If he could humble himself back then, he could certainly listen to advice now.

Feng Miaojun shook her head repeatedly: “The eastern region isn’t desolate because of warfare; it’s simply been neglected for a long time. The land here is fertile with abundant water. The endless conflicts and suppression over the past decade or more have driven many western civilians to the east, seeking refuge from disasters.”

She paused briefly. “Though the cities we passed through over the last month appear dilapidated, have you noticed any shortage of population?”

“After the establishment of New Xia, we’ve been conducting demographic research and assessment of various urban and rural areas,” Fu Lingchuan pondered. “But you’re right, the population hasn’t diminished.” Accompanying Feng Miaojun on this land journey to measure national conditions gave him various insights impossible to obtain from his high position.

Commoners yearned for peace, yet warfare frequently erupted in the western and southwestern regions. Consequently, people from these areas fled eastward for refuge, eventually settling down, taking root, and multiplying. Though less than ten years had passed since the nation’s fall, dramatic population changes weren’t yet apparent. In another five or six years, the newly born population and labor force would inevitably expand, likely showing signs of vitality.

Humans are truly the most resilient species in this world.

“Currently, the eastern region, especially the southeast, already has a considerable population,” Feng Miaojun smiled. “With the four major cities along the line from Wuse’er City to Mituo City as centers, six or seven out of ten commoners are concentrated here.”

Fu Lingchuan ordered someone to bring a sand table for the simulation. Connecting these four cities, he immediately nodded: “I see, the trade route.”

Early last year, Yun Ya had blown up the Yaishan passage, severing the shortest trade route between the Qu and Jin kingdoms, with the White Elephant Mountain range suddenly becoming an insurmountable barrier despite the proximity. However, trade and exchanges between the two nations had to continue somehow, so everyone settled for the second most convenient route—bypassing the northern part of the White Elephant Mountain range through the Red Cliff Plains and forests in the territory of An Xia. When the Wei Kingdom attacked, the Jin reinforcements had used precisely this route.

The most crucial nodes on this new trade route were the four cities of Mituo! Almost all merchant caravans had to stop here for rest and supplies before continuing their journey.

“The Red Cliff Plains are now vast with a considerable population, fertile soil, and a suitable climate for farming. This area is also close to the Qu and Jin kingdoms, convenient for establishing trade routes.” Feng Miaojun’s slender, fair fingers lightly tapped on the sand table while Fu Lingchuan kept a solemn expression, focusing on her words.

“Wuse’er City is not far from the confluence of three rivers. The Zangan River flows southwest into the Kingdom, while the Wumu Lake River flows to the foot of the White Elephant Mountain range before turning east through two small kingdoms. Both land and water transportation are extremely convenient, and the city itself is backed by river valleys, allowing it to take advantage of natural mountain and river defenses—a rare stronghold on the plains.”

“From Wuse’er to Mituo City, the roads are already established. We just need to deploy troops to eliminate mountain bandits, brigands, and man-eating monsters roaming the wilderness to ensure the trade route’s safety. It will become a golden goose.” After nearly half a year of natural growth, the economy of the four Mituo cities had not yet recovered, but small signs were emerging. With careful nurturing, this trade route could continuously bring in the most urgently needed income for the newly born state of New Xia.

“Just by encouraging farming on the Red Cliff Plains and promoting commerce in every major city, Wuse’er will truly become a city of pearls.” Feng Miaojun smiled. “Before large armies are stationed here, why don’t Elder Cousin and General Hong seize this opportunity? Relocating the capital is a monumental event that comes once in a thousand years—a rare chance that comes once in eight lifetimes. First-comers eat meat; latecomers can only drink soup.”

Goodness, how exhausting! It had been a long time since she had spoken at such length. This scene reminded her of a time long, long ago when she was eloquently presenting strategic vision plans to angel investors.

Fu Lingchuan’s heart stirred at her words. Indeed, compared to the West where numerous powers were concentrated, the eastern region of An Xia remained largely a blank slate. Although his foundation was in the north after several hard battles with Xiao Jing, half of his main forces remained in the central region. Establishing the eastern region as his base could indeed make him formidable in a short period.

But there were two problems.

“If the national capital is set in the east, how do we command the military and civilians to resist Wei Kingdom’s attacks?” The Wei Kingdom was in western An Xia. He pointed to the border on the sand table. “From east to west, royal decrees would take at least two months to reach their destination.”

Feng Miaojun smiled: “That’s a problem for Elder Cousin and the generals to worry about, not for a frail woman like me.” She passed the buck. “If this matter had only advantages and no disadvantages, the eastern region would have been claimed long ago, and we wouldn’t be discussing it now.”

“You…” Fu Lingchuan was caught between laughter and exasperation. If she called herself frail, wouldn’t other young ladies simply collapse at the slightest breeze?

He understood why the various forces within An Xia’s borders were concentrated in the west—mainly because Wei attacks always came from west to east. During their collaborative resistance, each faction maintained its integrity.

Precisely for this reason, he couldn’t bring himself to hide in the rear quietly developing while letting others bear the brunt of Wei’s military might. “If we leave the frontlines for others to defend, whether they succeed or not is another matter, but it will inevitably lead to disunity in the future. This surely isn’t what His Majesty would wish.”

Having extensively studied historical texts at Yanhai Tower, Feng Miaojun knew well that gatekeepers often became gravediggers. She blinked and changed her approach: “Then looking at it from another perspective, Wuse’er City is closer to both Qu and Jin. If relations with these two countries deteriorate, our response time could be faster.”

Fu Lingchuan couldn’t help but smile: “You have a point.”

Currently, New Xia’s relations with Qu and Jin were acceptable, but he could keenly perceive that since New Xia’s establishment, these two countries’ reactions had been far less enthusiastic than before. Naturally, no one wanted another powerful nation emerging on their doorstep. Moreover, throughout An Xia’s history, there had been friction between both countries; relations had never been entirely harmonious.

A nation seeking longevity must consider the long term. Current peaceful coexistence didn’t guarantee perpetual neighborly relations.

“Besides, we’re currently at odds with the Wei Kingdom, but who knows if we might become allies in the future?” As she said this, the image of Yun Ya suddenly appeared in her mind without warning, seemingly wearing a mischievous grin. She quickly shook her head to banish this damned vision. “Well, I mean, the Wei Kingdom might not necessarily remain our enemy.”

Fu Lingchuan gazed at her intently: “How do you know?”

“Since the establishment of New Xia, from the time the Wei Kingdom suppressed the Crown Prince’s rebellion until now, half a year has passed with no sign of Wei making any moves against An Xia.” Otherwise, how could the two of them be so leisurely, first touring the Yan Kingdom’s capital and then investigating conditions along An Xia’s borders? If Wei had launched another major offensive, Feng Miaojun would have had to remain stationed in Lubo City, unable to go anywhere.

She thought for a moment and decided to reveal the truth. “Remember the Mo Tizhun master and servant from the Langyu Kingdom whom you and Fei Yuan encountered by the Qingyuan River?”