Chapter 1339: Chapter 1339

Shaliya said irritably, "Even if we ignore the matters elsewhere, we can’t turn a blind eye here; we must take precautions. You have to manage this, it’s my proposal."

Okay, speaking of which we’ve gotten to work again, Shaliya is always such a workaholic.

Du You decided inwardly that tonight he would teach Shaliya a lesson, but still he took Shaliya’s report and started reading. "What does this mean, establishing land trade routes in both north and south directions? Don’t we already have sea routes?"

"The sea routes are sea routes, but sometimes land routes are indispensable. Land responds faster, it can’t be compared with the sea. Moreover, we need to send a signal to the Krus Empire and the Dark Empire, showing that we have no ill intentions."

"What will that accomplish? Isolate the Quicksand Empire? That always feels unreliable to me."

Shaliya shook her head, "Of course not, but at least it would maintain a facade of operations. I suspect that in this support for the Quicksand Empire against us, it’s not just the Dark Empire; the Krus Empire is very likely acting behind the scenes too."

"So what do you think?" Du You was surprised, but then it seemed quite normal.

Shaliya continued, "Every country would do the same, there’s no right or wrong between countries. But we can’t just do nothing. On one hand, establishing land routes will deepen the connections with the two countries, while also sending a positive signal. On the other hand, we know too little about their internal situations."

Shaliya shifted her position to find a more comfortable posture.

"We need to extend our intelligence network over there to be informed of their movements at all times, to prevent them from targeting us while we remain clueless."

"Also, we must draw in some local merchants and officials over there to expand our influence. Having influential advocates will be a great advantage for us in the future, whether we’re dealing with them or avoiding their attacks." After Shaliya’s lengthy explanation, Du You was somewhat puzzled.

Is all this hassle necessary for one’s own territory? It’s as if I’ve never thought about these things.

"After all, we’re not yet the continental hegemon, there are many things we must be mindful of." Shaliya knew what Du You was thinking, so she explained impatiently.

"Alright, alright, I agree. Whether it’s the army or those planting trees and doing odds and ends, I have no issue; you have the final say."

Shaliya rolled her eyes, there was no helping it; that’s just how the empire is, always managed by oneself. Looking at it, Shaliya seemed more like a queen, with Du You like the person standing behind the queen.

"By the way, we have so many vassals, are there any with the talent for this area, who can directly go to the Krus Empire and develop there?"

Shaliya’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, "Good idea, wait, it’s not just the Krus Empire; the Dark Empire should be considered too." Meanwhile, Du You hesitated; the Dark Empire, that didn’t sound too good.

This was where Du You and Shaliya differed. Du You could watch his subjects strive, but he would not send them to such places for some benefit. After all, the people from the Dark Empire could be quite peculiar.

Although there were normal ones, it was impossible to fit into their society without a certain social status and transforming oneself; otherwise, it would be difficult to integrate. Du You didn’t want his subjects to undergo such harsh transformations, whereas Shaliya thought differently.

In Shaliya’s view, it was only natural for the vassals to work for their lord. If they were absolutely loyal, why couldn’t they utilize their abilities? Even if they were transformed, it might even be a good thing. Besides, a generous compensation afterward was quite fair, as someone in a higher position should not be overly kind.

Fortunately, the two of them still understood each other quite well. Shaliya always accommodated Du You’s ideas, and in many matters, Du You wouldn’t constrain Shaliya, because he knew she was right in these things.

Although emotionally conflicted, in reality, Du You eventually conceded.

"Alright, there’s one last thing, and you must have the final say on this." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝕟𝕖𝕥

"What’s it this time?" A perfectly good rest was turned into work by Shaliya.

Shaliya didn’t waste any time and spoke straight away, "Of course, it’s about the construction of the New Capital. The current capital is too remote, with the Shenghai Empire now occupying most of the eastern continent; we need a new capital."

So it was that. Du You understood; the Old Capital was central in the Shenghai Kingdom, but on the scale of the entire east, it was very remote. It had simply been neglected due to busyness.

"We will construct Space Transmission Arrays in the Old Capital, on the outskirts of the territory, and in the New Capital. This will facilitate travel between different places. However, we still need to find a good location for the capital; others can’t all use the transmission arrays."

"Have you determined a location?" Choosing a capital required a lot of consideration; it couldn’t just be decided on impulse.

"I’ve chosen several locations, just waiting for your decision." Amazingly, Shaliya whipped out a piece of paper from somewhere, filled with many place names and their pros and cons, and even a map. It turned out Shaliya came to him not out of desire but because there were too many matters needing his involvement.

Glancing over casually, Du You thought for a moment and then said, "This place here, it’s the best."

"West of the Divine Flame Empire’s capital city? It’s on the same plain as the Divine Flame Empire, and most of the old transportation networks can be refurbished and used. This is indeed a good location. The construction can be speedy, and it would be more familiar for everyone."

Shaliya liked this location as well and got up from Du You’s embrace, "I’ll start preparing right away. The construction of a capital requires a lot of resources, and you’ll have to make an appearance. Although our craftsmen are capable, building a new capital is no easy task."

Du You rolled his eyes. Obviously, it was no easy task, being outside his own territory without the bonuses from territorial rules. The capital, relying on abnormal craftsmen and magic, would probably take at least a year or two to complete.

"By the way, Elsa’s work there will be done soon, and she’ll be coming over. Elsa has been clamoring for the position of empress; what do you think?"

"What do I think, of course, it’s impossible. That girl is nothing but trouble."