"One earl and one marquis, let’s not talk about what society thinks; are the people in the family happy with this in their hearts? If the title is given to the Second Son, and in the future the title of Shangcai Marquis inexplicably disappears, won’t they feel upset? Or do you want Zhao Erlang to spend his life as just a Shangcai Marquis?"

The rank of marquis is high; if he can be a marquis, how could Mrs. Wang let her son remain just an earl?

Seeing Mrs. Wang biting her lip and not speaking.

Zhao Hanzhang softened her voice, "Mother, I resent Zhao Ji and Mrs. Wu. Both of them are dead, and they died disgracefully. I don’t have much affection for Zhao Yi’s siblings, but Great Uncle... he contributed to the country and has shown kindness to the family. Let’s say they received his blessings."

"This title being given to the second branch is not because I have affection for Zhao Yi and the others, but because of Great Uncle. Consider it returning his kindness." Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes turned slightly red as she said softly, "If it weren’t for him willingly becoming a hostage, I wouldn’t have developed so smoothly over those two years; if it weren’t for his generous sacrifice, I wouldn’t have such a good reputation now."

Zhao Hanzhang is a powerful official, and it has long been speculated and doubted that Zhao Hanzhang might replace Jin in the future, but why have these voices diminished after this battle?

Firstly, because of Zhao Hanzhang’s attitude towards the Little Emperor; secondly, because Zhao Changyu and Zhao Zhongyu left her with good political resources.

The two brothers, one died for the country, the other for the sovereign, embodying both loyalty and righteousness. As their descendant, Zhao Hanzhang directly inherited the good reputation they left behind.

People would think, since Zhao Changyu and Zhao Zhongyu were so loyal, their granddaughter Zhao Hanzhang must be like them, naturally gaining more trust.

Zhao Hanzhang benefited from what Zhao Zhongyu left after his death, so she must give back somewhat.

Perhaps not many people in the family see this point, but in her heart, she knows that if she doesn’t do it, she will feel guilty.

Mrs. Wang was persuaded but still couldn’t get over it, so she vented her anger, "Since you’ve already made up your mind, why ask me again?"

"I must ask mother," Zhao Hanzhang coaxed softly, holding her arm, "this title once belonged to the first branch, and mother had a share too. If you insist on disagreeing, I won’t force it." Then find another opportunity to show kindness to Zhao Yi.

Mrs. Wang’s expression softened, her mouth slightly curling up, but she pulled her arm back in disgust, "Fine, fine, this was originally a dispute of the previous generation. Their parents are dead too; they are pitiful people. If you want to give them, then give."

After a pause, Mrs. Wang’s eyes lit up as she asked, "You want to make Erlang a marquis? What marquis? Will the emperor agree?"

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "This is still early; let’s wait a bit longer. Once the world is more settled, and since Erlang was so brave in battle and his military achievements noted, once accumulated enough, he can be conferred."

Mrs. Wang became satisfied, "It must be a title that can be inherited by descendants like the Shangcai Marquis, not cut off after one generation like your Great Uncle’s title."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and agreed, "Yes, it will definitely be a title that can be inherited."

Mrs. Wang was pleased, patting the back of her hand contentedly, "You are now a Duchess, and in the future, Erlang will be a marquis. Our family has finally made it. If your grandfather and father knew how promising you siblings are, they would surely be delighted."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at Mrs. Wang but explained no more.

The mother and daughter leaned against each other until Qing Gu reminded Zhao Hanzhang to get up and prepare for her bath.

Mrs. Wang also let down her hair to get ready for sleep. Qing Gu prepared her bed and, seeing her dazed at the dressing table, whispered comfortingly, "Since Madam has agreed with the young lady, why think more? Now the young lady and gentleman are both successful, no longer confined to just a mere earl."

Mrs. Wang sighed, "In those years of fighting, Dalang’s children were not much involved, Mrs. Wu is dead, and Zhao Ji is gone. I’m not a petty person; it’s just a sense of melancholy. We almost risked our lives for this title, and in the end, it’s just an earl."

She took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, "Now I know, wealth and glory are but fleeting. Look at Prince East Sea and Gou Xi; how prosperous were they before? But after a war, let alone wealth, even their lives cannot be guaranteed."

"So now I don’t wish for them to be too exalted, just safe," Mrs. Wang clutched the handkerchief tightly, "Though Third Lady hasn’t said it, I know every step she takes now is on a knife’s edge, very frightening. Now, what I can do for her is not to cause more trouble."

"With all the people the young lady and madam have saved over these years, heaven will surely let madam’s wishes come true." Qing Gu settled Mrs. Wang into bed, and just as dawn broke the next day, she got up to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for them. As she left the yard, she heard the sound of weapons in the neighboring courtyard.

She walked over and saw Zhao Hanzhang wielding a long spear, energetically practicing in the yard.

Qing Gu watched for a while, then quietly retreated to the kitchen and prepared a plate of marinated lamb for her.

When Zhao Hanzhang, changed and ready for breakfast, was surprised, "There’s meat for breakfast?"

Qing Gu smiled, "This is last night’s marinated lamb, which has been flavored overnight. I thought I’d cut it up for you to try."

She continued to serve Zhao Hanzhang with a smile, "You’re busy with state affairs and still practicing martial arts, consuming a lot of energy. You should eat more meat."

Mrs. Wang agreed, repeatedly giving her more meat.

Zhao Hanzhang felt incredibly happy.

It was different for Zhao Erlang, standing guard at the city gate. They had only slept for two hours and were still dazed and sleepy as they crouched at the gate.

Lv Hu brought them two pieces of dried food, and Zhao Erlang immediately started chewing hard after taking a big bite.

Zhao Zheng, eating with difficulty, asked Zhao Erlang, "Why are we eating military rations?"

Zhao Erlang replied, "What else can we eat?"

Zhao Zheng paused and then instructed his follower to go into the city to buy a few big buns.

There were stalls not far inside the city gate, and it didn’t take long to go back and forth.

Zhao Zheng generously shared the buns with Zhao Erlang, "We can buy them."

Zhao Erlang, biting into a bun with grievance, said, "I have no money."

His sister hadn’t given him his salary for a long time, and while having no salary was one thing, he didn’t even have pocket money anymore...

Zhao Erlang quickly finished the bun, got up and said, "There aren’t many people left. I’ll leave the rest to you and head back to the county government."

"Why are you going back to the county government?"

Zhao Erlang replied, "To do the accounts!"

He said, "I need to set aside next month’s expenses for the county government and put the rest into storage."

Hearing this, Zhao Zheng’s eyes lit up, thinking it’s a good idea. They collected so much money yesterday and didn’t know if the Great General would demand any. Regardless, they should set aside some first.

Zhao Zheng wiped his hands, got up, and said, "Don’t go back alone; take Yu Zhubu with you, he knows how much needs to be set aside."

Zhao Erlang agreed and went to call Yu Zhubu to go back together.

Zhao Hanzhang hadn’t thought to ask for money. After breakfast, she entered the palace to discuss state affairs with Ji Yuan and others. After state matters, she had to find time to see Zhao Song before leaving the palace before noon to meet someone at Flavor Building.

Ah, so busy.