Chapter 225

Sunlight poured through the huge carved windows of Xuanshi Hall in Weiyang Palace, spilling onto the gold‑brick‑paved floor and making the hall glitter.

Since the cabinet system was implemented, order inside the hall has been well organized, and all affairs have proceeded smoothly.

Today, all eyes gathered on the Son of Heaven, Liu Ju, who wore a dark‑blue brocade robe; the jade ornament at his waist swayed lightly with his steps, and his every gesture displayed composure.

Gentlemen, let us now review the construction achievements of the secondary capital Yanjing, the Grand Canal, and the southern capital Hangzhou, making full preparations for the Southern Great Development.

Liu Ju's voice rang loud, echoing through the hall.

Premier Su Wu stepped forward first, holding a document in both hands, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the construction of the secondary capital Yanjing has been successfully completed. In planning and layout, we took Chang'an as a model, building walls and palaces, improving government offices and markets. Today Yanjing is not only a transportation hub of the north but also attracts many merchants, and its trade flourishes day by day."

Vice Premier Huo Guang followed closely, speaking succinctly: "Your Majesty, the development of the Grand Canal has shown remarkable results. After the waterway opened for navigation, north‑south cargo transport became far more convenient, and towns along the line grew rapidly. By collecting commercial taxes, the treasury's income increased greatly, greatly boosting economic development."

Wei Xiang, a member of the cabinet, stepped forward quickly, clasped his hands, and reported:

"The construction of Hangzhou has initially taken shape thanks to everyone's efforts. We dredged West Lake, built embankments, and improved irrigation conditions for farmland. At the same time, we attracted many artisans and merchants to settle, and industries such as textiles and ceramics gradually emerged."

Xu Weijin also stepped forward, adding: "During the construction process, we also focused on building cultural facilities, constructing schools and libraries, cultivating many talents, laying the foundation for Hangzhou's long-term development."

Jin Fu and Liu Xijun exchanged a glance, and Jin Fu said: "We actively recruited craftsmen and laborers, coordinated resources from all sides, and ensured the material supply for all construction projects."

Liu Xijun nodded in agreement: "Yes, and we properly resettled the people displaced by construction, ensuring social stability."

After hearing everyone's reports, Liu Ju gave a slight nod: "Now, the secondary capital Yanjing has been built, the Grand Canal between Beijing and Hangzhou has been successfully excavated, and the southern capital Hangzhou has begun to take shape. Next, the Southern Development Project is of utmost importance and cannot afford any loss!"

As his words fell, the officials inside the hall all clasped their hands, their faces full of admiration.

One official spoke first: "Your Majesty, your vision is far-reaching! These measures will greatly promote the prosperity of our Great Han; the Southern Development Project will surely strengthen the Great Han's territory and enrich the people."

Another official quickly added:

"Your Majesty's plans are far-sighted; the rise of Yanjing and Hangzhou, plus the opening of the Grand Canal, have already stimulated trade across the regions. Once the Southern Development Project succeeds, the Great Han's economy will surely usher in a new surge!"

The atmosphere in the hall grew ever more heated; other officials also stepped forward to express their congratulations and admiration for Liu Ju.

Liu Ju scanned the crowd, speaking steadily: "This is not my achievement alone; it relies on the concerted efforts of all you, my loyal officials. The Southern Development Project is a heavy responsibility; we must all continue to strive."

At this moment, a Feather Forest Guard stepped forward and presented a document:

"Your Majesty, this is the detailed plan for the Southern Development Project; please review it."

Liu Ju received the document, read it carefully, occasionally offering his opinions. The officials gathered around, offering suggestions and advice; for a time, the Hall of Announcements rang with discussion, and a scene full of hope and vitality unfolded.

Just as everyone was heatedly discussing the Southern Development Project, a guard's report came from outside the hall: "Report to Your Majesty, an envoy sent by the Grand Emperor from Mogadishu seeks an audience!"

Liu Ju blinked slightly, then immediately ordered: "Summon him quickly!"

Moments later, a dust-covered envoy hurried into the Hall of Announcements.

His clothes were wrinkled and stained with dust from the journey, yet his expression revealed determination.

The envoy fell to his knees with a "thud" and loudly said: "Your Majesty, the Grand Emperor orders me to come and urgently report on the frontline situation!"

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes focused on the envoy.

