Feng Yun left Changn and headed straight for Little Jieqiu.
Today’s Little Jieqiu was no longer the desolate mountain wilderness it once was. As she traveled along, she saw not only various workshops but also many residential houses, shops, and work sheds used by artisans.
The residential houses here belonged to no outsiders.
The land of Changn, the people of Changn.
The shops were managed by Changn, and all the business dealings remained within their own circle.
The entirety of Little Jieqiu belonged solely to Changn.
Continuing inward for another mile or two into the mountain, patrolling i Ling’s troops could be seen.
They were all trained by Hou Zhun according to military drills, aligned in rows, abiding by laws and regulations. The guards were tightly disciplined.
Guan Wei had brought her child to Changn today, and Hou Zhun was at the main gate to welco her.
"Madam, please co inside."
Feng Yun nodded. "How is Mr. i Ling?"
Hou Zhun smiled and replied, "In high spirits, eager to take action."
Feng Yun smiled faintly and strode inside.
Hou Zhun stepped aside courteously.
Upon entering the main gate, there was a spacious and impressive martial training ground, not inferior to the Northern Yong barracks. Continuing further inside, neatly-arranged barracks ca into view, stretched out in orderly rows.
Feng Yun did not disturb anyone but went to the council chamber and sat for a while.
Hou Zhun personally brewed tea and placed it on the wooden table.
"Are there any updates from the south?"
Feng Yun said, "It is said that Xiao San Zhi is in Xinzhou. But in my opinion, his objective is far beyond Xinzhou..."
Hou Zhun nodded. "Huaxi is near Changhe and Huaishui, and it isn’t far from Xinzhou either. We must be prepared."
Feng Yun stated, "This is why I have co this ti. General Hou, they say Andu is the foundation of the Da Yong Dynasty, and Huaxi is the foundation of Changn. Actually, Changn’s foundation isn’t in Huaxi but lies in Little Jieqiu. Do you understand?"
Hou Zhun cupped his hands in salute. "I understand, Madam. I will not disappoint your trust."
After saying this, he sighed softly.
"Speaking of Xiao San, one must admit he is an exceptional ruler. But it’s like the saying: ’Born Yi, why born Liang?’ "
Feng Yun laughed, "Are you regretting not returning to Nanqi back then, General?"
Hou Zhun froze for a mont, stroked his beard, and then laughed along with her.
"The words I spoke to you back then have never changed. I truly grew weary of the scheming and deceit in the imperial court. Originally, generals leading their troops were only ant to fight bloodily on the battlefield, disregarding other matters. But there will always be those who stab you in the back or shoot covert arrows. I’ve witnessed too much of this, and it drains the spirit. Little Jieqiu is far better—pristine mountains and waters, pure-hearted people, devoid of endless intrigue and calculations. Training soldiers, farming, three simple als a day... life is straightforward."
His wife, children, and family all lived in the village in Little Jieqiu, and he had no other concerns. Feng Yun rarely imposed strict constraints on him, making him almost like the "king" of Little Jieqiu.
Here, he could live freely and at ease. In Huaxi Town, everyone greeted him with friendly smiles. How could such good days be found elsewhere?
Feng Yun nodded. "Bring the map. Let’s discuss defensive planning."
Over the years, many in the court and beyond speculated about the number of Changn troops.
So claid there were several thousand, while others exaggerated it to be as many as ten or twenty thousand.
In truth, they were all wrong.
Changn currently had more than 32,000 troops in total. All their weaponry was produced by their own workshops—blades, spears, axes, halberds, and refined bows and crossbows, all complete. Additionally, they were equipped with defenses such as deer antlers, cheval de frise, stone-throwing machines, and other such devices...
Feng Yun’s original ambition to transform Little Jieqiu into a defensive fortress had already been achieved.
Today, Little Jieqiu’s scale far surpassed the Tu Family Fort that had once earned her admiration.
Whether in manpower or resources.
These past years, Xing Bing had taken so troops to guard estates and escort goods on miscellaneous errands, while Hou Zhun personally trained the 30,000-plus soldiers in a formal military manner, making them fierce and battle-ready.
Hou Zhun was very confident: "Madam, rest assured. The troops under my training are without weakness. If there’s no need for them that’s fine. But should Xiao San cross Huaishui intending to claim Little Jieqiu, he’ll certainly be dealt a harsh blow..."
Feng Yun smiled faintly, her gaze sharpening slightly.
"If Little Jieqiu is besieged, how long can it hold?"
Hou Zhun paused briefly and then replied, "If we only defend without attacking, conservatively ten years."
To sustain an army requires food. Only with food can stability be maintained. The grain stored in Little Jieqiu’s granary was ant to provide for everyone for ten years—a grand vision laid out by Feng Yun when she began construction on it.
She had achieved all of this.
After returning from Little Jieqiu, Feng Yun felt much more at ease.
That very evening, she indulged in a round of drinking with her companions at Changn and retired early for bed. The next day, upon returning to the palace, she went straight to Qilin Pavilion to visit Rui Bao.
Mother and son talked for a while, then Rui Bao went off to his lessons.
As Feng Yun was preparing to leave, an eunuch entered and reported.
"Madam, Minister Tang requests an audience."
Feng Yun pondered for a mont, "Let him in."
-
Since Feng Yun’s ascension as empress, Tang Shaogong had been mostly respectful and polite whenever he saw her. Yet, he maintained a certain aloofness, avoiding provocation, and never proactively seeking her out.
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