The total number of troops defending the four directions of the Great Sheng Dynasty was over 700,000, and when you include the defenses within each state, the total was barely a million.

It's not that the imperial court didn't want to recruit more soldiers.

It's because they can't afford to supply them; the imperial court has already reached its limit in maintaining this number of soldiers.

This was only because the various local officials managed to contribute part of the military pay themselves; if it had all come from the imperial court, the soldiers would have all deserted long ago.

Xiao Zhixing's opening statement about deploying a million troops was simply outrageous.

Their second thought was, "Is Prince Yuansheng really that rich?"

Bai Fengchang couldn't help but rummage around. Xiao Zhixing now had more than 200,000 Xiao Family Army soldiers, 70,000 Southern Jiangsu Army soldiers, 50,000 Women's Army soldiers, and 100,000 troops in the south.

The total number of troops was 420,000.

He gasped, his scalp tingling. Unbeknownst to him, she had become the general with the largest army in the Great Sheng Dynasty.

Is His Majesty so confused?

Liu Yufeng was also startled, recalling the rumor: Could Prince Yuansheng really be His Majesty's daughter?

It's incomprehensible how His Majesty could allow her to grow so powerful; it's truly unacceptable.

Xiao Zhixing took in everyone's expressions. "The Northern Frontier is aggressive, the Northern Barbarians have not given up their desire to destroy us, and the two Southern Kingdoms are eager to make a move. I will never allow my Great Sheng to become their meal."

They looked terrified.

She smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will ask His Majesty to try my best to expand the force to 600,000, so that the northern lands can be defended as solid as a rock."

As for the remaining 400,000, we'll just keep it hidden.

She has the money to support her; as long as she doesn't rebel, who can do anything to her?

Finally, she discussed the implementation details of each policy with them in detail, making sure they understood and recognized the process.

She would also send some people over to provide guidance and follow up, and take the opportunity to promote the good policies of Beizhou to the local people.

At that time, even those who refused to obey, like Gu Lin, would have to yield to public opinion and obediently serve her.

"The border road connecting the three states is now being completed and will continue to extend to Xia State. At the same time, a straight road will also be built in the central region to connect the four states and prefectures. We hope that everyone can cooperate well with the Northern State Road Administration to open up this road."

It was also thanks to the constant presence of large armies along the border and the existence of a basic dirt road that the construction was completed quickly.

They readily agreed, since they didn't have to spend any money. Beizhou had already set a good example, and the local people would support it, so they could also benefit from it.

After the meeting adjourned, news of the event quickly spread to various locations.

Xiao Zhixing left Gu Tianyang behind and moved to a small room next door to talk.

The other party understood the reason, and he bowed apologetically with a wry smile, "My uncle is stubborn, and my father can't do anything about him, but he is truly a good official, it's just..."

Xiao Zhixing nodded, showing no anger whatsoever. "As long as he doesn't hinder the implementation of the policy, I can tolerate his stubbornness."

This kind of person has a hardened mind; she has no patience to soften him, so she just ignores him.

Gu Tianyang breathed a sigh of relief. "I can assure you that my uncle loves the people like his own children and will never obstruct the implementation of policies."

When Xiao Zhixing mentioned Huang Kun, he said, "This man is a soldier of the Mu family. I wonder if you know anything about him?"

She actually wanted to understand the Mu family's attitude.

Although she saved Mu Liangyi last year, and Mu Wan is now one of her own, when it comes to power, no one will back down.

Moreover, the Ghost Guard has found some information about Huang Kun.

Gu Tianyang was surprised that Xiao Zhixing was asking him this question. Wasn't he considered one of Xiao Zhixing's people?

This blatant inquiry into Huang Kun and the Mu family is unlike her usual self.

He suppressed his doubts and said in a proper manner, "I have had little contact with Lord Huang and do not know much about it."

Xiao Zhixing chuckled, "I heard he once injured one of your Gu family's young masters?"

Huang Kun, having secured his position as governor of Xia Prefecture through the influence of the Mu family, was not particularly close to the Gu family.

Gu Tianyang's expression hardened. "Yes."

He was so cautious that he didn't dare to say a single extra word.

Xiao Zhixing said casually, "That's really something. Lord Huang is not young anymore, how could he be so impulsive?"

Gu Tianyang tensed up, not thinking that she was just bringing this up casually.

Xiao Zhixing took out a piece of paper and handed it to him. "This person is an official of Ruxia Prefecture. The prefect has the responsibility to supervise him. This was something that my men discovered by accident. I hope you will investigate it carefully when you get back."

She couldn't act directly, otherwise it would be seen as provoking the Mu family.

Since the Mu family supported Mu Wan in establishing the Women's Army, she felt indebted to them, so she still had to give them face.

It would be best for both sides to coexist peacefully; she doesn't necessarily want to seize control of Xining Pass.

Gu Tianyang unfolded the thin paper, then became solemn. "This... General Huang is a loyal follower of the Mu family, him?"

This document states that Huang Kun had contact with people from northern Xinjiang, or rather, it wasn't him, but rather people close to him who had dealings with people from northern Xinjiang.

At times like these, it is enough to make people wary and think deeply.

With Song Kang's example as a warning, Xining Pass must not allow the same problem to occur.

The reason why Xiao Zhixing didn't tell Mu Wan or Mu An directly was to avoid suspicion.

If they knew that he was secretly investigating the Mu family's soldiers, they would feel somewhat uncomfortable.

As for telling Gu Tianyang to let Gu Lin and the Gu family investigate, that would be an internal matter for Xiazhou, and if they found anything, the Mu family would have nothing to say.

Gu Tianyang bowed and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will personally investigate this matter."

The Gu family's roots are in Xia Prefecture. Once Xining Pass is breached, the Gu family will not escape disaster.

After seeing Gu Tianyang off, Xiao Zhixing did not see anyone else.

We haven't reached that level of intimacy yet. Ningzhou and Xiazhou need to be dealt with gradually.

She received an invitation from Murong Wanli to go to the Beizhou General Hospital, saying that the first draft of the "Dasheng Dictionary" was completed.

Xiao Zhixing would certainly not be absent from such a joyous occasion.

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