Xiao Rong raised his hand and touched his nose, finding it covered in bright red blood.

 

He stared at the blood, then suddenly stood up and grabbed Ah Shu by the collar, shouting, “Where is the King?! Where did he go?!”

 

Ah Shu: “…”

 

Again!

 

Why is the King always the first person Master Xiao mentions whenever he’s sick?!

 

Ah Shu frantically wiped the blood from Xiao Rong, but the more he wiped, the more it flowed, as if it wouldn’t stop. Initially, Xiao Rong kept demanding to know the whereabouts of Qu Yunmie, but soon his hand went limp, and he collapsed weakly onto the bed, lying there like a noodle.

 

This feeling was different from his previous illnesses. Before, he was just weak. Today, he was weak and dizzy. The most critical thing was that his heart felt like it was burning, making him want to get up and move around, maybe even run a few laps.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Something was wrong; new symptoms had appeared. Has something happened to Qu Yunmie again? Did he get himself into serious trouble?

 

Seeing that the blood wouldn’t stop, Ah Shu quickly ran out to seek help from Gao Xunzhi.

 

Hearing Ah Shu’s cries, Gao Xunzhi hurried out, listening to Ah Shu describe Xiao Rong’s symptoms as they walked quickly. Hearing it was a nosebleed that wouldn’t stop, Gao Xunzhi suddenly stopped and slapped his forehead.

 

“Oh no! Could it be an adverse reaction to the tonic?!”

 

By then, they had already reached the outer room, and Xiao Rong heard Gao Xunzhi’s words. Stretching his neck to look at them, Gao Xunzhi saw this and quickly walked over. He knew a bit about taking pulses, so he only touched Xiao Rong’s wrist briefly and felt the rapid and strong pulse. Gao Xunzhi concluded, “This was a well-intentioned mistake. Quickly, call the doctor. Also, have the kitchen prepare a pot of red date old chicken soup and loofah carp soup. Tell the kitchen not to add any salt!”

 

After speaking, Gao Xunzhi lovingly patted Xiao Rong’s hand, saying, “Rong, let them replenish your blood.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

It doesn’t just replenish blood.

 

It also increases milk production!

 

Don’t think I don’t know, these are clearly things drunk during postpartum recovery!

……

Gao Xunzhi only had basic knowledge of medicine and was no expert. Seeing that women who lost blood after childbirth were supplemented this way, he naturally applied the same to Xiao Rong. Xiao Rong, lying in bed with a cloth covering his nose and mouth, temporarily couldn’t speak and could only watch him sullenly.

 

Thinking Xiao Rong was scared, Gao Xunzhi comforted him. “It’s nothing serious. It should be that the tonic you drank today was too potent. The King added ginseng to strengthen your body. Normally, there should be no issue. This ginseng is different from other types. Though potent, it’s much milder and best for restoring pulses, preventing collapse, and replenishing vital energy. Even elderly people in their eighties can drink it without fear of it disrupting their meridians. Perhaps your constitution is too weak? That’s why you’re reacting so strongly.”

 

Gao Xunzhi wasn’t very confident in his explanation because he had seen many people take Salvia ginseng over the years, even those on their deathbeds, but none had reacted like Xiao Rong.

 

Still bleeding from his nose, Xiao Rong: “…”

 

I really must thank you all.

＊

The next day, Xiao Rong got up looking pale.

 

Having just announced the decision to move the capital yesterday, Qu Yunmie gathered everyone today to discuss the new location.

 

Such an important matter required Xiao Rong’s presence, even though just thinking about Qu Yunmie made him angry.

 

Why give a healthy person such a strong tonic? Last night, after listening to Gao Xunzhi’s lengthy explanation of Salvia ginseng, Xiao Rong concluded that it was akin to a thousand-year-old ginseng, and he, who appeared weak was actually quite healthy, ended up with a severe nosebleed from it.

 

Supported by Ah Shu, Xiao Rong, filled with resentment, headed to the Main Hall.

 

Everyone was present today, with the advisory group and the four generals all seated, each with their own ideas.

 

When Xiao Rong entered, everyone looked at him. As he passed the advisory group, he encountered the old man who once insisted on taking his seat. The old man, seeing the bloodless and unhappy Xiao Rong, suddenly felt the urge to offer his seat to him.

……

Before he could act, Gao Xunzhi beckoned Xiao Rong over, and Xiao Rong lazily walked towards him.

 

Gao Xunzhi had saved a seat next to himself, and on Xiao Rong’s other side was the first warrior of the Northern Army, Yu Shaoxie. Opposite them sat the four generals.

 

When Qu Yunmie arrived, the meeting officially began, though Qu Yunmie kept glancing at Xiao Rong, looking puzzled.

 

How did the tonic make him look even worse?

