Chapter 115: Winter Preparations and Respite

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Although Liu Xie now had a vast army at his command, this was, in reality, all he had.

There was absolutely no way for him to replenish his troops.

Unless he could seize additional cities and recruit soldiers from their populations.

Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and the others were different.

Although they currently commanded fewer troops than he did, their territories still had a steady supply of able-bodied men to recruit.

They could replenish their forces continuously.

This situation had advantages and disadvantages for both sides.

The reason Liu Xie possessed such a large army was that his diligence in governing and concern for the people had earned him the support of countless men.

It could be said that nearly every able-bodied man in Jingzhou and Yizhou had enlisted.

That was why he had so many soldiers.

But if all of them were killed in battle, Liu Xie would have no way to replenish his ranks.

There were only so many able-bodied men in all of Jingzhou and Yizhou.

He could hardly send old men and elderly women onto the battlefield.

Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and the others, however, were in a different position.

Although they did not currently command many troops, their territories still held countless able-bodied men.

Whenever their armies suffered losses, they could recruit more at any time.

They had far greater resources with which to replenish their forces.

Thus, given Liu Xie's present circumstances, he cherished the soldiers he had.

He knew all too well that once these men died, they were gone forever. There would be nowhere from which to recruit replacements.

"Very well. It seems we will have to train these men properly from now on."

"Winter has already arrived, and in less than two months, the New Year will come."

"Generals, intensify the training. For a long time to come, we must focus on consolidating our strength and developing steadily."

Liu Xie spoke to everyone with great solemnity.

Indeed, he had spent the past two years constantly expanding his power. Now he had realized that his growth had been somewhat too rapid.

It would be better to stabilize his position first. At the very least, he needed to secure his hold over Jingzhou and Yizhou before considering anything else.

"Also, Lord Liu Biao, how is the construction of the imperial palace progressing?" Liu Xie asked, looking toward Liu Biao below.

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"Your Majesty, the people are working day and night. It is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy within six months at most," Liu Biao reported with utmost respect.

This time, Liu Xie had set rather high standards for the imperial palace.

At the very least, it was to be far more magnificent than the palace at Xuchang. For Jingzhou and Yizhou, it was an immense undertaking.

To complete it within another six months was already an impressive achievement.

"Good. In that case, all of you must devote the next six months to intensifying the training. The defenses of every city must also be properly prepared."

"I suspect that once I reclaim my rightful position, even more trouble will come our way."

Indeed, Liu Xie had already considered this.

The realm contained fourteen provinces, yet he controlled only two. He was still a long way from dominating the entire land.

When he eventually reclaimed his position, many people would certainly come looking for trouble.

Cao Cao, for one, would undoubtedly be among them.

After receiving their orders, everyone withdrew to make preparations.

In the days that followed, all of Yizhou and Jingzhou sprang into action.

Liu Xie entrusted most military and administrative matters to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang distributed the army of 1.4 million soldiers, along with dozens of senior generals, throughout the various regions to guard them.

Once everything had been arranged, the generals began leading their troops in vigorous training.

Both Jingzhou and Yizhou presented a scene of ceaseless activity. At the same time, construction of the imperial palace proceeded day and night.

As for Liu Xie, he found himself with little to do.

He spent his days in the inner palace with Empress Fu Shou, Yuan Ying, and the others.

From time to time, he also visited a large estate in Xiangyang, for two exceptionally beautiful women lived there.

Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.

"Your Majesty, you seem rather concerned about the Qiao sisters."

That day, shortly after Liu Xie returned from visiting the sisters, Fu Shou spoke softly.

Liu Xie raised an eyebrow. It seemed she had noticed his intentions as well.

Indeed, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were renowned beauties. As a normal man, how could Liu Xie not be attracted to them?

"Yes, Zitong. What would you think if I took them both as concubines?" Liu Xie asked directly, voicing his thoughts without hesitation.

His meaning was simple: Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were both excellent women, and he wanted to marry them.

"It is entirely Your Majesty's decision." Fu Shou said nothing more, but Liu Xie could tell that she was somewhat displeased.

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Liu Xie knew exactly what she was worried about.

"Zitong, rest assured. No matter when, and no matter what other women may come to stand at my side, the position of Empress of the Great Han will always belong to you."

That was precisely what Fu Shou feared.

She was worried that having too many women around him would threaten her position as empress.

Hearing this, Fu Shou hurriedly knelt. "Your Majesty, forgive me. That was not my intention."

Liu Xie smiled faintly and helped her to her feet. "There is no need to be alarmed, Zitong. I am speaking from the heart."

"I know very well who stayed by my side when I was most helpless, and who endured hardship alongside me when I had fallen into disgrace."

Indeed, Liu Xie had always felt deeply grateful toward Fu Shou.

She had followed him through the most difficult period of his life.

"Your Majesty is burdened with countless affairs. I only hope that, in the future, we can better assist Your Majesty in managing matters within the palace."

"The Qiao sisters are naturally beautiful, but please forgive me for speaking frankly: neither of them compares with Miss Yuan."

Liu Xie raised an eyebrow in surprise.

He had not expected Fu Shou to say such a thing, much less praise Yuan Ying so seriously in his presence.

Admitting that someone else was outstanding was not particularly difficult, but hearing Fu Shou say it aloud still surprised him.

"Indeed. Yuan Ying is far superior to her father."

"From character to integrity, from chastity to simplicity, the Qiao sisters cannot compare with her." Liu Xie nodded repeatedly, agreeing wholeheartedly.

"Yes. In terms of ability, she surpasses even me. I ought to learn from her."

Fu Shou's attitude was excellent, and Liu Xie was extremely pleased.

If there were fewer troubles within the inner palace, he would be spared a great deal of worry.

"Zitong, I am truly gratified that you can get along well with everyone and ease my concerns about the palace."

"As for the Qiao sisters, they are naturally beautiful. I truly do wish to bring them into the palace."

In truth, there were certain things Liu Xie could not bring himself to say directly.

In terms of ability, virtue, and simplicity, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were utterly inferior to Fu Shou and Yuan Ying. But there was one undeniable fact: they were extraordinarily beautiful.

The only reason Liu Xie wanted to bring them into the palace was so that he would have something pleasing to look at.

To be honest, he had never expected them to do anything for him.