New year, new atmosphere; the entire six inner counties and states of Yu State, held in Zhao Hanzhang’s hands, have welcomed a fresh start.
Zhao Hanzhang’s orders were delivered to each county by the first month. No one doubted she meant business, as she was indeed capable of executing those who defied her commands. As a result, Zhao Hanzhang faced a wave of officials resigning with their seals, while those who stayed behind remained vigilant, not daring to disobey her orders.
The list of resigned and retained officials, along with their performance evaluations, was delivered to her desk by Mr. Ji, along with various other pieces of information he had collected.
The desk was piled high with documents. Fan Ying tried to organize them but soon felt overwhelmed.
Fu Tinghan and Zhao Hanzhang returned from their "undercover investigation" without having changed out of their clothes. Seeing Fan Ying on the verge of tears, Fu Tinghan picked up the documents on the desk and leafed through them.
Zhao Hanzhang immediately identified her issue, "I’ll make a chart for you later. You can follow the chart to compile this information."
Fu Tinghan said, "There’s too much. I’ll help her organize it. There are quite a few officials resigning; you need to promote people from the current ranks, which requires recruiting new personnel to replace them. The information we have is still not enough."
Zhao Hanzhang tapped the table, "The power to appoint minor officials is to be delegated; we just need to ensure the regulations are well-established."
Zhao Hanzhang smiled faintly and said to Fan Ying, "Instruct each county to report the number and positions of officials needed. After verifying, we will decide on the number of people to recruit this year. Inform all academies and encourage interested students to participate in the recruitment process. Also, post announcements in each county, letting the world know that Zhao Hanzhang recruits talents regardless of origin, focusing only on ability and virtue. Anyone who believes they are capable can come forward and apply for these positions in the counties."
This task was large, and neither Fan Ying nor her team could tackle it immediately, leading her to seek help from Fu Tinghan.
Fu Tinghan nodded, "Organize the materials first. Once I’ve freshened up, I’ll come to assist."
Delighted, Fan Ying acknowledged and withdrew with a bow.
This was not difficult for Fu Tinghan, who was accustomed to working late nights. In modern society, who doesn’t sleep after ten o’clock?
So after bathing and eating dinner, he began working in the study with the last light of the sunset, managing to work for over three hours before going to sleep.
His days were mainly filled with physical labor, which he was used to, so it wasn’t strenuous for him. His mind was most active at night, allowing him to organize things quickly.
To Fan Ying and the other officials, Fu Tinghan appeared dedicated and virtuous, accompanying the chief on undercover investigations by day and handling many tasks for her by night.
This deepened their trust in him.
Zhao Hanzhang was also busy. The Yushan Hall outside the city was nearly completed, but there were still many refugees needing settlement. Recently, efforts were being made to distribute land.
The infrastructure had only just begun.
The officials in the Governor Mansion were not slacking either. By the fifth day of the new year, they finally completed a survey of the wasteland and general estimates of the refugees who had lost their land to each county.
Zhao Hanzhang browsed through it and decided not to accompany Fu Tinghan the following day but instead summoned Yin Sheng and others, asking, "For how long have these lands been left uncultivated?"
"Three years."
Zhao Hanzhang nodded, "Then make the announcement. Notify all counties in Nanyang Country to gather and settle the refugees. Those who register at the government offices can receive ten acres of land along with necessary farming tools. While it’s early spring, they can organize the fields, and we will distribute seeds in due time."
"Yes."
"Before the farming season begins, arrange for the refugees to build houses and settle down; let each county handle it independently."
Yin Sheng lowered his head and replied, "Yes," then hesitated, "But building houses requires money..."
Zhao Hanzhang smiled at Yin Sheng, beckoning him closer. Once he approached, she said, "Do you know Liu Yueshi?"
Yin Sheng was puzzled but nodded, "Of course, I know. Liu Kun is a renowned scholar. He was able to safeguard Jinyang and its people despite being surrounded by the Xiongnu."
"Good to know. I’ve heard that when he first arrived in Jinyang City, the city was in ruins with barely any people left, and the roads were filled with fleeing Han households. Yet, within just one year, he revived the city’s vitality and brought the people of Bingzhou back to Jinyang," Zhao Hanzhang fixed her eyes on Yin Sheng. "I don’t expect you all to be as capable as Liu Yueshi, but with the resources and support I’ve given you, shouldn’t you also think hard and share my burdens?"
Zhao Hanzhang asked some harshly, "Do I have to cook the meals and spoon-feed you before you would open your mouths to eat?"
Sweating profusely, Yin Sheng quickly knelt down, "Please calm your anger, my lady. I will immediately instruct each County Magistrate to formulate plans and independently find ways to settle the refugees."
Zhao Hanzhang snorted coldly, "Summon Wang Nai."
Wang Nai and Xie Shi were also busy. Zhao Hanzhang had so many documents and matters to address that, like Fan Ying, they not only helped her organize various documents and information but also handled some administrative affairs.
Thus, it was a quarter of an hour before Wang Nai arrived.
As soon as he arrived, Zhao Hanzhang said, "Prepare yourself to inspect each county in Nanyang Country tomorrow. Firstly, this is a critical time, and you need to oversee the situation to prevent chaos. Secondly, you and Xie Shi need to stay here, but you can use this opportunity to learn more about each county."
Wang Nai bowed his head in acceptance and asked, "Shall I bring the Second Son?"
Zhao Hanzhang thought for a moment, considering that Zhao Erlang currently had nothing to do but train troops. She decisively nodded, "Bring him along. If you encounter bandits on the road, let him take the opportunity to suppress them."
Wang Nai hadn’t expected to take on an additional task of bandit suppression. Zhao Hanzhang truly utilized everyone to their fullest, leaving no room for idleness.
After receiving his orders, he bowed and withdrew.
After handling the tasks at hand, Zhao Hanzhang, with nothing else to do, changed clothes and strolled to the Yushan Hall construction site outside the city.
Today, Fu Tinghan and his team were tasked with digging ditches, essentially an underground drainage system to prevent flooding during rains.
Seeing Zhao Hanzhang, those in the same team were greatly surprised, "Missing more than half a day’s work yet still filling in at the last minute?"
The others turned to Fu Tinghan, suspecting him of using his position for personal gain to credit Zhao Hanzhang and receive the full labor pay for her.
Zhao Hanzhang stood with her arms crossed by the ditch, "I am just here to observe and won’t interfere or take any pay."
Everyone felt reassured and chatted with her normally, "Didn’t you say you were on sick leave? But you look quite healthy, not like someone ill."
Zhao Hanzhang replied, "It’s not me who is sick; it’s my great-uncle. I’m being filial, attending to him at home, but as I’m free this afternoon, I came over to take a look."
"Oh dear, if an elderly person falls ill, be cautious; this season is cold, and if he can’t make it through..." it would be a lifetime concern.
Zhao Hanzhang, however, felt Zhao Zhongyu should be fine.
Indeed, Zhao Zhongyu fell ill, and it seemed to be quite serious, prompting Zhao Ji to write to the clan, asking them to be prepared.

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