Half a day later.
Ning Que has arrived at the seaside.
He named this place Zhuhai because the Pearl River flows into the South China Sea, and also because the local sea view is as beautiful as pearls and jade.
As they walked along the beach, they could see fishing boats catching fish in the distance. Not far away was the harbor built by Haizai Haigui, though it certainly couldn't compare to the Linzi port. Warships could be seen docked at the harbor, though they were much smaller.
Ning Que took off his shoes, stepped on the beach, and said with a smile: "I calculated the time, and the tide will fall tonight. Then we can see if we can get anything. I think we can get a lot of oysters. And octopus, wow... I've been wanting to eat this for a long time."
"You are really greedy..."
"Haha." Ning Que laughed heartily and jokingly said, "I'm not just here for the food. Honestly, the subsequent confrontation with Dafeng will definitely require a navy. The Yue people are all good at sailing, and they are also good at water battles. However, they are only good at small boats, and things like warships are not suitable for them."
"I'm thinking that when I have the chance later, I can find a way to train a fleet. Even if there's no naval battle with Dafeng, it can be responsible for transporting food to the rear. Think about it, if you want to transport food from Lingnan to Dafeng, you need to cross the Five Ridges. At this time, taking the water route is obviously easier."
"Actually, you don't have to worry too much about it."
"oh?"
Shen Qinghe looked calm and said calmly, "I remember you said before that wherever we conquer, we can eat. With your reputation, many cities would probably surrender as soon as we send troops. Besides, the granaries in Dafeng are quite abundant, and this is all thanks to you."
“…”
Ning Que's mouth twitched.
He really couldn't refute this.
Because that's exactly what he did.
The increase in grain production in Dafeng was also due to his strategies. He remembered that after his father and brother died in battle, he wanted to seek revenge, but was suppressed by his mother. Later, according to his mother's wishes, he married Lin Xianhong. However, he had not been idle in these years, but helped the Feng Emperor reform the government behind the scenes.
He had previously stated that a key criterion for measuring a nation's strength was its grain reserves. He proposed establishing granaries in each county. In times of disaster, these could be opened to distribute food, thus stabilizing grain prices. In years of good harvest, grain could be purchased at low prices to fill the granaries. Regardless of where Dafeng was planning to attack, it could quickly gather food and fodder from the surrounding counties.
This is actually Ning Que’s strategy.
Unexpectedly, I can help him now.
"We must always be prepared for danger." Ning Que shook his head. "Capturing cities and territories isn't easy. With Emperor Feng's ability, I think he'll replace generals from all over the country with his own men. If our offensive is delayed, food will become a major problem."
"I know, food and supplies must be prepared before troops move!"
"Haha, that's what I mean." Ning Que smiled. "Fighting a war requires a lot of consideration. There's nothing wrong with your idea, but it's based on the premise that we've won consecutive battles."
"Well, that's too much trouble..."
"Of course!"
Ning Que just nodded.
Fighting a war is not that easy.
Even if he had firearms, he wouldn't have been able to overthrow Dafeng. History shows that the Song Dynasty also had firearms, but was ultimately destroyed. Firearms these days are only modestly powerful. Deterrence is more effective than lethality, unless artillery is employed.
This is also the reason why Ning Que was not in a hurry to leave.
Dafeng was a massive power, boasting a million armored soldiers alone. Coupled with its immense productivity, Ning Que's ambition to overthrow Emperor Feng's rule was no mere talk. This would also prove to be his most formidable opponent, requiring utmost caution.
"Forget about leading hundreds of thousands of people to fight. Even if you can lead these people for hundreds of miles, that's already very impressive."
"Um."
The two of them walked to a high place.
Shen Qinghe snuggled in Ning Que's arms.
Ning Que sniffed the fragrance of the hair.
He gazed into the distance, hugged Shen Qinghe tightly, and whispered, "I took you this time because I felt I owed you. Back in Kunlun Mountain, I rejected you for various reasons. Later, you went to Xiliang for three years and suffered a lot. We finally got married, but I was busy going to Linzi to quell the rebellion. While you were fighting against the enemy, I could only fight in Goguryeo. After coming to Lingnan, I married Muya. During this time, I was busy with government affairs and didn't even spend time with you."
"You and I are husband and wife, we should understand each other." Shen Qinghe smiled and shook her head, not caring at all. She said calmly: "Besides, my liking you is my business. I know your identity and that you have your own mission. As long as I can be by your side, I am actually satisfied."
"Qinghe..."
Ning Que could no longer control his emotions.
He kissed her immediately.
With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for!
As the sun set, the two of them sat on the rocks, kissing and hugging, creating a beautiful scene. After a long moment, Ning Que reluctantly left. At this moment, Shen Qinghe's cheeks were already blushing.
"You, you're just not serious..."
"If I were serious, there would be no Po Lu." Ning Que smiled wickedly and continued to hug Shen Qinghe to admire the scenery in the distance. "Actually, since coming to Lingnan, I have felt much more relaxed. I have also regained the feeling I had in Kunlun Mountain."
"Well, that's true."
Shen Qinghe also nodded. "When we were in Chang'an, there were always all kinds of troubles. Although the emperor took care of you at that time, you couldn't let go. No matter what you did, you always had to be cautious, and there were also intrigues. Now it's much easier."
"Um."
The two of them snuggled up to each other, feeling deeply moved.
"I now have Po Lu and you. So no matter what happened between me and Emperor Feng before, I must survive. It's either you die or I die. So, these things must be done."
"Um."
Shen Qinghe nodded in agreement.
In fact, she had long disliked Emperor Feng and had previously considered making Ning Que the emperor. However, Ning Que and Emperor Feng had a very good relationship at the time, so she refused.
"Actually, I really don't like vying for fame and fortune, and I find being an emperor too tiring." Ning Que said with a helpless smile, "I actually have an idea. If we can really deal with Emperor Feng later, why not pass the throne to Po Lu? We can return to Kunlun Mountain and be our immortal couple."
"You really want to..."
"Hehe, just thinking about it."
Ning Que certainly knew it was impossible.
The soldiers followed him to overthrow the Feng Emperor and would never directly serve the Po Lu. Moreover, with so many arrogant and powerful generals, he had to restore the ruined Dafeng first.
"Are you hungry?"
"How about we eat some dry food first?"
"good!"
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