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The first thing that catches the eye is the city wall, which is quite different from the earthy yellow tones of the Western Regions.

The wall was built on a foundation of locally quarried bluish-gray boulders, with key sections and corners reinforced with precast "cement" components transported from the Longyou region of the empire, mixed with a special adhesive, making it exceptionally sturdy. The wall was 45 feet high (approximately 15 meters), incredibly thick, and wide enough for four horses to ride abreast at the top.

The crenellations, arrow slits, and gun emplacements (positions reserved for installing light defensive artillery) on the walls are arranged in a staggered manner. Every hundred paces there is a protruding bastion, on which stands a three-story watchtower, with the black flag of the Chinese Empire with a gold sun and the banner of "Anxi Protectorate" flying on the top.

All four city gates are iron-clad gates with deep archways and towering gate towers. The flying eaves and brackets are distinctly Chinese in style, but the corners of the eaves also incorporate the scrolling grass patterns commonly found in the local area.

The city was much larger than that of a typical border town, with an irregular rectangle, about six li long from east to west and about four li wide from north to south. The city was laid out like a chessboard, with two intersecting main streets (named "Chang'an Street" and "Luoyang Road") ten zhang (about 33 meters) wide as the axis, dividing the city into clearly defined wards and markets.

The Xuanwu District in the north of the city was the core of military and administrative affairs. The Anxi Protectorate Office, the Garrison General's Mansion, the Western Regions Branch of the Xuanwei Envoy's Office, the armory, large granaries, drill grounds, and military camps (capable of housing 20,000 troops) were all concentrated here. The buildings were all brick and stone structures, tall and solemn, and the streets were the widest and smoothest, with the most stringent security.

The Qinglong District of the Eastern City was a government-run handicraft and storage area. It housed large workshops (for repairing weapons and forging tools), a government-run weaving bureau, leather workshops, pottery kilns, and warehouses storing various strategic materials. Towering chimneys emitted thick or thin smoke day and night, demonstrating that the empire's productivity was rooted here.

The Baihu District in Xicheng is a mixed commercial and residential area. It is the most bustling place. Shops line the streets one after another, including silk shops, porcelain shops, tea shops, and medicine shops from the Central Plains, as well as spice shops, jewelry shops, carpet shops, and dried fruit shops run by local Sogdian and Persian merchants.

The imperial government's "Mutual Market Supervisor" office was also located here, managing the vast "West Market," collecting taxes, and maintaining order. The residential areas were arranged relatively neatly, mostly consisting of residences allocated to the families of garrison troops, artisans and merchants who had migrated from the interior, as well as guesthouses for receiving visiting officials and envoys.

The Zhuque District in the southern part of the city was a cultural, educational, and special area. It housed a branch of the Anxi Military Academy, a "Translation Bureau" (training personnel fluent in various languages), and a branch of the "Astronomical Observatory" for observing celestial phenomena and calculating the calendar. Furthermore, specific areas were designated where Sogdian, Persian, and Tocharian nobles and merchants who had submitted to the imperial court were permitted to construct residences and Zoroastrian and Nestorian temples in their own style, according to certain regulations. However, the scale and style required official approval, and the construction of new mosques was strictly prohibited. Official Taoist and Buddhist temples of the empire were also established in this district; though small in scale, they were in prominent locations.

Beyond the city walls lay the ever-expanding "Guanxiang" area. New immigrant villages, military-affiliated farms, government-run horse ranches, and artisan settlements were scattered like satellites. Further afield, along the banks of the Yaosha River and the main post roads, a series of beacon towers, sentry posts, and small garrison forts were established, forming a deep defense and intelligence transmission network.

The Anxi Protectorate General's Office is located in the core of the northern city, and is a large complex of courtyards. In the main hall, "Zhenxi Hall", the newly appointed Anxi Protector General Xue Rengui (who has been promoted to the rank of General of the Army of the Second Rank and given the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent due to his outstanding achievements in the western expedition) is handling official business with his civil and military officials.

Xue Rengui was more composed than he had been two years ago, his demeanor having matured from years in a high position. He wasn't fully armored, only wearing a purple python robe and a jade belt, sitting upright behind his desk. The desk was piled high with various documents: imperial edicts and letters from the Council of State Affairs in Luoyang, official correspondence from the Northern Court and Anxi Protectorate, reports from various governorates and tributary prefectures under his command, military intelligence, statistics on the harvest from military farms, progress on the resettlement of immigrants, commercial tax accounts, and even petitions from various tribal leaders requesting audiences and seeking mediation in disputes… a vast and complex mess.

"General, this is the list of supplies that arrived from Luoyang and Longyou this month, including 500 new flintlock muskets, 200 barrels of gunpowder, 30 cartloads of various craft tools, and 3,000 bolts of New Year brocade specially approved by His Majesty as a reward for the border troops."

The Registrar of Household Affairs respectfully presented the document.

