Chapter 49

As the wind blew from outside the window, the gauzy curtains danced, bringing a refreshing breeze.

Zhang Hao looked at Cai Yan's clear and beautiful face, and the annoyance he had felt quickly dissipated. He got up, walked to Cai Yan's side, and sat down, holding her slender and delicate hand, "Zhaoji, don't overthink it. How could I blame Uncle Cai? He is my future father-in-law, and I am grateful that he is willing to entrust his daughter to me."

Cai Yan had already adapted to this level of intimacy from Zhang Hao, but she still felt a bit shy. After all, the two young girls were secretly observing them.

Zhang Hao, however, paid no attention to the gazes of the two young girls. These two beauties were only about twelve or thirteen years old, with faces as delicate and charming as if carved from jade, and skin as white and smooth as snow. Even at such a young age, they exuded a sense of extraordinary beauty.

These two were quite famous beauties in modern times, known as the elder and younger Qiao sisters. Since he had taken control of Jiangdong and Huai River, and knowing where these two beauties were, how could Zhang Hao, who had already become somewhat corrupt, let them go? He directly brought them into his residence under the pretext of taking them as concubines.

However, they were still young and needed a few more years to grow.

The outside world had no objections to this. As the King of Gan, this was not considered a wrong act. Although the elder and younger Qiao sisters were still young, it was not unusual in this era. Many local gentry families in the counties and commanderies had tried to offer their beauties to Zhang Hao, knowing of his preference for beautiful women.

If they were indeed outstanding, Zhang Hao would not refuse. This made some people happy while others worried, as Zhang Hao's standards were not low.

He got up and walked to the window. From the high position of the pavilion, he could see the mighty Yangtze River, the vast scenery invigorating his spirit.

"Cai Yan's father has learned about this matter, and it seems it will soon spread among the people. We can't delay any longer," Zhang Hao said calmly, turning to look at Cai Yan, "I was thinking of discussing other matters after our wedding, but it seems we need to wait a bit longer for the wedding."

"Your Majesty, the state affairs come first," Cai Yan said in a soft and melodious voice, her fair face tinged with a blush.

It had been over a month since the pacification of Yangzhou. Although preparations were not yet complete, things could not wait until everything was ready.

Moreover, due to special means like promotional videos and the might of the Gan army, various matters within the province were already under the control of the Great Gan. The foundation was not yet fully stable, but there were no immediate issues.

Additionally, the reorganization of new troops was almost complete. Although it was not thorough, they had already adapted to the combat methods of the Gan army. The rest they would learn on the battlefield.

The tree wants to be still, but the wind will not stop. It was time to launch another campaign. He couldn't wait for Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun to consolidate their positions and come looking for trouble.

Although he was not afraid, it was better to keep things simple if possible.

The first thing to address was Jingzhou. Not only was Jingzhou wealthy and densely populated, but it also had very few Yellow Turban rebels, who were quickly suppressed, making it the least burdened province. If Lu Zhi were to unify it, it would be more troublesome.

In Yuzhou, the Yellow Turban rebels were quite formidable. After Zhu Jun took office, he would have to suppress the Yellow Turbans before he could effectively oppose the Great Gan.

It's worth noting that although categorized as rebels, the Yellow Turbans did not view the Great Gan favorably. It was not because of anything else, but due to their faith. The Yellow Turbans had their own beliefs, which were clearly not accepted by the Great Gan. The Yellow Turbans also disliked the Great Gan's system.

Therefore, the Yellow Turbans were more hostile towards the Great Gan, though this attitude was more prevalent among the higher ranks. Ordinary Yellow Turban soldiers just wanted a better life, to be well-fed and clothed.

After bidding farewell to Cai Yan and the Qiao sisters, Zhang Hao went directly to the main hall, where he had already ordered his ministers to gather. The current situation was clear to the officials within the Great Gan system. Some had already suggested taking the initiative, and now that another campaign was imminent, many officials were eager.

At this moment, a guard came in with a letter, explaining that it was left by Guan Yu. Just a moment ago, Guan Yu had boarded a ship bound for Liaodong.

