Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 381: Studying

At the prefectural governor’s mansion.

Tang Wanzhuang sat in the hall, issuing orders, systematically addressing each issue that Da Zhou and Zhao Changhe had discussed earlier.

Zhao Changhe was squatting at the side, holding a bowl and eating.

As he sat by the side, he was observing and listening closely, trying to learn as much as he could.

There were things he truly did not understand, so he could not just speak nonsense.

For instance, the matter involving the resumption of farming... As a modern university student, he thought he knew a bit about everything, but when faced with the actual situation, Zhao Changhe did not even know the specific farming timelines. It was now the second month of the year, and he was not sure if it was still possible to plant crops after missing the earlier season. If it could be remedied, then what kind of official assistance was needed? He could not be certain as he lacked knowledge in this regard.

In addition, there was the matter of reducing the number of troops and whether it was appropriate given the current situation. This was not a matter of difficulty but rather of never having made such leadership decisions that could determine the fate of a city. He was simply not mentally prepared for such responsibilities.

Thus, he could only squat nearby and eat, watching Tang Wanzhuang give orders.

Sure enough, there was still time to resume farming. Tang Wanzhuang promptly disbanded half of Xiangyang’s troops in one breath. At the same time, those identified as traitors of the Demon Suppression Bureau and Lu Shiheng’s confidants in the army were all taken away and executed by the vicious cult members of the Blood God Cult.

It was a ruthlessness quite unlike the Tang Wanzhuang he usually saw.

The spring water, as if in an instant, turned blood red.

“In troubled times, one must be decisive, not hesitant,” said Tang Wanzhuang as she walked over to him. She inexplicably found him rather cute as he squatted there, but she said, “Do I see a change in your eyes? Do you not like me killing people?”

Zhao Changhe shook his head and said, “No... It has to be done. It just doesn’t seem like you.”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled and said, “How much do you really know me? Only thinking about...”

She trailed off, pursed her lips, and then changed the topic, “The excessively high entrance fee must be canceled. But the problem is, Xiangyang truly is out of money.”

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Zhao Changhe slurped his food. “Can’t you get funding from the imperial court?”

Tang Wanzhuang, seemingly embarrassed, lowered her voice and said, “Various regions use the excuse of bandits and poor transport to avoid paying taxes. The imperial court is also out of funds.”

Zhao Changhe grimaced, then asked after a while, “Does Qinghe use this excuse as well?”

“They’re a bit better,” Tang Wanzhuang sighed. “Better mainly because they’re close by.”

Zhao Changhe looked at her again.

In fact, it’s not just because of their close proximity to the capital; it’s more so because Old Cui did not want to declare independence. When it comes to someone like Old Cui, if he finds someone worth supporting, he will supply his resources to them, whether it be money, grain, or soldiers, establishing a new foundation of loyalty and power.

So far, there simply has not been anyone impressive enough for Old Cui to fully support. The Wang Clan, being directly involved in the power struggle, is a potential option. If the Wang Clan truly raises the flag of rebellion, the proximity of Qinghe from Langya could become significant, especially with them already in the process of establishing ties through marriage.

The war between warlords at the end of the dynasty has already begun.

Zhao Changhe did not say any of this, instead focusing on his meal. “I’ll find someone to borrow some money from to help Xiangyang in the short term. We can repay them with some interest later.”

Tang Wanzhuang said, “Xiangyang’s production is poor, and Lu Shiheng’s forced conscription has created a large financial gap. Otherwise, he would not have come up with such a horrible thing like the one-tael entrance fee. We can’t operate like Lu Shiheng; we must subsidize the production in the area... Sian does not have the resources to support such a large region. He can only slightly alleviate the issues. Who do you plan to borrow such a large sum from?”

Zhao Changhe replied, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find a way. You’ve only been discussing affairs for less than half an hour, yet your face is already pale again. You seriously should not overexert yourself. Listen to your doctor, alright?”

Tang Wanzhuang wanted to say, if you don’t learn, what can I do...

But when the words reached her lips, she realized that by sitting here and eating, he was actually learning. He had even volunteered to help solve the financial issues that Xiangyang was facing, which was a big change from his previous attitude of wandering around with his saber and wine, uncaring of the matters of the imperial court. This was a significant step toward getting involved.

