With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Chapter 371, Sun Quan is in charge of building the island.

Lü Bu was appointed as the governor of Bing Province. This appointment was not only an affirmation of Liu Xie's past achievements, but also an entrustment of him with the important task of protecting the peace of the region.

Upon assuming office, Lü Bu was keenly aware of the importance of military discipline to the army's combat effectiveness. Although the Bingzhou army had been brave and skilled in battle, its discipline was lax, and it frequently harassed the civilians.

In the past, Lü Bu didn't care about the discipline of his soldiers. As long as they could fight and obeyed his orders, he would turn a blind eye to other matters and not pay much attention to them.

However, it is different now.

Having served the emperor for so long, Lü Bu had undergone a significant change, learning from his surroundings. He understood that the emperor valued the people highly. Therefore, in addition to his training, Lü Bu resolved to begin reforming the government.

He dealt swiftly and severely with those soldiers who violated discipline. Whether it was stealing from the people or oppressing the innocent, once verified, they were never tolerated.

Lü Bu established strict rules in the army, ensuring that orders were obeyed without question, so that the soldiers understood that the army's duty was to protect the territory and its people, not to cause harm to the region.

To enhance the army's combat effectiveness, Lü Bu personally devised a rigorous training plan. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight shone on the training ground, the soldiers began their arduous training.

They practiced battle formations and drilled offensive and defensive techniques. Lü Bu and Gao Shun took the lead and personally demonstrated, passing on their combat skills to the soldiers without reservation.

Under Lü Bu's strict demands, the soldiers of Bingzhou were all in high spirits and became an elite force that struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.

In addition to daily training, Lü Bu often led his soldiers on horseback patrols across the grasslands. The vast grasslands were frequently filled with the thunderous sound of horses' hooves and the fluttering of banners.

Lu Bu also kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings. He knew that the Xianbei people often coveted the riches of the Central Plains, and he had to be on guard at all times.

When Liu Xie appointed him as the governor of Bing Province, Lü Bu naturally knew that the responsibility was heavy. It was not just about managing his own small territory; he also had to keep a close watch on the Xianbei people.

In order to better monitor the Xianbei people's activities, Lü Bu strictly followed Liu Xie's requirements and built numerous watchtowers in the areas where the Xianbei people often grazed their livestock.

Each of these watchtowers was dozens of meters high, offering a wide field of vision. Soldiers stood guard day and night, and once they discovered any unusual movements by the Xianbei, they could quickly relay the information so that Lü Bu could respond in time.

Amidst his busy political and military affairs, Lü Bu also enjoyed the joys of fatherhood. He and his wife Diao Chan had a son, named Lü Xiaobu.

The name was given to him by Liu Xie, and Lü Bu liked it very much. As soon as he heard it, he knew that it was his son.

The father is Lü Bu, and the son is Lü Xiaobu!

Since the birth of his son, Lü Bu's life has been filled with warmth and tenderness. Whenever he has free time, he always holds his son and rides horses together.

The son's small body nestled against his father's broad chest, a happy smile spreading across his face. Looking at his son's innocent and carefree appearance, Lü Bu felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.

Lu Bu was skilled at training troops and fighting battles, but he didn't know how to govern internal affairs, so Liu Xie sent Lu Ji to his side.

Despite the opposition Cao Cao faced during his vigorous reforms of the aristocratic families, the Lu family remained steadfastly on Liu Xie's side.

The Lu family had almost been wiped out once before. In the Battle of Lujiang, nearly half of the Lu family members died. The Lu family would never encroach on the people's land and houses.

However, Lü Bu's achievements also aroused jealousy and suspicion among some people. Some believed that he had become too powerful due to his large army; others were dissatisfied with his strict governance.

However, Lü Bu remained unmoved, firmly believing that everything he did was for the sake of the emperor and the people.

In his letter to Liu Xie, he wrote: "Your Majesty has shown me great favor and entrusted me with the important task of governing Bingzhou. I will devote myself to this task until my dying breath. Even if there are slanderous words, my heart will not change, and I will only do my best to protect the peace of the border and safeguard the people."

Faced with numerous difficulties and challenges, Lü Bu did not back down. He continued to strengthen military preparedness and train soldiers.

