Chapter 1072

In the days following the end of the battle, Chang’an City gradually recovered from the turmoil. Bloodstains on the streets were cleaned, and damaged buildings began to be repaired, but the trauma in people’s hearts was not so easy to heal. Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai were even busier, needing to handle the aftermath while guarding against new crises.

“General Gu, although this rebellion has been pacified, the root cause has not been removed,” Dong Bai said with worry in a meeting. “We must find the mastermind behind the scenes and completely eradicate this hidden danger.”

Gu Yi frowned, pondered for a moment, and asked: “Miss Dong, do you have any clues?”

Dong Bai nodded and picked up a list from the desk: “This is a list of suspicious persons I compiled based on the confessions of the rebellious generals and previous intelligence. These people either have close ties to the rebellious generals or have funded them in the past.”

Dong Zhuo took the list, glanced at it, and a flash of coldness crossed his eyes: “These people, not one can be left.”

Gu Yi shook his head, his tone serious: “Prime Minister, we cannot draw conclusions based solely on a list. We must investigate one by one to ensure every piece of evidence is irrefutable before we can act. Otherwise, if we wrong a good person, we will not only lose the hearts of the people but also let our enemies take advantage of the situation.”

Hearing this, Dong Zhuo took a deep breath and slowly put down the list: “You are right; I was too impatient. This matter, let you and Dong Bai handle it.”

In the days that followed, Gu Yi and Dong Bai began intensive investigation work. They visited everyone on the list, collected evidence, interrogated suspects, and gradually pieced together a huge conspiracy network.

“General Gu, we discovered that behind these rebellious generals, there is actually a hidden force in control,” Dong Bai said in a late-night report. “This force not only involves important officials in the imperial court but also colludes with some local powerful families.”

Hearing this, Gu Yi’s eyes chilled: “This force must be uprooted. Otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain.”

After months of hard work, Gu Yi and Dong Bai finally collected enough evidence to catch the hidden force in one fell swoop. Chang’an City returned to its former tranquility, but this time, it was true peace.

“General Gu, thank you,” Dong Bai expressed her sincere gratitude to Gu Yi in a private meeting. “Without you, Chang’an City would likely have fallen into an abyss of no return.”

Gu Yi smiled and shook his head: “Miss Dong, this is a responsibility we should share together. Moreover, I also want to thank you; it was your wisdom and courage that helped us turn danger into safety time and time again.”

The two looked at each other and smiled, their hearts filled with anticipation and confidence for the future. However, they both knew that on this road, there were more challenges waiting for them.

“General Gu, what do you think we should do next?” Dong Bai asked.

Gu Yi pondered for a moment and said slowly: “We need to strengthen border defense to prevent foreign invasion; at the same time, we must rectify the imperial court and purge corruption. Only in this way can Chang’an City truly become a prosperous and peaceful place.”

Dong Bai nodded, her eyes flashing with firm light: “I believe that as long as we move forward hand in hand, nothing is impossible.”

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several years passed. Under the joint efforts of Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai, Chang’an City gradually became one of the most prosperous metropolises in the world. People lived and worked in peace and contentment, the economy was prosperous, culture was flourishing, and it was a scene of thriving prosperity.

However, this did not mean they could relax. In this era full of variables, every decision could affect the fate of the entire country. Therefore, Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai always remained vigilant, constantly seeking new development paths and reform plans.

“General Gu, do you think we should strengthen exchanges with other countries?” Dong Bai proposed a new suggestion in a meeting. “This can not only promote the prosperity of economy and culture but also enhance our international status.”

Hearing this, a flash of appreciation crossed Gu Yi’s eyes: “This is a very good idea. But we must act with caution, ensuring that every exchange project brings real benefits, rather than inviting a wolf into the house.”

Dong Zhuo also nodded in support: “Indeed, exchanges are necessary. But we must stick to our bottom line and cannot sacrifice the long-term future for short-term benefits.”

The three reached an agreement again and began to plan a series of international exchange activities. They sent envoys to visit surrounding countries and established friendly diplomatic relations; at the same time, they also invited foreign envoys and merchants to visit Chang’an City, promoting cultural exchange and economic development.

Under these efforts, Chang’an City not only became the domestic political, economic, and cultural center but also gradually emerged on the international stage. People who mentioned Chang’an City all praised its prosperity and brilliance. Behind all this, it was inseparable from the joint efforts and wisdom of Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai. They proved with their actions: as long as they move forward hand in hand, nothing can stop their progress.