When she realized this, she felt a little relieved, so she decided to discuss other matters. “Regarding the military, do you trust Xue Canghai?”

“Yes, Cult Leader Xue has a broader vision than most people realize... The Blood God Cult’s bloodthirstiness is due to the cultivation technique they practice. They gain power through killing... You’ve never played games before, but in games, anything that can give experience points is generally farmed. Just because they try to level up by killing people does not mean that they are inherently bloodthirsty. As long as there’s a higher goal, he knows what he should do.”

Tang Wanzhuang did not care about the teachings of the Blood God Cult, and she did not understand Zhao Changhe’s game analogies, so she simply asked, “So you mean, for Xiangyang’s defense and military reorganization, we can leave it to Xue Canghai?”

“Yes.” Zhao Changhe looked at her curiously. “If you don’t trust Xue Canghai or don’t want cultists being the ones in charge of the defense of the city, you could always get someone you trust to take charge. You don’t have to care about hurting my pride... Am I that fragile?”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled but did not say anything.

It’s not about hurting your pride...

Even if Xue Canghai isn’t the most suitable, I’d still let him handle it because this is what has been ordered by the prince. Even if issues do arise, that is when us subordinates are to come into play and clean up the mess.

When this rascal finds himself increasingly involved in all aspects of governing the world, he may find himself hooked on it. And even if he doesn’t, there will be a group of people whose interests are linked to his, giving him a mantle to wear.

Why would I be wary of cultists being the ones in charge of the base? My goal is simply for you to have a base.

Tang Wanzhuang’s mood improved significantly. Smiling, she said, “That’s not it at all. Anyway, now that the main tasks have been delegated, with everyone having their own responsibilities and you handling the most troublesome issue, I don’t need to attend to everything myself. I can finally have some rest.”

Zhao Changhe did not quite grasp her thoughts, and with a bit of frustration, he moved aside to rinse his mouth. “Just eat first.”

He had just finished rinsing his mouth when he heard intense coughing. He quickly ran over to find Tang Wanzhuang sitting by the table, covering her mouth as she coughed violently, struggling to even breathe.

Zhao Changhe hurried over to support her, and when he looked down, he saw her palm was stained with blood from her coughing.

She had seemed full of energy earlier, able to hit him and even throw him into the water, but now she was so weak that she looked like she might collapse from a breeze. Leaning against his chest, she panted softly.

Zhao Changhe did not focus on the sensation of holding her delicate body. Instead, he immediately channeled a bit of his qi to examine her condition. It was the same old problem, and he felt a wave of frustration.

The treatment last night had dealt with the shock, and the leakage of her power at the third layer of the Profound Mysteries had been barely suppressed, which was why she had been in good spirits earlier. But now, it was flaring up once again.

This shouldn’t have happened so quickly... Zhao Changhe realized the reason at this moment. When she had told him to sleep, she herself had stayed up, working tirelessly. Her supposed “shopping trip” had actually been an inspection of people’s livelihood.

Her illness was inherently linked to mental fatigue, and if she continued to push herself like this, it would obviously only get worse.

Not bothering to scold her, Zhao Changhe looked at the blood on her lips and gently wiped it off.

Tang Wanzhuang looked up at him in surprise.

Their eyes met and remained locked for some time until Zhao Changhe whispered, “I need to treat you now, master... Throw me into the water if you wish later.”

Tang Wanzhuang instinctively wanted to struggle but found herself too weak.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, then she finally closed her eyes.

In the next moment, his familiar lips covered hers in a firm kiss.

This time, it was no longer like the sudden attack from the day before. Both of them knew exactly what was coming, yet she still closed her eyes, leaned into his embrace, and did not utter a word of refusal.

She told herself that this was treatment, and that there was no need to overthink it.

The dual cultivation technique combined with the Rejuvenation Art once again nourished her exhausted soul and body, leading her to a vision of mountains and rivers.

The valiant man with a scar on his face was walking toward her through the scenic landscape.

She smiled at him as they slowly approached each other and then embraced.

The man lowered his head to kiss her lips, and she closed her eyes and followed his lead.

His tongue probed at her teeth, gently seeking entry.

She hesitated briefly but then complied, parting her lips to allow him in.