After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times-Chapter 931 - 916: Not Very Perceptive

When Zhao Hanzhang bowed, she completely overturned her previous considerations regarding the Tuoba Tribe and devised a new plan.

If it weren’t for internal strife, the Tuoba Xianbei would indeed be a formidable force; not only Wang Jun, but also the Wuhuan and Xiongnu have suffered at their hands. Used correctly, they are invincible.

And suppressing them is easy; simply let them consume themselves with infighting.

Initially, Zhao Hanzhang’s plan was to exacerbate their internal conflicts, prompt early infighting, and then seize the opportunity to reclaim Dai County.

But at this moment, she changed her mind; they are sworn brothers. Big brother, why do you only help the second brother and not your little sister?

Or, nephew, how about cooperating with your aunt?

Zhao Hanzhang raised her head to the sky, bowed again, and couldn’t help but let a faint smile appear on her lips.

She was very pleased with what she gained today.

Tuoba Yilu was also very satisfied. Zhao Hanzhang proved more effective than Liu Kun; once the official court documents arrive, Dai Country will be his, and he intends to pass the kingdom and throne to Bi Yan. Being able to leave this legacy to his descendants, he feels he has honored both his ancestors and successors.

Liu Kun followed along bowing repeatedly with a bewildered look, but inwardly he was not as confused as he appeared. In that moment, he contemplated many things. With Tuoba Yilu and Zhao Hanzhang having sworn allegiance, if he ever clashed with Zhao Hanzhang, where would Tuoba Yilu stand?

Oh, if he ends up in conflict with Tuoba Yilu, he can ensure Zhao Hanzhang would side with him, but as for Tuoba Yilu...

They became sworn brothers based on mutual interests. He can guarantee that during a conflict, Zhao Hanzhang’s interests align with his, but it’s difficult to ensure that if there’s a conflict between him and Zhao Hanzhang, what he offers would be more than what she offers...

Furthermore, having formed a sworn sibling bond with Zhao Hanzhang, it’s more intimate than mere camaraderie. Can he leverage this relationship to traverse the country, reclaim lost territories, and emerge victorious?

Liu Kun mused internally, if he could assist Zhao Hanzhang in supporting the royal cause, wouldn’t that also honor his ancestors?

Will he be remembered through the ages?

The thoughts of the three varied immensely, and Fu Tinghan felt that everything was fine the way it was. No one was losing; there would only be winners and losers.

But Ming Yu didn’t see it that way; he felt his master was at a disadvantage. Among the three, his master had the highest status. By engaging in this oath, aren’t the other two benefiting at their master’s expense?

Consequently, as people dispersed and the evening banquet was scheduled, Ming Yu promptly followed closely behind Zhao Hanzhang.

Returning to her courtyard, Zhao Hanzhang intended to turn and speak with Fu Tinghan, but noticing Ming Yu trailing closely, she chuckled and asked, "Mr. Ming, do you have something to say?"

Ming Yu didn’t shy away from Fu Tinghan but directly said, "You formed a brotherly alliance with Liu Kun. How will you justifiably reclaim Jinyang afterward? And having allied with Tuoba Yilu, even Dai County will be challenging to reclaim."

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at Zeng Yue.

Zeng Yue immediately stepped out to stand guard.

Once security was ensured, Zhao Hanzhang reassured him, "Don’t worry, Mr. Ming, I’m well aware of everything."

Ming Yu said, "I request clarification from you."

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "Jinyang isn’t difficult to handle. It’s been plagued by war for years. Yue Shi might be passionate, but he isn’t skilled in warfare. I can transfer him to Jiangnan or place him at His Majesty’s side."

Given Zhao Hanzhang’s understanding of Liu Kun, as long as she shows him enough esteem, he would be quite willing to change locations.

In Jiangnan, there is King Langya and Wang Dao and Wang Dun. It’s fitting to have them clash with one another; let’s see whose fame grows larger and can reap the greatest reputation.

Ming Yu thought about it, "It’s indeed a good strategy. As long as you’re willing to lower your stature and appease Liu Kun."

