Chapter 242 There's still a lot to do.
Xiao Huaijin took Song Zhimian to see the treasures he had brought from the Kingdom of Biao.
After reading it, Song Zhimian finally understood what Xiao Huaijin meant by treating those gemstones as glass beads.
A single gemstone worth a fortune seems insignificant compared to the treasures displayed in chests.
After looking around, Song Zhimian clearly felt that she was not far from treating money as dirt.
No amount of money seems like dirt in the face of these treasures...
"Don't overthink it, and don't think of the Southwest Army as taking advantage of the chaos. Over the years, the Biao Kingdom has frequently harassed Dayu and robbed Dayu's caravans. These are all things we should take back."
Furthermore, those three forces borrowed troops from Dayu, so they must have received some compensation for their efforts!
"These are all justified! Don't say things like 'this is all the people's hard-earned money'!" Xiao Huaijin whispered a reminder.
Song Zhimin finally looked away from the jewelry and glanced at Xiao Huaijin.
"Which eye of yours saw me saying those things? Right now, all I can think about is that with these treasures, the Southwest Army's expedition wasn't in vain."
I know better than you that these treasures were obtained by the Southwest Army at the cost of their lives.
Okay, we've finished looking at it, we should go now, otherwise we'll keep them from getting back to work.
After Song Zhimian finished speaking, she gestured for Xiao Huaijin to leave quickly.
With the two of them there, those busy registering and compiling records became noticeably more nervous.
...
Song Zhimian and Xiao Huaijin finally returned to the small courtyard where they lived.
Xiao Huaijin had teaware brought over, and he finally understood why his elder sister liked to brew tea.
Thinking about things while brewing tea can have unexpected effects.
"This time, the Southwest Army managed to tear the Biao Kingdom apart with almost no casualties, so the threat from the southwest is gone."
"Song Zhimian, you've done a great job!" Xiao Huaijin said to Song Zhimian with a smile.
Song Zhimian quickly shook her head.
"The credit goes to the Southwest Army. Without their strong support, no matter how many ideas we have, we can't achieve anything. The credit should go to the Southwest Army."
Xiao Huaijin smiled and placed a cup of tea in front of Song Zhimin.
"That's what they say, but you still deserve a reward. I've already submitted a memorial requesting your commendation, and the Emperor has said he'll reward you when we return to the capital."
You don't need to buy the mansion in the suburbs that you've been longing for; your father will surely bestow one upon you.
Song Zhimin's eyes widened instantly...
What a wonderful thing!
"Thank you for speaking kindly on my behalf, Your Highness. Your Majesty, I will offer you tea instead of wine." Song Zhimian quickly picked up the teacup in her hand.
Xiao Huaijin felt a little regretful.
He should have placed a pot of wine in front of the two of them...
“Alright, tea can be used instead of wine! Come, try my cooking!” Xiao Huaijin readily picked up the teacup.
...
The tea smelled wonderful; Song Zhimian knew immediately that it must have been sent from the capital.
After drinking a cup of tea, Song Zhimian started nagging Xiao Huaijin again.
"It seems like the Biao Kingdom is no longer a threat, but we still need to be prepared."
There are currently three major forces within the territory of Biao Kingdom, all of which are supported by the Southwest Army.
Now that the royal court of the Biao Kingdom has been overthrown, the next thing to happen is that these forces will definitely attack each other, and everyone will think that they should ascend to the throne.
Your Highness, there are actually more things to deal with now.
You will definitely be returning to the capital soon, so it's even more important to arrange these things now.
Those three forces could easily establish their own small states, just like the ancient, ununified Biao Kingdom.
They checked and restrained each other, and the Southwest Army's task was to maintain a balance between them.
Anyone who disobeys will be punished!
Furthermore, Kachin State, Shan State, and Sikkim, which originally belonged to the Kingdom of Biao, have now been completely incorporated into the territory of Dayu.
In that case, these three places should be made entirely part of Chongqing.
At this time, not only the army was stationed in these places, but the merchant guild was also coming here.
Only when these places become wealthy will they feel a sense of belonging to Chongqing.
If things continue to be so noisy and chaotic, like a bustling market, it will only escalate the conflict sooner or later.
"Give them something to do, so they don't have time to argue!" Song Zhimian continued to offer suggestions.
Xiao Huaijin nodded.
That's right, he has already sent a memorial to the capital, and his elder sister has also told him that the Emperor's intention is to have the Merchant Guild send someone over once things have calmed down a bit.
Currently, the Marquis of Anyang is still recommending his beloved daughter, Xiao Ruanruan.
I heard that Xiao Ruanruan went to Tianji City and Tianju City in the North for two months and has already revived the local commerce.
Given time, the North will still be a good place where you can make money as long as you are willing to work hard.
"After the New Year in the capital, Xiao Ruanruan should bring the people from the Merchant Guild to the southwest."
"Her main task should be to develop trade in Kachin State, Shan State, and Sigia," Xiao Huaijin said immediately.
Song Zhimian was relieved.
It's good to be able to conquer the world, but the best is to be able to both conquer and govern it.
The best outcome is to be able to hold onto the territory you've captured.
"That's all we need to do now! When will Your Highness return to the capital?"
You've been away for so long, and you've made such great contributions in the southwest. His Majesty will surely reward you handsomely when you return to the capital!
However, it would be best to go back after the Chinese New Year. Although the southwest is like spring all year round, it will definitely snow heavily in the capital.
This journey is bound to be difficult.
By the time we got back after the New Year, the snow on the road had just melted...
Your Highness, let me go with you then! It'll be cheaper if I go with the young prince...
Now that you mention it, it seems like there's not much time left. Should I buy some things at Sun City and Dian City? Or maybe I could go to Shijie City?
I'll buy some things from Biaoguo (a region in China) so I can give them as gifts when I get back to Beijing.
We need to send some to Princess Yongxin, and also send some to Lianqiao in the north.
There's no need to send anything to Xiao Ruanruan; she's coming to the Southwest anyway, and it wouldn't be appropriate to send her anything from there, but we can't leave her unsent either…
This is really a bit worrying! And then there's Lord Ye. He's such a good person; I should at least buy him a gift!
"Your Highness, don't worry, I only have enough stuff for one carriage, so it definitely won't take up too much space..." Song Zhimian said, counting on her fingers as she spoke, afraid of forgetting anyone.
"Who said I was going back?" Xiao Huaijin said abruptly.
Song Zhimian...
"Isn't Your Highness going back?" Song Zhimian was very surprised.
Xiao Huaijin nodded, "I won't go back, at least not for now. Even if my father issues an imperial decree, I won't go back. I'll stay here with the Southwest Army."
Also, to deal with any emergencies that might occur here.
Song Zhimian was a little dumbfounded.
"Aren't you going back? Aren't you afraid His Majesty will punish you for disobeying imperial orders and having an army of your own?" Song Zhimian couldn't help but ask.
Xiao Huaijin...
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