My Antique Mirror Is A Portal To Another World

Ding Zhenshun nodded and replied to Feng Xiyan, "Great General, just now, our men spotted a group of suspicious traveling merchants sneaking around the entrance to the secret passage."

"Although these people disguised themselves as traveling merchants from the Rong Tribe, based on their facial features and accent, they are clearly from the Yuezhi Tribe."

Hearing the report, Feng Xiyan paused in thought and then asked, "Have you arrested them?"

Instead of Ding Zhenshun, it was Zhan Qi who responded, "General Ding suggested we observe them for now, so I ordered Vice General Mo Yuan to lead a team of elite soldiers to keep watch."

"Good decision," Feng Xiyan said, then added, "We have already laid a trap inside the secret passage. As long as they dare to enter, we will wipe them out in one swift move."

He then turned to Zhan Qi and instructed, "General Zhan, have Vice General Mo Yuan continue to monitor them. Report to me immediately if they make any moves."

Zhan Qi clasped his fists and replied, "Yes, Great General."

After discussing the suspicious traveling merchants, Feng Xiyan asked, "Are there any other matters to report?"

Xue Ruhong said, "Great General, three more groups of refugees arrived today. They are from the Li Kingdom. Judging by their condition, the drought in the Li Kingdom must be more severe than ours."

Upon hearing this, Feng Xiyan turned to Tan Pengtai and asked, "General Tan, have you arranged shelter and food for them?"

Tan Pengtai nodded. "This subordinate has settled them in the same area as the other refugees from the Li Kingdom. It’s just..."

Noticing his hesitation, Feng Xiyan said, "General Tan, if you have something on your mind, please speak freely."

Hearing this, Tan Pengtai made up his mind. Looking at Feng Xiyan, he said, "Great General, word has spread across the ten kingdoms and twelve tribes that we provide food, water, and shelter."

"This subordinate is concerned that if we keep accepting refugees, we will face overpopulation in the near future. When that happens, rising crime and public dissatisfaction may lead to internal unrest."

"If our enemies seize the opportunity, we will be facing threats both inside and outside. By then, it might be too late to act."

Agreeing with his concern, Fan Wanming added, "General Tan is right. While the refugees are behaving for now, not all of them can be recruited into the Feng Army or employed as workers."

"From this subordinate’s observations over the past few days, the crime rate has increased since last week. While some refugees are actively seeking work, many simply rely on us for food and water without the will to do anything."

"They don’t even do basic tasks like cleaning their own quarters, which has caused discontent among those who arrived earlier."

Nodding in agreement, Xue Ruhong said, "We must assign them something to do, or they will eventually cause trouble or become bandits."

"We already have our hands full dealing with the Yuezhi Tribe and the imperial court. We don’t have the extra time or resources to handle internal conflict or criminals."

After listening to the generals’ discussion, Feng Xiyan fell into deep thought.

Moments later, he said, "This general plans to expand Xiqiang City southward. The first goal is to protect the farmland by building walls around it. The second goal is to allow farmers and workers to live nearby for convenience."

"As for the west, east, and north, this general plan is to build new districts for refugees. The original city district and walls will become the inner city where important government buildings and military facilities are located."

Pondering over his plan, Ding Zhenshun said, "Great General, expanding Xiqiang City is no small project. We will need large quantities of construction materials and labor. Fairy Bai might be able to help with materials, but what about the labor?"

Hearing this, Feng Xiyan replied, "Isn’t there already a lot of labor outside the city?"

Upon hearing this, the generals’ eyes lit up. They clasped their fists and said in unison, "Great General is wise."

Looking at them, Feng Xiyan continued, "Fairy Bai said she will send the first batch of construction materials tomorrow. While we wait, announce the city expansion to the public."

"Anyone who helps with the construction will receive two meals a day and earn points based on their daily contribution. When the project is complete, they can use the accumulated points to purchase a house in the new district."

Turning to Xue Ruhong, he instructed, "General Xue, assign a few skilled accountants to keep track of the refugees’ points."

Xue Ruhong clasped his fists and replied, "Yes, Great General."

Feng Xiyan then looked at Zhan Qi. "General Zhan, you will be responsible for recruiting the refugees."

Zhan Qi clasped his fists and responded, "This subordinate accepts the order."

Looking at Fan Wanming, Feng Xiyan said, "General Fan, tighten security around the refugee camps. This general suspects those fake merchants will make a move soon."

Hearing this, Fan Wanming nodded. "This subordinate understands."

Feng Xiyan then turned to Tan Pengtai and ordered, "General Tan, you will oversee the provision of food and supplies for the workers."

Finally, he looked at Ding Zhenshun and said, "General Ding, you will temporarily take charge of guarding the city walls."

Tan Pengtai and Ding Zhenshun clasped their fists and said in unison, "This subordinate accepts the order."

After issuing the orders, Feng Xiyan asked, "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

The generals shook their heads, and Feng Xiyan added, "Then you all can leave and get busy."

"Yes, Great General."

After the generals left, Feng Xiyan let out a tired sigh.

Staring at the sand map, he frowned and thought, ’Ever since the Yuezhi Tribe disappeared, the imperial court hasn’t made any moves either. Everything is too quiet. It feels like I miss something important.’

After a long silence, he clenched his fists and muttered, "Looks like it’s time to deal with Ji Hui."

Having made up his mind, Feng Xiyan put on his armor, took one of his swords from the weapon rack, and stepped out of the tent.