The weather at the beginning of February was still cold. However, the snow had already melted at lower altitudes, and the sun was shining brightly. Even so, it was still chilly, and the temperature difference between day and night was huge.
The weather at this time made it easier to travel.
Within the Wang Manor.
Du Qi was looking at the financial reports and many other situations. For Du Qi, the past year in the west region had been very fast, especially since the headquarters of the banks had been moved over from the Tang dynasty.
Even though there were many banks in the Tang dynasty, in reality, the banks in the Tang dynasty relied on the headquarters, and most of the money they earned was sent to the west region.
Du Qi didn't make a big deal out of the transfer of money. He arranged for people to disguise themselves as merchants and escort them over, so not many people knew about it.
The development of the business had laid the foundation for Du Qi's development. Only with enough money would he have the confidence to develop and not be affected.
In a short time, the strength of Du Qi's army had also been increasing. Be it the combat strength or weapons of the soldiers, they were all being improved quickly.
Apart from that, Jin Wuque was in charge of the Discipline Inspection Division, and the corruption and laziness of the officials had been stopped. Because Jin Wuque was focused on this, the results were obvious.
Du Qi was now using high salaries to support honest people. This was because he had enough confidence and money to carry out this policy. The entire Yi Prefecture, from top to bottom, was developing quickly.
Li Yanyun and Qianxue were already more than three months pregnant, but it wasn't obvious. After all, they were only four months pregnant, and it would be more obvious at five or six months.
Du Qi looked at the financial reports and nodded.
The development was going well.
"Dong! Dong! "
Someone knocked on the door, and Liu Zhengxi hurried in and stood below.
Du Qi put down the book in his hand and said, "Mr. Liu, is there anything I can help you with?"
Liu Zhengxi said happily, "Your Highness, good news. Arhan sent a message from Gaochang, saying that he had persuaded Gaochang's ruler, Ju Wentai, to surrender. Now, Ju Wentai is leading Gaochang's twenty thousand troops, as well as civil and military officials, to the border of Yi Province. They are preparing to welcome Your Highness into Gaochang at the border of Yi Province.
"Good, good!"
Du Qi also smiled and said, "Arhan is indeed not a simple person. He actually managed to convince Ju Wentai."
For Du Qi, if he could seize Gaochang without fighting, his power would increase further. Moreover, after Du Qi obtained the Gaochang State, it would not be just Yi Province. It would gradually form a strategic depth and a protective barrier.
Liu Zhengxi said in a deep voice, "I believe that we should be more cautious. We will lead our troops to the border and take over Ju Wentai's army first before entering Gao Chang State. This way, even if Ju Wentai has other intentions, it won't affect us. One must always be on guard against others and make ample preparations. "
Du Qi nodded. "We'll do as you say."
Liu Zhengxi changed the topic and said again, "Your Highness, I have another suggestion."
Du Qi said, "Speak!"
Liu Zhengxi said, "Although the construction of Yizhou has been completed, the roads and city planning are all good. However, Yizhou is close to the Tang dynasty and is not suitable for Your Highness to establish a foothold in the country. "
"My suggestion is to set up camp in Gaochang County after entering Gaochang. Gaochang County is the most suitable place for Your Highness to establish the country in the future. "
"On one hand, the Gaochang State has been passed down for hundreds of years and has been renovated for generations. It's very good. On the other hand, Gaochang State has more water resources than Yizhou. "
"Therefore, it's a good place to set up a capital."
Liu Zhengxi said seriously, "I suggest that Your Highness's political and economic center be gradually moved to Gaochang."
Du Qi said, "Moving is necessary, but Gaochang is not the final choice. The final place we will set up as the capital will be through the Western Region and into Persia."
Liu Zhengxi was a little surprised when he heard this.
Setting up a capital in Persia?
Du Qi explained, "The reason is simple. The climate in the Western Region is too extreme. When it's hot, it's very hot. When it's cold, it can freeze people to death. We can only reluctantly accept such weather now. After we open the Western Region, we'll choose a place with a more pleasant climate and a better geographical location to set up the capital, or Persia. Of course, it could also be Tianzhu in the south. "
Liu Zhengxi said, "Your Highness is wise!"
