That is impossible. Even if Zhao Changyu could be "selfish" to such an extent, he would never push Zhao Hanzhang into the spotlight.
Zhao Changyu led the three into the study, while Uncle Cheng stayed in 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.
Sitting in the main seat, Zhao Changyu glanced at his granddaughter sitting opposite on the stool, saying, "I have decided to submit a memorial tomorrow to request the establishment of a princely heir. With the new emperor's accession, it's the time to bestow honors upon the meritorious. My proposal should be approved swiftly."
He tapped his finger on the table and said, "Originally, after the princely heir is appointed, I should keep your eldest uncle by my side for guidance and slowly transfer the family's power to him. However..."
Zhao Changyu looked up and fixed his gaze on Zhao Hanzhang, "Your grand-uncle is still here."
Zhao Hanzhang felt a stirring in her heart and remembered the scant historical records about Zhao Zhongyu, "You want them to fight, so our branch can benefit like fishermen when they struggle?"
"..." Zhao Changyu quickly glanced at Ji Yuan sitting nearby and snapped, "What nonsense are you talking about? After I'm gone, the family's grand plan falls on your grand-uncle and eldest uncle. Instead of assisting them, you hope they fail?"
Zhao Hanzhang promptly lowered her head to admit her mistake, "Yes, it's all Third Lady's fault. I won't dare to think like this again."
Speaking out in the open like this.
Zhao Changyu finally showed a trace of satisfaction and continued, "Quality is better than quantity. I will leave some men for you and Erlang. When I'm gone, you can return home with Erlang."
He didn't shy away from Ji Yuan and Zhao Ju, speaking directly to Zhao Hanzhang, "I give you two paths. The first is to get engaged first, and marry after the mourning period. Ziyuan and the others will help you. Our family has a Wu Castle in Ru Nan, currently managed by your fifth uncle's branch, but our main branch is the legitimate line. With Erlang, as long as you return home, you have an opportunity."
There was no need to be too explicit. Zhao Changyu was suggesting that she use Zhao Erlang to command Zhao's Fortress.
Zhao Hanzhang found this path agreeable and nodded slightly, but engagement...
She felt there was no need.
"The second path is to get engaged and married this year. Take Ziyuan and the others with you, and in the future, your mother and brother can rely on you for support."
Zhao Hanzhang asked, "Grandfather willingly entrusts the Zhao family's significant power to an in-law?"
Zhao Changyu looked at her intently, "I'm entrusting it to you."
If Third Lady hadn't said those things or done those actions, he wouldn't have separated the power to give it to her.
But since she had such insight, her husband's family wouldn't be able to control her. The power in her hands could become an asset for her husband's family, and likewise, her husband's family's power could support her, protecting her and the main branch's mother and son.
Zhao Hanzhang felt excited, "Grandfather trusts me, and I will not fail you. I will protect my mother and brother, and myself. I choose the first path."
Curious, Zhao Hanzhang asked, "Who are you referring to? Why is the second branch in such a hurry?"
"Don't speak without evidence about unsubstantiated matters," Zhao Changyu admonished her before continuing, "I have my eye on Fu Zizhuang's eldest grandson, Fu Changrong."
Zhao Hanzhang searched her mind for this Fu Zizhuang and failed to find any reference, looking blankly at Zhao Changyu.
Ji Yuan, sitting on the side, laughed, "Mr. Fu's name is Zhi, styled Zizhuang. He's newly appointed as Secretary of the Secretariat, Right Minister, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Chancellor. His eldest son, Fu Xuan, is married to Princess Hongnong. Fu Changrong is the Princess's son, known for his talent, just two years older than Third Lady, making him a suitable match in terms of age, talents, looks, and family background."
Setting aside age and talents, the family background seems suitable at first, but on a deeper look, it's not.
Both their grandfathers served as Secretary of the Secretariat, but his grandfather is currently in service, whereas her grandfather is retired. He has both parents, while on her side, it's just an orphaned mother and child.
Zhao Hanzhang doubted, "Mr. Fu... would he agree?"
Zhao Changyu glanced at her, "Why wouldn't he agree? Third Lady, you're gentle and virtuous, with both talent and beauty. The Fu family would be lucky to have you."
Zhao Hanzhang felt a bit guilty, not denying her talents and beauty, but as for being gentle and virtuous... Not even the original self possessed that trait.
She didn't think Zhao Changyu was unaware of the little girl's continued schemes against the second branch.
Zhao Changyu remained composed, "Don't worry about this. As a lady, you should be proud and dignified. Though I initiated this, it is now the Fu family seeking you."
Zhao Hanzhang was perplexed, "Why?"
Zhao Changyu gave her a glance and frowned, "Why else? Naturally, because you are excellent."
Zhao Hanzhang paused for a long moment, realizing Zhao Changyu was serious, leaving her speechless. She admitted her excellence, as well as the original self's, but did this era truly acknowledge such excellence?
Thinking about the surname Fu, Zhao Hanzhang suddenly asked, "Grandfather, how is this Mr. Fu lately?"
Zhao Changyu looked at her, "Why ask this? Did you hear of some vice he has outside?"
Zhao Changyu was surprised, "Are your sources now so well-informed that even news from Chang'an reaches you?"
Zhao Hanzhang: "… He's in Chang'an, not in Luoyang?"
Zhao Changyu frowned, glancing at the injury on her head, "During the Capital turmoil, he was trapped in Chang'an with his parents. You... you don't remember? Is the amnesia real?"
"Oh," Zhao Hanzhang couldn't admit her amnesia now, considering the two crucial confidants present. If her trusted aides knew her head had issues, wouldn't it dampen their confidence?
So she smiled, "It's fake, I just don't remember the Fu family matters. Were their issues significant?"
Zhao Changyu instantly felt persuaded; indeed, not significant. Over the past two years, the Great Jin had lost three Princes, the emperor had been snatched twice, and last year was even poisoned in the Imperial Palace. Each event was more significant than the Fu family's entrapment in Chang'an. The granddaughter was still young, and incomplete information was normal.
Zhao Changyu convinced himself, nodding slightly, "Yet, with the new emperor's accession, the trouble in Chang'an has eased somewhat. Although traveling from Chang'an to Luoyang remains perilous, with the Fu family's skills, returning shouldn't be difficult. You should see him in two months."
Zhao Hanzhang felt slightly disappointed, realizing this Fu Changrong wasn't Professor Fu.
Based on her appearance and disappearance timing, Professor Fu appeared where someone was likely injured, possibly near death, or already deceased, which is why he vanished before her eyes.
She still didn't know who he had become.
Zhao Hanzhang's curiosity piqued, and eventually, she couldn't resist inquiring, "Grandfather, any recent news from the Capital, like someone losing memory or being severely injured, just like me?"
Zhao Changyu: "Not to mention injuries, the death toll in the Capital is significant daily. Whom do you mean?"