 

Xiao Rong tried hard to hold back, barely avoiding rolling his eyes at him.

……

As the meeting progressed, people stopped paying attention to other things, as the atmosphere grew tense.

 

Relocating the capital was a significant matter, and their decision would be recorded in history.

 

Everyone knew what it meant for the future; this city would eventually become the nation’s capital.

 

Opinions varied, and even the advisory group stopped being vague, each member eager to influence the new capital’s location. The top choices were Changan, Luoyang, and Jinan. The first two had natural defenses, making them easy to defend and difficult to attack, while the last was close to the sacred land of Confucius and Mencius, and favored by the advisory group.

 

Xiao Rong, supporting his head, was somewhat fed up with these people.

 

Fortunately, others were more rational, quickly ruling out Jinan—not because it wasn’t good, but because it wasn’t suitable as a capital. It lacked natural defenses and was close to the Yellow River, risking the entire city during floods.

 

Choosing a capital primarily depended on the terrain. Everything else was secondary, but safety was a dominant factor.

 

This was the others’ view, not Xiao Rong’s. He knew his ideas were too advanced for this era, so he decided to listen first and speak only if needed.

 

Soon, the supporters of Changan and Luoyang began to argue. The former valued Changan’s historical prestige, while the latter emphasized Luoyang’s central location and prosperity.

 

Indeed, Changan couldn’t compare to Luoyang after being ravaged by invaders. Yanmen County had been rebuilt thanks to Qu Yunmie, but Changan, repeatedly attacked, remained practically deserted, a near-empty city.

 

Moving the capital to Changan would initially be costly and laborious. Still, an empty city had its advantages—it could be freely transformed, and even in its desolation, the remaining palaces and mansions could be repurposed.

 

Leaning back in his chair, Xiao Rong’s dark eyes fixated on the opposite wall as his mind wandered. He didn’t notice Qu Yunmie had been staring at him for a while.

 

For some reason, seeing Xiao Rong’s detached demeanor, Qu Yunmie felt particularly irritated. He realized he didn’t want Xiao Rong to remain idle.

 

As the representatives of Changan and Luoyang, Yu Shaoxie and Gongsun Yuan, debated intensely, the King suddenly spoke. “Master Xiao, what are your thoughts on the relocation of the capital?”

 

The debate paused as everyone turned to look at the now slouching Xiao Rong.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Under their gazes, Xiao Rong silently straightened up, cleared his throat, and replied, “I think Mr. Yu and General Gongsun both have some valid points.”

 

Qu Yunmie said, “Oh? Some valid points mean they’re not entirely valid. Does this mean you believe neither Changan nor Luoyang is suitable as the new capital?”

 

At this, Yu Shaoxie and Gongsun Yuan immediately sat up straight, no longer looking so friendly towards Xiao Rong.

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

So annoying.

 

However, Qu Yunmie had guessed his thoughts correctly. He didn’t think either was particularly suitable, hence his ambiguous response. Truly a sensitive and suspicious King.

……

Having come this far, Xiao Rong rolled his eyes internally, then slowly began, “Since the King has noticed, I might as well be honest. My personal choice for the new capital is Chenliu.”

 

Everyone was taken aback, then began chattering noisily.

 

“Chenliu? That place is even worse than Jinan.”

 

“Chenliu is out of the question, absolutely out of the question. Chenliu used to be Jinling’s accompanying capital, and Sun Renluan has always wanted to reclaim it. How can the King move there?”

 

“Chenliu is a flat plain. If the nomads invade again, they can push their army straight to Chenliu after passing through Shanhai Pass and Youzhou! Mr. Xiao’s suggestion of Chenliu is too shortsighted!”

 

“Exactly, how can we move the capital to Chenliu? Chenliu has never been a royal capital. The only King of Chenliu met a terrible end; it’s too inauspicious.”

 

Xiao Rong had just mentioned it casually and didn’t intend to join their debate, but hearing these objections, he got irritated.

 

He squinted his eyes, ready for a fight.

 

“Truly, dragons give birth to leaders who stabilize the world, while pigs produce offspring that root inside.”

 

Everyone: “…”

 

Why the personal attack?

 

Xiao Rong didn’t care. “Chenliu is worse than Jinan? They have the same terrain! Chenliu is even flatter, making it more suitable for farming and living. The King has plenty of soldiers but lacks civilians. Chenliu is bordered by the river in the north and the Ying River in the south, with a developed water system connected to the Han River. People south of the Han River can easily move here by water or land. With the Ying River, the King can also start training a navy. The Northern Army has all kinds of soldiers, except for sailors. Do I need to explain the importance of a navy to you?”

 

The group exchanged glances but remained silent.

 

If Qu Yunmie wanted to become emperor, he would eventually have to fight Southern Yong. One of the main reasons Southern Yong survived was because the Han River was difficult to cross, and the nomads weren’t good at naval battles, so they always retreated at the Han River.