Xue Rengui glanced through the document and nodded: "Distribute the documents to each department as usual, register them, and ensure the safety of the armory and gunpowder depot. Increase the number of double posts. Distribute brocade to meritorious soldiers and local leaders who have contributed."

"Report—"

A soldier rushed in: "Liu, the military commander stationed in Samarkand (Kangguo, near present-day Samarkand), urgently reports that a group of remnants of a Western Turkic tribe, in collusion with some dissatisfied Sogdian nobles, attacked caravans. They have been defeated, with thirty-seven beheaded and over a hundred captured. Please advise on how to deal with the captured nobles and bandit leaders?"

Xue Rengui's eyes turned slightly cold: "The bandit leader will be publicly executed, and his head will be displayed in all cities. The nobles who sided with the rebels will have their property investigated, half of which will be confiscated. They and their direct descendants will be escorted to Suyab and incorporated into the 'labor camp' to serve five years of hard labor to observe their future conduct. This will be announced to all the tributary states and prefectures. This is the consequence of colluding with bandits and disrupting the imperial order."

"Yes!"

Another clerk stepped forward: "General, this is the list of 173 students from various ethnic groups who applied to study at the Anxi Military Academy branch and the Translation Bureau this month. Most of them are Sogdians, with a few Tocharians, Persians, and even... Khazars. As is customary, a background check is required."

Xue Rengui took the list and glanced at it: "Proceed according to the rules. The backgrounds must be clean, better to have none than to have bad ones. Those selected will need to live together and study Chinese language and literature, imperial law, and basic mathematics. At the same time, they can retain some of their language and culture courses. They need to understand that the opportunity is given by the empire, and their future depends on loyalty and talent."

During a break, Xue Rengui got up and walked to the huge map of the Western Regions hanging on the side of the hall.

On the map, the empire's territory had been prominently marked beyond the Yaksha River in vermilion ink, and several newly established tributary states and garrison points were marked in the Uhu River basin. His gaze fell upon the words "Caliphate," "Former Persian Lands," and "Byzantium."

The establishment of Suyab and the operation of the Anxi Protectorate were merely the first step in solidifying the empire's westward expansion strategy. He knew that the Emperor and the court in Luoyang would not stop there. He had to cultivate this new territory into an impregnable fortress, making it a solid springboard and logistical base for the empire's future expansion in any direction.

...............

The bustling atmosphere of the West Market lasted from dawn till dusk. Various languages ​​and accents of Chinese mingled here, accompanied by the clinking of copper and silver coins, the ringing of camel caravan bells, and the shouts of shopkeepers.

In front of a newly opened "Huasheng" silk shop, the shopkeeper was speaking in Mandarin with a Guanzhong accent to several Sogdian merchants who were marveling at the magnificent Shu brocade: "This is the latest pattern from Chengdu Prefecture. It uses top-quality Jiangnan silk and has a unique dyeing process. Look at the luster... Whether you buy it to present to nobles or resell it to the west, the profit will be at least this much!"

He gestured.

The Sogdian merchants, through shrewd bargaining, finally reached a deal, paying with a mixture of high-purity gold coins and Chinese yuan. They had now become accustomed to using Chinese yuan for large transactions, and the empire's currency, with its stable purchasing power and strong backing, was rapidly replacing the local chaotic system of silver and gold coins.

In a teahouse not far away, several scholars and officials who had moved from the interior were sipping new tea brought from Jiangnan while watching the bustling crowd on the street and discussing in hushed tones.

"Look at those Sogdians, they're quick to learn how to dress and speak like us." "Of course, these days in the Western Regions, if you don't understand Chinese and can't write a few characters, let alone become an official, it's difficult to even deal with the government or do big business. I heard that the translation bureau is packed with people."

"However, they are still a different race after all. Look at the land allocated to them in the south of the city. Although they are allowed to build their own temples and houses, the regulations and restrictions are very strict. Unlike our Han Chinese markets, which are neat and uniform."

“Your Majesty is wise. This is called ‘divide and rule, gradually influencing Chinese customs.’ It provides a way out, but also sets boundaries. Look at those old Persian nobles in the ‘labor camps’ and those unruly Turks; they truly have no hope of ever rising up.”

In the market, one could also see patrolling squads of Chinese soldiers. They were well-equipped, sharp-eyed, and disciplined, a stark contrast to the somewhat noisy and chaotic surroundings. Local residents, whether Sogdian merchants or ordinary people, would instinctively lower their voices and make way for them.

Stepping out of the south gate of Suyab, the scenery is different from that inside the city.

Vast tracts of newly reclaimed fields stretch along a tributary of the Yaosha River, crisscrossed by paths and irrigation canals. This is the result of the garrison's land reclamation and the efforts of the first wave of inland immigrants. The fields are mostly planted with cold-resistant millet and wheat adapted to the climate of the Western Regions, with a small amount of cotton and grapes being introduced as an experiment. Along the edges of the fields stand standardized odometer carts and waterwheels used for irrigation.

