After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times

Mrs. Wang, upon hearing this, did not doubt but exclaimed repeatedly, "So that’s why, no wonder the children born to my cousins always died young..."

She didn’t use her own knowledge to question Zhao Hanzhang because she believed her daughter to be the most capable and learned person in the world. Since she said so, it must be the truth.

She also didn’t ask why they couldn’t choose the daughters of Wang Kuang or Xiahou Ren, but Zhao Hanzhang explained briefly in a low voice, "Wang Kuang and Xiahou Ren each represent the noble families that moved southward and those that stayed in the north. I may use them, but I don’t want them involved in the power of the Imperial Family, so they’re not suitable."

Seeing that Zhao Hanzhang was willing to explain, Mrs. Wang pondered for a moment before asking softly, "Then is General Beigong’s daughter suitable? I heard that you rely heavily on him, and he holds significant military power. If he were to marry Erlang, wouldn’t you suspect Erlang?"

Zhao Hanzhang laughed, "No, Mother, I trust Erlang’s loyalty to me, and I also trust General Beigong’s character. Besides, if he had the ability to take royal power from me, I would be gratified, as it would mean he has become smarter."

"He surely wouldn’t dare, nor would he do such a thing," Mrs. Wang said excitedly to Zhao Hanzhang, "I heard that the women of the Beigong Family are skilled in martial arts and excellent at riding and archery. Perhaps she can get along well with Erlang, and since she manages logistics and military affairs for General Beigong, she should also manage the household well."

Zhao Hanzhang thought for a bit, "With such abilities, she should be a female general, indeed."

Mrs. Wang: "...I’m choosing a sister-in-law for you, and here you are poaching from me to appoint her officer."

Zhao Hanzhang immediately said, "Whether she is suitable or not depends on seeing the person. How about this, I’ll ask General Beigong to send his wife and daughter to the capital, so we can meet and evaluate."

Mrs. Wang: "You’ve summoned Shi Le back from Youzhou, why not call General Beigong back for a debrief as well?"

Zhao Hanzhang: "Shi Le has already returned. If General Beigong also returns, then there would be no one to support Tuoba Liuxiu in Dai Country."

After Tuoba Liuxiu took the throne as King of Dai, many tribes within the country were dissatisfied. Plus, Zhao Hanzhang only gave Dai Country military power, with governance assumed by officials she appointed, leaving tribal leaders even more displeased, causing an uproar.

Since Tuoba Yilu was detained in Luoyang by her, even if Tuoba Pusuge was unwilling, he had to consider the bigger picture and pacify the internal rebellion with Tuoba Liuxiu.

Shi Le and Beigong Chun assisted from the sidelines, but only sent small forces; the main effort to suppress the rebellion was within Dai itself.

No matter whether Zhao Hanzhang left Beigong Chun to support Tuoba Liuxiu or to guard against him, at any rate, only one of him or Shi Le could return at a time, taking turns.

Upon receiving the telegram, Beigong Chun did not think much and immediately arranged for an escort for his wife and daughter to enter the capital, "Your Majesty asked you to accept the rewards on my behalf."

Hui Niang thought that this trip would mean staying in Luoyang as a hostage, feeling quite sad, but seeing Beigong Chun’s instructions to travel light, she held back tears and asked, "We will return after going?"

Beigong Chun suddenly understood and quickly explained, "Of course, we will return. Do not overthink; Your Majesty does not intend to detain the families of military generals. The Li Family in Cheng Country, Shi Le, and Zu Ti did not send their families to the capital, and Your Majesty won’t detain my family either."

Beigong Chun was confident in his loyalty and also believed Zhao Hanzhang had confidence in him, as there was a mutual understanding between them as lord and retainer.

If it indeed reached the stage where family members were held as hostages in the capital, then Beigong Chun definitely believed he would be the last one to be considered.

Hui Niang sighed in relief, "Then why does Your Majesty want to see us? When you have to report for duty, you can receive your reward upon entering the capital."

"Perhaps it’s for Tuanyuan," Beigong Chun recalled Huang An’s reminder upon returning, saying, "Tuanyuan is at the age for marriage proposals. Your Majesty has an unmarried younger brother who is quite brave and straightforward. Perhaps Your Majesty wants to matchmake the two youngsters?"

Hui Niang was reluctant, "Didn’t you previously say you wanted to find a husband within the military for Tuanyuan?"

Beigong Chun said, "I have met Prince Qin and even taught him spear techniques. Though he may be a bit dull, he has good character and is Your Majesty’s own brother. They have a good sibling relationship, so if it’s fated, Tuanyuan marrying Prince Qin would be better."

He added, "Although there are also good men in the army, they are somewhat inferior compared to Prince Qin."

The key was, the good men might not be willing to marry in.

His daughter Tuanyuan was naturally talented in both intelligence and martial arts; she was that capable, so why should she lower herself to a man inferior to her?

If there is a choice, it would be better to choose Zhao Erlang.

Zhao Erlang may not be very smart, but he could offer Beigong Tuanyuan a broader world.

Beigong Chun told his wife, "Prince Qin has studied under the Chief of Staff, and shares his temperament."

Upon hearing this, Hui Niang no longer worried, "Then we shall set off tomorrow."

Beigong Chun: ...No need to be so hasty.

After bathing, Zhao Erlang changed into the new clothes made by his mother, and ran over eagerly, "Mother, is the food ready?"

Mrs. Wang glanced at him and complained, "Same fabric, same cut, but how come you look so ugly in it? Your brother-in-law looks quite handsome in it."

Only then did Zhao Erlang remember and look around, "Where is my brother-in-law?"

Zhao Hanzhang: "I’ve already sent someone to fetch him; he will be back shortly. You can start eating if you’re hungry."

Zhao Erlang, being a foodie, insisted on waiting for Fu Tinghan to return.

Fu Tinghan hurriedly arrived, and Zhao Erlang wanted to leap onto him in excitement like he did when he was a kid, but now he was broader, with broad shoulders and a strong waist, long arms, and legs, no longer able to act like a child.

Fu Tinghan, surprised, patted his shoulder and praised, "Good lad, you’re nearly as tall as me now."

Zhao Erlang grinned, showing off his biceps, "To get strong, you have to eat meat. Brother-in-law, listen to me: eat lots of meat and rice. In less than two months, you’ll be just like me."

"Your brother-in-law wouldn’t do that," Zhao Hanzhang said, "If he ate a lot of meat and rice, he would become as plump as a steamed bun two months later."

Zhao Erlang: "How could that be? I’ve always eaten like this and haven’t gained weight, just muscle!"

"That’s because you exercise. Your brother-in-law almost grows attached to his desk now. He even takes a carriage from the palace to the Ministry of Industry, walking less than a thousand steps a day."

Zhao Erlang, full of admiration, said, "Brother-in-law, you’re incredible! How do you manage to sit still? I never could sit still."

Zhao Hanzhang: ...

Fu Tinghan, holding back his laughter, said, "Now that you’re back, why not visit the Ministry of Industry with me? We’ve recently made something interesting."

Zhao Erlang agreed without even asking what it was.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!