Chapter 847: Territory Planning

After the few young men had been joking around for a while, the Commandery Prince finally called Ye Liuyun over and began to discuss business with him.

"The Spirit Stones issued by the court may look plentiful, but they're far from enough to sustain a private army. You need to consider how to develop your territory. Once you've figured it out, you can start building. When the time comes, I can send troops to help you clear the land."

"Thank you, Commandery Prince! I really must think carefully about developing the territory! I'll trouble you again then!" Ye Liuyun thanked repeatedly.

He was just planning to expand his own power, and unexpectedly received a piece of land of his own—perfect timing.

Whether it's maintaining a private army or other forces, a massive amount of resources is required. That's the primary concern.

Without a source of income, everything is just empty talk.

In his territory there are no mineral veins and no ordinary civilians.

So he truly needs to plan it out carefully.

"No need to be formal with me; from now on we're neighbors!"

Prince Liang was also quite pleased. He had confidence in Ye Liuyun, but didn't expect Ye Liuyun to attain a title so quickly.

With a title granted by the dynasty, he could legally establish his own power.

He believed that with Ye Liuyun's abilities, rapid development was certain.

"The reason the dynasty values me is thanks to the Commandery Prince's support! Without the Commandery Prince, there would be no Brave and Fierce Marquis! Though we're neighbors, I still rely on the Prince's backing!"

Ye Liuyun also knew that his swift achievements were largely due to Prince Liang's support.

Without Prince Liang's covert support, he wouldn't even qualify to step onto the battlefield. Even if he earned merit, the Daxia Dynasty wouldn't notice.

Moreover, his island is still close to Eagle Beak Island, so he'll inevitably need Prince Liang's support in the future, and many collaborations may follow!

"Hmm! That's truly rare!" Prince Liang heard this and became even happier.

"At such a young age, he already obtained a marquis title and fief, yet remains unarrogant and calm. What a talent!"

He was very satisfied with Ye Liuyun's attitude.

In his heart, he began to value Ye Liuyun more and more.

Cultivating an external force is far more important than raising a subordinate nearby. It effectively gives him another allied power.

Moreover, he already felt that Ye Liuyun's development on Zhongyang Dalu had only just begun.

"Everyone, set up a banquet; let's celebrate together!"

When Prince Liang's mood lifted, he had people arrange a feast to celebrate.

Ye Liuyun celebrated with the others at the Commandery Prince's mansion until late night before returning to his quarters.

He doesn't plan to leave here for the next few days; after receiving the dynasty's reward, he can still make it to Qian Long Academy.

Lu Xiaoyao gave him three months, and only half a month has passed.

After returning, Ye Liuyun summoned Du Yan and the others and told them about his being granted a marquis title and fief.

Du Yan and the others hadn't expected Ye Liuyun to become a marquis of the Daxia Dynasty.

"I think you all should just stay here. Since Qinglian is also training here, why not remain and help me build the territory?"

"Little Beggar and Luo Yurou, once you become stronger, returning later won't be too late! The training resources here are abundant. Training here will surely improve you faster than going back!"

The older members, including Du Yan, immediately agreed. They are the same wherever they are.

Especially Du Yan, being closer to his daughter, feels more at ease.

Little Beggar, though somewhat concerned about his mother, agreed in order to advance his cultivation.

Luo Yurou had no reservations at all and was actually eager to stay.

"I'll stay and be your steward," Luo Yurou offered proactively.

"Ru Yue is already my steward! Moreover, having someone serve as my steward is extremely dangerous—there are too many people who want to kill me! You should…" Ye Liuyun tried to decline, not wanting Luo Yurou to have fantasies about him.

"I'm not afraid. When Ru Yue returns, I'll just be her assistant!" Luo Yurou insisted.

"Hmm… alright then!"

Ye Liuyun thought it over; since he might not reside here permanently anyway, he agreed.

Next, Ye Liuyun discussed with Du Yan and the others how to develop the territory.

Ye Liuyun suggested, "Eagle Beak Island's ship supplies aren't very abundant. Why don't we turn the fief into a supply and trade hub?"

"Hmm, that works!" Du Yan analyzed, "Eagle Beak Island's supplies are indeed lacking. Beyond that lies Zhongyang Dalu. The next outpost is Yi Cheng, the outpost in the chaotic Moyu. There's definitely a missing supply point in between."

Moreover, Moyu is extremely chaotic; many dare not resupply there, so they must sail a long distance before the next supply.

Ye Liuyun added, "Good! I think you're all familiar with Warships, so this line of work should develop quickly!"

"Alas, I still wanted to open a tavern!" Li Sanniang sighed.

Ye Liuyun laughed, "You should! A supply point and trade hub can't be without a tavern. I'll build the biggest tavern for you, Li Sanniang, and make you the proprietress!"

"Really? Handsome, you're so kind to me! Should I offer myself to you?" Li Sanniang, excited, almost lunged again, but Du Yan's quick hands restrained her.

Du Yan chuckled, "Save it! Look, he's lacking a woman nearby? Who isn't younger and prettier than you!"

They joked for a while longer, then returned to the main topic.

"Leave the ship supply station to us; you can rest assured. But to develop trade, you'll also need some protective forces!" Du Yan reminded Ye Liuyun.

Ye Liuyun, of course, knew this. "Obviously. Without strength, nothing can be done. So I plan to first borrow troops from Prince Liang, while also developing my own protective forces."

"I'm afraid it's easy to ask for help but hard to let go!" Du Yan said worriedly, "Borrowing troops also requires you to pay the war expenses. If Prince Liang doesn't withdraw his forces, what will you do?"

Ye Liuyun hadn't considered this before. After Du Yan's reminder, he sighed that he still lacked experience.

His relationship with the Commandery Prince is good now, but that doesn't guarantee it will remain seamless forever.

Moreover, if Prince Liang dispatches troops and never pulls them back, he'll become a wedding dress for Prince Liang.

"What about the protective forces?" Ye Liuyun now began to worry.

At present, he truly has no good way to protect the territory.

But without even conventional protective forces, it would just invite anyone to seize it.

"I'm not saying you have to find them right now. As long as you have a sense of it in your mind, that's enough!" Du Yan comforted him.