In early winter of Sea Circle Calendar 1517, several days had passed since Marine Admiral Aokiji's discreet visit and probing. During this precious strategic window, Hua Country worked at full capacity like a precise, efficient machine, thoroughly absorbing and integrating Flower Country's vast territories.
In domestic affairs, Liu Bei's benevolent policies had won over the people, the economy was recovering, and popular support was consolidating; militarily, the "Mythical Zoan" corps centered on Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others inspired awe far and wide, new armaments were steadily entering service, and the officer corps trained by the Military Academy had taken shape; public works and the Academy of Natural Philosophy had also produced outstanding results. Establishing a kingdom, assuming the throne, building a complete national framework, and fully integrating every force within the borders into the machinery of state had become the prevailing course, as well as a necessary choice for facing greater storms ahead.
In Zichen Hall in Chang'an, the assembled ministers stood solemnly. The atmosphere was dignified and charged with excitement.
Holding a jade ceremonial tablet, Guo Jia stepped forward and declared, "My lord, several years have passed since you raised your army in Longwei City. Our forces have swept away the separatist powers and unified Flower Country's former territories, practicing virtuous government at home and resisting powerful enemies abroad. The people have given us their allegiance, and the soldiers fight with all their strength. Now our lands stretch for ten thousand li, our armored troops number in the hundreds of thousands, our provisions are plentiful, and our weapons and armor are excellent. Moreover, Heaven has favored us, bestowing many fine generals and capable ministers. A country cannot go a day without a ruler, nor can its people go a day without a sovereign. We beseech you to