The envoy took a deep breath and said: "The Grand Emperor has allied with the Ptolemaic Dynasty and the Greater Yuezhi to jointly oppose the Roman-Parthian allied forces. Now, a force of five hundred thousand has gathered, but equipment and supplies are severely lacking; urgent support from Chang'an is needed!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Ju's pupils contracted, his face showing an expression of disbelief:

"He actually managed to ally with the Ptolemaic Dynasty! And to launch an opposition against the Roman and Parthian Empires..."

He muttered to himself; besides shock, a hint of strangeness welled up in his eyes.

Ptolemaic Dynasty?

Pharaoh?

Emperor Wu of Han?

Roman Empire?

These terms that originally had nothing to do with each other have now come together?

Has the flap of this little butterfly's wings finally affected the world order?

At this point, the envoy continued: "The frontline situation is dire; the Roman-Parthian allied forces may launch an attack at any moment. The Grand Emperor earnestly asks Your Majesty to quickly prepare supplies and equipment and rush them to Mogadishu to relieve the urgent need!"

The officials in the hall heard this, whispered among themselves, and showed worried expressions.

Liu Ju pondered for a moment, looked at the envoy, and asked: "The route is far; the transport process may encounter many obstacles. Does the Grand Emperor have any countermeasures?"

The envoy respectfully replied: "The Grand Emperor has already arranged merchants and officials from Mogadishu, the Greater Yuezhi, and the Ptolemaic Dynasty to go together to Chang'an to assist with procurement and transport, and hopes that His Highness the Crown Prince will give full support."

Liu Ju nodded, scanned the officials in the hall, and said solemnly: "This is of great importance; it concerns not only the safety of His Majesty, but also the survival of the Great Han. Officials, immediately begin preparing supplies and equipment; be sure to send them to Mogadishu as soon as possible!"

The officials all received the order; a campaign centered on material preparation and transport swiftly unfolded under the Hall of Announcements' resolution.

After the envoy withdrew, discussion rose and fell within the Hall of Announcements.

Liu Ju slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over the officials, and sighed: "His Majesty's alliance of multiple nations, pointing his sword at Rome and Parthia, such grand ambition and lofty aspirations are truly a blessing for our Great Han!"

Su Wu clasped his hands in agreement, his tone filled with astonishment: "The Grand Emperor and Your Majesty's strategies are profound; allying with the Ptolemaic Dynasty and the Greater Yuezhi is enough to awe all directions. However, the expedition to Rome and Parthia involves a long journey, and preparing and transporting supplies will face enormous challenges."

Huo Guang furrowed his brow, anxiously adding: "Not only that, the long journey will fatigue the soldiers, with losses hard to estimate. Moreover, the strength of the Roman-Parthian allied forces should not be underestimated; a rash attack would make the outcome uncertain."

Zhang Tang stood up, his eyes firm: "That said, if we can defeat Rome and Parthia, the prestige of the Great Han will surely spread far and wide, opening more trade routes and bringing our Great Han endless wealth and glory."

Everyone voiced their own opinions, and the debate continued without cease.

Liu Ju paced to the map, staring at the leather map marked with the positions of various countries, and fell into deep thought.

After a long while, he turned around, his expression solemn, and said: "What you all said makes sense. However, the Grand Emperor's plea for help is urgent; regardless of the pros and cons of an attack, ensuring the frontline troops' supply of materials is the immediate priority."

Liu Ju pointed at the map and continued: "From Chang'an to Mogadishu, we must cross deserts and mountains, and pass through many city-states. On one hand, we need to communicate with the countries along the route to ensure transport safety; on the other hand, we must plan the route reasonably to reduce losses."

Huo Guang stepped forward and suggested: "Your Majesty, we could select elite troops to escort the transport convoy to guard against bandit raids. At the same time, we could set up supply points along the way to guarantee provisions for personnel and livestock."

Su Wu nodded in agreement:

"Furthermore, we can communicate in advance with Mogadishu, the Greater Yuezhi, and the Ptolemaic Dynasty to coordinate resources and jointly solve the transport problem."

After listening, Liu Ju gave a slight nod: "Just arrange it as the two of you said. Officials, you must exert your utmost effort to ensure the supplies reach the frontline smoothly!"

The officials unanimously accepted the order; a tense and orderly campaign of material preparation and transport thus kicked off in full swing.