After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Chapter 29: Chapter 23 Sadness

Zhao Changyu could not find rest either. After pondering for a long while, he struggled to rise despite his illness. "With King Hejian’s demise, Chang’an has lost control, and Luoyang’s western shield has fallen. I’m afraid the Qiang and Hu will take advantage and move south. By then, Luoyang will be in grave danger."

Zhao Changyu decided to propose a formal letter, suggesting that Prince East Sea deploy troops to Jingzhao County to defend against the southward advance of the Qiang and Hu.

Ji Yuan supported him as he sat by the desk, pondering, "But allowing Prince East Sea to station troops in Jingzhao means handing over all of Great Jin’s lifeline to him, doesn’t it?"

"Between two harms, choose the lesser. The immediate concern is to guard against foreign enemies. Internal strife..." Zhao Changyu paused, then continued, "Let’s wait and hope that His Majesty understands and bears with it for now."

Fu Zhi returned to the Fu Family, and after sending Fu Tinghan to rest, he also turned into the study and called for his strategists.

"King Hejian is dead."

The adviser quickly said, "We were about to inform my lord. The news just came today. It’s said he encountered bandits on the road. His Majesty and Prince East Sea are furious, and have ordered the annihilation of the bandits, determined to avenge King Hejian and his family."

Fu Zhi sneered, "Was it really bandits?"

The adviser paused and then whispered, "Privately, some say it was Prince East Sea who gave the order, and Liang Minister under Prince Nanyang executed it."

Prince Nanyang is Prince East Sea’s brother and has always obeyed him.

Fu Zhi sighed, "The man is dead. At this moment, discussing who killed him holds little meaning. The urgent task is to guard against the Qiang and Xiongnu."

Fu Zhi said, "Tomorrow I will enter the palace and propose that Wang Yan take over Jingzhao County. It’s crucial to guard against the Qiang from the north."

The adviser agreed.

Fu Zhi paused and asked, "Is there any news from the people sent to Chang’an to fetch Shihong and the Princess?"

"None."

Fu Zhi sighed, "I hope they are safe. With King Hejian’s death, the road from Chang’an to Luoyang is likely more perilous. Find a way to send a letter, suggesting that if the return journey is difficult, they either stay in Chang’an or head south to Shu, and from Shu, turn back to Luoyang."

With King Hejian dead, the highway robbers, refugees, and foreign tribes will only become more chaotic. Unless traveling with a large army, be it a royal descendant or a refugee beggar, life holds little value.

The adviser complied and whispered, "My lord, I’ve heard that today, the eldest son engaged with the Zhao Family?"

Fu Zhi finally showed a faint smile, nodding, "The birth charts have been exchanged, and the betrothal ceremony held."

The adviser was pleased, "Congratulations, my lord. Since the two families are engaged, why not ask Mr. Zhao to help bring them back from Chang’an?"

Fu Zhi said, "Changyu is a meticulous person. He will surely think of it himself. I only worry about the uncertain situation and fear they may suffer on their return. Changrong almost lost half his life returning this time."

The adviser no longer spoke.

"Changyu’s health isn’t well. With his comprehensiveness, he will definitely arrange for his family. You and the steward should organize the family’s assets, choosing suitable ones to give as dowry for Changrong. Once this busy period is over, we must hold a wedding for the two children."

Both the adviser and the steward joyfully agreed.

Fu Changrong is Fu Zhi’s eldest son and grandson. From birth, he possessed a significant portion of the Fu Family’s wealth. Unless something unexpected happens, he is set to inherit seventy percent of the Fu Family’s assets. Therefore, he should not be treated poorly regarding the dowry.

And Third Sister Zhao is Zhao Changyu’s granddaughter. It seems Zhao Changyu plans to entrust his grandson to his granddaughter for care.

The adviser was excited because, knowing Zhao Changyu’s shrewd and miserly nature, he would likely give some resources to Third Sister Zhao.

What belongs to Third Sister Zhao, is also Fu Changrong’s?

And what belongs to Fu Changrong, is the Fu Family’s?

The adviser happily went to make arrangements.

Mrs. Wang also happily rummaged through her belongings, bringing out all her dowry and calling the two children to her. "Mother is fair. You siblings get half each."

"I’ve divided the shops and farms. What’s left are these jewelry and gems, which go to Third Sister Zhao. The gold and silver go to Second Son. As for paintings and books..." Mrs. Wang paused, sighed, and said, "I’ll give them to Third Sister Zhao."

She glanced at her son, who was happily eating snacks beside her, feeling a little suffocated, "I wonder if his future children will resemble him or your father."

Zhao Hanzhang reassured her, "There is such a thing as genetic inheritance skipping a generation."

Mrs. Wang became even more worried.

She tried not to think about it, continuing to calculate Zhao Hanzhang’s dowry, "I don’t have much dowry. Some of it was added by your father later. If I split it now, I’m afraid Second Son couldn’t keep it. Should we face difficulties in the future, and if we cannot explain ourselves, the dowry might become Zhao Family property. So I think it best to list it all under your dowry, and you remember to give half to your brother in the future."

Zhao Hanzhang joked, "Does Mother trust me that much? Aren’t you afraid I might keep it all to myself?"

Mrs. Wang lovingly patted her head, "If you did, Mother would be angry but relieved at heart. You are just too thoughtful and emotionally invested, always wanting to consider everything for me and your brother. But in this world, how can everything be perfect?"

She continued, "The world is as it is. We can only live as best as we can. Don’t always think of us."

Zhao Hanzhang froze, "Mother..."

Mrs. Wang, with tears in her eyes, looked at her, suddenly feeling sorrowful, "Third Sister Zhao, Second Son is a foolish child, and Mother isn’t clever either. As long as we have food and drink, it’s enough. Unlike you and your father, who are smart, you need to live well, not face humiliation, and only when those around you are doing well will you feel at peace."

"In the past, when the second household bullied us openly and secretly, you told me to endure, but I knew it hurt you more."

Mrs. Wang knew herself; she could not restrain her temper and would immediately retaliate when wronged. As long as she saw the other party suffering too, she felt relieved, even if she was not doing well herself.

In her view, as long as one feels at ease, that’s enough. She didn’t care about the calculated gains and losses of endurance.

But Third Sister Zhao was different. At a young age, she studied and practiced martial arts diligently, plotting to retaliate against the injustices faced by her and Second Son. Sometimes Mrs. Wang forgot the grievances, but months later, her daughter would settle the score with the second household.

Though vengeance was sweet, Mrs. Wang felt the burden. Her daughter, so young, was already learning such calculations.

Mrs. Wang always felt it was too tiring. But these days, she noticed a change—her daughter’s heart seemed lighter, more carefree, retaliating against the second household more directly.

Mrs. Wang was pleased and relieved, holding Zhao Hanzhang’s hand, eyes filled with tears, "Continue like this, don’t hold resentment. If..."

She bit her lip, "If you do wish to contest family inheritance with your brother, do remember to leave him something."