CHAPTER 269: CHAPTER 263 PERSUASION

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, "That was nothing but a whimsical thought. But on second thought, how much can I help my father and brothers in the future if I remain so incapable?"

She spoke resolutely, "If I have the strength, I don’t have to let my father and brothers work hard for me in times of trouble. I can seek help only when absolutely necessary. Even if they are temporarily unable to assist me, I have the ability to handle it myself. Moreover, the extent to which I can help the family when in trouble is different from when I am powerless."

In a low and persuasive voice, Zhao Hanzhang added, "For instance, comparing myself a year ago to now."

She continued, "A year ago, when Erlang was in trouble, I could only risk my life to save him, and even then, I might not have succeeded. But now, who would dare bully him so easily?"

Nobody!

Now, who in Xiping would dare to bully Zhao Erlang and Mrs. Wang?

Although Zhao Changyu was more prestigious before, as the saying goes, ’A distant magistrate is less useful than a near official.’ Besides, Zhao Changyu is ultimately the father-in-law, while Zhao Hanzhang is the biological daughter.

Everyone swallowed their saliva, mentally shaken, unable to find words for the moment.

Zhao Hanzhang then took Zhao Yunying and Zhao Yunxin by the hand and said, "I am thinking of asking Sister Yunying and Sister Yunxin to help me at the county government and the school. They can gain some experience too. When they get married in the future, even if Brother Kuan is not at home, they won’t be easily bullied."

Aunt Dong, upon hearing this, was moved and looked at her two daughters, "Isn’t this inappropriate? Wouldn’t it cause trouble for you?"

"No, not at all," Zhao Hanzhang replied with a cheerful smile. "I will teach them well, and Brother Kuan is also at the school. He will surely take care of his sisters, right?"

Aunt Dong was even more moved and looked at her two daughters again.

Suppressing their excitement, Zhao Yunying and Zhao Yunxin looked eagerly at their mother, "Mother, we also want to go."

Aunt Dong said, "This is a big matter and needs to be discussed with your father."

Zhao Dong refused without a thought, "Yunying is getting married in June and Yunxin is about to be betrothed. What are they going out for at this time?"

"How is it messing around?" Aunt Dong, not daring to cite Wang Hufeng’s example or repeat Zhao Hanzhang’s words verbatim, said simply, "After Yunying gets married, she will have to manage the household. Gaining experience at the school will allow her to learn more skills and not be looked down upon by her in-laws."

"You manage the household finances at home; can’t you teach her?" Zhao Dong said. "The school is for teaching students to read and write. What does that have to do with managing a household?"

Aunt Dong faltered slightly and said, "I want her to be more capable, so she can support Kuan’er in the future."

"She should focus on supporting her husband and teaching her children, maintaining the relationship between the Zhao Family and the Qian Family. When Kuan’er needs something in the future, the Qian Family will naturally want to help. Why would she need to do anything herself?"

Aunt Dong had a lot to say but couldn’t voice it in front of Zhao Dong, turning away in frustration.

When Zhao Kuan returned that evening and heard about it, he sat down with his father for a rare heart-to-heart, "Father, there are now two female officials at the county government. One of them is Fan Ying, the daughter of the late County Magistrate Fan. Because of the Fan Family’s righteous deeds, she is quite esteemed in the county."

Zhao Dong nodded, "I know. I was about to speak with you. I am considering arranging a marriage for you with Fan Ying."

Zhao Kuan was taken aback, his eyes widening slightly. It took him a moment to find his voice, "Father, there’s no hurry for this..."

Not far away, Aunt Dong, who was doing needlework, was delighted and immediately put down her sewing to approach, "Why not rush? I think the Fan Family girl is quite suitable. She comes from a loyal and righteous background, is capable, virtuous, and you are of similar age..."

In what way are they of similar age? He’s several years older, isn’t he?

Zhao Kuan quickly asked, "Father, Fan Ying is a female official at the county government. Would you allow her to work there?"

"Why wouldn’t I allow it?" Zhao Dong said seriously, "Her position at the county government can assist you. I’ve long wanted you to leave the school for the county government. Currently, Xiping is under Chang Ning’s control. From the news, Third Lady is gaining prestige in Shangcai. I see Zi Nian appears to accommodate Third Lady’s takeover of Shangcai."

"In these chaotic times, serving in the court isn’t as beneficial as managing local affairs. If you can work alongside Third Lady as her deputy, our family would be able to live peacefully," Zhao Kuan heard him, puzzled, "Father, if you believe my future wife working at the county government can help me, why wouldn’t you allow my sisters to help me there as well?"

Zhao Dong was taken aback, taking a long time to connect helping Zhao Hanzhang with helping Zhao Kuan, "But... aren’t they supposed to go to school?"

Zhao Kuan replied, "Father, Uncle Ming advised us to closely follow Third Lady, starting with teaching at the school. We are not joining the county government because there aren’t suitable positions for us. My sisters are the same. They can start at school and transition to the county government once appropriate positions become available."

Aunt Dong nodded repeatedly from the side.

Zhao Dong pondered for a long time but still shook his head, "Your eldest sister is already betrothed, with the wedding in June. Doing something now may upset the Qian Family."

"This brings me to the second matter, Father. There is another female official at the county government, the Song Family widow, Chen Si Niang," Zhao Kuan continued, "The Song Family wants Chen Si Niang to join her deceased husband in burial. The Chen Family doesn’t even have someone to oppose it..."

Zhao Dong was somewhat angry, "Do you think our Zhao Family would do the same? Whoever dares to do such a thing to your sister, I won’t forgive them. Our Zhao Family won’t easily forgive either, so don’t compare the timid, spineless Chen Family to ours."

"That’s not my intention, Father. I’m saying that if the Song Family wants Chen Si Niang to enter the burial, without the support of the Chen Family, there’s no one to stop the Song Family." He added, "If it wasn’t for coincidentally encountering Third Lady, who the Song Family now fears, Chen Si Niang would already be dead."

"And now, if the Song Family has such an intention again, even without Third Lady’s intervention, they can’t force Chen Si Niang. She can completely save herself," Zhao Kuan said, "What does she rely on?"

"Isn’t it still her capability, her reputation, and connections in the county? The Song Family doesn’t dare to force her burial anymore," Zhao Kuan said, "Though our Zhao Family’s daughters won’t be in such danger, once they are married, some will move with their husband’s family. By then, transportation is inconvenient and communication is scarce, making it difficult for our family to offer assistance, and they will have to rely mostly on themselves when faced with challenges."

Lowering his voice, Zhao Kuan said, "Let me give an unpleasant example. If Third Lady were still the same as before, taking her mother-in-law and Erlang back home, even if the clan sympathized with them, when Seventh Ancestor demanded Uncle Cheng’s burial, how many stood by them to persuade him otherwise?"

Uncle Cheng belonged to Zhao Hanzhang. Although Seventh Ancestor probably didn’t mean it, forcing Uncle Cheng into burial would indeed slap Zhao Hanzhang in the face while cutting off one of her arms.