After eating and washing up, despite his injuries, he personally attended to Feng Yun as she changed her clothes, and then, holding her hand, he led her onto the parked carriage.

The two of them left without any fanfare; no one in the manor knew that the Great General had gone out, and the few who were close to him and saw them leave would keep their lips sealed.

Feng Yun waited at the door for Yuan Shangyi to arrive.

When the Young Emperor came over, his face was still full of smiles.

But as he lifted the curtain and saw Pei Jue’s face, his little face immediately stiffened, and he sat up straighter, tense all over.

The carriage moved slowly.

No one in the carriage spoke.

Feng Yun whispered to Yuan Shangyi, "Ayuan, you don’t have to be afraid of him, you are the Emperor, and he is a subject."

Yuan Shangyi certainly knew this principle.

But as Emperor, he really had no dignity in front of his subjects, only feeling that Prince of Yonghuai was tall and powerful, possessing great strength, whereas he felt too weak to withstand even a single finger from him.

"I, I’m not afraid."

Feng Yun gently elbowed Pei Jue.

Pei Jue quickly realized that with such a timid Emperor, the way they interacted had to be adjusted.

For example, taking the initiative to speak.

He thought for a moment and then asked, "Do you still like the Wind Chime I gave you?"

Talking about the Wind Chime, Yuan Shangyi felt much less tense.

He vigorously nodded his head and gave Pei Jue a slight smile.

"I like it very much."

Pei Jue: "Mmm."

Yuan Shangyi quietly observed him and also nodded, "Mmm."

Feng Yun glanced at this one, then at that one, and decided it was best not to let them communicate anymore, otherwise, it would drive her crazy.

As the carriage entered Andu City, Yuan Shangyi relaxed.

He really enjoyed wandering around the streets like an ordinary person.

But it was too sunny outside at the moment, and Feng Yun did not let him alight the carriage. They continued along the city wall towards the west and at a crossroads where there was a tea house, they paused for a moment and heard the lively discussion inside.

The current Emperor...

The Great General...

Prince of Yonghuai...

Li Zongxun...

Xiao Cheng...

These men were pontificating passionately, completely unaware that the figures they were discussing were quietly sitting in the carriage, listening to them argue red in the face.

In these times, there was a trend for intellectual discourse, and public opinion was tolerated; speaking about the faults of emperors and generals did not lead to punishment for one’s words. Thus, there was nothing to be taboo about.

After a good while, the carriage was silent.

It was Yuan Shangyi who first asked a question, following the tea house’s topic.

"Why does the Imperial Court want to build an auxiliary capital in Andu?"

This issue had repeatedly become the focus of discussion, but even Yuan Shangyi, the Emperor himself, didn’t understand why it was being done.

He was curious too.

Pei Jue bowed to him.

"Your Majesty raises a good question. In my opinion, West Capital City is large, rich in resources, surrounded by steep mountains and rivers, easy to defend and hard to attack. Using it as the Dajin Imperial City has many advantages, but it also has its disadvantages..."

The Young Emperor showed a look of curiosity.

Pei Jue said, "The Imperial City needs heavy guards. However, in the area around West Capital, there is severe loss of water and soil, and the arable land decreases year by year, making it difficult to provide enough food for the troops. That’s one point. Secondly, the Northern Rong frequently harass our borders, and our court needs to station heavy troops in the Western Regions and on the northwest frontier, making it difficult to spare more troops to defend West Capital City. If there is a conflict, the mobilization of troops, transportation of arms, logistics, and even the communication of military intelligence are all extremely difficult. This recent battle with the Northern Rong is a case in point."

He spoke slowly, afraid that the Young Emperor might not understand, and did not skimp on the explanation because his counterpart was a child, earnestly analyzing the pros and cons for Yuan Shangyi.

After speaking, he sighed lightly.

"West Capital is vulnerable. I propose building an auxiliary capital to leave a backup for Your Majesty in a land rich in soil and water. Settling deeply in Andu, we can at least feed ourselves."

Yuan Shangyi seemed to grasp it, though not fully.

Pei Jue said, "The New Dynasty has just been established, coinciding with natural disasters, and the people’s hardships have not ceased. If we want long-term stability throughout the realm, we must reduce military calamities and develop agriculture. Only by first addressing the issue of food can we plan for the future. Andu, situated in the heartland, is an excellent place for recuperation and recovery."

Feng Yun rarely heard him speak at such length.

So long.

Really long.

She glanced over.

Yuan Shangyi nodded, "I understand. I will study diligently, and in the future, with the assistance of the Great General, ensure that the people throughout the land have enough food to eat, warm clothes to wear, no longer enduring hunger and cold, and especially during the New Year, not hearing about people starving or freezing to death..."

Pei Jue narrowed his eyes, "Your Majesty has great ambitions, and I have an unshirkable responsibility."

The carriage continued southward, turning left towards the south, was the Governor’s Office.

In two more days, the Governor’s Office would be celebrating a joyous event, and one could see servants preparing for the wedding banquet coming in and out, all with joy on their faces.

Feng Yun was about to ask Pei Jue if they should stop by He Qia’s residence when a carriage rolled up at the intersection ahead and stopped in front of the Governor’s Office.

The curtains were lifted, revealing the face of a woman.