First step

The entire capital was still bustling even after the recent moon festival. Today people were crowded to bid farewell to all the soldiers who with carriages full of provisions were heading towards the three cities. Tightly wrapped with layer of clothes they were excited to see the farewell of the party with the newly appointed general and vice generals with the massive entrouge.

Standing upright each person with gleaming weapon on their waist and hand's were listening to the emperors farewell speech and encouragement. Their family's on the crowd had tears in their eyes for the long separation.

With emperor's final word the newly appointed general Hong mounts in his horse followed by the rest giving big cry of long live Nanling and long live the emperor before setting of towards their destination. The crowd cheered their blessing to the crowd with lots of encouraging and auspicious words.

With the last group of soldiers exiting the capital gates it was closed and the crowd was disbanded to continue with their daily tasks while all the ministers followed emperor and their crown prince to commence the morning court. Yusheng was also appearing on today's meeting.

Unlike usual days today there was another dragon chair prepared next to emperor for Yusheng. It wouldn't be a lie to say that she was looking much more regal and imposing than the emperor. Some of the ministers couldn't help but sweat to be in her presence as she wasn't an easy person to appease when angered.

After the normal report prime minister raises the important issues at hand "Emperor.. we have received answer from Qing and Khan... the letter mirrors our thoughts and has requested to proceed immediately expressing no need of further discussions.. they also have expressed full satisfaction and gratitude about the new trade deals.. they also have informed us about having prepared manpower and resource for the construction and are awaiting for people from our side in no mans land"

Emperor nods at the report "good.. very good.. then it shall be done so.. as this wonderful matter was brought by lord of the valley.. Zhen has requested her to be in charge hence have the matter reported to lord of the valley from now onwards... like wise the matter related to the new garissions will be handled and reported to crown prince.. Zhen is getting old ..ah.. Zhen thinks to prepare the future heads passing them more responsibilities is good"

Everyone felt their lips twitch listening to the man who was acting like an old man who intact was healthy as horse and looked only of thirties. With all the valuable pills and wines he had gobbled he had a long way to be old. But who made him so fortunate to have such capable son and daughter in law.

They too envied and wished for such capable persons in their family and perhaps they could also live worry free like the current emperor indulging in eating drinking and flirting with ones wife. Lamenting at the difference they could only listen to emperor's nonsense excuse to push the work so he could prance around.

Prime minister helpless at his brother in laws behaviour of cheating on work looks to Yusheng for the answer that they were supposed to give. Yusheng understanding prime minister also felt helpless as currently the emperor was busy either whispering with Feng Min or sipping his tea.

"Minister Chen.. as they have expressed so.. do select for skilled ones with good heads and attitude and have them prepared to leave with materials to use.. have general Lin request for 250 soldiers to place in no mans land with Qing for protection while crown prince will provide 250 soldiers for the same purpose with Khan.. do mention each nation that, they too shall only send the same number of soldiers...after the completion

the trading is to begin.." instructs Yusheng. Aa

Minister of war moves forward and as per emperor's order reports to Pei Jin "your highness... according to the report from Xuzhou it seems that they are lacking high number of materials for the renewal of fortress, weapons and armors... they have also informed that as long as the materials provided they have enough man power to complete task... Green wind also informs that they have marked the land suitable for the silkworm farming, mulberry tree planting and horse breeding... Caimin informs of having mangaged to collect good number of pottery masters with old and new apprentices.. but similar to Xuzhou are low in materials needed for fort and soldiers.."