After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 920 - 905: Unstable Intelligence Type

Then just let him commit another crime.

In Zhao Hanzhang’s territory, everything abides by law, without regard for personal feelings.

Zhao Hanzhang doesn’t even give face to her Seventh Ancestor, let alone an outsider like Liu Kun?

The whole morning was occupied with this matter, and Zhao Hanzhang felt it was a waste of time. She rubbed her forehead and asked, "What about Shi Le? Are there any updates on Wang Jun and the Xianbei?"

Ming Yu replied, "General Shi has entered the city, and ever since the commander reached Jinyang, there has been no movement from the Xianbei. Today, Wang Jun’s army took another city in Jizhou."

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "What was Liu Yueshi’s reaction?"

Ming Yu responded, "Governor Liu has dispatched General Ming with ten thousand troops to Jizhou for support, departing in two days."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Only ten thousand reinforcements, how can they repel Wang Jun?"

Ming Yu lowered his voice and said, "I was at the Inspector Mansion this morning and heard that Governor Liu is writing a letter to the Xianbei, hoping to enlist their support. I glanced at the gift list, which not only includes twenty thousand stone of grain but also various gold, silver, and jewelry."

In his words, there was inevitably envy, paired with a resentful glance at Zhao Hanzhang.

All for supporting Liu Kun, why do the Xianbei get gifts while we have to prepare our own supplies?

Zhao Hanzhang began to reflect on herself, while also resenting Liu Kun for not living up to expectations.

They are supposed to be confidants, yet while she is here, why not seek her assistance in addition to the Xianbei’s aid?

Zhao Hanzhang realized she couldn’t allow the situation to continue progressing in this manner, and immediately stood up, "Where is Shi Le? Bring him here; we need to discuss the strategy against Wang Jun."

Ming Yu frowned, "For free?"

Zhao Hanzhang looked at him disapprovingly, "Mr. Ming, from shore to shore, this land is Great Jin’s realm. Mutual aid is expected and appropriate; why talk about free or paid?"

She said, "We brought few troops; it may not be enough to confront Wang Jun. We must recruit soldiers!"

Ming Yu’s eyes shone, immediately straightening up, "The Commander is right; although the crisis in Jinyang is resolved, the predicament in Jizhou remains, recruiting soldiers is necessary."

Why was Liu Kun able to make a name for himself worldwide by defending a single city, surpassing those holding vast territories to become an influential minister in Jin State?

Even Gou Xi, who once held the emperor to control the Dukes, and Zhao Hanzhang, who currently wield great power, must show him some courtesy?

It’s precisely because of Jinyang’s unique location.

Jinyang is a feng shui treasure land.

Situated in northern Bingzhou, at the northern end of the Fen River valley, it is the junction of northern grassland civilization and Central Plains agrarian civilization, so the people here possess both the boldness and forthrightness of the grasslanders and the resilience and diligence of the Central Plains people.

It is surrounded by mountains and has rivers within, with natural barriers of terrain; most astutely, the Fen River connects a series of basins, which make the area of Hedong a land abundant with fish and rice. Besides, it surrounds ample mineral resources, with iron for weapons and copper for money, even salt deposits are found.

Even if cut off from the outside, it can completely self-sustain; moreover, due to the terrain, capturing Jinyang allows swift southern advances to seize Bingzhou, hence it provides strategic offense and defense.

This is one of the reasons why Liu Yuan constantly longed for Jinyang until his death; if Jinyang isn’t secured, the Han Kingdom’s gateway remains occupied by Liu Kun, like a persistent malignancy.

We’ve strayed from the topic; now back on track, precisely because Jinyang’s geographical positioning has led its people to greatly value martial arts, especially in recent years, amidst all the chaos, Jinyang stands on the brink of destruction. Refugees from all directions have come to rebuild this almost deserted city—they all excel in martial arts!

Now, walking down the street, even three-year-old children wield wooden swords, not to mention adults, it’s the norm for every person to have a big saber or spear, or a sickle or long sword.

Furthermore, Jinyang is a city where everyone is a soldier; whenever Jinyang faces an attack, Liu Kun calls his comrades to arms, with young adults manning the city walls against enemies, while elders, women, and children are all busy carrying stones, collecting arrows, making arrowheads, etc.

Thus recruiting soldiers in Jinyang is unlike other places, not requiring rookie training first; Jinyang’s troops only need minor adjustment and training to become a powerful army.

Ming Yu has long coveted Jinyang’s people, but since Jinyang is not under Zhao Hanzhang’s jurisdiction, he remains hesitant to speak out.

Zhao Hanzhang approached Shi Le to negotiate the number of recruits here, then seek Liu Kun’s consent.

Ming Yu followed closely behind, hesitatingly, "Commander, will Liu Kun agree?"

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "He surely will agree."

She sighed, "He cares about Jinyang’s people, yet doesn’t really care about them."

The people in Jinyang move freely; Liu Kun doesn’t impose restrictions, so records at the city gate show that over four thousand people sought refuge with Liu Kun in one day, but over five thousand left Jinyang.

Life in Jinyang is very difficult.

Zhao Hanzhang discussed feelings with Ming Yu while walking out, Fan Ying hurriedly came to report, "Commander, Liu Kun privately requested a meeting with General Shi."

Zhao Hanzhang: ...

She asked, "How did he orchestrate a private meeting?"

"The messenger bypassed our guards and secretly delivered the letter to General Shi."

Zhao Hanzhang then asked, "How did you find out?"

Fan Ying hesitated, then said, "General Shi sent someone to inform me."

Zhao Hanzhang raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, then asked, "Where did they arrange to meet?"

"Wangnan Building."

Zhao Hanzhang headed outside the military camp, saying, "You go busy yourself, I and Mr. Ming will head to Wangnan Building; please have Mr. Zhang go to Wangnan Building too."

Ming Yu hesitated, then as they rode away, he caught up to Zhao Hanzhang and asked, "Aren’t you confidants with Liu Yueshi? He knows Shi Le just surrendered, still uncertain, yet holds great power, how could he secretly arrange a meeting with Shi Le at this time?"

If they were to meet, it should’ve been through Zhao Hanzhang, or openly invite by delivering a post, right?

Such a scarce arrangement inevitably makes people suspicious.

However, Zhao Hanzhang seemed indifferent, even laughing heartily, and told Ming Yu, "Just like I long for his Jinyang, who knows he doesn’t covet my territory and power?"

Ming Yu frowned, "Liu Yueshi doesn’t seem like such a person."

Zhao Hanzhang lamented, "Of course he isn’t; at most, he simply desires my Bingzhou, wanting to be a genuine Bingzhou Governor. Yet human desires are unending; stepping forward is often followed by a step further."

Thus trustworthy people are few.

But Liu Kun, sometimes wise and sometimes foolish; sometimes deeply devoted to her yet sometimes digging beneath her, opposing her; he alone has she seen this happening. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

As soon as Zhao Hanzhang entered the city, she went straight to Wangnan Building.

Named a building, it is actually a vast park complex built for Jinyang’s aristocrats and wealthy to enjoy, and indulge in melancholy over the past spring and autumn; construction completed in recent years, Wangnan signifies longing to return southward.

Zhao Hanzhang dismounted and headed straight inside the building; the shopkeeper, no ordinary person but somewhat knowledgeable, saw Zhao Hanzhang, immediately turning pale, and sent people to inform Liu Kun while trying to block Zhao Hanzhang, attempting to delay some time.

At this time, Liu Kun was escorting two people out from another door for Shi Le, namely Shi Le’s mother and nephew, Shi Hu.