Free Web NovelChapter 1217: Chapter 1199: Bestowal of Titles
As he utilized him more, Yuan Li finally understood why Zhao Hanzhang sent him to Jiangnan. It wasn’t just for his abilities, but also for the gentleness and tolerance he embodied, offering a safe harbor for his subordinates, who were anxious under Yuan Li’s strict methods. This made the Anbu more loyal.
Even Yuan Li himself couldn’t help but develop a fondness for this department that lurked in the night, feeling more attached to those expendable subordinates.
Zhao Bingzhong’s suicide wasn’t just to protect secrets, but also to safeguard Yuan Li.
Only with his death could Yuan Li’s value reach its peak, preventing Wang Dun from easily killing him.
That child had always been smart; surely he considered this when he took his own life?
Wang Dun noticed his bloodshot eyes and felt a bit more respect, "I thought General Yuan was indifferent to the lives of his underlings."
Yuan Li remained silent, closing his eyes slightly.
Wang Dun was unfazed and waited until the goods were delivered. Then, he placed the radio transmitter in front of him, "Is this the rumored device that allows you to transmit sound over Qianli?"
Yuan Li merely glanced at it, quickly scanning the stack of papers on the tray, noting that many had burn marks, and some were mere scraps.
Seeing no book relieved him; if these documents were burned, then the codebook would have been among the first.
He sneered; even if they got the radio, what of it?
Could they possibly construct another?
In this world, only their women possessed this Divine Artifact.
Yuan Li settled down, resigned to being hung.
Wang Dun held the documents, interrogating Yuan Li. Even without a word from him, Wang Dun confirmed that Zhao Hanzhang indeed had the means of communication across Qianli.
This overturned Wang Dun’s long-held understanding, prompting him to ask, "Is this device blessed by Guo Pu?"
Not waiting for Yuan Li’s response, he dismissed his own notion, "No, Zhao Hanzhang’s method of communication over Qianli has been rumored for a long time, and Guo Pu had not yet been to Luoyang at that time..."
So did the heavens truly choose Zhao Hanzhang, granting her such extraordinary items? Guo Pu decided to stay in Luoyang at their first meeting...
Wang Dun’s breath quickened as he tightly gripped the papers, his eyes filled with determination, "I refuse to believe in fate!"
Realizing Yuan Li would not divulge information, he looked at him with malice, "If Zhao Hanzhang sends troops, hang him at the front lines and let the Zhao Family Army’s arrows pierce him to death."
The attendants agreed.
Wang Dun turned and left.
He concluded Yuan Li’s fate, marking the end of his torment.
The brutal officers regretfully lowered Yuan Li, having him dragged back to the cell, "You are the most ruthless person I have seen regarding yourself."
Yuan Li grinned fiercely.
The harsh officer rarely offered advice, "You won’t survive; if you wish a dignified death, find a way to achieve it yourself."
Yuan Li was not one to give up easily. Even if hung at the front lines, he’d want to witness the arrow plunging into his chest.
Zhao Hanzhang had long received news of Yuan Li’s capture. Knowing the lesson of not putting all eggs in one basket, she had given two separate radio transmitters to Yuan Li.
He had established another group, with whom he had a direct line of communication. Besides him, no one knew of this group’s existence. Should anything happen to the private radio, this group would be activated but remain silent as usual.
They had been silent for two years, blending into the daily lives like many Jiangnan inhabitants, maintaining production and memorizing the codebook.
After Yuan Li released the signal flare, the spies in Jiankang City sprang into action, relocating discreetly, while only this group remained motionless as a mountain.
They observed everything in Jiankang City and confirmed Yuan Li’s predicament after finding no trace of his signals in several places. Witnessing officials and soldiers from the Ministry of Justice searching through various restaurants and tea houses for missing workers and even questioning some wealthy families, they knew their people had moved.
Only at night did the group quietly activate the radio, sending a telegraph to initiate its use, with the first message sent being Jiankang City changes, Yuan Li captured.
Thus, by the next dawn, Zhao Hanzhang was awakened from her sleep and informed of the news.
She could use this as an excuse to attack Jiangnan, but did she lack reasons to invade Jiangnan?
She could also deploy troops to pressure Wang Dun to release Yuan Li, but pressing Wang Dun wasn’t as effective as pressing King Langya.
Urging King Langya to take action against Wang Dun and then engaging in combat to flank him.
The premise was having enough food supplies.
Zhao Hanzhang sat alone all night, then instructed Wang Si Niang to deploy special forces to ensure Yuan Li’s survival.
Then, she sought among the ministers and finally chose Wang Nai and his brother Wang Gui from Nanyang County. She asked Wang Gui to personally persuade Dai Miao in Lujiang to rescue Yuan Li.
After making these arrangements, Zhao Hanzhang went to see Zhao Song.
She sat in Zhao Song’s residence all day before going back and personally penned an edict bestowing upon him the title of Marquis Taozhu, sealing it with the Jade Seal, handing it to Zhao Yunxin, and sighed, "Tomorrow, deliver the edict yourself."
Zhao Yunxin took it and, seeing her melancholy, said, "If the Great General doesn’t wish to grant titles for Seventh Ancestor, why not ask Fifth Uncle for help? With Fifth Uncle’s guarantee, Seventh Ancestor would likely lend money to you."
Zhao Hanzhang shook her head, "It’s not that I don’t want to confer titles on Seventh Ancestor. With his contributions to supporting the Zhao Family Army, he deserves the title of Marquis. I’ve held back only fearing he might become arrogant and harm himself."
"Though I’m not generous, I’m not stingy with granting titles to elders. For them, titles for descendants matter, but the family’s stability is more crucial. Given Seventh Ancestor’s nature, I’m afraid that pride after receiving the title may lead him astray, and I cannot sacrifice public interest for personal gain, lest it harms Seventh Ancestor."
"Parents care deeply for their children, planning far into the future, and my sentiments for Seventh Ancestor are the same."
This title was intended for him at a more opportune time, but now... never mind, let’s see what happens. One cannot always worry about the future but must focus on the present.
Zhao Yunxin’s eyes rolled as she lingered longer while delivering the edict. Once the servants left, with only Zhao Song and Zhao Hu remaining, she whispered secrets discreetly.
Upon hearing Zhao Hanzhang compare herself to his parents, Zhao Hu’s face flushed with anger, "Nonsense, shameless, she dares compare herself to my parents, yet she is her ancestor!"
Zhao Song glared at him, "Silly talk, it’s a metaphor; if you don’t understand, read more with Zheng’er."
He reprimanded him, "Why is Hanzhang so worried about you? Not because you are reckless and arrogant? Learn a lesson from others; being humble is vital. Do you understand? If you were more reliable, would she worry?"
Zhao Hu wanted to retort but glanced at the edict in his hand, suppressing his words. Fine, his heart was happy today; he wouldn’t argue.
Seeing his silence, Zhao Song assumed he accepted, releasing him, "But Hanzhang is unreasonable; with so many marquis titles available, why grant you Marquis Taozhu? Never heard of anyone using Taozhu as a title."
Zhao Yunxin hesitated and stopped, directing her gaze at Zhao Hu.
Zhao Hu looked at the sky, then the ground, avoiding Zhao Song’s gaze. This title he insisted on strongly, Taozhu, a wealthy house, the richest, he felt was an excellent title, considering its pleasant sound and good meaning.