Liu Zhengxi naturally agreed with Du Qi's arrangement.
Liu Zhengxi changed the topic and said, "Your Highness, we'll be going to the border with the army. However, we won't be returning to Yizhou for the time being after this deployment. What I mean is, although we'll be leaving, there must be an army stationed in Yizhou to deal with the situation in the event of chaos. "
Du Qi thought for a while and ordered, "Leave Xiao Yuanqi to oversee Yizhou. He'll lead the soldiers there."
"Yes!"
Liu Zhengxi immediately responded.
Du Qi waved his hand and said, "You're dismissed."
Liu Zhengxi stood up and bowed to Du Qi, then turned and left to make the arrangements.
Du Qi also went straight to the backyard.
Li Yanyun and Qianxue were now mainly taking care of the fetus in the residence. Although they stayed in the residence, many business matters were sent to the residence for the two to take care of, so that they wouldn't be idle.
Du Qi arrived at the backyard and looked at the two busy people. He said, "Gaochang State in the west of Yizhou has already chosen to surrender and is now leading the army to the border to welcome us. I'll take the army there and go to Gaochang State to arrange everything. After I've arranged everything in Gaochang State, you can move to Gaochang State. For now, you just stay in the residence, understand? "
Li Yanyun said, "Husband, you can go."
Li Yanyun and Qianxue didn't stop Du Qi from sending the army because they were used to it.
Qianxue said, "Husband, pay attention to your safety."
Du Qi told them to pay attention to their health and told them some trivial things in the residence. Then he got up and left. He returned to the study. After waiting for a short time, Liu Zhengxi came in and said that everything had been arranged. Ma Yuan and Xue Rengui led the army to wait outside the west gate and wouldn't come to the residence.
Du Qi temporarily left Liu Zhengxi and other civil officials in the residence and set off with Mordor and other attendants.
They soon arrived at the east gate of the county from Ping Xi Mansion.
The army gathered and set off in a mighty manner.
This time, even if Xue Rengui and Ma Yuan were the only ones leading the army, there were still ten thousand people. In addition to the infantry, there were also cavalry accompanying the army.
More than 3,000 elite cavalry, each of them aggressive.
Their fighting spirit was even higher.
From Yiwu County to Nazhi County, and then from Nazhi County to the border, because it was already spring, the roads were unblocked. In addition, the main official roads in Yizhou had been paved with concrete roads. Therefore, the army traveled very fast. In less than four days, they had reached the border and arrived at the place where Ju Wentai's army was stationed.
Ju Wentai had already received the news that Du Qi was about to arrive, so he personally led Wang Wen, Jiang Changzong, and Arghan to the official road to wait.
When Du Qi led the army into formation, Ju Wentai walked up alone.
This was Ju Wentai's sincerity.
When Ju Wentai walked forward, he held a tray with both hands, on which the Gaochang Monarch's seal and the commander's seal were placed. Ju Wentai walked up to Du Qi and knelt down directly. Holding the tray with both hands, he said, "Ju Wentai pays respect to Your Highness."
Du Qi took the seal and the commander's seal and handed them to the servant. He said, "Master Ju, please rise."
Ju Wentai said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Immediately, Ju Wentai ordered Jiang Changzong to step forward and reveal Jiang Changzong's identity. Then, he handed the army to Du Qi. Du Qi did not hesitate at all. If Gaochang's army was not under his control, Du Qi would not be at ease.
Military power must be grasped.
Du Qi immediately ordered Xue Rengui and Ma Yuan to be in charge of incorporating all of Gaochang's soldiers. Du Qi was not in a hurry to set off for Gaochang. For the time being, he chose to set up camp and hold a banquet to welcome Ju Wentai.
The reason why Du Qi stayed where he was was was because the twenty thousand soldiers of Gaochang had to be split up and incorporated into Du Qi's military system.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
