Jun?"

Ji Yuan and Ming Yu didn’t quite understand why she asked about Wang Jun, but they still answered, "Wang Jun is quite old; indeed, we don’t know his cycle of years, but we can inquire from the officials."

The officials had to remember many things, such as some ministers’ birthdays; they must remind Zhao Hanzhang and the emperor to prepare gifts and birthday presents.

Zhao Hanzhang asked someone to find the officials, who soon came over, just pondering for a moment before saying, "Governor Wang is fifty-eight years old this year and is a monkey."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "He’s quite long-lived."

Everyone in the room felt their hearts pound, daring not to speak.

Zhao Hanzhang hummed, "How can such miracles only appear in Jiangnan and Jiangdong? Send people to transmit this news to Wang Jun; I think Youzhou also needs some anomalies and auspicious signs."

Ji Yuan couldn’t help but cry out, "Governor!"