Chapter 149

Chapter 149

After Shen Qinglan obtained the list of connections, he gave it to Han Zhang that evening when he returned home.

Han Zhang looked at the list, his heart filled with both warmth and ache, and couldn't help but pull his beloved into his arms: "My love, you've suffered so much."

Although Shen Qingquan had only chosen to seduce Chai Wenxuan when he stole the engagement back then, and hadn't done anything vile to Lan Geer, having his fiancé taken by his own blood brother was already a deep humiliation for Lan Geer.

If Han Zhang hadn't appeared, Lan Geer, who had been repeatedly jilted, would likely have met the fate of being sent as a concubine to some noble household, or becoming a replacement wife for an old man.

No amount of compensation could ever erase this grievance.

But now, for Han Zhang's sake, his husband was willing to set aside old grudges... It was clear how deeply his husband loved him!

Shen Qinglan wasn't one to be humble about doing good. Upon hearing this, he eagerly took credit: "For my husband, I'd endure any hardship!"

"However, I also did this partly for Mother's sake. Eldest Brother and Fifth Brother are still Mother's flesh and blood after all. Although Mother is willing to cold-shoulder them for my sake, she still can't help worrying about them deep down..."

"Anyway, aside from Eldest Brother thinking little of me, and Eldest Sister-in-law often picking fights with me, and the two of them being rather self-serving, they've never truly threatened my life. For Mother's sake, I'd rather not hold it against them. In short, if I ever make something of myself, they'd better not expect to ride on my coattails."

"As for Fifth Brother... The fact that the marriage could be stolen ultimately comes down to Chai Wenxuan's own weakness of character. If it were my husband, even if a goddess descended from heaven, she couldn't shake your heart."

"Looking on the bright side, if Fifth Brother hadn't taken him away, how would I have had the chance to meet you?"

Shen Qinglan said, ever the optimist.

Han Zhang ruffled his hair: "That's not how it works. Our meeting was your destiny, not because someone else showed mercy."

"I know, but he's still my own brother after all. This blood relation can never be severed. I'm not trying to forgive him—I just don't want to make things difficult for Mother anymore."

"Besides, I also want to do my part for my husband... This time, your transfer to Yunyang Prefecture was all to protect me. I don't want your career in office to end here. These connections might be able to help. A little hardship on my part is no big deal."

Shen Qinglan said gloomily.

His husband was extraordinarily gifted and should have had a brilliant future, yet because of him, he had been "exiled" to a harsh, frigid region. He had been feeling awful about it these past few days.

He didn't want to become his husband's burden. He also wanted to prove to Elder Lord Jiayou that he could help his husband—that his husband had made the right choice in choosing him!

How could Han Zhang possibly not see what his beloved was thinking?

Everything his husband did, he did for him.

After a pause, Han Zhang ultimately didn't say anything to spoil the mood, only speaking gently:

"Your devotion to me fills me with joy. But to me, you are the most important person. If you ever keep things from me and put yourself through hardship again, I'll be angry. Understood?"

"I understand, I'll listen to my husband..."

Although Shen Qinglan had been scolded, his eyes sparkled with a smile.

Because his husband had said he was the most important person in his heart!

...

Since his husband had gone to such lengths for him, Han Zhang naturally wouldn't let this devotion go to waste.

So the next day, he found a way to send messages to the patriarchs of several prominent families in the capital, requesting a meeting.

Upon receiving the messages, the family heads were all quite surprised, momentarily unable to fathom how Han Zhang dared to walk right into their den.

But after consideration, they still chose to go meet him.

They simply couldn't help being curious about what Han Zhang was playing at.

After everyone gathered at a secluded farmhouse.

As soon as they sat down, the most hot-tempered Lord Liang let out a cold sneer:

"You Han brat, you previously helped the royal family suppress the aristocratic families, going straight for the jugular every time. Surely you know we hate you to the bone? Yet you still dare to invite us here... You've got quite the nerve."

"If you can't explain yourself properly today, and you've dared to toy with us, I'll make you regret the day you were born!"

Facing this bloodthirsty threat, Han Zhang didn't get angry either. Instead, he laughed lightly with equal bravado and retorted: "What will you do—kill me?"

"You—"

Everyone slammed the table and stood up, fury written across their faces.

They hadn't expected him to show not a shred of fear, and on top of that, to be so brazenly provocative. He truly was a wet-behind-the-ears brat, a young calf who didn't fear tigers!

But before they could finish their reprimands, Han Zhang's next words stopped them in their tracks.

"Even if you kill me, it would only be to blow off steam. Would that recoup the losses I've caused you?"

Of course it wouldn't.

This Han brat was too devious. He never struck unless he did, but when he did, he went straight for the roots of their families. In a short span of time, he had already shaken their family foundations.

Their faces turned grim as storm clouds: "Since you know this well, why bother asking? Han brat, stop beating around the bush. Tell us—what exactly did you invite us here for?"

"I came today to offer you all a way out—and to find one for myself as well."

