Chapter 48

After capturing Yangzhou and Guangling Commandery, the Great Qian did not continue its rapid advance. This decision was made after Zhang Hao and his advisors, including Tian Feng and Gu Yong, had a thorough discussion.

Firstly, it was due to the spring plowing. Spring plowing could not be delayed, and it would take time to consolidate control over the entire Yangzhou region. The Qian Law had been issued, but its implementation required time. People needed to see the benefits of the Qian Law to fully bind themselves to the Great Qian. Additionally, the local gentry and powerful families needed to be dealt with.

Secondly, Zhang Hao chose to hold back because of the military strength issue. Although the Great Qian army seemed invincible, the number of troops was still too small. Despite their advanced technology, which made them nearly unbeatable, the larger territory required garrisons to maintain stability before internal order was secured.

Therefore, it was impractical to launch a major campaign before the new recruits were fully trained. This could lead to chaos, which Zhang Hao did not want to see. Time was on his side, and he was not afraid of delays.

There was another reason that Zhang Hao did not fully explain to Tian Feng and Xizhi. It was the issue of the plot or historical trajectory. This year was a turning point for the Han Dynasty. Historically, Emperor Ling (Liu Hong) died this year, followed by the chaos of the Ten Attendants and the entry of Dong Zhuo into the capital. Various forces and prominent figures appeared and disappeared like a revolving door.

This situation was highly beneficial for the development of the Great Qian. At the very least, the Han court had little energy to suppress the Great Qian. This was an advantage, and Zhang Hao was considering how to take advantage of the situation.

In fact, the historical trajectory had already deviated. Without mentioning Zhang Hao and the Great Qian, it was already May, and historically, Liu Hong would have died by now. However, Liu Hong was still alive, despite intelligence reports indicating that his health was very poor. It was unclear whether this was related to Zhang Hao and the Great Qian.

Apart from having spies monitor the situation in Luoyang, Zhang Hao did not change his development strategy. He had gained some insights into development and knew how to leverage his advantages.

For example, the "rural film team" could be expanded, and special screenings could be organized for the local gentry. Such measures would greatly help future military campaigns. Advanced technology always had advanced effects.

Zhang Hao added footage from the recent battles to the promotional materials.

After several months of campaigning, Yangzhou suddenly became peaceful. Under the guidance of Great Qian officials, farming activities resumed. Zhang Hao had specially collected modern agricultural techniques and new farming tools and high-yield seeds, which were distributed to the people.

A reclamation corps composed of elderly and weak soldiers and prisoners was officially established to develop idle land in Yangzhou. The reorganized prisoners and new recruits were also involved in land surveys, law enforcement, and restrictions on the gentry and powerful families.

For a time, various actions across the region were carried out in an orderly and enthusiastic manner, full of vitality.

The unexpected calm of the Great Qian brought a sigh of relief to many. Although far-sighted people knew that the Great Qian was not a mere bandit and that its actions indicated significant ambitions, they had no way to counter it.

Encouraged by the Great Qian, the Yellow Turban rebels, who had been gradually suppressed, suddenly became more active, causing considerable trouble for local officials, who had to repeatedly seek help from the court.

However, the court had no energy to deal with these issues. Even the request for aid from the Inspector of Xu Province, Tao Qian, was put on hold. The court officials had more important matters to handle, namely the succession of the imperial throne.

It seemed that Liu Hong had been holding on to see the outcome of the battle between Chen Wen and the Great Qian, perhaps hoping for good news to die in peace. Of course, this was just speculation. Liu Hong had experienced too many rebellions in his short life, and his heart must have been well-exercised.

After receiving the news of Chen Wen's defeat, Liu Hong struggled for a few days, barely managed to arrange his affairs, and then died.

Before closing his eyes, Liu Hong, in addition to arranging matters for his two princes, specifically addressed the Great Qian. He appointed the Governor of Hedong, Zhu Jun, as the Inspector of Yuzhou and the Minister of Works, Lu Zhi, as the Inspector of Jingzhou, clearly hoping that these two capable officials would suppress the Great Qian.

After receiving their appointments, Zhu Jun and Lu Zhi could not immediately take office. They had to attend Liu Hong's funeral and the coronation of the new emperor.

Liu Hong's death marked the beginning of turmoil for the Han Dynasty.

Zhang Hao wanted to take advantage of this opportunity, but his wisdom was insufficient to come up with a suitable plan. On one hand, his connections with Luoyang were limited. Apart from some intelligence agents, he only had a connection with Zhang Rang, and he was unsure of his influence over Zhang Rang, let alone the Ten Attendants. Therefore, it was difficult to do anything.