Further away, near the foothills, one could see mines and logging camps belching black smoke. The laborers there were mostly captured Turkic and Arab prisoners of war, as well as local nobles who had surrendered to the enemy and were sentenced to "labor service." Under the whips of overseers and the watchful eyes of Chinese soldiers, they performed the most arduous and dangerous labor to provide stone, timber, and rudimentary metals for the city's construction.

On the post road, post horses and caravans traveled back and forth between Suyab and the east of the Pamir Mountains, and even further to Luoyang.

The empire's postal system had extended here, ensuring the smooth flow of government orders and intelligence. Caravans from further west—the Khazar Khanate, the Byzantine Empire, and even further afield—also attempted to approach this emerging center of Eastern power, exchanging Western gold, silver, glassware, and slaves for Eastern silk, porcelain, and tea.

It lacks the millennia-old cultural heritage of Chang'an, the world-renowned prosperity of Luoyang, and even the historical weight of Mulu. Like a giant melting pot, it devours the flow of people, goods, money, and information from both East and West, drawing them into the orbit set by the empire.

...............

As dawn broke, the thin mist rising from the Yaosha River had not yet completely dissipated, outlining the majestic Suyab city walls in the distance as if they were giant beasts floating in the clouds. The bluish-gray walls appeared even more austere and imposing in the haze.

The wide post road leading to the South Gate was rammed with a mixture of gravel and cement, making it as smooth as a whetstone, wide enough for eight riders to ride abreast. The newly planted poplars and willows along the roadside had already sprouted tender buds, swaying in the slightly chilly spring breeze.

The post road was not deserted. Early-morning caravans, pulling camels laden with goods, were making their way towards the city gate; farmers carrying fresh vegetables hurried along; and scattered travelers carried their packs. But when the deep, rhythmic sound of hooves approached from afar, along with an understated yet naturally exuding aura of solemnity and nobility, all the travelers involuntarily slowed their pace, moved aside to the side of the road, and gazed with curiosity and awe.

The sound of hooves drew closer.

First came a cavalry unit of about fifty men, all clad in black armor and red robes, carrying powerful crossbows on their backs and swords at their waists. Their eyes were sharp as eagles, and they silently controlled their horses' speed, advancing in a guard formation. They did not display any illustrious banners, but the fierce and battle-hardened temperament unique to seasoned veterans and their extremely sophisticated equipment already made the well-traveled merchants from the Western Regions secretly alarmed—these were definitely not ordinary border troops or caravan guards.

Following the cavalry were several simple yet exceptionally sturdy carriages. Pulled by magnificent Ferghana horses, the carriages themselves were made of dark hardwood, with matte metal covering key areas. Fine bamboo blinds hung from the windows, obscuring the interior. However, the smoothness of the carriages' movement and the subtle, distinctive sound emanating from the axles clearly indicated the use of superior shock absorption and lubrication techniques.

In the center of the convoy was a magnificent steed, pure white except for its four jet-black hooves. The rider on the horse was none other than Yi Junze.

He wore an elegant, moon-white brocade robe, over which was a sky-blue cloak with cloud patterns. His dark hair was half-tied up with a jade hairpin, the rest flowing freely over his shoulders. The morning breeze ruffled his hair and robes, further highlighting his jade-like face and exquisite features. However, the natural, serene demeanor that seemed to blend with heaven and earth yet transcend it, and the deep, star-like eyes that swept over the scenery along the way, ensured that anyone who saw him would never mistake him for an ordinary nobleman.

Bai Qing'er remained like his shadow, riding a pure black horse, half a horse's length behind. She wore a black robe and a blue cloak, her face was cold, and her gaze always maintained a certain icy vigilance, occasionally glancing at a shadow or a crowd on either side of the road.

Further behind was a troop of Xuanwei Imperial Guards dispatched by Xue Rengui, along with several officials from the Xuanwei Envoy's office. Although the entire procession was not particularly large, the concentrated sense of oppression it exuded was almost tangible, causing the road to fall silent.

“Look at that nobleman on the white horse…so young, yet with such an air of grandeur…” an old Sogdian merchant whispered to his companion, his voice extremely low.

"Silence! Don't look any longer, and certainly don't discuss it!"

His companion nervously tugged at his sleeve, burying his head even lower: "This must be a member of the imperial family from Luoyang, perhaps... the legendary one..."

As they spoke, the convoy arrived at the south gate of Suyab.

The guards had clearly received orders beforehand. Upon seeing the procession from afar, they immediately blocked all ordinary pedestrians and merchants on both sides, quickly clearing a central passage. The captain leading the group stood solemnly beside the gate, and as Yi Junze's horse passed by, they uniformly gave the most standard military salute. Their armor clanged, their eyes were fervent and respectful, yet not a single person uttered a sound; their discipline was impeccable.

Yi Junze glanced at the soldiers whose faces were roughened by the wind and sand of the border, but whose eyes were unwavering, and nodded slightly.

After passing through the deep doorway, a bright and open space suddenly appeared before me.

The bustling scene of "Luoyang Road" within Suyab City is immediately apparent. (End of Chapter)