Chapter 310

If we possess Taking Jiaozhou and the Zhongnan Peninsula, we will have absolutely no need to worry about the grain supply; we might even be able to sell grain abroad in the future.

Hmm! That is worth considering.

"Hmm!"

Su Xuan nodded, then looked at Su Yu and said, "I will send word to the Ordnance Department and the Ministry of Works later, instructing them to begin constructing oceangoing vessels and warships. Afterward, we will replace a portion of the Jiangxia naval fleet."

"Once the ships are built, you can go and handle the handover yourself!"

"I leave the matter of trade to you!"

"As for the campaign to conquer Taking Jiaozhou and the Zhongnan Peninsula, leave that to the General Staff!"

Having said this, Su Xuan looked at Xun You and Guo Jia and added, "In the coming period, Gongda and Guo Fengxiao, you two should consult thoroughly with Zhicai and Tian Yuanhao to draft a plan as soon as possible."

"At the same time, remember to deliberate carefully with the generals in the army to identify any gaps or oversights!"

"It is important to note that Taking Jiaozhou is different from Jingzhou; the climate and environment there are much harsher, and troops from the north may not adapt well to the local climate and terrain."

"When you formulate the operational plans, remember to take these factors into account. When selecting troops, try to choose those recruited from the south, especially those skilled in mountain warfare."

Although, due to the practice of martial arts, even troops recruited from the north should be able to adapt to the climate and terrain of Taking Jiaozhou.

But surely, they are not as suitable as the southerners, are they?

Oh! You say that Su Xuan's troops were not all recruited in Jingzhou?

That is not entirely true!

The first few thousand troops were recruited in Nanyang, and later, a large number of troops were captured from the Huang Jin army.

In particular, those elites who were formerly Huang Huang Jinlishi are mostly northerners!

"Understood!"

Hearing this, Xun You and Guo Jia immediately accepted the order: "My lord, please rest assured, we will draft and refine the operational plan as quickly as possible."

"Hmm!"

Su Xuan nodded with satisfaction.

As for the matter of opening up water and land routes to Taking Jiaozhou?

That will have to wait until after Taking Jiaozhou is captured.

Of course, within Jingzhou, we can begin laying the groundwork in advance, such as building a cement road from Changsha directly to Guiyang and Lingling.

This will facilitate further construction southward to connect with Taking Jiaozhou.

After completing the ransom exchange with Lord Yuan Shu, Su Xuan did not remain in Yexian.

Leaving Guo Jia in charge of transporting the newly acquired grain and wealth, he took Xun You and the others and departed Nanyang, heading straight for Nanjun.

After more than half a day of travel, they arrived at Xiangyang.

Seeing that the city walls were mostly completed, the Governor's Mansion was finished, and many official residences had also been built,

Su Xuan nodded with satisfaction: "Well done! Both the quality and the speed are satisfactory to me!"

"Zhengfang! Zijing, Yuanzhi, Yutan, you have all done very well!"

"I have recorded your merits! You may check them at the Merit Pavilion later!"

"Thank you, my lord!"

Li Yan and the others bowed to Su Xuan in delight.

Being recognized by Su Xuan meant their hard work during this time had not been in vain.

At this moment, Su Xuan continued: "I see that things here are on the right track, so there is no need for all four of you great talents to remain here!"

"Zhengfang! You shall remain here to lead the affairs."

"I will leave Yutan as your deputy, while I have other arrangements for Zijing and Yuanzhi. Do you have any objections?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan shook his head quickly: "Reporting to my lord! No objections! Yuanzhi and the others are great talents, and the subordinates and minor officials under them have gained enough experience, so there is indeed no need to waste so many top-tier talents here!"

"Even if you hadn't mentioned it, my lord, I was planning to suggest it myself!"

This was not just empty talk.

He knew the bitterness of having talent but no opportunity to use it.

Therefore, he appreciated the talents of Xu Shu and the others and did not want to hold them back.

"Hmm!"

Su Xuan nodded with satisfaction and looked at Xu Shu and Lu Su: "Zijing, Yuanzhi! We have now captured the entirety of Nanyang!"

"Next, we need to carry out reforms in Nanyang across all aspects to bring it in line with the other commanderies of Jingzhou!"

"This requires a lot of manpower, and it is an excellent opportunity for you to gain experience and further understand our policies."

"Therefore, I intend to send you two to Nanyang to assist Xun You in completing the reforms there. Do you have any objections?"

It was clearly impossible for Xun You to complete this task alone.

As for Guo Jia, Su Xuan planned to call him back to serve by his side.

This would make it convenient to discuss various issues with him at any time.

It was not that others were incapable, but everyone else had heavy burdens, and given Guo Jia's more carefree and unrestrained personality, Su Xuan felt he was better suited to be a strategist by his side.

"Understood! We will strictly follow your orders, my lord!"

Xu Shu and Lu Su were overjoyed and bowed in acceptance.

This was a good thing!

It showed that the lord valued them highly.

It was also an excellent opportunity for growth.

As long as they performed well, further promotion was a certainty.

By comparison, the framework of affairs in Xiangyang had already been clarified and established.

From now on, it was just a matter of following the established schedule.

Anyone who was not a mediocrity could handle such tasks, so it would naturally be a waste for them to remain here.

Besides, it was also quite boring.

"Haha! Good!"

Su Xuan smiled and nodded: "Then it is settled!"

As he spoke, Su Xuan looked at Li Yan: "Zhengfang, when do you estimate I can move to Xiangyang?"

"Hmm..."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said: "It will take at least three more months to complete the construction of the main functional areas and the city walls."

"By then, it will be perfectly fine for you, my lord, to move the Governor's Mansion here!"

"Most of the residential areas and some commercial districts can be completed slowly after you move in."

"Very good!"

Su Xuan was satisfied: "Then I will wait another three months for your good news!"

"Alright! I won't stay here any longer this time! I must continue on my way!"

With that, Su Xuan took his leave.

He departed Xiangyang.

Of course, Lu Su and Xu Shu had already been sent off to Wancheng in Nanyang to meet Xun You.

At the same time, Su Xuan arranged for a message to be sent to Guo Jia via carrier pigeon.

He instructed him to return to Jiangling City after finishing the transport of the money and grain.

Half a day later, Su Xuan and his party arrived at the north side of Jiangling City.

From afar, Su Xuan saw Xun Cai leading Zhen Jiang and the others out of the city to welcome him.

"Haha! My wives! I have missed you so much!"

Seeing them, Su Xuan spurred his horse forward, dismounted, and gave each of them a hug.

Blushing, Xun Cai and the others pouted and said: "Husband, this is not appropriate! So many people are watching! Mind your image!"

"Haha! What is the problem with me hugging my own wives?"

Su Xuan smiled, took Xun Cai's hand, and said: "Let's go! Follow me back to the mansion!"

With that, Su Xuan had Xun Cai and the others board the carriage while he remounted his horse. He nodded to Xi Zhicai to signal him, then greeted everyone who had come to welcome him as they entered the city, soon arriving at the Governor's Mansion.

After a long period of pleasantries with Xun Cai and the others, that night was filled with intimacy.

He comforted his wives well.

The next day, after completing his morning exercises, Su Xuan went to the administrative hall to find Xi Zhicai and learn about the recent development and reform situation in the various commanderies of Jingzhou.

He also discussed the details of this campaign and the issues in Nanyang with Xi Zhicai.

Having clarified all the necessary arrangements, Su Xuan looked at Xi Zhicai and said: "In the next few years;"