After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 917 - 902: Suspicion

Xu Run immediately displayed Liu Kun’s reluctance, with a look of wanting to speak but hesitating.

Liu Kun comforted him, saying, "Although we won’t be in the same place in the future, our hearts are connected; as confidants, distance doesn’t matter."

He also reminded him, "When you go to Yu State, remember to write to me often."

Xu Run felt panicked; Zhao Hanzhang has always favored the common people. How could, after today’s incident, not only does she not accuse him, but she also treats him with preference?

What’s a confidant? That’s just something to appease Liu Kun. Xu Run could almost foresee his own difficult days ahead.

But that wasn’t the end; after requesting Xu Run, Zhao Hanzhang continued, "Yueshi, there’s someone else I need from you."

Liu Kun asked with interest, "Oh? Who is it?"

Zhao Hanzhang pointed to Linghu Ni, smiling, "This young general is both brave and lively. I like him very much. I’d like to take him to fight the Xiongnu. I dare not ask you to yield him, but perhaps you could lend him to me briefly?"

Linghu Ni’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, staring at Liu Kun eagerly. His colleague next to him nudged him, and he then reacted, quickly lowering his head. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Liu Kun didn’t pay much attention to Linghu Ni, but Linghu Sheng was one of his major generals, so he still needed to ask for the father and son’s opinions.

Linghu Sheng, being upright, didn’t hesitate and said, "As directed by our lord, if Lord Zhao has a use for my son, he can direct him as he pleases."

When asked, Linghu Ni quickly responded, "I defer to our lord’s command."

These words were no different from agreement. Liu Kun’s eyes swept over Linghu Sheng, suppressing the suspicion in his heart, smiled and nodded under Zhao Hanzhang’s scrutiny, and agreed.

Zhao Hanzhang was delighted and immediately raised her glass, laughing, "Thank you, Yueshi, for your generosity."

Seeing her pure, unmasked affection in her eyes, Liu Kun set aside his doubts, believing her to be a person of genuine nature, like himself.

Indeed, back then, when she battled outside the city, Linghu Ni was the vanguard who went to receive her. Perhaps she took a liking to him then. Today, Linghu Ni led them around the city, it likely was just a spontaneous affinity, rather than any collusion with Linghu Sheng.

Beside him, Xu Run’s complexion worsened upon knowing Zhao Hanzhang asked for Linghu Ni. It was visibly ashen, and his emotions surged.

Everyone knew he and Linghu Sheng were not on good terms.

That old rascal Linghu Sheng, relying on his military achievements, constantly slandered him in front of our lord, repeatedly suggesting our lord to kill him.

He was initially planning that once the Xiongnu siege ended, he’d find a way to kill him, but now...

Xu Run lowered his eyes, hiding the malice and scheming within.

Opposite him, Zhang Bin tilted his mouth slightly, picked up a cup of wine, perceived a gaze, turned to meet Ming Yu’s smile-like gaze.

Zhang Bin: ...I really dislike the feeling of being seen through about what I am thinking.

Many at this banquet had their own thoughts. As their eyes swept past Liu Kun and Zhao Hanzhang, it was evident Lord Zhao and Zhao Hanzhang really had a good relationship; Xu Run was given away, and there wasn’t much of a problem. But Linghu Ni wasn’t just Jinyang’s Assistant General, he was Linghu Sheng’s son. Liu Kun just gave him away so easily.

This was more than being confidants; it was like sibling or father-daughter bond.

Ahem, it seems their relationship with Yu State can be closer.

Only Fu Tinghan did not overthink, he glanced around the room once, then quietly resumed eating and drinking. He was unaware of today’s events, but he knew Zhao Hanzhang, and had a feeling she and Liu Kun harbored ill intentions towards Xu Run.

Zhao Hanzhang indeed harbored ill intentions. Upon returning to her room, she immediately said, "Tomorrow morning, invite Xu Run to the army. I am quite fond of him, but Jinyang City isn’t quite safe yet. Send someone to escort him back to Luoyang."

Shi Le heard this and asked, smiling, "Shall I assist? On the way..." He mimicked a throat-slitting gesture and continued, "Even if Liu Yueshi investigates, it would be Xu Run’s own offense, irrelevant to Lord Zhao."

It seems everyone’s clever, not misunderstanding Zhao Hanzhang’s likes or dislikes.

However... They misunderstood her intentions, "Who said I want him killed?"

Shi Le’s brow furrowed, becoming serious.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "He’s indeed talented, how could he be killed so easily?"

Shi Le frowned, earnestly asking while looking into Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes, "Does Lord Zhao truly believe he’s talented and wishes to use him?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Yes, I promised Governor Liu, how could I renege?"

"Xu Run’s talent lies in music, and the Imperial College lacks a teacher of music theory. Let’s have him teach there," said Zhao Hanzhang, "Teachers, those who impart and resolve doubts, hold high status and can exhibit their personal talents; Xu Run and Yueshi would be quite satisfied."

Shi Le’s face blossomed with a smile, and the suspicions in his heart completely vanished; he nodded repeatedly, saying, "What Lord Zhao says is correct."

After Shi Le and Zhang Bin left, they couldn’t help but sigh, "Mengsun, you’re right; Zhao Hanzhang’s mind is deep, I pale in comparison."

Zhang Bin lowered his eyes and said, "Since our lord has pledged allegiance to Zhao Hanzhang, perhaps we should assist her earnestly first, then plan our next steps."

Shi Le nodded, "She can keep her promise to Liu Kun, and manage Xu Run carefully. Towards me, she should also keep her promise."

Zhang Bin nodded, unable to resist glancing back, internally thinking: Not only that, she silently punished Xu Run and upheld her governance principles.

Moreover, her meticulous efforts to transfer Xu Run away from Liu Kun were a form of discreet warning and protection.

Given Xu Run’s character shown today, keeping him by Liu Kun’s side would inevitably become a major threat, not to Zhao Hanzhang, but to Jinyang and Liu Kun.

Zhang Bin had seen the most malicious hearts, almost capable of predicting just how badly Jinyang would fare under Liu Kun’s trust in Xu Run. Zhao Hanzhang could clearly seize Jinyang at this moment, but instead, she takes Xu Run away—showing a hint of tenderness.

Ming Yu also discussed Xu Run with Zhao Hanzhang, asking her views on Xu Run and Liu Kun, Liu Kun and Linghu Sheng, and Liu Kun and Jinyang.

Zhao Hanzhang understood what Ming Yu was thinking and immediately said, "Jinyang can go without me in the short term, but it cannot do without Liu Yueshi."

Zhao Hanzhang was self-aware, saying, "Although I can govern a place, I lack prestige and have no ties to persuade the Xianbei to be used by me, nor can I control their development."

"As for the problem of Jinyang losing population and the people’s suffering, perhaps we can seek another cooperation method," Zhao Hanzhang said, "Liu Yueshi isn’t easily commanded, but he’s easily influenced. As long as I’m his confidant and offer enough benefits, he’ll follow my advice."

Ming Yu remained worried, "Clearly today, Liu Yueshi was suspicious. I’m afraid he won’t act as you wish."

Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, "Precisely because he’s suspicious, he wavers, making him easy to influence."