The hall was silent except for the crackling of the charcoal fire.

Han Zhong's eyes gradually lit up: "What a brilliant idea of ​​'the emperor guarding the nation's gate'! General's proposal is truly magnificent!"

"But will His Majesty and his court officials agree?" Xiao Cheyun still had reservations. "The Western Capital is peaceful, while Youzhou is bitterly cold and directly faces the threat of war..."

"Therefore, a sufficient reason is required."

Zhao Muyun walked back to his desk, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote, "Add the suggestion to move the capital to Youzhou to the official gazette, outlining seven benefits."

"Firstly, it will deter the Northern Barbarians, preventing them from acting rashly; secondly, it will inspire the border troops, making them comrades-in-arms and boosting morale; thirdly, it will control the Yan and Yun regions, serving as a shield for the Central Plains; fourthly, it will connect Liaodong and Hexi, facilitating troop deployment; fifthly, it will allow for water transport, ensuring a steady supply of goods; sixthly, it will allow for the expansion of the old city and the construction of palaces; seventhly—"

He paused, the ink spreading across the paper: "To revive the martial spirit of the Great Yin Dynasty, so that future generations will never forget the dangers on the border!"

“If this proposal is adopted,” Wu Shangzhi took a deep breath, “the atmosphere of the Great Yin Dynasty will be completely different.”

“Then it is settled.” Zhao Muyun wrote quickly with his pen, “The battle report and the proposal to move the capital are sent together. Please make your decision, Your Majesty.”

He handed the letter he had written to Li Si, his personal guard outside the door: "Escort it by express mail, 800 li away, straight to Xijing!"

The guards obeyed and left, the sound of their horses' hooves quickly fading at the end of the long street.

Zhao Muyun looked at the map again, his finger sweeping across Shandong and Huainan, finally stopping at Jinling on the banks of the Yangtze River.

"Although the capital has been pacified, the world is not yet at peace," he said in a deep voice. "Lin Feng."

"Your subordinate is here!"

"I order you to lead 30,000 troops to sweep away the remnants of the Fengchao regime in Shandong, and then march south along the Grand Canal to take Huaibei."

"Xiao Cheyun".

"Your subordinate is here!"

"I hereby order you to lead 30,000 elite cavalry to sweep through Huainan, and then cross the river to join forces with Lin Feng in Jinling."

Zhao Muyun pressed his finger heavily on the city wall of Jinling. "The fertile lands of the southeast must be completely incorporated into the territory of the Great Yin Dynasty. After the two armies join forces, we must proceed steadily, appease the people, and refrain from indiscriminate killing."

"Yes, sir!" the two replied in unison.

"Han Zhong." Zhao Muyun looked at his most trusted deputy. "You will lead the troops from Youzhou, Hedong, and Hebei back north to strengthen the border defenses. In particular, Youzhou should build more city walls and stockpile more grain and fodder."

Han Zhong solemnly replied, "General, rest assured, with me here, not a single Northern Barbarian soldier will be able to cross the Great Wall."

Zhao Muyun took a step closer and lowered his voice: "There is one more thing. After returning to Youzhou, you and Tian Qing should intensify the training of troops, especially the cavalry. I will have Xijing give priority to allocating horses and weapons."

Han Zhongxin understood immediately—the General was preparing to take action against the Northern Barbarians.

He nodded emphatically: "This subordinate understands!"

The meeting continued until late afternoon.

The deployment of various armies, the allocation of provisions, and the appointment of officials were all sorted out one by one.

As the sunlight gradually slanted westward, it cast long shadows on the people inside the hall.