In the early winter of Sea Circle Calendar 1515, with the collapse of the illegitimate court in Jinling, Hua Country had established its capital in Chang'an and controlled the former Flower Country's vital capital region and major southern cities. Yet Chen Yu and his core leadership clearly understood that this was merely the beginning of taking control of the vast Flower Country.
As a World Government Member State with a long history and vast territory in the West Blue, and one of the fifty nations of the Reverie, Flower Country encompassed far more than a handful of cities. Mountains and rivers crisscrossed its territory, islands dotted its waters, and its towns and cities numbered in the hundreds. Local powers were deeply intertwined, and popular loyalties varied. The true challenge lay in swiftly and effectively bringing this vast territory fully under effective governance, making it a solid foundation for Hua Country rather than a source of unrest. Reassuring the newly submitted populace, implementing benevolent policies, and advancing the orderly reclamation of the entire territory became the overriding strategic priority.
After the flags above Jinling changed, Chen Yu did not rush to hold a grand victory ceremony. Instead, he immediately entered the former illegitimate court's palace with Liu Bei, swiftly transforming it into a military and administrative headquarters for stabilizing the south. Chen Yu knew well that conquest by force could settle matters for a time, but only benevolent governance that benefited everyone could win the hearts of the masses and build a foundation that would last a thousand years.
The first "Edict to Pacify the People," issued in the name of the "Duke of Hua," was swiftly circulated throughout the southern provinces and commanderies, both those already pacified and those not yet brought under control:
"Flower Country's reign has ended, and Hua Country has been newly established. In consideration of the people's long suffering from warfare and oppressive rule, we hereby proclaim:
First, all monetary and grain taxes for the current year shall be waived, allowing the people to recuperate;
Second, corruption shall be severely punished. Capable and honest officials of the former administration shall remain in office, while those with notorious records of misconduct shall be dismissed and investigated. A 'Dengwen Drum' shall be installed in every city, allowing the people to bring their grievances directly;
Third, farmland shall be surveyed, and land concealed or omitted from the registers by powerful local families shall be investigated. Any ownerless land and confiscated rebel estates thus obtained shall be distributed first to those with little or no land;
Fourth, granaries shall be opened for famine relief, aid shall be provided to orphans and widows, and displaced people shall be settled.
May all pursue their livelihoods in peace and welcome a new dawn together."
Capable officials copied and distributed the edict, while civil clerks explained it throughout the region. With his innate benevolence and approachability, Liu Bei traveled with a light carriage and a small retinue, venturing into streets, markets, and rural villages to hear the people's hardships and resolve longstanding cases on the spot. His gentle, sincere manner quickly dispelled the people's doubts and fears. Tangible tax relief and farmland distribution policies allowed the common people to experience the benefits of the new regime for the first time, and their wait-and-see attitude gradually gave way to acceptance and anticipation.
Faced with Flower Country's vast territories that had yet to submit, Hua Country adopted a strategy of "consolidating the core, extending influence to surrounding regions, dividing and dismantling opposition, and making breakthroughs at key points." Drawing on his intelligence network, Guo Jia divided Flower Country's remaining unsubdued regions into several major sectors, each with its own priorities:
The eastern coastal trade-rich region had densely clustered cities and thriving commerce. Its garrisons mostly had deep ties to the old nobility, but they were not diehard loyalists. The strategy was to "prioritize political persuasion, supported by military deterrence." Envoys were dispatched to entice them into submission. Meanwhile, Guan Yu led a force of elite cavalry along the northeastern coastline. Rayquaza's overwhelming presence spread across a thousand li, displaying Hua Country's military might and intimidating petty troublemakers. If they refused to surrender, all their leaders would be executed.
The western mountains and frontier fortresses occupied treacherous terrain that was easy to defend and difficult to attack. Many fierce generals of the former court and powerful local figures maintained private armies there. Such regions required "surprise attacks by elite troops and the elimination of leaders to compel submission." Zhang Fei's and Zhao Yun's elite forces undertook these missions. Once a target was identified, they struck with thunderous force, using their terrifying individual combat prowess to swiftly crush the main defending force, capture or kill its leaders, or force their surrender. They then rapidly implemented the new policies to stabilize the area.
The central heartland and key waterway junctions were vital arteries linking north and south, east and west, with large populations and considerable economic importance. Here, Hua Country adopted a strategy of "advancing by land and water, controlling the hubs." Gan Ning's reorganized navy controlled the main waterways, ensuring the smooth passage of grain shipments and military deployments. Huang Zhong led troops to guard strategic chokepoints, where his extraordinary archery and Dialga's precise grasp of timing were sufficient to counter any sudden threat.
Under the combined influence of Hua Country's powerful military and benevolent policies benefiting the people, the path to reclaiming the territory was not entirely paved with warfare. Many relatively remote towns or those with weak defenses, seeing the illegitimate court in Jinling fall in an instant and hearing that the new policies benefited the people, chose to surrender without a fight. Hua Country treated those who submitted in this manner favorably. After screening, most existing officials were retained, and local order was swiftly restored.
Even in some major cities with substantial military forces, divisions often emerged within the ruling leadership once Hua Country demonstrated formidable strength sufficient to rival the armies of a large kingdom, along with genuine sincerity in governance. Some clearheaded figures assessed the situation and voluntarily offered their surrender. Chen Yu treated all of them leniently, appointed them according to their abilities, and clearly conveyed Hua Country's policies and principles, requiring them to obey the new laws and benefit their local communities.
This vast campaign of reclamation was not merely a military advance, but also a contest for political power and the people's allegiance. Every step of consolidation infused Hua Country with fresh strength. The grand panorama, expected to require more than a dozen chapters to portray in detail, had now begun to unfold. What followed would show, one by one, how Flower Country's vast territory would be thoroughly united into a powerful whole with an entirely new face.
Inside Dragon Might Hall in Jinling, Chen Yu listened to reports from Liu Bei and Guo Jia. Arceus's aura of all-embracing acceptance and order, like that of creation itself, allowed him to perceive the overall situation.
"My lord, the new policies have been implemented smoothly throughout the pacified southern provinces. The people's loyalties are gradually settling, and arrangements for spring plowing have also been made." Liu Bei presented the documents.
"The movements of the various powers are being monitored according to plan, and the detailed intelligence on several pockets of stubborn resistance has also been analyzed," Guo Jia added.
Chen Yu nodded, his gaze deep. "Flower Country's territory is far larger than that of an ordinary single-island nation. Our efforts to reassure the south have begun to bear fruit, but reclaiming the entire territory and establishing deep roots are the path to lasting stability. Liu Bei, domestic administration and the people's livelihoods are the foundation. You must not relax your efforts. Fengxiao, a detailed strategy for the next stage of reclaiming the entire territory must be drawn up as soon as possible."
"Your servant (Jia) obeys!"
Taking Jinling and pacifying the south were merely the first step in Hua Country's rise in the West Blue. With vast territories still awaiting reclamation and the West Blue's tangled political landscape before it, the true test had only just begun. But now, with its increasingly solid foundation and the united efforts of everyone under its banner, Hua Country, like a great ship, was gathering strength, preparing to sail into broader seas.
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