The Governor's Mansion in Liangzhou Prefecture.
Yang Hao and Yuwen Kai surveyed the map of Sili, its mountains, rivers, and terrain laid bare.
With the fall of the Wu Kingdom, even its capital, the most prosperous city, had lost its former glory, destined to be buried by history.
Under Yang Hao's complete command, the entire northern region of Wu had been brought under control. Pacifying the Marquis of An, who held sway in the south, was merely a matter of time. The establishment of a new kingdom and the unification of the realm were within reach, making the choice of the new capital Yang Hao's paramount concern.
Yuwen Kai ran his fingers meticulously over the map, tracing the grand geographical veins.
"My Lord, the capital of the Wu Kingdom, with its millennium of history and deep roots, boasted a prosperous and stable economy. However, in my humble opinion, while its geographical location is indeed excellent, it is not suitable for you!"
Yuwen Kai spoke with deep concern, stroking his beard.
In the initial discussions about the capital, many officials had strongly advocated for the Wu Kingdom's capital. After a thousand years of development, it was undoubtedly the prime choice among regional cities. Its population, geography, economic development, and historical heritage were all deeply interwoven within its fabric. Establishing it as the new capital would save time and effort.
However, Yuwen Kai differed from the others. He had vehemently recommended a seemingly insignificant county town, located tens of miles from the Wu capital. This town's development was even inferior to Hanjia, and it was surrounded by mountains and undulating terrain, with only a central plain of any practical use.
"My Lord, I still insist on recommending this county town as the primary choice for the capital!" Yuwen Kai bowed respectfully.
"Anle, analyze thoroughly the advantages of this county town that have captured your favor. Tell me the reasons," Yang Hao said softly, gazing at the location of the small county town. He raised his eyebrows and swept his gaze across the officials present.
Yuwen Kai stepped up to the map. "My Lord, esteemed colleagues, observe!" He extended his hand over the map, analyzing. "Do not underestimate this seemingly unremarkable town. I have three points to share with you!"
"First, the plain where it is located is approximately three hundred and sixty kilometers long from east to west, and its width varies from north to south. However, the land in this plain is fertile, its produce abundant, and the climate mild with distinct seasons and ample rainfall, making it extremely suitable for agricultural development. It is a rare treasure trove of grain."
"Second, the transportation network of this small county town is also exceptionally advantageous. To the east, there are three routes: One is the Yulong Road, which follows the eastern mountain range eastward to Yulong Pass, controlling the former Wu capital. It connects to Yanzhou, Qingzhou, and Xuzhou, and further north to Youzhou and Jizhou. The second route branches out northeast from the remnants of the Wuling Mountains, leading directly to the Bingzhou plain, strictly controlling the border with the Jin Kingdom and allowing for rapid troop deployment. The third route follows the southeastern Han Zhong Commandery and the Yangyun Tian Line in northern Jingzhou, which leads to Yizhou, Jingzhou, and Yangzhou."
"Third, this county town, with proper planning and design, possesses strong defensive capabilities. My Lord and esteemed colleagues, please observe. It is only necessary to construct city walls along the surrounding forests, supplemented by a series of military facilities such as moats, drawbridges, gate towers, and arrow towers. The drawbridge connects the inside and outside, the gate tower observes enemy movements, and the arrow tower defends from afar. The arrow towers and the main towers are connected by city walls, forming a barbican, creating a situation where enemies who breach the drawbridge are like 'fish in a jar.' The main tower serves as the final line of defense for the city gate. This integrated five-part defense system, coupled with the use of its unique natural advantages, will undoubtedly transform this county town into a formidable fortress, striking fear into any enemy."
"Furthermore, it is situated at the very center of the thirteen provinces of the realm. As the ancient kings chose the center of the realm to establish their kingdoms."
"My Lord, simply demolish the original low and dilapidated city walls, expand outwards, develop the fertile land rationally, and offer incentive policies. This will undoubtedly attract a large number of people from all over the land to settle here. With stable development, it can quickly become the center of the realm!"
"With the assistance of the surrounding mountains and terrain, my Lord will be able to overlook all thirteen provinces!" Yuwen Kai said, prostrating himself in excitement. "My Lord, the capital should be here!"
Yang Hao knew that Yuwen Kai had designed the awe-inspiring city of Luoyang in his previous life and was exceptionally skilled in utilizing terrain. With Yuwen Kai's detailed analysis, Yang Hao deeply felt the potential of this city. The ancient kings chose the center of the realm to establish their kingdoms!
"Yuwen Kai, heed my command!" Yang Hao swept his gaze across the officials below and waved his hand, his voice firm and powerful.
"Yes!" Yuwen Kai prostrated himself.
"I decree you the Commander-in-Chief for the construction of the new capital, with full authority over its planning and construction. Furthermore, I bestow upon this city the name Chang'an!"
"Bao Zheng is ordered to lead all officials and fully cooperate with Yuwen Kai's needs."
"You must both dedicate yourselves wholeheartedly. If necessary, you may mobilize a portion of the Sili army to participate in the construction. The capital must be completed as quickly as possible!"
"We obey!" Yuwen Kai and Bao Zheng accepted the orders with excitement and bowed out under the watchful eyes of the officials.
Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, more than two days had elapsed. Yang Hao sat at the head of the hall, with Zhu Sheng, Zhang Han, and Jing Ke standing below.
After stabilizing affairs in Bingzhou, Jing Ke, along with Cheng Yaojin and Lu Kang, had managed to pacify the situation in the former Wu capital, bringing some order to the chaotic and collapsing scene. He then proceeded to Liangzhou Prefecture with a batch of intelligence.
"My Lord, the Jin soldiers entered the royal palace but did not engage in large-scale massacres. The nobles of the palace were all killed by rebels within the city. The palace was filled with bloodshed and flames, and it is likely that the royal audience hall has now turned to ashes!" Jing Ke replied slowly, his expression blank, his eyes hollow, as if the bloody events in the palace were but a speck of dust in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Sheng clasped his hands. "This is for the best. It will save us a great deal of trouble!"
Yang Hao remained impassive, his expression serene. "Since the matters in the Wu capital are settled, the fact that a hundred thousand Jin soldiers were buried deep within Wu territory will likely reach the ears of the Jin Kingdom soon. In that case, we must resolve the southern affairs swiftly!"
"The army's march is slow, and opportunities for battle must not be missed. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Jing Ke, heed my command!" Jing Ke stepped forward, his presence imposing and his tone serious. "Yes!"
"You are ordered to infiltrate Jingzhou and eliminate the Marquis of An with the utmost speed!" Yang Hao's expression was grave, his gaze filled with murderous intent. These few words revealed his decisiveness and ruthlessness!
"As you command!" Jing Ke bowed loudly, and his figure gradually vanished from the hall.
"Zhu Sheng, relay my orders: Lu Kang is to lead troops south to occupy Yizhou, Cheng Yaojin is to lead troops south to Jingzhou, and Shan Xiongxin is to lead troops to occupy Yangzhou."
"It is time to end this chaotic landscape!"