Han Zhang took an unhurried sip of tea before continuing: "You should all know that the existence of the aristocratic families has now become a serious threat to imperial power. The royal family's suppression of the aristocratic families is already set in stone. Even without me, there would be someone else to serve as the royal family's blade."

"I am merely a chess piece in His Majesty's hand. Killing me to vent your anger won't do you any good—it wouldn't change the current situation in the slightest."

"It might even backfire, giving His Majesty a justifiable excuse to come after you openly."

At this, one of them, Lord Jiang, sneered again: "You said it yourself—the royal family's suppression of us aristocratic families is already set in stone. So even if your death becomes His Majesty's legitimate excuse to move against us, so what?"

"You expect us to spare your life on that basis alone? Han brat, are you dreaming?"

Han Zhang nodded at this: "Elder Jiang is quite right. That reason alone is indeed insufficient to make you spare me. But what if I had a way to recoup your losses, and even make your families more flourishing than ever before?"

"..."

At these words, the family heads froze, then quickly exchanged glances.

Though somewhat taken aback and uncertain, given Han Zhang's track record, this claim wasn't entirely unbelievable—after all, the lad did have quite a few clever schemes up his sleeve.

Lord Fei, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up, his voice tinged with intrigue:

"Oh? I wonder... what brilliant strategy does Young Friend Han have in mind?"

That address of "Young Friend Han" had already made his stance clear.

If Han Zhang could truly help them recover their losses, or even take them to the next level, then they wouldn't be opposed to turning their swords into plowshares.

After all, what Han Zhang had said earlier was correct—he was just a chess piece. The one truly suppressing the aristocratic families was the royal family. The royal family was their real enemy.

Han Zhang was in no hurry to lay out his plan. He set down his teacup and slowly scanned the room before speaking:

"Since ancient times, the root of why the imperial court suppresses aristocratic families is that these families control vast lands, wealth, and even who gets recommended for office—posing a serious threat to imperial rule."

"The introduction of the imperial exams already cut off the way noble families hoarded talent, and my land-tax reform, once successfully implemented, would cost you money, sure, but the real damage is losing your grip on local power."

At this, the heads of the Liang, Jiang, and Fei families frowned, saying, "You little punk, you've got some nerve!"

If it weren't for that, they wouldn't hate the kid so much.

Han Zhang, not bothered by their scowls, continued, "I haven't finished speaking—why the hurry? This reform is good, but only if it's implemented smoothly."

"I've studied hard for years, just chasing high office and riches—why would I hand over a policy like that for someone else to take credit? If the emperor treated me right, this policy would naturally benefit the royal family, but since the court has been unjust to me, who knows its pros and cons better than the guy who came up with it?"

"Besides, this policy just tweaks how taxes are collected; the land stays yours. Even if fully implemented, it wouldn't rock the foundation of your families."

"I've got a plan that guarantees no matter how the royals squirm or how dynasties change, they can never uproot your power, so your families last for generations!"

The heads of the families sat up straight at once: "Do tell!"

"It's simple: grain," Han Zhang said. "Since ancient times, food is the people's lifeline. Control the grain, and you control the nation's lifeline. I've got two seed varieties that can produce over a thousand catties per mu even on poor soil."

"What? Is this true?"

Everyone gasped in disbelief.

What does a thousand catties per mu even mean?

Rice currently yields about 3-4 shi (roughly 230-300 catties), and wheat yields 2-3 shi (about 150-230 catties).

That's with good weather; any disaster or bad luck cuts it even more.

Grain at over a thousand catties per mu—imagine how many people that could feed!

Some were skeptical: "You think we've never set foot in a field and don't know farming? Trying to fool us?"

"Besides, if this miracle grain really existed, why wouldn't you keep it for yourself instead of giving it away for free?"

Han Zhang took a sip of tea, then said lazily, "Whether it's real or not, just try it and see."

"Such a fine thing, I originally planned to keep it and offer it to the royals at the right time for riches and glory, but how has the court treated me? You've all seen it these past days."

"Since the court has been unjust to me, I've got to pick a better master to serve—am I supposed to just sit and wait to die?"

"Besides, my Han clan is small, with no wealth, no land, and no manpower. Am I supposed to let these seeds rot in my hands?"

"But you are different—half the realm's land belongs to the great families. Control the people's food, and if the guy on the throne ticks you off, swapping him out is as easy as you saying the word. Isn't that laying the groundwork for a legacy that lasts forever?"

Of course it did. Gold and silver lose value, but grain is the one thing that never changes.

Their hearts were pounding, and they wanted to ask Han Zhang if he wasn't scared they'd just take the seeds by force.

But remembering how cunning and sly Han Zhang was, they knew asking was pointless.

They could only hold back their excitement and act calm, asking, "What do you want?"

"Keep me alive, and help my Han clan get back into the ranks of the great families."

"Not enough."

"From now on, Qinzhang's skills are yours to use."

"Deal!"

The heads of the Liang, Jiang, and Fei families smiled, looking pleased.

Han Zhang smiled back, looking completely innocent.

Grain was important, sure, but as they say: when your neighbor stocks up on grain, you stock up on guns.

Folks, the times have changed!