Liu Xie also wrote a letter to encourage him, instructing him to further promote agriculture, appropriately develop border trade, and strengthen the connections between Bingzhou, Youzhou, and Liaodong.

…………

On the turbulent sea, Sun Quan and Gan Ning's team, after several days of arduous sailing, finally arrived at the mysterious and desolate island—Yizhou, which later became known as Treasure Island.

The moment their feet touched this land, a complex and novel feeling welled up inside them.

Gan Ning gazed at this unfamiliar land, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew the mission he bore was weighty; Emperor Liu Xie had placed high hopes on the island's development, and this was a heavy responsibility.

The sea breeze brushed against his face, bringing a salty taste and making Gan Ning more aware of the challenges before him.

Before he came, Liu Xie had already told him that there was an island not far from Jiaozhi called Yizhou.

Although Gan Ning couldn't understand how the emperor knew that the emperor had never been there, his respect for the emperor was genuine.

"His Majesty said that this place is called Yizhou, and a port will be established here in the future as an important supply station and transit point for maritime voyages."

Sun Quan was taken aback and looked at Xu Sheng, Lü Meng, and the others. Their expressions were the same as his, all feeling puzzled.

How did the emperor know about such a remote and desolate island? Not only did he know, but he also seemed to attach great importance to it.

Gan Ning, on the other hand, was filled with curiosity and a desire to explore. His eyes shone brightly as he examined every corner of this land. The rolling hills, the dense jungles, the vast beaches—everything was so primitive and untouched.

Some soldiers were captivated by the beautiful scenery before them, marveling at the wonders of nature; others, weary from the long journey and worried about the unknown, remained somewhat silent.

But in any case, this island is destined to become lively because of their arrival.

As they ventured deeper into the island, they encountered unknown dangers hidden within the dense jungle, and the rugged mountain paths made progress difficult. However, they did not back down, but instead, with unwavering will and courage, they explored step by step.

Gan Ning was searching for a suitable location to build a port, but the terrain was complex and required careful site selection.

Gan Ning conveyed Emperor Liu Xie's decree to every soldier, emphasizing the importance of building a port in Yizhou.

The port will become an important channel for communication with the outside world, which will not only promote trade development, but also strengthen ties with the Central Plains.

Gan Ning merely relayed a general framework, depicting a scene of maritime transport and trade between various countries, but Sun Quan was deeply impressed.

Sun Quan has always felt that he lost unfairly, and even now he is not entirely reconciled. However, the emperor needs to establish ports on the islands, conduct overseas trade with other countries, and at the same time, develop an even more powerful naval army.

Sun Quan felt that despite all the knowledge he had acquired over the years, he was still completely like a clueless child.

Although Sun Quan couldn't understand the emperor's actions, he felt that Liu Xie's actions were all deeply meaningful.

That is the phrase people often use in later generations: "I don't understand, but it sounds impressive!"

Although I don't quite understand it, I still think it's amazing!

A few days later, Gan Ning selected a location and handed over this arduous task to Sun Quan. He said to Sun Quan, "His Majesty said that I am responsible for finding islands and conquering other island nations, while you are responsible for the construction on the islands. You are more skilled in this area, and His Majesty understands your abilities better."

"this…"

Looking at the vast, endless sea all around, Sun Quan suddenly felt like swearing.

Outside was the vast ocean, and the island was deserted, filled with dense forests and towering mountains. He, the dignified ruler of Jiangdong, was actually tasked with building a desolate island for the emperor, starting entirely from scratch.

Sun Quan would rather not have such high regard!

Sun Quan had every reason to believe that the emperor was deliberately using this opportunity to frame him.

Gan Ning left behind some people and a dozen or so boats, and soon departed.

Xu Sheng and the others gathered together and discussed with Sun Quan, "My lord, what should we do now?"

Sun Quan sighed helplessly, "What else can we do? Our families are all in Luoyang. Are we going to abandon them and rebel here? Besides, what use would it be if we occupied such a desolate island?"

Do you really expect to occupy a deserted island to fight against the imperial court?

Half a month later, Gan Ning returned, bringing with him many strong laborers, as well as plenty of food and fresh water from Jiaozhi.

After handing over the laborers and supplies to Sun Quan, Gan Ning left.

Before leaving, he told Sun Quan, "I will regularly send people to deliver the necessary supplies to you, and I entrust the construction of the port to you."

