Chapter 1018

Chapter 1018: Refugees

After capturing West Sea County, Wang Chen ceased his outward expansion, seemingly content with the dominion of the two counties.

He began to channel his efforts and resources into the development of West Sea County.

West Sea County, the largest county in Daye, is renowned for its expansive territory, abundant resources, and a population several times that of Hanhai County. Its natural environment is far superior, dotted with fertile lands rich in water and vegetation.

However, constrained by the limited population and the narrow vision of its decision-makers, the county’s potential had never been fully realized.

Now, Wang Chen viewed West Sea County as the cornerstone of his ambitions!

With Dayan suffering significant setbacks at Hanhai Pass, their ability to assault this formidable stronghold was virtually eliminated. Consequently, Wang Chen redeployed thirty thousand Hanhai army soldiers to West Sea.

Princess Qingyun’s entourage also returned to the county capital of West Sea County.

As for the newly established Divine Machine Camp, Wang Chen left three thousand men in Hanhai City to aid the Hanhai army in defending the pass.

He also stationed fifty city defense cannons there.

Wang Chen assigned Shangguan Wuji to remain at Hanhai Pass temporarily to prevent any unforeseen issues in the back courtyard.

Wang Chen himself was ready to make significant advancements in West Sea County.

Unexpectedly, a visit from an old acquaintance disrupted his plans.

"Taibao Wang, it’s been a long time."

This old acquaintance was none other than Qin Qingxuan, a true disciple of the Yuhua Sword Sect and a wandering swordswoman!

Within the county government, this stunning beauty smiled radiantly, just as she had when they first met.

Yet, in less than a year, the world had undergone dramatic changes.

Wang Chen mused inwardly, "Miss Qin, how have you been?"

In this world, he had few friends, and Qin Qingxuan was one of them.

"Hmm?"

Wang Chen suddenly sensed something amiss and glanced at the woman accompanying Qin Qingxuan.

Her face was unfamiliar, dressed in maid’s attire. Initially, he paid little attention, assuming she was Qin Qingxuan’s attendant.

However, the maid gazed at Wang Chen with an intensely excited expression.

It was a gaze he knew all too well!

"Xi Jun!"

Wang Chen, ever perceptive, immediately recognized her identity as soon as the thought crossed his mind.

"My lord!"

Clearly, the disguised Xi Jun was now in tears, immediately throwing herself into Wang Chen’s embrace, her delicate form trembling.

Wang Chen warmly held the stunning beauty, his heart filled with joy.

After capturing Hanhai City, Wang Chen had selected a team of elite Yulin Guards and dispatched them to Daye to find Xi Jun.

But until now, there had been no news at all.

He never expected that today she would arrive at the county capital of West Sea County with Qin Qingxuan!

Wang Chen felt a surge of emotion and sincerely said to Qin Qingxuan, “Miss Qin, thank you!”

Qin Qingxuan smiled gently, “It was merely a small gesture, Taibao Wang. There’s no need for such formality.”

Though she spoke lightly, the truth was that Xi Jun’s rescue had been a stroke of immense luck.

During Prince Jing’s rebellion, the imperial capital was thrown into chaos, and Wang Chen’s residence came under threat. Thankfully, they managed to escape unscathed.

However, after Prince Jing ascended the throne, the situation not only failed to improve but grew even more perilous.

Someone had set their sights on the Wang manor.

At that time, Wang Chen’s household was guarded by only a handful of ordinary servants, leaving its defenses alarmingly weak. In the past, the Blood Guard had provided protection, but now they were too preoccupied with their own troubles to spare any attention for Xi Jun.

Fortunately, before the worst could unfold, Qin Qingxuan arrived at Wang Chen’s home.

After consulting with Xi Jun, she dismissed all the household servants and escorted Xi Jun to the border counties to find Wang Chen.

The journey spanned thousands of miles, and they faced numerous dangers along the way.

Luckily, Qin Qingxuan’s strength was more than sufficient to ensure Xi Jun’s safety.

After hearing Xi Jun’s account, Wang Chen immediately turned to Qin Qingxuan and said, “Miss Qin, I will not forget this kindness. If there’s ever anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Qin Qingxuan smiled softly, “Taibao Wang, you are too kind.”

She paused briefly before continuing, “My visit to West Sea is not only to return sister Xi Jun to you but also to seek your assistance with an important matter.”

Wang Chen nodded, “Please, go ahead.”

Having accepted this debt of gratitude, he was determined to honor his word.

However, what Qin Qingxuan revealed next took Wang Chen completely by surprise.

It turned out that after Emperor Yuanjing signed a treaty with Da Qi, he ceded the three northern counties. Not only did he abandon vast territories, but he also left behind the common people who had lived there for generations.

The powerful families had received advance notice and made preparations accordingly. Some chose to align themselves with Da Qi, while others relocated their entire families to the south. Though they suffered significant losses, they managed to preserve their strength.

But the ordinary common people were not so fortunate.

Countless residents of the three northern counties, unwilling to live under Da Qi’s rule, abandoned their homes and land to flee south.

The combined population of the three northern counties exceeded ten million. Even if only a third chose to flee, it would place an enormous strain on Da Liang Kingdom.

At present, the number of refugees heading south numbered in the millions, creating a dire and alarming situation.

Initially, Emperor Yuanjing had ordered the passes to be sealed, leaving these people to fend for themselves beyond the borders.

However, the commanders at the passes, unable to bear the suffering they witnessed, opened the city gates and allowed the refugees to enter. This overwhelmed the neighboring counties, forcing them to deploy troops to drive the refugees further south.

After listening to Qin Qingxuan’s account, Wang Chen pondered for a moment and asked, “What do you hope I can do?”

“The rise and fall of a nation weighs heavily on its common people,”

Qin Qingxuan sighed softly and said, “I hope you can persuade Princess Qingyun to take in a group of refugees and allow them to settle in West Sea.”

Take in refugees?

Wang Chen’s mind stirred at the thought.

For West Sea County in its current state, a large influx of refugees would be a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, the arrival of refugees could significantly boost the population of West Sea County and provide more recruits for the new Hanhai army.

The land in West Sea County was vast, with ample arable and grazing land—enough to accommodate even millions of refugees.

The challenge, however, was the immense amount of resources required to support them.

Food, clothing, salt, shelter…

Just thinking about it made his head spin. Where would West Sea County find such resources to spare at this time?

Moreover, given the current state of affairs in Da Liang Kingdom, procuring supplies from external sources would be exceedingly difficult.

“I know this is no small task…”

Qin Qingxuan said apologetically, “It’s a monumental undertaking, but I am willing to mobilize all the connections and resources of Yuhua Sword Sect to help these refugees settle in West Sea County.”

“I will dedicate everything Yuhua Sword Sect has to this cause!”

Her words were filled with such sincerity that they deeply moved Wang Chen.

After a moment of thought, Wang Chen replied, “This matter is of great importance. I will need to discuss it with the princess and General Shangguan before making a decision. I hope you can understand, Miss Qin.”

“Of course,”

Qin Qingxuan replied warmly, “I would very much like to meet the princess. Could Taibao arrange an introduction?”

“Certainly,”

Wang Chen said decisively, “I will take you to see her right away.”

Though Xi Jun’s safe return was a cause for celebration, in the face of such pressing national concerns, matters of the heart would have to wait.