Liu Kun is someone who responds better to kindness than force, adapting to circumstances. To describe him negatively, he is like a blade of grass that only acknowledges strong individuals. As long as those in power offer some benefits, he reciprocates fervently;

Unfortunately, he lacks magnanimity towards subordinates, unable to tolerate those below him becoming stronger than himself; otherwise, given his great renown, he would have attracted more talented individuals in earlier years compared to Zhao Hanzhang. Instead, despite much hubbub, few have remained with him.

Even the few that stayed weren’t heavily utilized by him.

Ming Yu had spent this period quietly infiltrating Jinyang and found that the talents he was targeting were relatively easy to entice; basically, as long as Zhao Hanzhang’s name was mentioned and accompanied with a slight allure, the individuals were drawn in.

Having drawn in many, Ming Yu gained a deeper understanding of Governor Liu, who is renowned throughout the country.

Previously, while serving with Gou Xi, he only admired Liu Kun as a loyal and righteous individual. Only after close interaction does one understand his strengths and... weaknesses.

Especially his weaknesses.

In Ming Yu’s view now, Liu Kun seemed stripped bare, completely exposed from inside out; he advised Zhao Hanzhang, "Your reputation doesn’t fall short of Liu Yueshi; don’t be burdened by fame. Maintain a broad mind, and you’ll attract talented individuals from all directions."

Zhao Hanzhang accepted the advice humbly.

Ming Yu asked softly, "What about Tuoba Yilu then?"

He said, "An outsider Xianbei, you can outwardly claim to treat them equally, but internally you shouldn’t truly drop your guard. That Tuoba Yilu appears frank and bold, yet his internal calculations are significant."

"His homeland is in Dingxiang, far from here. Why would he willingly move the entire tribe to Dai County? Saying it’s to support his sworn brother Liu Kun – even Liu Kun himself wouldn’t believe that," Ming Yu stated. "One is calculating Jin’s territory, the other calculating Xianbei’s military force. It’s merely a temporary strategy. Would Tuoba Yilu really be satisfied with just one county?"

"People are inherently greedy; after gaining something, they aspire for more. Once he secures his footing in Dai County, transforms it into Dai Country, he’ll aim to incorporate other parts of Youzhou into Dai Country; once Youzhou is assimilated, he’ll set his sights on Bingzhou."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded repeatedly, "Mr. Ming speaks wisely."

Ming Yu: "If that’s the case, why change Dai County to Dai Country and proclaim him as King of Dai?"

"If he were younger or his conflict with his eldest son wasn’t so intense, I wouldn’t do this."

Ming Yu was taken aback, "Tuoba Liuxiu? What’s up with him?"

Zhao Hanzhang just smiled and said to Ming Yu, "I favor Tuoba Liuxiu to be my subordinate general."

She was confident she could win over Tuoba Liuxiu; at worst, Dai Country will be reclaimed by her.

Only then did Ming Yu learn of the irreconcilable conflict between Tuoba Yilu and his eldest son Tuoba Liuxiu. Zhao Hanzhang seemed very optimistic about Tuoba Liuxiu. Or rather, she would support Tuoba Liuxiu in opposing his father, leading to... 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Well then, just after being sworn siblings, their master starts scheming against the sworn elder brother’s life.

Instantly relieved, Ming Yu thought, with foresight that calculates ten steps ahead for each step taken, what is there to worry about?

Ming Yu stealthily glanced at Fu Tinghan; the one who should worry appears to be him, right?

Fu Tinghan didn’t dwell on it and even nodded amicably upon meeting Ming Yu’s gaze.

Ming Yu bowed his head and withdrew, not disturbing the conversation between the engaged couple.

Zhao Hanzhang asked Fu Tinghan, "Did you find any mineral deposits?"

Fu Tinghan nodded, "Identified three locations, one of which is currently being developed; it’s a copper mine. Coincidentally, the Family Head was implicated in a trafficking case and was beheaded by Shi Le. Both his sons were inducted into the military and branded."

Zhao Hanzhang: "Is the copper mine still operational?"

Fu Tinghan nodded, "Yes, it’s operational and heavily guarded. We didn’t dare get too close. The other two locations are both iron mines."