"Jiankang? Absolutely not!"
Helian Jue was the first to reject Jiankang.
It's not that this place is bad.
There must have been a reason why it was chosen as the capital by the previous dynasty.
However, Helian Jue had to consider the feelings of the former officials of the Northern Dynasty.
They unified the country from north to south, rather than being annexed by the Southern Dynasty.
Why would the Great Zhou Dynasty choose the former capital of the Southern Dynasties when it moved its capital?
Moving the capital is a major undertaking that is inherently fraught with difficulties, and Helian Jue believed that there was absolutely no need to artificially add another difficulty.
"Chang'an is excellent!"
Helian Jue pointed to the small circle Xie Yuan had drawn.
He wasn't settling for second best; he genuinely thought Chang'an was a good place.
In fact, the late emperor had considered moving the capital to Chang'an.
The reason was similar to what Xie Yuan had thought of.
However, the late emperor did not need to worry about any secret passages in the Pingcheng Palace.
The late emperor also felt that Pingcheng's location was not quite suitable; it would be sufficient if it were only used as the capital of the Northern Dynasty.
But the late emperor's goal was the whole world.
Furthermore, Chang'an is a famous ancient capital of various dynasties, with powerful dynasties such as Qin and Han having made it their capital.
This is sufficient proof of its superior geographical location.
Several years ago, the late emperor sent people to Chang'an to investigate the local situation.
The original site of the Han Palace still exists, but it has been neglected for many years and is now in ruins due to years of war.
The late emperor then intended to choose another location to build a new city.
"...The late emperor chose Daxing and even ordered officials from the Ministry of Works to draw up the plans."
Helian Jue was lost in memories, and slowly said, "It's just that the construction project was too massive. At that time, what the late emperor wanted most was to unify the world and drive out the Turks—"
Therefore, the construction of the city was put on hold.
"However, the blueprints should still be there!"
Moreover, moving the capital was an unfinished task of the late emperor.
Helian Jue's proposal as the new emperor was not considered innovative.
While court officials might object, Helian Jue's use of the banner of "filial piety" still had some effect.
"That's good!"
Xie Yuan nodded with a smile, "This time when I returned to Beijing, I also brought all the artisans from Lingnan with me."
These craftsmen were all professional talents recruited by Xie Yuan in the vast Lingnan region.
They built cities, constructed cross-sea bridges, and completed the Yuling Tunnel.
They can definitely be considered the "infrastructure maniacs" of this era.
Whether it's professionalism, experience, or enthusiasm, they are all top-notch.
With them, the construction of Chang'an New City will definitely be much more efficient.
"The male members of those families whose property was recently confiscated are all to build cities for me!"
Helian Jue got furious whenever he mentioned those people who were an eyesore.
Of course, Helian Jue didn't forget the fish Xie Yuan had caught along the way. "And what about your side? Didn't you catch quite a few too? Exiling them would be too lenient; you might as well send them all to Chang'an!"
Anyone who dares to cause me trouble will find a way to make them "happy"!
"The sage is wise!"
Xie Yuan found it somewhat amusing to see Helian Jue sulking like a child.
She readily suggested, "And the troops from the West Camp and the North Camp as well."
Xie Yuanzhuang seemed to be joking, but his eyes were cold. "The Turks have besieged the city, and Your Majesty and all the court officials are trapped in the capital."
"When the flames of war broke out, the two battalions that should have rushed to the emperor's aid stood by and watched."
"The saint is benevolent and can pardon them! But I am vengeful by nature; I may escape death, but I will not escape punishment!"
Xie Yuan spoke with murderous intent.
Helian Jue couldn't help but smile.
He knew that A Yuan was feeling sorry for him and was standing up for him.
Yes, if he hadn't had the small porcelain bottle given to him by A Yuan, if he hadn't brought tens of thousands of troops from Lingnan.
This newly enthroned ruler may have been captured by the Turkic prince.
Being humiliated and losing the throne are the least of his worries; if things go wrong, he might even lose his life.
Helian Jue is not afraid of death!
But he is not the same person he used to be.
He has a beloved wife, adorable children, and oh, right, Xie Zhen, that chubby little boy who is determined to make him a champion.
Helian Jue cannot die!
The West Camp and the North Camp were originally the biggest trump cards protecting the capital.
Helian Jue was not a usurper, but a legitimate new emperor who was supported by the Empress Dowager and other officials and had a will in his name.
Dugu Ba of the Northern Camp stood idly by, while Mu Jialan of the Western Camp not only refused to send troops but also secretly colluded with the Turks.
Damn it!
They all deserve to die!
However, in order to maintain stability in the court and to appease the powerful families and nobles, Helian Jue had no choice but to back down.
However, even if we back down, we can't pretend nothing happened.
Otherwise, those people would think that he, the new ruler, is easy to bully.
If similar incidents occur again in the future, they will still dare to act recklessly and deceive the emperor!
"Ah Yuan is right! He may be spared the death penalty, but he can't escape punishment!"
Helian Jue was also somewhat annoyed.
Gritting his teeth, he said bitterly, "Tell them all to get out of here and start repairing the city!"
The combined forces of the western and northern camps totaled 60,000.
In addition to the people Xie Yuan brought from Lingnan, and the local laborers, the total number was at least 100,000.
Building a city for 100,000 people shouldn't be a problem.
Of course, Helian Jue sent the two battalions to repair the city walls not only as punishment, but also for other reasons—
First, reassure people!
Yes, sometimes, punishment is also a "reward".
The disloyal acts of Mu Jialan and Dugu Ba were well known to Helian Jue and the entire court.
Helian Jue had to choose to endure for certain reasons.
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