With the improvement of Chang’an City’s international status, more and more foreign envoys and merchants poured into this prosperous metropolis. In the streets and alleys of Chang’an, foreign goods and culture could be seen everywhere, and the entire city presented an unprecedented openness and inclusiveness.

“General Gu, recently there are more and more foreigners in Chang’an; should we establish a specialized agency to manage them?” Dong Bai raised this question in a daily meeting.

Gu Yi nodded, his expression grave: “Indeed, with the increase in foreigners, management problems are becoming increasingly prominent. We must not only protect their legitimate rights and interests but also ensure they abide by our laws. This matter, let you handle it, Miss Dong; what do you think?”

Dong Bai smiled slightly, full of confidence: “Please rest assured, General; I will certainly handle this matter properly.”

Not long after, Dong Bai established a specialized agency responsible for foreign affairs and personally served as the head. She formulated a series of rules and regulations, which both protected the rights and interests of foreigners and strengthened their management. Under her efforts, the foreign community in Chang’an City was orderly and lived in harmony with local residents.

However, with the prosperity of Chang’an City, some potential crises gradually surfaced. Some lawbreakers began to use Chang’an’s open environment to engage in various illegal and criminal activities.

“General Gu, recently there have been multiple robbery cases against foreigners in Chang’an City, which has had a very bad impact,” Dong Bai reported in an emergency meeting.

Hearing this, Gu Yi frowned: “These criminals must be severely punished. Miss Dong, you are responsible for investigating these cases; you must bring the culprits to justice as soon as possible.”

After receiving the order, Dong Bai immediately launched an investigation. She led her subordinates to delve into the crime scenes, collect evidence, and interrogate suspects. After several days of hard work, she finally caught these criminals in one fell swoop, restoring the reputation of Chang’an City’s foreign community.

“Miss Dong, you did very well this time,” Gu Yi praised Dong Bai after the case was solved. “Your ability and wisdom are truly admirable.”

Dong Bai smiled modestly: “General, you are too kind; this is what we should do. However, I think we should also strengthen security patrols to prevent similar cases from happening again.”

Gu Yi nodded in deep agreement: “You are right. I will immediately increase patrol forces to ensure the safety of Chang’an City.”

Under the joint efforts of Gu Yi and Dong Bai, the security situation in Chang’an City was significantly improved. Foreigners’ evaluation of Chang’an City also became higher and higher; they all said that Chang’an City was a prosperous and safe city, a place where they were willing to live and do business for a long time.

With the continuous development of Chang’an City, Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai also began to think about the longer-term future. They knew that to keep Chang’an City prosperous and stable forever, they must constantly carry out reforms and innovations.

“General Gu, I think we should strengthen education and cultivate more talents,” Dong Bai proposed her view in a meeting. “Only in this way can we keep up with the pace of the times and constantly promote the development of Chang’an City.”

Hearing this, Gu Yi expressed deep agreement: “You are right. Education is the foundation of the country, and we must attach importance to it. I will immediately start formulating education reform plans to improve the quality of education and cultivate more useful talents.”

Dong Zhuo also nodded and added: “At the same time, we must also strengthen scientific and technological innovation and promote industrial upgrading. Only in this way can we remain invincible in the fierce international competition.”

The three reached an agreement again and began to push for reforms in education and technology. They increased investment in education, improved teaching conditions, and raised the treatment of teachers; at the same time, they also encouraged scientific and technological innovation and set up special funds to support the development of scientific research projects.

Under these efforts, the level of education and technology in Chang’an City was significantly improved. A batch of outstanding talents emerged, injecting new vitality into the development of Chang’an City. At the same time, scientific and technological innovation also promoted industrial upgrading, making the economy of Chang’an City more prosperous.

However, reform was not smooth sailing. In the process of reform, they also encountered various resistance and challenges. But Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai always remained firm in their beliefs and moved forward bravely. They proved with their actions: as long as it is for the future of Chang’an City, no matter how great the difficulties, they will move forward unswervingly.

In the blink of an eye, several more years passed. Under the joint efforts of Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai, Chang’an City had developed into a prosperous metropolis that attracted worldwide attention. It not only held a pivotal position domestically but also enjoyed a high reputation internationally. People who mentioned Chang’an City all praised its prosperity, stability, and brilliance. Behind all this, it was inseparable from the wisdom and dedication of Gu Yi, Dong Zhuo, and Dong Bai. They wrote a legendary history with their youth and blood, becoming the eternal pride of Chang’an City.