That was impossible. Even if Zhao Changyu could be "selfish" to that extent, he would never push Zhao Hanzhang into the eye of the storm.
Zhao Changyu led the three of them into the study, while Cheng Bo remained guarding the courtyard.
Due to her leg injury, Zhao Hanzhang could only sit on a stool, while Zhao Changyu and the other two sat cross-legged on mats.
Seated in the main position, Zhao Changyu glanced at his granddaughter sitting directly opposite him on the stool and said, "I have decided to submit a memorial tomorrow requesting the establishment of an Heir. With the new emperor ascending the throne, it is the perfect time to reward meritorious officials. My memorial should be approved quickly."
He tapped the table with his finger. "Originally, after the Heir is established, I should take your eldest uncle under my wing, teaching him and gradually handing over the family's influence to him. However…"
Zhao Changyu looked up and fixed his gaze on Zhao Hanzhang. "Your granduncle is still here."
Zhao Hanzhang's heart stirred as she recalled the sparse historical records about Zhao Zhongyu. "Do you intend for them, father and son, to fight each other, allowing our main branch to reap the benefits?"
"…" Zhao Changyu quickly glanced at Ji Yuan, who was sitting nearby, and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking? After I am gone, the family's grand plans will rest entirely on your granduncle and eldest uncle. Instead of assisting them from the sidelines, you actually wish them ill?"
Zhao Hanzhang immediately lowered her head in apology. "Yes, it is all Third Lady's fault. I will never dare to think this way again."
At least she had spoken openly about it.
Zhao Changyu was somewhat satisfied and continued, "Quality matters more than quantity. I will leave some capable people for you and Erlang. When I am no longer here, you and Erlang will escort my coffin back to our hometown."
He did not avoid Ji Yuan and Zhao Ju, speaking directly to Zhao Hanzhang. "I offer you two paths. First, become engaged first and marry after the mourning period is over. Ziyuan and the others will assist you. Our family has a fortress in Runan, currently managed by your Fifth Granduncle's branch. However, our main branch is the direct line. With Erlang by your side, you will have an opportunity once you return home."
There was no need to spell it out too clearly. Zhao Changyu was suggesting that she use Zhao Erlang to command the Zhao family fortress.
Zhao Hanzhang thought this path was quite good and nodded slightly. However, becoming engaged…
She felt it was entirely unnecessary.
"The second path: become engaged and marry this year. Take Ziyuan and the others with you. In the future, your mother and younger brother will depend on you for support."
Zhao Hanzhang asked, "Grandfather, are you willing to hand over such a significant portion of the Zhao family's influence to in-laws?"
Zhao Changyu looked at her steadily. "I am handing it over to you."
If Third Lady had not spoken those words or done those things, he would not have divided the family's influence to give to her.
But since she possessed such insight, her husband's family would not be able to control her. The influence in her hands could become an asset to her husband's family, and similarly, the influence of her husband's family would also become her asset, protecting her and the mother and son of the main branch.
Zhao Hanzhang felt a surge of excitement. "Grandfather trusts me, and I will not betray your trust. I will protect my mother and younger brother, and I will protect myself. I choose the first path."
Zhao Hanzhang asked curiously, "Whose family did you have in mind for me? Why was the Second Branch so eager to take action?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Matters without evidence should not be spoken of openly." After reprimanding her, Zhao Changyu said, "I have taken a liking to Fu Zizhuang's eldest grandson, Fu Changrong."
Zhao Hanzhang then searched her memory hard for any information about Fu Zizhuang but found nothing. She looked at Zhao Changyu with a blank expression.
Ji Yuan, standing nearby, smiled and said, "Lord Fu's given name is Zhi, courtesy name Zizhuang. He was recently promoted to Secretariat Supervisor, Right Deputy, Left Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, and Minister over the Masses. His eldest son, Fu Xuan, married Princess Hongnong. Fu Changrong is the son of Princess Hongnong. He has been known for his talent since youth, is two years older than Third Lady, and is suitable in age, talent, appearance, and family background."
Age, talent, and appearance aside, from a family background perspective, it indeed seemed very suitable at first glance, but looking further, it wasn't suitable at all.
Both of their grandfathers served as Secretariat Supervisor, but the other grandfather was still active in office, while hers had retired. The other family had both parents alive, while she was an orphan with only her mother—wasn't that the case?
Zhao Hanzhang was skeptical. "Lord Fu… would he agree?"
Zhao Changyu glanced at her and said, "Why wouldn't he agree? Third Lady, you are gentle, virtuous, talented, and beautiful. The Fu Family would be overjoyed to have you."
Zhao Hanzhang felt a pang of guilt. She didn't deny being talented and beautiful, but as for gentle and virtuous… not to mention herself, even the original owner of this body didn't possess such qualities.
She didn't believe Zhao Changyu was unaware that the young lady had been secretly scheming against the Second Branch.
Zhao Changyu said without changing his expression, "You needn't worry about this matter. As a young lady, you should be reserved and proud. Although I initiated this, it is now the Fu Family seeking you."
Zhao Hanzhang was puzzled. "Why?"
Zhao Changyu glanced at her, frowning slightly. "Why else? Naturally, because you are exceptional."
Zhao Hanzhang paused for a long moment, realizing that Zhao Changyu was actually serious. She was momentarily speechless. She admitted she was outstanding, and the original owner was outstanding too, but did this era truly recognize such excellence in women?
Remembering the other party's surname was Fu, Zhao Hanzhang felt a stir in her heart. "Grandfather, how has this young master Fu been lately?"
Zhao Changyu looked at her. "Why do you ask? Has he developed some bad habits outside that you've heard about?"
Zhao Changyu was surprised. "Is your network of informants so extensive now that you can even gather news from Chang'an?"
Zhao Hanzhang: "…He's in Chang'an, not Luoyang?"
Zhao Changyu frowned, glancing at the wound on her head. "During the capital's upheaval, he was trapped in Chang'an with his parents. You… don't remember? Is the amnesia real?"
"Oh," Zhao Hanzhang couldn't admit to amnesia now, especially with two important aides present. If her trusted advisors knew there was something wrong with her mind, wouldn't that undermine their confidence?
So she smiled and said, "It's false. I just don't remember the Fu Family's affairs. Are their matters significant?"
Zhao Changyu was instantly convinced. Indeed, they weren't significant. Over the past two years, Great Jin had lost three princes, the emperor had been seized twice, and last year, he was even poisoned to death in the palace. Each of these events was more significant than the Fu Family being trapped in Chang'an. His granddaughter was still young, and it was normal for her to have incomplete information.
Zhao Changyu convinced himself and nodded slightly. "However, with the new emperor ascending the throne, the siege of Chang'an has eased slightly. Although the journey from Chang'an to Luoyang remains perilous, given the Fu Family's capabilities, returning shouldn't be difficult. You should be able to meet him in another two months."
Zhao Hanzhang felt slightly disappointed. It seemed this Fu Changrong was not Professor Fu.
Based on the timing of her own appearance and disappearance, Professor Fu likely appeared where someone was injured—perhaps near death or already dead, just like the young lady—before vanishing before her eyes in an instant.
She just didn't know who he had become.
Zhao Hanzhang's heart stirred with curiosity, and in the end, she couldn't resist asking the three of them, "Grandfather, I wonder if there have been any recent news in the capital—like someone who, like me, has lost their memory or suffered serious injuries."
Zhao Changyu replied, "Not to mention injuries, there are plenty of deaths in the capital every day. Who are you asking about?"