CHAPTER 463: CHAPTER 457 HEARTBEAT

Huang An waited for their discussion to finish before saying, "Alright, alright, let’s talk about these matters later. Today is the New Year, let’s enjoy ourselves first, and go see what wine and dishes are in the kitchen."

"What wine and dishes?" Beigong Chun dared not claim equality with the soldiers in eating and living, but when the soldiers below had only one bowl of porridge, he naturally couldn’t indulge himself either. Just sustaining full bellies each day required a lot of effort.

"Ahem," Huang An thought for a moment, painfully removing his belt and handing it to an assistant general, "Take this to pawn, buy some meat and wine, and everyone eat well today to celebrate."

It was a silver-buckled belt with leather material, worth some money.

The assistant general took the belt and ran out at once, "I’ll go right away."

Seeing this, others also felt their stomachs grumble and hurried to chase after, "I’m going too, I’m going too!"

After everyone had run off, Beigong Chun asked him, "Do you have anything else worth pawning on you?"

Huang An smiled fawningly at Beigong Chun, "A couple of pieces more than the general."

Hearing this, Beigong Chun truly felt heartbroken; he became somewhat disheartened and discouraged, "I have wronged you all, taking you out, yet unable to bring you back."

Upon hearing this, Huang An immediately said with a serious face, "General, such words bring shame to me. Others may not know the general, but do I not know?"

"In order to keep us safe, you have worked tirelessly. It’s my inability, unable to think of good ways to help you," Huang An said through gritted teeth. "It’s hateful that Jia Kan and Zhang Zhen and their ilk obstructed us, otherwise, we would’ve returned to Xiliang ages ago."

"But indeed, I am unable, unable to take you all back to Xiliang, even unable to guarantee food and clothing..." Beigong Chun turned his head to avoid letting Huang An see the tears in his eyes, only clenching his fists tightly, "I do not fear dying on the battlefield wrapped in horsehide; ending on the battlefield is a soldier’s fate. But if to starve or freeze to death..."

That would indeed be an unforgivable death for him.

Huang An’s lips trembled, and he couldn’t help but kneel in front of Beigong Chun, "General, let us go to Zhao Hanzhang."

Beigong Chun looked at him in surprise, for he had always disliked Zhao Hanzhang and opposed getting close to her.

With tears, Huang An said, "I used to think she had ill intentions, wanting to make use of our Xiliang Army, so I was unwilling for you to engage with her more. But now, we cannot return to Xiliang, and in Chang’an, we suffer suppression, the soldiers cannot even fill their bellies, not to mention fighting."

"If daily we only have broth, what’s the difference from raising mice? Is our Xiliang Iron Cavalry destined to end as rats, trapped and dying in Chang’an? General, let us leave Chang’an, and for now, postpone returning to Xiliang. We must survive first."

Beigong Chun’s lips trembled, and finally said, "Give me some time to think."

Beigong Chun was not one to hesitate. For him to become a famous general, decisiveness and courage were as inherent as his very bones.

Chang’an was so close to Xiliang that once past the barrier, two more days heading northwest would lead them into Xiliang territory.

Every time he thought of this, his heart surged with heat.

But it was this very barrier that not only blocked him but also Zhang Gui.

He was aware that his lord was having a difficult time, having heard that he was now paralyzed and gravely ill, yet still thinking of them. He had just received a letter saying that he would do his best to maneuver so they could return to Xiliang.

It was because Zhang Gui treated him so well that Beigong Chun and others were wholeheartedly thinking of returning to Xiliang.

Xiliang was not only their homeland but also where their lord resides.

Relying on Zhao Hanzhang felt like changing lords, which Beigong Chun was unwilling to consider.

However, this matter could be discussed later, his gaze fell upon those glass products, he roughly understood Zhao Hanzhang’s intention, "Find someone to sell these glass items."

He said, "Such items are rare in Chang’an, set a high price, the money from the sale can serve as military funds, even if we leave, we need to prepare some provisions."

We can’t go on the road hungry, can we?

Huang An agreed, "I will do it after tomorrow."

Though Chang’an was in famine, there were still wealthy households with food, some surely with extravagant tastes willing to buy such items.

Beigong Chun decided to exchange all the glassware for money and grain.

While Beigong Chun struggled to prepare provisions for the army, in Chen County, Ji Yuan, and in Xiping, Zhao Ming held banquets, winning hearts for Zhao Hanzhang and proclaiming her reputation.

Ji Yuan had just executed two people, making the officials in Chen County and its surroundings uneasy, thus holding a banquet today to reassure them.

At the banquet, Ji Yuan hinted: Now that the lord had reclaimed Qiao Country, although a small nation, it was a significant step.

From five inner commanderies, it became six, and he believed that in time, the other four commanderies would also return to Zhao Hanzhang’s hands.

Zhao Hanzhang was now the lord of Yu State, and she was rightfully the master of the ten commanderies, and Yu State would become more stable and prosperous under her governance.

Most people felt stirred, especially those young men and women from the academy and the Zhao Family’s descendants.

Zhao Ming, at a grand banquet in Xiping, said to everyone, "Although General Xiahou still holds the position of Central Justice Officer of Yu State, he is not in Chen County. The talent he selects is destined for the court and Yan State, but Yu State lacks talent, and we cannot wait indefinitely. Therefore, the lord decided to set her own exams to select talent, and by then, those of you interested or any nephews or sons may participate."

Everyone agreed in unison, those aspiring for a career path took note of this.

The court?

Forget it, the emperor and Prince East Sea, Gou Xi, are fighting so fiercely that even the sky is changing colors. Taking a post in the court is akin to rushing towards death, isn’t it?

Going to Yan State seems a viable path, but Yan State has its own Central Justice Officer, and Gou Xi surely favors talent from Yan State. What good positions would be left for people from Yu State?

Moreover, leaving one’s hometown is difficult.

Truthfully speaking, with Zhao Hanzhang as Inspector, despite being a bit fierce, with complicated demands, and occasionally having houses confiscated or executions, in other aspects, she wasn’t bad.

Especially as they could see Yu State developing. If they could achieve something, if not leaving a lasting legacy, at least they’d have a record in the annals, or at the very least, have a government position offering family security.

In these times, individual and family separation was impossible, even Zhao Hanzhang relied on the power of clans.

After encouraging everyone, Zhao Ming discreetly left after a few drinks.

"How’s the preparation of the seeds Hanzhang wanted?"

"The carts are loaded, and the convoy will depart after the second day of the new year."

Zhao Ming nodded, asking, "Do you know where the caravan she sent out went?"

"I heard it headed towards Chang’an."

"Chang’an~~" Zhao Ming sighed, "She certainly doesn’t give up easily, but with Beigong Chun’s firm will, he likely won’t fall for her enticements."

The attendant remained silent.

Zhao Ming didn’t expect a response and turned to say, "Later, send the letter I wrote to Zitu. He may not return for the New Year, but he must come back for Qingming to honor our ancestors. With Hanzhang now Yu State Governor, she should officially make offerings at the ancestral hall."

"Yes."