Chapter 1440 - 1347: Zhang Shi

Cotton is not much used in Jiaozhou and Ningzhou, so they did not join the race to seize cotton seeds, but their mood was still not relaxed.

Zhao Hanzhang is indeed favored by the heavens; having ascended the throne for only three years, she already possesses such a treasure.

Cold and hunger have always been humanity’s two biggest challenges, and for most people in this world, their life’s pursuit is nothing more than to eat well and dress warmly.

If cotton truly keeps warm as they claim, from now on, humans will have conquered the cold.

The people of the world, even those in Jiaozhou and Ningzhou who do not need cotton, will feel respect.

Wei Fang and Wei Ran exchanged a glance, with a hint of reluctance in their eyes, yet still stepped forward to join the officials in flattering Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang was so flattered she felt quite lightheaded; Fu Tinghan handed her the child, and her half-elevated spirit immediately grounded as she took Mingming in her arms, then invited everyone to the palace banquet.

Zhao Hanzhang invited Zhao Xin to follow into the rear hall, while Zhao Hu and other Zhao Family members lifted their feet to follow, stopped by Zhao Song’s glance.

They were anxious, "Zhao Xin went to the Western Regions, but took three Zhao Family brothers, and earlier I didn’t see them outside the hall."

"Zhao Jin died, and at the time, due to captivity, I couldn’t properly handle his affairs, so I just dug a pit to bury him. The other two older cousins got lost in the dust storm and the battle, their life or death unknown. But..." Zhao Xin sat on the bench, took a sip of hot tea, revealing things inappropriate to speak in the main hall.

Given the situation then, those who got lost faced grim odds, and not just them; it was hard for other soldiers to survive too.

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "If they were still alive, what do you think they would be doing?"

Zhao Xin thought for a moment and said, "Being slaves."

Zhao Hanzhang: "Would they strive to come back?"

Zhao Xin: "As long they are still alive, they will keep striving for that."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Good, then let’s go bring them back."

Zhao Xin looked up at her in surprise, "Your Majesty plans to use troops against the Western Regions?"

Zhao Hanzhang asked, "Zhang Shi wasn’t in the returning delegation, so is he...?"

Zhao Xin’s spirit lifted, and he quickly said, "He returned safely, but upon meeting with Second Son, learned of Governor Zhang’s death, so he directly returned to Xiliang after resigning."

The news spread, and everyone praised Zhang Shi for his purity and filial piety; no one thought his quitting and going home was inappropriate.

However... beyond praise there is regret and worry.

Zhao Xin already knew that after Zhang Gui’s death, the court quickly established his second son, Zhang Mao, as the new King of Xiliang, when it should have belonged to the eldest son, Zhang Shi.

Zhao Xin secretly glanced at Zhao Hanzhang.

Zhao Hanzhang lowered her gaze, took a sip of tea, casually picked a snack to give to Mingming playing beside her.

Mingming immediately accepted with both hands, quietly nibbling at it.

Zhao Hanzhang put down her tea cup, smiled lightly, and said, "Zhang Shi accomplished diplomatic missions successfully, I will reward him richly."

This meant not intending to replace the King of Xiliang.

Not only Zhao Hanzhang didn’t want a change, but also the officials and civilians in Xiliang didn’t want a change.

Over the past year, Zhang Mao has done well; he essentially continued his father Zhang Gui’s policies, and the court restored Xiliang’s appointment and policy-making...

This year, with the court’s aid, Zhang Mao continued to take in refugees, reduce taxes, and pacify the people.

And Zhao Hanzhang has left much of Zhang Gui’s political resources untouched, currently Xiliang largely retains its setup as in Zhang Gui’s time, both Zhao Hanzhang and Zhang Mao only make minor adjustments.

This has made Zhang Gui’s advisers trust Zhang Mao even more and support his complete submission to the court.

So this year, Xiliang has a good atmosphere.

Zhang Shi suddenly returned, alive, causing unease for everyone; except Zhang Mao who was genuinely pleased, the other officials and advisors couldn’t hide their worry.

Zhang Shi and his brother Zhang Mao cried bitterly on each other’s shoulders, then together offered incense at their father’s shrine.

Before the shrine, Zhang Shi and Zhang Mao couldn’t help but cry again, Zhang Shi asked, "Where is Father buried? I want to build a dwelling and observe mourning for three years."

Zhang Mao: "I’ll go with elder brother."

Zhang Shi shook his head, "You are now the King of Xiliang; how could you leave the Inspector Mansion and join me in the wild?"

Zhang Mao cried out, "Elder brother, I don’t want to be the King of Xiliang; I just want to be Cheng Xun of Father."

Zhang Shi also cried along.

The brothers cried in the shrine for a day, almost fainting, eventually the Princess and the grand lady came to help them out, putting the matter to rest.

Zhang Shi wasn’t foolish; he naturally sensed the worry and undercurrents among Xiliang’s officials and civilians and felt somewhat displeased, thinking Zhang Mao underestimated him.

Is he thought to be someone who cares about authority?

Just then Zhao Hanzhang urged him through telegram to come to the Capital City to report and to discuss rewards, so he left after worshiping his father.

Zhang Mao sent him out of the city, feeling upset watching his brother’s disappearing back.

He turned to Wang Chang, "I’ve repeatedly said, our brothers are not those who vie for power and profit, elder brother truly cares for me, and I’m willing to give the throne back to him; who acted differently before elder brother?"

Wang Chang sighed, "Governor, eldest son is sensitive minded; even if no one dares to express it, a trace of cautiousness in actions will make him aware."

"Since eldest son senses it, why not speak openly and resolve misunderstandings?" Wang Chang asked, "You’ve always believed in eldest son, but does eldest son believe the Governor?"

Zhang Mao was silent.

Wang Chang said, "This is one reason the Great King was unwilling to establish the princely heir, having eldest son succeed Xiliang; eldest son... is too wishful when acting, only indulges in his own thoughts and forgets to listen to outside opinions."

Wang Chang knows Zhang Mao sincerely wants to return the throne to Zhang Shi, and has already sent documents to the Capital City for this.

Wang Chang is quite worried, as if Your Majesty changes to appoint Zhang Shi as King of Xiliang, he might have to leave early to retire.

Zhang Shi is smart but arrogant; Wang Chang believes he can survive well under Zhang Shi, but not that he can help Zhang Shi defeat all his enemies.

Xiliang’s position is unique; not only do surrounding states eye to annex, but internally many wish to kill Zhang Family and take its place.

Zhang Shi as leader, far less capable than his brother.

Zhang Mao sighed, and said to Wang Chang, "Let’s go back and wait for Your Majesty’s reply."

Zhao Hanzhang ignored Zhang Mao’s letter and documents, simply casting them aside, waiting for Zhang Shi’s arrival to show them.

Zhang Shi was stunned, quickly said, "Your Majesty, I truly have no intention to inherit Xiliang."

Zhao Hanzhang laughed lightly, "I believe you, I showed you the letter and documents to let you know that Cheng Xun’s care for you is no less than your care for him."

Zhang Shi paused for a moment, then sighed, "I know, earlier I misunderstood, I should’ve talked it over with him before leaving."