Chapter 114: A Million Troops and a Thousand Battle Generals

For a moment, the palace maids were filled with gratitude toward Liu Xie. They were well aware of the tremendous effort he had made to bring them out safely. A massive army of over a million troops had been deployed, maintaining pressure for nearly two months. Moreover, Liu Xie had risked sending his personal guards deep into the city to extract them. In the end, every single one of them, along with their families, had been safely brought out without exception.

As palace maids, among the most esteemed people of this era, they could hardly imagine that the emperor himself would go to such lengths for them. In that instant, nearly everyone shared the same unspoken thought: they had chosen the right leader. This emperor had not let them down—Liu Xie had not forgotten them.

“Rise quickly, everyone. My successful escape from Xuchang and all that has come to pass today are thanks to your counsel and support. Without your help back then, I would not have achieved what I have now. Minister Jia, from this day forward, these ladies shall remain by my side. When the palace is rebuilt, they will reside within its walls. I promise you all, this palace will be far more harmonious than the one in Xuchang. Here, everyone will be equal, and you may live in peace.”

Liu Xie spoke passionately and generously. Indeed, without these people’s assistance, he might never have escaped Xuchang or reached his current position. Though he hailed from the twenty-first century, he was no cold-blooded creature. In this world, when people placed their trust in him, he would never betray it—even if they were humble palace maids.

Hearing Liu Xie’s words, many wept with gratitude. To them, living under his rule was a blessing beyond measure.

“Very well, escort them below and ensure they are settled. Once the palace is completed, all will be relocated there.” With this arrangement, over six hundred palace maids were taken away and carefully accommodated.

Thus the great battle concluded. Liu Xie drew a deep breath and looked at those standing before him.

Two years prior, his generals had been no more than Zhang Xiu and Hu Che’er, with only Jia Xu as a strategist. His forces numbered a mere three thousand troops formerly under Zhang Xiu. Yet now, less than two years later, his army had swelled to over a million, commanded by legendary warriors like Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and Zhang Liao. Alongside them were strategists such as Zhuge Liang, Jia Xu, and Chen Gong. Holding the pivotal regions of Jingzhou and Yizhou granted him a significant advantage.

“Gentlemen, it has been two years since I arrived here. Minister Zhang, Minister Jia, General Hu,” Liu Xie addressed them, “tell me, how have things progressed in these two years? What is the state of our domain and strength?”

Frankly, Liu Xie had never before tallied their progress. After enduring so many battles, he wished to hear their comprehensive reports.

“Your Majesty, after two years of efforts, our agricultural projects have fully launched. Wancheng and Jingzhou have matured, and Yizhou and Hanzhong are now on track. Our first harvests in Yizhou and Hanzhong have been promising. Additionally, we have mined abundant mineral resources in Jingzhou and Yizhou. Currently, our reserves of grain, weapons, and military supplies are ample enough to sustain a million-strong army for nearly two years of warfare,” Jia Xu reported first, detailing matters of livelihood.

Many present were astonished, especially Liu Bei and Lü Bu. They knew they were wealthy but had never imagined to this extent. Weapons, provisions, and horses sufficient to support a million troops for years of conflict spoke volumes of their stockpile’s magnitude.

“And the people?” Liu Xie inquired. “How is their livelihood? What of the street tyrants and corrupt officials?”

This was a matter close to his heart. He understood all too well that if these issues were mishandled, disaster would follow. The populace could elevate one to emperor, but could just as easily topple a dynasty. He, Lin Fan, knew the crucial importance of winning the people’s hearts.

“Your Majesty, currently, the households under our rule possess ample reserves sufficient for their needs,” Jia Xu responded again.

Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Zhang Xiu. “Minister Zhang, what news from your side?”

“Your Majesty, our territories now fully encompass Jingzhou and Yizhou. All local officials are personally appointed by me. Furthermore, we have established an oversight committee composed of common citizens who regularly inspect the counties and districts. This allows us to be promptly informed of all matters,” Zhang Xiu reported.

Liu Xie nodded approvingly; Zhang Xiu had done well.

“General Hu, how fare the troops? You are chiefly responsible for the military. Speak freely—what is our current situation?”

Indeed, military affairs in Jingzhou and Yizhou were largely under Hu Che’er’s supervision, and he was best informed.

“Your Majesty, initially, we conscripted 700,000 men in Nanyang and 300,000 across Jingzhou. Yizhou and Hanzhong originally had 100,000 troops. After developing agriculture, we raised an additional 600,000 in Yizhou. However, over two years of continuous battles have caused some losses. Presently, we command 1.4 million soldiers. There are over twenty generals in active service, and with deputy generals included, the number reaches several hundreds,” Hu Che’er gave a detailed account.

At the end, even Liu Xie involuntarily gasped. Such strength—one million four hundred thousand troops and more than twenty generals within two years. Including deputies, the number rose to several hundred. There is a saying: “An army of millions, a thousand generals.” While somewhat exaggerated, it fit Liu Xie’s current reality. He truly commanded an army of a million and generals by the thousands.

Without exaggeration, Liu Xie was likely among the most powerful figures in the world.

Yet, despite this, he remained cautious, not allowing himself to become overly proud.