 

While they stayed silent, Xiao Rong continued, “As for the lack of natural defenses, if the enemy has reached our capital, do natural defenses still matter? Throughout history, how many rulers have held out for more than ten years when their capital was under siege? If it comes to that, it’s better to decide the outcome early rather than make the people suffer.”

 

A member of the advisory group couldn’t accept this and glared at Xiao Rong. “How can you boost the enemy’s morale and diminish our own?”

 

Xiao Rong replied, “And how can you always think of being a turtle hiding in its shell?”

 

“…”

 

The advisor was rendered speechless, and Xiao Rong adjusted his tone. “I’m not saying natural defenses aren’t important. We, as part of the Northern Army, should believe in the King and our soldiers. The terrain we value should be outside the capital, extending to the surrounding regions. Yuzhou, Jizhou, Dongyuzhou, and Xuzhou all have natural defenses and are under the King’s control. Chenliu is centrally located. Do you think the king can’t defend these areas?”

 

Everyone looked at Qu Yunmie, who gave a fittingly fierce smile.

 

Everyone: “…”

 

No one dared to speak.

 

Satisfied with their compliance, Xiao Rong continued, “I prefer Chenliu for other reasons too. Someone mentioned Sun Renluan wanting to reclaim Chenliu as an accompanying capital for Jinling. I have a similar thought. Since the heavy snowfall in the second year of Taining, farming north of the Han River hasn’t been ideal, but the south has had good harvests. In the future, we may need to transport grain from the south to the north annually.”

 

He spoke vaguely, but most understood.

 

Climate was just one reason. The southern region’s higher yields were due to better humidity, soil, and crop varieties. During this period of north-south division, the south rapidly developed into a rich area.

 

There was no Grand Canal yet, and people mostly thought of it for its impact on transportation and the hardships of those who built it, forgetting its initial, thousand-year role—transporting southern resources to the north to supply the capital.

 

Xiao Rong couldn’t suggest building the canal this early; it was impossible without enough manpower. Instead of building the canal, it was better to place the capital near the Ying River. The Han and Ying Rivers could still facilitate transport. Later, they’d only need to connect the Han River to the Ying, without extensive projects.

 

He also opposed Luoyang for this reason. Luoyang’s historical significance was clear, but no one set the capital there later because it was too far from the Ying River, making resource transport difficult. Emperors weren’t philanthropists, they wouldn’t let wealth slip away.

 

Knowing Xiao Rong made sense, they quieted down, but soon someone whispered, “But it’s really inauspicious.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Fine, he couldn’t argue with that.

 

Thirty years ago, a devastating snowstorm occurred in the second year of Taining, named after the most unfortunate emperor in Yong’s history.

 

Yong’s emperors, apart from the long-lived founding Emperor, averaged less than five years on the throne. The Taining Emperor, younger brother of the previous emperor, was miserably suppressed, given Chenliu as a tiny fiefdom, and kept doing menial tasks in the palace, disrespected by officials.

 

His brother died the second year of his reign, leaving a power vacuum. The court installed Taining, a weak ruler, who faced a sudden snowstorm in April, an ominous sign. That winter, the snow brought disaster, blamed on Taining’s lack of virtue. He was further suppressed, starved for days, while outside, chaos reigned with invasions, disasters, and rebellions.

 

He was strangled in his sleep in the fifth year, leaving a single infant son who soon died of exposure to the cold.

 

This was a tragic history Xiao Rong couldn’t ignore. Even he wouldn’t deny the bad omen.

 

He also couldn’t dismiss it as unimportant; people were highly superstitious. He couldn’t argue, so he stayed silent.

 

Gao Xunzhi sighed, agreeing with Xiao Rong but unable to help. Yu Shaoxie, eager to promote Luoyang, prepared to speak, but Qu Yunmie suddenly said, “I also think Chenliu is excellent.”

 

Thwarted, Yu Shaoxie sat back down.

 

Everyone was shocked, Qu Yunmie’s support hinted at a final decision, igniting fierce opposition. They feared the bad omen, seeing it as jumping from one disaster to another.

 

The historical precedent of two tragic Chenliu kings only added to their fears.

 

Xiao Rong stayed silent, and the fierce objections made Qu Yunmie furious. Standing abruptly, he declared, “I am the King of the North, not some King of Chenliu! People have their fates. What does it matter to a city? If you think so, shouldn’t everyone in Chenliu County be dead by now!”

 

The King’s anger silenced everyone. Usually, Yu Shaoxie might challenge him, but today’s issue didn’t anger him enough. Gao Xunzhi, however, looked to Xiao Rong, signaling him to appease the king.

 

Xiao Rong didn’t understand his signal.

 

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

 

You did it last time, why not now!

 

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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