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In the end, it was Qi Xiaomian who made the final decision. The accommodation at the City Defense Camp was much better, and after a long journey, it was best to rest there first. Moreover, he hadn't entered Black Flame City for two years. A group of ruffians was hard to manage, and he needed to discipline them first.
Old Vine had received a promise that when Qi Xiaomian went in to discipline, he could bring him along and also take him to Misty Forest. Only then did Old Vine stop causing trouble.
When Qilang left Jingjing City, he had already parted ways with them and secretly headed to City Defense Camp to investigate. Just one day before their arrival, he was summoned by Qi Xiaomian, and they met in Dayu Yinzhu City.
"Sir, you finally made it! You're half a month later than expected," Qilang remarked.
"I was delayed on the road."
"What held you up? Naturally, it was food, drink, and entertainment," Qilang replied, observing everyone's good spirits. He felt reassured. "Sir, the camp is doing well; there hasn't been any underhanded dealings. It's all thanks to your capable management."
"Where's the credit for my management? It's just that we have money!" Qi Xiaomian asked. "Over these years, we've relaxed our management a bit, and their pockets have gotten much fuller. They haven't been flaunting it in the surrounding states and counties, have they?"
Qilang responded, "Sir has set an example by punishing a few to deter others. To prevent them from being too extravagant and raising suspicions, he ordered the women at home to manage the finances. The gentlemen surely have some complaints in their hearts, but they've gotten used to it and behave themselves."
"Everyone is just hoping you can completely take over Black Flame City and announce it without hesitation. Then they wouldn't need to hide their actions anymore."
Qi Xiaomian replied confidently, "It's coming soon; it won't be many years."
"The Great Yu Emperor's temperament suggests he wouldn't want to give up easily. Perhaps if we change the Monarch, it might be possible. The proposal from Huayang Princess could break the deadlock; if we help her seize the throne, could we exchange that for a city?"
At this point, Qilang was happily introducing everyone to the situation at City Defense Camp.
The City Defense Camp was quite large and notorious; everyone avoided it, which made it seem even more desolate. After my lord took over, he made plans for the Garrison. Now it resembled a grand estate with vast fields.
The land produced enough for self-sufficiency and even had schools and large medical facilities built. Warriors were hired along with their families; everyone could earn several portions of money, leading prosperous lives.
The changes in the camp were visible to many outside the city, but they still feared the camp itself; thus, there wasn't much foot traffic.
Li Cu asked him, "With over fifty thousand soldiers plus their relatives, shouldn't that double the numbers? Is that what you call lacking popularity?"
Qilang replied, "It's the comings and goings of travelers and merchants from outside that truly indicate popularity; only then can we say the entire camp is thriving."
"Our lord plans for Black Flame City to be the inner city while the Garrison serves as the outer city. Sooner or later, we will make them flourish beyond any Capital City. Then my lord will give himself a title: the most carefree city lord in existence."
Sang Qingxiao teased Qi Xiaomian, "So your ultimate dream is this? You've wasted the expectations of Court and Two Lords; Chancellor has unprecedentedly assigned you many tasks and has been maintaining your position in court while subtly hinting at you and secretly gathering support."
"You've really done it this time. Do you think they would approve of you?"
Qi Xiaomian smiled and whispered in her ear, "Do you want to be the queen?"
Sang Qingxiao replied disdainfully, "I don't like trouble."
"I agree," Qi Xiaomian said. "I also dislike trouble, and I hate being constrained. Being an emperor comes with too much burden; I don't want to carry that weight."
The burden of a city lord is not light either.
"Indeed, it's not light. But for the sake of future stability, we need some power," Qi Xiaomian continued.
Sang Qingxiao sighed. "The Great Jing Dynasty is about to become turbulent. Can you really let it go? If there’s truly no one suitable to be the ruler, and the court officials kneel and plead for you, what will you do when the common people press you with their demands?"
"I won't do it!"
Sang Qingxiao shot him a glance. "Anyone can say such things. The world is unpredictable; who knows what will happen in the future?"
Yet Qi Xiaomian mentioned a name: Sang Bai Jue. "I believe he is more suitable than I am. He has been locked away in Exile Land for over ten years, yet his presence can be felt everywhere in the world. Such a talented individual—who else could take the throne if not him?"
"Moreover, the Great Jing Dynasty was established by both the Qin Family and the Sang Family. The Qin Family owes a debt to the Sang Family; why shouldn't the Sang Family claim the throne? Perhaps Sang Bai Jue thinks this way too."
"If he had no such thoughts, why would he reach so far?"
"Besides, the Chancellor has only assigned me two lessons so far. After that, his gaze towards me changed—consideration, hesitation, indecision. It seems he must have other candidates in mind; perhaps someone with better imperial qualities has caught his interest, yet for some unknown reason, he hesitates."
After a hearty lunch and resting for two hours, everyone set off towards the city garrison.
Black Flame City is located in the southern region, and in April's warmth, beads of sweat formed on their brows. When Qilang reminded them, Sang Qingxiao lifted the curtain of the carriage and gazed at the vibrant scenery outside, resembling Kishu Castle but lacking its spirit.
No need to ask; it must be Qi Xiaomian's handiwork. Knowing she liked it, the decorations seemed a bit rushed—the flowers had just been transplanted and looked somewhat wilted—but there was certainly effort put into it.
Qi Xiaomian touched her nose awkwardly and said, "In a few months, it should look better."
Just that endless expanse of farmland was already beautiful.
"I think it looks good this way too. Who says military camps must be barren land? Ordinary soldiers have simple wishes; most come from farming backgrounds. Having land means hope."
Qi Xiaomian had previously advised them to keep a low profile at the entrance of the camp; they were only greeted by five generals.
When she glanced at Sang Qingxiao, she couldn't help but exchange glances with Qi Xiaomian. Qi Xiaomian avoided eye contact; merely glaring was useless, so she waved her hand to dismiss them.
Once inside the camp, she could sense the prying eyes from all directions.
Sang Qingxiao maintained a calm demeanor as she observed the surroundings. The most significant difference from other military camps was that here, the Warriors did not live in tents but in solid brick houses. The small brick houses were arranged in neat rows, and to her surprise, some were even two stories high.
Qi Xiaomian explained, "With an extra floor, we can accommodate twice as many people without expanding the footprint. I instructed them to dig deeper foundations to ensure stability."
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