Traveling to Ancient Times: My Space Contains Weapons

Chapter 1571: Two Countries Open Trade and Build a Great Road

Zhang Tian was extremely excited after hearing this: "General, you think too highly of me. I am not capable enough to take on such an important task."

“You don’t need to belittle yourself. You have a heart that loves the people, so you have the ability.”

"With the general's support, Zhang Tian will work diligently and conscientiously, even if it means risking his life, to live up to the general's high expectations."

After saying that, Zhang Tian led Chu Chen and his group directly into the office compound in the center of town.

In the study, Zhang Tian sat at the lower end, respectfully waiting for Chu Chen's instructions, while the others sat beside Chu Chen, also waiting for him to speak.

"Lord Zhang, I may need your help with something next."

"The general gave the order, so there's no need to talk about hardship."

“Alright, in that case, I will begin to issue the task. It’s very simple: extend the official road from Linbian Town directly to Xueshan Pass, so that it borders Nalan Kingdom.”

The construction of official roads leading to foreign countries was something the Song Dynasty had never done before.

Firstly, it was to prevent border conflicts, and secondly, most countries in the world are closed off from the world and do not communicate with other countries.

If the goal is to gather intelligence, then it's simply a matter of sending spies.

As for how Chu Chen and his group were able to enter another country by carriage, it was in the middle of nowhere, with no roads, so they had to figure out a way as they went.

If there were a road, communication between the two countries would be much easier, and of course, war would also be much easier.

Seeing Zhang Tian's puzzled expression, Chu Chen continued, "I have signed a trade and exchange agreement with the king of Nalan Kingdom, so this road is the lifeline for the development of the northern desert."

"This burden will fall on Lord Zhang's shoulders."

After hearing that Chu Chen had already signed the agreement, all of Zhang Tian's doubts vanished immediately.

"General, rest assured, I, Zhang Tian, ​​will complete the mission even if it costs me my life. Moreover, no matter how poor the people on the border are, I will repair the road bit by bit."

Chu Chen smiled slightly after hearing this, thinking to himself that Zhang Tian was quite clever; he was talking about his own difficulties.

Indeed, the border area is a poor place, and there is simply no money to build roads.

Chu Chen wouldn't do something so difficult for someone, so he said, "Lord Zhang, I will provide you with the necessary money and supplies. Just go ahead and do it."

"However, I have a few requirements for the laborers who build the road."

There were further requirements, and Zhang Tian immediately became respectful upon hearing them.

"It's not a requirement for the laborers, it's a requirement for you. I provide you with money and food, so you have to ensure they are well-fed and ideally have a certain income every day."

After hearing Chu Chen's request, Zhang Tian stood there stunned.

This is a requirement, but it's clearly a benefit. You know, in this world, if the government wants to carry out infrastructure projects, they basically just grab laborers directly. It's good enough if they can get enough to eat; they're all working for free.

This general even demanded money, demonstrating his profound love for the people.

With people like that around, how could people's lives not improve?

At this moment, Zhang Tian really wanted to kneel down and call Chu Chen "Your Majesty," but Chu Chen's current status was awkward, so he didn't dare.

“General, you are so kind-hearted. The people of the northern desert will surely be prosperous and peaceful under your rule. Even if you punish me today, I will kneel down.”

After saying that, Zhang Tian knelt down before Chu Chen.

Chu Chen accepted it calmly, after all, his thinking was still too advanced for them.

It's not necessarily a bad thing that these people are easily moved.

"Alright, Lord Zhang, you are also the people's father and father. I believe you will become a good official. I will personally issue you the city lord's token when I return."

After saying that, Chu Chen stood up and left with Fatty Tiger and his group.

The follow-up matters can be handled by sending an official from the Ministry of Works.

After obtaining Chu Chen's permission, Zhang Tian began to recruit a large number of laborers the next day, using the town's silver to cover the initial costs, and started the road repair work.

Meanwhile, in Duolong, road construction is also proceeding at a rapid pace.

Actually, compared to Mobei, the most worrying place is Duolong. Once the road between Nalan and Mobei is completed, it will be very easy for Mobei to attack Nalan.

But Duolong wasn't stupid. After signing the treaty with Chu Chen, it was partly out of trust and partly out of helplessness.

In his view, even if Nalan did not have a route to the northern desert, if Chu Chen could come, then Chu Chen's army could also come; it would just be a bit more troublesome.

With Chu Chen's weapons, there's no way he could defend Nalan. So, he might as well open the road, just in case Chu Chen really didn't intend to annex Nalan.

So he took the gamble, gambling with Nalan's fate. If he won, it would be Nalan's best chance for development.

After Chu Chen returned to the capital, a soldier rushed over to report.

"You mean, Dong Shilan sent someone to invite me back to the Song Kingdom for a chat?"

Chu Chen looked at the soldier who brought the message and said with some disdain.

Upon hearing this, Fatty Tiger and Dog Leftovers both became tense: "Brother Chen, you can't go! This is probably a trap to lure you to the Song Kingdom and then kill you!"

Chu Chen nodded slightly. Indeed, Dong Shilan must have had this intention in asking him to come over at this time.

But should I back down? I definitely have to go, otherwise how will I control the world in the future?

However, he also needs to make thorough preparations before going.

"You go out."

After Chu Chen called the messenger away, he discussed the matter with Gou Shengzi, Pang Hu, Niu Zi, and Lu Jixing.

"Brother Chen, if you ask me, we should just gather our army, march on their doorstep, and take their place."

"As long as you, Brother Chen, implement benevolent policies, no one will not support you."

Seeing the excited Fat Tiger, Chu Chen reached out and patted him on the shoulder. Indeed, this was the fastest and most effective method.

But war is a money-making machine, and the northern desert has only recently been ravaged by war; we cannot afford to shake the foundations of the people.

Moreover, most of the silver brought back from the North City was used for people's livelihood, so Chu Chen didn't have much left.

Therefore, what he wanted most was to find a way to intimidate Dong Shilan at a low cost.

“Fat Tiger, what you said makes sense, but right now we’re not just a few people or a few dozen people. We need to consider the feelings of the people of the Northern Desert in every aspect, so we still need to plan carefully.”

Lu Jixing nodded after listening: "I agree with Chu Chen's point of view. The best way is to give Dong Shilan a hard time with minimal cost."

Gou Shengzi was overjoyed upon hearing this: "That's easy! We can enter the Song Kingdom in batches and at different times to smuggle large weapons over there."

"Don't we have mortars? Let's just bombard the capital city. I don't believe Dong Shilan would dare to make a move."

"That leaves only one problem: how to comfort you, Brother Chen."