Gan Ning came and went in a hurry. Sun Quan sighed helplessly and had no choice but to gather with Xu Sheng, Lü Meng and others to discuss how to build the port as soon as possible.

Sun Quan had no choice but to do this, because he knew very well that if Gan Ning came again and found that the port construction had made no progress at all, would Gan Ning be satisfied? And would the emperor be pleased if he found out?

Furthermore, in order to leave this island as soon as possible, Sun Quan had to complete the mission quickly.

The slower the progress, the longer they will stay here.

Every so often, supplies would be regularly transported from Jiaozhi to Yizhou, and Sun Quan would try his best to meet any needs there.

In an era when navigation technology was still relatively backward, Liu Xie, with his outstanding foresight and decisive decision-making, was determined to seize the initiative.

Open up surrounding waterways in advance, control some important islands, and vigorously develop the maritime industry.

Liu Xie knew that this step was of immeasurable importance to the future.

Maritime transport and trade are like the lifeblood of a nation's economy. Imagine the magnificent sight of merchant ships laden with abundant goods shuttling between ports on the vast ocean.

Of course, this may be a long road ahead, and Liu Xie was fully prepared for it.

However, Liu Xie believed that maritime trade would gradually improve.

Later experience clearly taught him that through maritime trade, a country could acquire scarce resources and promote its specialties and advantageous products to a wider market.

This will not only greatly enrich the domestic supply of goods and meet the people's living needs, but also bring huge wealth to the country.

The navy, on the other hand, is the steel Great Wall that safeguards this trade route.

On the turbulent seas, a powerful navy is a staunch defender of national sovereignty and interests.

They were not only able to resist foreign invasion and protect the safe navigation of their own merchant ships, but also to demonstrate the nation's strength and determination and safeguard its dignity at critical moments.

Having a strong navy means having more say on the international stage.

When a nation's navy patrols the seas with imposing grandeur, other countries will hold it in high esteem and dare not easily provoke it.

At the same time, the presence of the navy is also a powerful safeguard for national territory and island sovereignty. Those important islands scattered in the ocean are like dazzling pearls, containing abundant resources and strategic value.

Only with a strong navy can these islands be effectively controlled to prevent other countries from coveting and occupying them.

Advances in navigation technology are key to realizing this grand vision. Advanced navigation technology enables ships to sail farther, more safely, and more efficiently.

Liu Xie knew that taking this step ahead, though fraught with difficulties and challenges, was the only way for the Han Dynasty to achieve prosperity.

In the process of development, a large amount of human, material and financial resources need to be invested, many professional talents need to be trained, and continuous technological research and innovation are also required.

But in any case, the sooner you take this step, the better the results will be!

The thought that Taiwan had been established for so many years but had not been able to return to China made Liu Xie feel very sad. Therefore, even if Yizhou was just a barren island with nothing, he was determined to hold it firmly in his hands and no one could take it away from him.

Sun Quan, Lü Meng, and Xu Sheng were all top-notch individuals, and Liu Xie had complete faith in their abilities to build the island.

"General, where should we go next?"

Seeing Gan Ning staring intently at the leather map in his hand, Guan Cheng asked curiously.

Gan Ning carefully put away the leather map and replied loudly, "His Majesty said that there is an island called Dongying to our due east direction, so let's go there."

"in addition……"

Gan Ning called the young Luo Tong to his side and instructed him, "His Majesty said that when setting sail, we must record the wind direction at sea at all times. We must find out the wind direction pattern that is conducive to navigation as soon as possible."

This is a very tedious and patience-testing task.

Luo Tong's eyes shone brightly, filled with anticipation. He nodded vigorously, "Don't worry, General Gan, I will do my best."

Gan Ning smiled and nodded, "You were sent by His Majesty, so naturally I trust you completely."

In addition, Liu Xie also asked Chen Deng, the governor of Xuzhou, Lu Xun, the governor of Yangzhou, and Chen Gong, the prefect of Liaodong, to select suitable locations as soon as possible to build seaports.

Furthermore, it is necessary to build more fleets and train more maritime personnel, such as sailors, marines, helmsmen, ship repairmen, and so on.

With such strong national support behind him, Liu Xie is full of confidence in the future!

(End of this chapter)