When the peddler carried his load and lined up to exit the city gates, the soldiers guarding the city already recognized him. They lifted the bamboo basket for a brief look, confirmed there were no prohibited items, and waved him through.

The peddler beamed, bent over, and bowed in gratitude, then walked out briskly.

To the right outside the city, two teams lined up for inspection had previously bought buns from him. The two managers glanced at each other and couldn’t help but smile.

They noticed a teenage boy carrying a barrel of soup following the peddler out, heading straight for the crowd. He was selling hot soup, one cent per bowl, obviously homemade and being sold.

The masters of the two managers were merchants who sought connections to come due to rumors of Mrs. Wang arriving in Luoyang. On the way, everyone was apprehensive, unsure of what Luoyang would be like.

Upon seeing it today, they realized coming to Luoyang was the right decision. The Great General was lenient to merchants, and the soldiers guarding the gates were indulging towards the peddlers, making Luoyang’s environment seem better than Yu State.

It was a time where reconstruction was needed...

It was indeed filled with gold, just like the rumors from Xiping.

As Zhao Hanzhang walked along the queue, she reached the inspection point ahead when the sky was already dark. Only the burning fires on the ground emitted bright light.

The soldiers were holding torches and inspecting goods on the carts, marking items one by one before handing the list to students invited from the Imperial College. They quickly calculated on abacuses to determine the taxes owed for entering the city, taking quite some time.

A team of managers took out an object wrapped in oil paper from their bosom and loudly announced, "This is the receipt from our master for aiding the nation’s defense in battle."

As they made the declaration, nearby teams undergoing inspection looked over with admiration and envy.

Zhao Hanzhang officially defined the battle to defeat the Xiongnu and capture Shi Le as a defense of the nation, coinciding with a severe drought and locust plague in the Northern Land during its peak.

Thus, there was a shortage of money and grain.

Ji Yuan and Zhao Ming had forcibly collected taxes multiple times since, naturally targeting these merchants, which led to widespread discontent. After contemplation, Zhao Hanzhang wrote to Ji Yuan and Zhao Ming, suggesting using softness to counteract rigidity, explaining with empathy and reason. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

It was recommended that the wealthy should contribute more funds, without shifting pressure onto the common people.

She proposed that anyone willing to contribute money or grain in aid of the country would receive receipts from the imperial court, which she could later repay with principal and interest when she had the means.

This effectively meant that the state was borrowing money from them.

Since Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t repay them at present, after discussions, she recently issued a decree allowing merchants with receipts to offset their taxes.

Moreover, with these receipts, they could even meet Zhao Hanzhang.

Everyone looked over with envy and jealousy.

The inspectors thoroughly checked to ensure the papers were issued by the court before seeking out Zhao Zheng and Zhao Erlang, reporting, "Indeed, the court issued a decree. Are these taxes to be offset?"

Without hesitation, Zhao Erlang said, "Since it’s my sister’s decree, we must comply. Offset them."

"But how should we record it?"

Zhao Erlang replied, "Just note it down in an account book."

"How should the book be accounted to reflect this? It can’t be fully offset in one go. They might not offset it again next time in Luoyang. How do other counties record it? Ultimately, whose ledger does this account fall under?"

Zhao Erlang asked, "What does my sister say?"

"The edict only mentions accounting it into the national treasury. But I think, someone might offset in Luoyang, someone else in Xiping. If they offset it in Luoyang this time and switch to Xiping next time, how does that work?"

After a brief contemplation, Zhao Zheng said, "First, note down the occurrence. Record tonight’s offset amount on the list. When I return, I’ll discuss it with others and ask them to come to the county government in three days to process a certificate."

The other party looked at Zhao Erlang.

Zhao Erlang said, "Listen to the County Magistrate."

Only then did the other party turn and leave.

Zhao Zheng actually already had a plan, but considering the significance of the matter, he needed Zhao Hanzhang’s agreement.

He took Zhao Erlang aside to explain meticulously, but the issue was complex, and Zhao Erlang could only partly understand after trying hard a few times, so he said irritably, "Why do I have to discuss this with my sister? Can’t you say it yourself?"

Zhao Zheng said, "You’re the County Magistrate; you have the right to meet the Great General. I don’t."

"Just come to my house. Didn’t you vow to pay respect when the Fifth Uncle arrives? Zhao Erlang said, "When the time comes, anyone can meet."

Zhao Zheng considered, then lowered his voice, "But many will be there. Initially, Zhao Family members didn’t have the receipts. Discussing this inside the mansion might provoke disputes, so it’s better to talk outside."

When Zhao Hanzhang was fighting in the battlefield, Zhao Song came to the door, and Zhao Family members handed over money generously at the time. There were no receipts then, as Zhao Hanzhang’s army existed primarily to protect the Zhao’s Castle.

Now they’re effectively conquering the world with Zhao Hanzhang, naturally not asking Zhao Hanzhang to repay the money and grain.

Other families were fine, but the Seventh Ancestor was always cunning. If this topic arises...

When nobody mentions it, everyone will remain indifferent. But once brought up, likely everyone will dissent.

Zhao Erlang said, "Then I’ll call my sister out, and you can explain to her. I only understand half of what you said. Why specify which county to offset the taxes, while also offsetting some tax in the public accounts? It’s too much, I can’t remember it all."

After pondering, Zhao Zheng said, "Afternoon, the decree was returned from the mill. Today, no sight of the Great General returning to the city, so she’s definitely delayed. Keep an eye out—stop the Great General when you see her, then I’ll speak."

Zhao Erlang proudly held his chin up and said, "I knew my sister hadn’t returned and paid attention the whole time, rest assured I won’t miss the chance."

Zhao Hanzhang had already dismounted, handing her horse to Zeng Yue behind her, and walked over with hands on her hips to lift the cloth on a cart, "What’s this?"

The guard who had been on tiptoe watching the manager buy buns turned back and immediately blocked, "What are you doing? Who allowed you to search our family’s stuff?"

Upon hearing the shout, the manager immediately left the peddler selling buns and jogged over. Seeing her attire although simple, the material was quite fine, plus she had ten or so guards behind her, all having horses, his facial expression quickly changed.

He glared at the guard, "What are you shouting for? What if you scare the guest?"

He smiled and greeted Zhao Hanzhang, "I apologize for the disrespect of our servant. Please forgive us, young lady."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and shook her head, indicating it was nothing, asking, "What’s this? I seem to smell a fragrance."

"Young lady has a keen nose," the manager smiled, lifted the oilcloth, and opened a case containing another layer of oil paper. He carefully lifted a corner, opened the cloth bag inside, and grabbed a handful to show her, "This is Sichuan peppercorn."

Zhao Hanzhang extended her hand to take it, smelled it, and tasted one, saying, "Good stuff! Did it come with the convoy from Yu State?"