The new army in Pagoda City was nearing the end of its training period and the general situation throughout Zheng was also becoming clear. While taking down the western corridor region, Qianye cleared out all of the Second Prince’s remnant forces. This served to shut up all those who were somewhat suspicious of his power.

Additionally, the other princes weren’t a match for Nan Ruohuai and his Royal Guard. After a series of bad losses, they were either dead or had fled, leaving only a handful of obstinate factions. Everyone knew that there was no longer any hope for these princes. Even if they could destroy the entire Royal Guard, Qianye would turn back and wipe them out.

With the general situation growing clearer, a lot fewer people offered resistance. This reduced the number of troops Qianye needed to station in each territory to maintain the occupation. He left three thousand men in Eastern Sun Island and two thousand in Expansive, moving the other five thousand to Pagoda City. At the same time, Qianye sent someone back to the neutral lands to transfer twenty thousand troops over. Dark Flame started recruiting another fifty thousand soldiers in the...