As June arrives, the forests on both sides of the road have become lush and verdant.

The weather has warmed up, and the whole of Dongning is bustling with life. The mountains and forests are also lively, with many people hunting, picking fruit, and logging.

Even some bandits who hid deep in the mountains and forests gradually came out of the mountains to earn money to support their families, so they no longer had to live a life of constant danger.

After leaving the mountains and forests, we entered the wilderness.

In present-day Xiande Prefecture, the former wasteland has been reclaimed into fertile fields, and soybeans and sorghum have been planted there after the spring.

The lush green seedlings are growing strong and healthy.

There were still some farmers weeding in the fields.

"Uncle, the crops look great this year!"

Li Xin arrived at the edge of a field, looked at the busy old man, and said with a smile.

The old man who was weeding looked up and saw Li Xin, as well as the squads of fully armed soldiers behind him.

The old man was somewhat surprised, but after a moment he saw the huge "信" (trust) flag standing in the line, and he felt somewhat at ease.

He also understood that the young man appeared to be an officer in the Prince's Guard.

The old man nodded and said, "Yes, there has been plenty of rain this year, and the crops are growing very well. Last year, I cultivated five acres of land, which is enough for me to cultivate by myself. This is all thanks to His Highness Prince Xin's good fortune."

"Sir, are you all alone?"

Li Xin asked with a smile.

"No, there are five people in my family."

The old man replied, "My eldest son is married and has a son who is in school. My youngest son is just twenty and not married yet; he and his older brother both went to join the army. My eldest daughter-in-law works in the district commune and earns a good amount of money every month."

My two sons are in the army and they get food, my eldest daughter-in-law gets two meals a day while she's working, and my grandson gets meals while he's in school. These five mu of land are enough for me, old man!

These days are wonderful!

Seeing the old man's bright smile, Li Xin felt somewhat comforted.

As long as the people live a prosperous life, that's enough!

His wish will then be fulfilled!

"good!"

Li Xin smiled and nodded, saying, "Uncle, we won't disturb your work any longer, we'll head back now."

Take care!

The old man waved and, leaning on his hoe, watched Li Xin and the others continue their journey along the road, a bright smile on his face.

"This is what soldiers should be like!"

The old man thought to himself, "My son will probably be like this too..."

...

After entering Xiande Prefecture, the surrounding fields became increasingly numerous.

From last year to this year, a large amount of wasteland has been reclaimed in Dongning, and people who migrated from places like Huaibei have gradually settled in this area.

Seeing the prosperous and peaceful lives of the people, Li Xin gradually felt a sense of unease.

Mr. Zhao,

Li Xin frowned and said, "The people are used to peaceful life. We must not let the grassland bandits disturb them."

If the grassland bandits come, our fertile fields will be destroyed and our homes occupied, then we'll be in real trouble!

"yes!"

Zhao Bingzhang nodded and said, "Let the Shenwei Army be on guard against the grassland bandits."

However, the grassland bandits are powerful. If they ignore the harassment from the Divine Might Army and continue their rampage, the Divine Might Army may not be able to stop them.

In addition to the Shenwei Army, the militia teams in various districts and communities in Dongning should also strengthen their defenses and protect the safety of the people.

Your Highness, I suggest that the safety of the people should be the priority. Fields and crops can be replanted if they are destroyed. But if the people lose their lives…”

"Yes, you're right!"

Li Xin nodded and said, "After we get back, we need to instruct Liu Jingxuan and the others to issue a notice. If any fertile fields or crops are destroyed by grassland bandits, the government will provide certain subsidies and exempt them from taxes for another year."

We must ensure that the people do not go hungry or die because of the war!

"Your Highness is merciful!"

Zhao Bingzhang quickly cupped his hands and said.

All the official roads within the entire Xiande Prefecture have been replaced with cement concrete surfaces, making travel very convenient.

The speed is also much faster!

Two or three days later, Li Xin and his group arrived outside Dongning City.

Upon arrival, Li Xin saw a towering, enormous chimney in the distance, spewing thick black smoke.

Black smoke rose into the sky and drifted away on the horizon, carried by the sea breeze.

Every now and then, clusters of water vapor would rise from the area near the Dongning Ironworks.

The closer they got to Dongning City, the louder the muffled sounds around them grew.

The sounds of a huge iron hammer striking an anvil and the lathe clattered together.

As Li Xin passed near the Dongning Manufacturing Bureau, he heard the roar of machinery.

This is the power of industry!

The power of industry not only brought more steel products, but also brought about great changes to the entire city of Dongning!

After industrial development, Dongning City gradually became a steel metropolis!

In the new city area, several towering buildings have sprung up, even taller than the new city walls and watchtowers.

The towering building is the landmark of Dongning – the Dongning New Official Residence.

Officials from all departments of the entire Dongning Province, Dongning Prefecture, and the two county governments of Dongning City all work here.

At the highest level of the new Dongning government office, there was also a lookout tower of the Prince's Guard, which closely monitored the surroundings.

Besides this tall building, all the buildings in the city have been replaced by three- or four-story buildings.

The first floor houses a restaurant and a grocery store; the second and third floors house guest rooms; and the fourth floor is for the family's own residence.

Such small buildings have become a standard feature of Dongning New City.

Even the streets have become incredibly bustling.

Li Xin even saw some Southeast Asians and Westerners on the streets.

"Your Highness, it seems that Dongning's reputation has spread far and wide!"

Zhao Bingzhang couldn't help but laugh and said, "Look at those people, they seem to be Arab merchants, and those next to them are Persian merchants."

Merchants from the Abbasid Caliphate and Persia have come here; that's truly rare!

"That was expected!"

Li Xin replied with a smile, "Our Dongning soaps, bar soaps, liquor, glass, and cement not only sell very well in all provinces of Dagang, but also in Southeast Asia."

So many years have passed, it's only natural that merchants from the Abbasid Caliphate, Persia, and India would learn of this.

I wasn't too surprised when they came to Dongning.

We can even make money off these people!

You know, the cost of living in the Abbasid Caliphate and Persia isn't bad either!

With money, we can buy more grain, which will make things more secure in Dongning and Liaodong!

"Yes, that's true!"

Zhao Bingzhang nodded.

After entering the old city, we soon arrived at the Prince Xin's Mansion.

Upon hearing the news, Princess Ning Xiaoqian rushed to the gate of the mansion and stood there eagerly awaiting news.

Before long, Li Xin also saw the pretty figure at the door and rushed over.

"Qian'er..."?