On the other hand, what exactly constituted a benefit? The events unfolding according to history had already provided him with significant opportunities. Even if some butterfly effects occurred, they were not crucial.

He had considered causing more chaos to alter the historical trajectory or eliminating key figures to increase temporal energy. However, the question remained: how could he achieve these goals without disrupting the current favorable situation?

After much thought, Zhang Hao's head ached, and he ultimately abandoned this brain-draining endeavor, deciding to act opportunistically. After all, doing nothing would not result in any loss.

In the following days, history continued to unfold as planned. The eldest son, Liu Bian, ascended the throne, Empress He became Empress Dowager He, and General He Jin, who held significant power, first dealt with the eunuch Jianshuo, who had tried to harm him, and took control of the imperial guards. Thus, the eunuchs lost their military advantage.

A matter related to Zhang Hao was that the two renowned officials, Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun, finally began their appointments and would stand on the front lines against Zhang Hao and the Great Qian. General He Jin was quite courteous to these two officials and supported their pacification efforts, providing them with some money, grain, and soldiers.

In the Liyang Inspectorate, on a pavilion, Zhang Hao sat on a soft couch, holding his forehead, looking speechless.

On either side of him, Xiao Zhu and Xiao Cha, along with two other beautiful young women, were trying to suppress their laughter.

On the side, the elegant and refined Cai Wenji placed her hands on the qin, her usually serene eyes now filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation as she looked at the old man.

The old man, dressed in a long robe with wide sleeves, exuding a refined demeanor, was none other than Cai Wenji's father, Cai Yong. The great literary and musical figure was now pacing back and forth on the pavilion, his face filled with worry, occasionally sighing.

"Alas, how can I face my old friends!"

There it was again. Zhang Hao really wanted to sigh along. Damn, ever since half an hour ago, Cai Yong had come to the pavilion, interrupting Zhang Hao's enjoyment of Cai Wenji's qin playing and their conversation, without saying what he wanted, only repeating this sigh. It was driving Zhang Hao crazy, but he could not do anything about it.

After all, Zhang Hao had designs on Cai Wenji and had even had Huang Zhong propose marriage on his behalf. He could not assert his authority as the King of Qian to his future father-in-law. Cai Yong must have known this, which was why he was acting this way. The old man had never been so unrefined before.

What a stubborn old man. Zhang Hao cursed inwardly.

Actually, the matter was not complicated. It was due to Liu Hong's final arrangements. Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun were both good friends of Cai Yong.

Now that Zhang Hao had proposed to Cai Yan, Cai Yong had begun to serve the Great Qian. Thinking about how his old friends had become enemies, he felt uncomfortable. Zhang Hao could understand this.

But what could Zhang Hao do? He could not surrender, and he could not make Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun surrender either.

He could only try to protect Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun in the upcoming battles.

Cai Yong understood this, but he could not get over it. After all, war was dangerous, and no one could predict the future.

Through the past few months, Cai Yong had come to understand the potential of the Great Qian and knew that the ultimate victory would belong to this mysterious future son-in-law.

His current behavior was likely to get Zhang Hao's commitment or a solution to avoid awkwardness when meeting his old friends.

More likely, Cai Yong was just feeling frustrated and wanted to vent his frustrations on the "culprit" Zhang Hao, making him feel uncomfortable as well.

"Uncle Cai, how about this. The Yellow River has already thawed. I can directly send the navy to attack the Three Rivers region. After experiencing the strength of the Jinghai Army, the court might be unwilling to send a large army away from Luoyang. Perhaps then, Minister Lu and Governor Zhu will stay in the capital."

Zhang Hao said weakly.

"Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun did not take many troops from Luoyang. They are to recruit locally. If the Jinghai Army moves north, it will only prompt the court to urge them to act faster. Moreover, the cannons of the Jinghai Army can easily harm civilians," Cai Yong said without hesitation.

"Father!" Cai Yan could not bear to listen anymore. Zhang Hao had already proposed several solutions, all aimed at ensuring the safety of Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun. Asking for too much was unreasonable. He had already been very accommodating to Cai Yong.

"Alas, I know I am asking too much. But these two old friends helped me a lot in the past. If not for them, I might not have been able to live in peace in Wu. So, I am feeling restless. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding."

Cai Yong sighed deeply, bowed to Zhang Hao, and left without another word.

Zhang Hao shrugged. The pleasant atmosphere was ruined by Cai Yong. However, facing Cai Yan's pleading and apologetic gaze, what could he say...