Zhang Hao smiled. Guan Yu had been quite obedient over the past month. After his injuries had slightly recovered, he had indeed wandered around as Zhang Hao had suggested, but he had never shown any signs of submission or spoken to Zhang Hao. His decision to use the navy to go to Liaodong now clearly indicated his choice.

The letter was not for Zhang Hao but for Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. Since there was no news of Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, Zhang Hao hoped to find them and have someone deliver the letter.

Zhang Hao did not read the letter's contents but had it stored away. He would send it when he found Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.

Soon, the ministers gathered in the main hall. Zhang Hao now had a wealth of talent under his command. Since taking control of Yangzhou, countless talents had come to him, including many famous figures like Lu Su and Zhang Zhao.

A stable system had formed under Zhang Hao. Even future famous figures had to start from the middle or lower ranks. With their considerable talents, they quickly adapted to the Great Gan's various regulations and learned many new concepts, entering their roles swiftly.

After explaining that today's topic was the campaign, the officials began to discuss various matters, such as logistics, grain reserves, and which areas to attack first.

As Zhang Hao had guessed, the officials were united in their desire for a campaign. They knew that Lu Zhi and Zhu Jun had taken office, and the current situation, with the Han throne changing hands and the conflict between eunuchs and gentry intensifying, was a rare opportunity for the Great Gan, which they should cherish.

Zhang Hao was accustomed to letting his subordinates express their ideas before making a decision.

"Your Majesty..." At this moment, Luo An entered the main hall with a joyful expression, bowed to Zhang Hao, and handed him a report.

After reading it, Zhang Hao's face broke into a smile. Looking at the curious officials, he said, "I told Zhaoji earlier that our wedding might be delayed, but it seems we won't have to wait too long. Suifeng and some local gentry have done a good job this time."

Just as they were preparing for the campaign, this report indicated that Jingzhou might be within easy reach.

After taking control of Yangzhou, Zhang Hao placed even more importance on the mobile cinema teams, which had proven highly effective in stabilizing the region and intimidating the enemy. Luo An understood Zhang Hao's intentions well.

Thus, Suifeng frequently crossed the border to screen these promotional videos. Some local gentry families, eager to earn merit and change Zhang Hao's impression of them, also went all out. Most gentry families knew each other, so some of them took the initiative to act as emissaries, traveling to various regions to persuade local gentry.

Zhang Hao's idea of a special session for the gentry was well-received. These emissaries, accompanied by Suifeng's team, would gather the local gentry and screen the promotional videos, which had a significant impact.

In Jingzhou, the local gentry were particularly powerful, controlling much of the local government and military. Due to the Yangtze River and the attacks by the Jinghai navy along its banks, they had a good understanding of the Great Gan's strength.

After seeing Zhang Hao's promotional videos, many gentry families, already concerned about the complex and chaotic situation in the court, began to waver. Although they knew the Great Gan imposed significant restrictions on the gentry, when it came to their lives and property, what was more important was clear.

Especially with Lu Zhi appointed as the governor of Jingzhou, he would inevitably conscript soldiers and require financial support from the gentry. The example of the gentry in Yangzhou made the gentry in Jingzhou think twice.

Thus, after receiving some promises from Zhang Hao, such as the opening of the salt and iron industries and the sharing of manufacturing techniques for the Great Gan's top products, and learning that the Great Gan's next target was likely Jingzhou, the gentry in Jingzhou, after much deliberation, finally made a decision.

After making their decision, they were straightforward and prepared to offer Zhang Hao a significant gift.

After Zhang Hao informed the ministers, and they heard Luo An's detailed account, they were all delighted. Winning without a fight was the highest form of strategy. This demonstrated the might of the Great Gan and was a source of pride for its officials.

PS: I apologize for the delay today. I thought there were drafts in the draft box that would automatically update. When I returned, I realized there was no update, and the drafts in the box had run out yesterday, and I hadn't noticed. Fortunately, I caught it. There are still two chapters today, and the other one will be posted in half an hour to avoid missing it.

Finally, please support the book. Recommendations and collections are very important for new books. If you like this book, please take the trouble to recommend and collect it.

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