As the saying goes, if you want to get rich, build roads first.

For a region to develop, road transportation is of paramount importance.

Moreover, the opening of roads will further strengthen the imperial court's control over the region.

The merchants and wealthy households were also excited by the emperor's proposal.

Building a road system that runs through the Northeast would have incalculable benefits for them.

Before Liu Hong could even speak, everyone excitedly volunteered to contribute funds to build the road.

Liu Hong nodded in agreement to the enthusiasm of these people and promised to exempt them from road tax and customs duties for five years after the road was completed, as a reward for their efforts.

Looking at the group of merchants whose excitement was palpable, Liu Hong suddenly realized that if he could broaden the horizons and perspectives of these merchants, their presence would be just as valuable as the army for the future hegemony of the empire.

Therefore, Liu Hong ordered a banquet to be held in the name of the Emperor of Han at the prefectural governor's residence to entertain the local merchants and wealthy families.

Upon hearing this news, the wealthy merchants were also extremely excited.

In their excitement, something happened that made them extremely envious.

Because the emperor had summoned Zhang Fei and his son privately, everyone began to inquire about what special "gift" the Zhang family had given that had earned them a personal audience with the emperor.

Xi Zhicai and others readily leaked the information.

When everyone learned that the Zhang family had only donated a mere five schools, they couldn't help but feel disappointed.

As a result, everyone approached the local prefect and officials at all levels, preparing to invest in some infrastructure projects in order to make a good impression on the emperor.

The officials of Zhuojun happily accepted the generous donations from these people. With their money, Zhuojun would not need any government funding for the next few years, which was a great achievement for these officials.

In a secluded house in the backyard of the prefect's mansion, Zhang Fei and his son sat awkwardly at the lower end of the table, unable to contain their excitement. They had thought the emperor would just give them a few words of praise and that would be the end of it, but they hadn't expected to be summoned for a private audience.

"You two don't need to be nervous."

Seeing the unusually tense father and son, Liu Hong couldn't help but laugh.

Liu Hong looked at the boy and asked, "What's your name?"

"Zhang Fei, the 'Fei' in 'flying eagle'."

Zhang Fei, also looking excited, loudly proclaimed his name.

"Zhang Fei?"

Upon hearing the name, Liu Hong merely raised an eyebrow slightly.

For Liu Hong now, the famous name of Zhang Fei is no longer enough to cause him much emotional fluctuation.

Liu Hong looked at Zhang Fei with a warm smile and asked with a smile, "What are your ambitions for the future?"

Upon hearing the emperor inquire about his ambitions, Zhang Fei replied without hesitation, "Your Majesty, I wish to become someone like the Marquis of Champion."

Nowadays, thanks to Luoyang's influence, storytelling is flourishing in various places, and many teenagers like Zhang Fei have heard the story of Huo Qubing.

Therefore, the name of the champion is now known to everyone, and he is an object of admiration for all.

"Haha~, very well, then I will wait for that day."

Upon hearing Zhang Fei's reply, Liu Hong couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Then Liu Hong looked at Zhang's father and said, "Your son will be eleven years old this year, right? He could go to the Imperial Guard Camp for some training."

"This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace."

Upon hearing that the emperor intended to recruit his son into the Imperial Guard, Zhang's father was overjoyed and quickly pulled Zhang Fei along to pay their respects and express their gratitude.

"Alright, it's almost time. The banquet should begin."

Liu Hong smiled, then got up and led Zhang Fei and his son to the banquet hall.

"Gentlemen, the Zhang family head has shown great righteousness and promoted education, which greatly pleases me. I hereby issue this imperial decree to summon his son Fei to the Imperial Guard as a reward."

As Liu Hong announced the news, everyone in the hall looked at the Zhang family father and son with envy, and their determination to follow suit became even stronger.

Soon, the banquet began. In addition to the local wealthy merchants, a large amount of meat was also prepared and sent to the military camp to reward the soldiers who were on their northern expedition.

The entire Zhuojun County became unusually lively.

After staying in Zhuojun for two days, the army set off again, heading straight for Yuyang.

When passing through Jicheng in Guangyang, Liu Hong stopped.

(Ji refers to the area around present-day Beijing.)

Looking at the somewhat dilapidated city walls of Jicheng compared to other administrative centers, Liu Hong couldn't help but sigh.

Why does Your Majesty sigh?

Xi Zhicai, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but step forward and ask.

"What does Zhicai think of Jicheng?" Liu Hong asked, turning his head.

"Jicheng, located in the plains, connects Yuyang and Shanggu. It is a central location leading to the Northeast and the grasslands, and has always been a strategic location fought over by military strategists. As long as Jicheng is not lost, no matter what happens in the Northeast, it will not affect Jizhou or the southern Inner County. It can be said to be extremely important."

"Yes, this place is extremely important right now, but it's not so important for the future of the Han Dynasty..."

Liu Hong sighed softly, then led the team to continue their journey.

A few days later, the army finally arrived at Yuyang.

Now, after several months of reorganization and construction, the various tasks of Yuyang Camp have been basically completed. The newly recruited soldiers, under the guidance of the veterans, are now leading the troops, and their shouts echo throughout the camp every day.

South gate of Yuyang Camp.

Lu Zhi, the commander of the Yuyang Camp, was also fully armored and led his officers and soldiers to welcome the emperor.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!