Mother, I have returned to the throne.

The third prince was sent away.

According to his previous itinerary, Song Yuan went to inspect the mine outside the city.

After several days of preparation, most of the supplies are already available.

But the cost really made Song Yuan feel a little bit annoyed.

"Just to feed my 2000 men, the cost is an astronomical figure. If I had 10 men, wouldn't that tear me apart?"

When Song Yuan thought about his own rise in the frontier and the expansion of his subordinates, he couldn't help but worry.

Where can I get the money?

The so-called eating up all the resources.

You must find a business that can provide you with sufficient financial support for a long time.

Otherwise, I won’t be able to feed my subordinates.

How can the other party be willing to do things for you?

With such thoughts in mind, Song Yuan returned to his mansion.

But before he could find the answer, General Zhao and his son had already arrived at the gate of the mansion.

Compared to the third prince's show of force, the purpose of this father and son is simple.

It was just to see Song Yuan off before leaving.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, he faced General Zhao, an older generation figure who had been fighting on the battlefield for a long time.

Song Yuan hurriedly inquired about the situation on the border.

After all, General Zhao also participated in the war that year.

In addition, as an old man in the Ministry of War, he knows much more about the frontier troops than a young man like me!

It would have been better if he hadn't asked. As General Zhao opened his mouth and learned the final answer, Song Yuan's pupils dilated and his eyes were full of shock.

"Mr. Zhao, what did you just say?"

"As far as I know, our Great Qin declared that the number of the Northern Guarding Army was only 200,000, right?"

"Why do you say that the Zhenbei Army has a full 40 troops? Is there something strange about this?"

According to Song Yuan's understanding, the number of Zhenbei Army has always been fixed.

After all, the dynasty has to bear the expenses.

Having too many people is not necessarily a good thing, so it must be controlled.

But now, according to General Zhao, the number of Zhenbei Army has doubled.

The cost involved is definitely an astronomical figure. How could the outside world not know about this?

Could it be that this was a trick to sneak into Chencang to confuse the barbarians?

Facing Song Yuan's questioning, General Zhao sighed with a smile.

"Your Highness, you are still too young. The situation of the Zhenbei Army is much more complicated than you imagine!"

General Zhao patiently explained the reason, and after listening to the end, Song Yuan finally understood.

It turned out that since that great war, the Qin Dynasty had suffered losses.

Secretly, he even changed the system of the Zhenbei Army.

According to the regular organization, the number of Zhenbei Army was indeed 20.

But in addition to these 20 regular troops, there are another 20 to be used for military farming!

These people make a living from agriculture and are self-sufficient, leading a relatively frugal life.

But on weekdays, corresponding training is inevitable.

In this way, the Qin Dynasty's expenses can be reduced. Once the war breaks out, these people can be immediately deployed to the battlefield after a period of training.

If there really is any special situation, it will definitely save you a lot of trouble!

Plus Song Youji's current attitude.

In secret, the entire border was already in a precarious situation.

These original reserve forces have now begun training, and when the war really starts, they will be able to unleash the combat power of the regular army!

Such a strategy can be described as repairing the plank road in the open while secretly attacking Chencang.

No wonder General Zhao had insisted on waiting until the spring of next year to fight the barbarians!

The combat power that these 20 troops can unleash is definitely enough to determine the outcome of the battle.

General Zhao’s idea was right after all, and even Song Yuan had to nod in agreement at this moment.

"Such an armament system can save the Qin Dynasty a lot of money. The person who can come up with this idea is definitely a genius!" After understanding the whole story, Song Yuan exclaimed in admiration from the bottom of his heart.

But General Zhao was still not satisfied after hearing this, and showed a bit of regret in front of Song Yuan.

"According to my idea, the number of regular Zhenbei troops should be reduced to a certain extent. If we can reach 10, the rest of the troops can start farming. Not only will this save the empire money, but it will even benefit the empire and generate a lot of surplus grain every year!"

The Qin Dynasty was known for having a million strong soldiers, but in fact, the so-called military farming system had already been promoted long ago.

Except for places like the border where wars are frequent, most of the troops in other areas are reserve forces.

In this way, you can be self-sufficient on your own!

The empire's annual military expenditure is mainly focused on the border areas. The expenditure on other regions combined is probably not as much as that on the border areas.

If this aspect can be reduced, it will naturally be a good thing!

"Also, I came here to warn His Majesty that once you reach the border, you must not act impulsively. Remember, you must not initiate an attack!"

General Zhao continued, his words full of sincerity.

At that moment, Song Yuan nodded calmly and silently accepted the other party's kindness.

Although according to Song Yuan's judgment, it is absolutely impossible for him to obey General Zhao's words.

Otherwise, if you just live off your resources, how can you become the overlord?

But feeling the other party's sincerity, Song Yuan couldn't help but feel a bit of favor towards General Zhao.

With this man in the empire, even the battle in early spring next year may not end in failure!

With the atmosphere between the two sides harmonious, General Zhao chatted with Song Yuan for a long time throughout the afternoon.

It was not until the night grew dark that we finally said goodbye.

After Song Yuan sent General Zhao away, he locked himself in the study.

The border area is now in a mess. Even Song Yuan, a top student who graduated from a military academy, has to be cautious.

Song Yuan spread out a map and frowned slightly as he looked at the markings on it.

The entire border is like a piece of cake. I must find a breakthrough before I can cut this delicious piece!

But this is easier said than done.

For a moment, Song Yuanzhi looked at the map intently, calculating secretly in his mind.

……

Early the next morning.

After working hard all night, Song Yuan went to the Zhenbei Palace.

According to tradition, as a prince, he needed to come here and take a look before leaving.

In order to conceal his tracks, Song Yuan took the Situ family, young and old, out of the city to pay homage to their ancestors.

After the whole process was completed, Song Yuan also had a private date with Mrs. Situ and discussed with her in the room for a long time.

After finally dealing with the affairs of the Zhenbei Palace, Song Yuan returned with Situ Jing.

But as soon as she walked out of the door, Situ Jing kept looking back.

His eyes were full of reluctance.

After all, no one knows when they will come back.

Along the way, Situ Jing kept chattering.

He kept chattering around Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan knew the truth of the whole matter and felt that Situ Jing's worries were unnecessary. She was annoyed by being harassed and a look of helplessness appeared on her face.

It’s all Song Yuan’s fault. Why didn’t he want to tell this girl the truth?

Also, I was already free today.

Song Yuan used the excuse that there were too many trivial matters in the palace and dragged Situ Jing to his side.

For a moment, Ye Xuan looked at Song Yuan with a bit of resentment in her eyes.

This little bastard clearly has no good intentions!

After returning to the palace, Situ Jing immediately pulled Ye Xuan towards the backyard.

The two have agreed to have a long talk all night long.

As for Song Yuan, he naturally ended up alone in an empty room!

"If you don't look for me, I'll look for other women!"

Song Yuan was also happy about this and took this opportunity to come to the side courtyard.

Push open the door and take a look.

I saw Jinlian and her maid Bai Ling had already packed up their things.

Ready to go!

"You two should think it over carefully. This journey is long and full of dangers. Are you determined to follow me?"

"Your Highness, look at what you said. Do I have any other choice?" This year, he rolled his eyes in annoyance and said deliberately.

"Could it be that the prince has regretted his decision and is afraid that the two of us following you might pose a threat to you?"

"What a joke! What can you two do to me? What should I be afraid of?"

Song Yuan sneered and said directly, "I came here just to tell you in advance. I don't care what your plans are. Anyway, if you follow me this time, you must listen to me all the way!"

"You must obey me when I tell you to do anything. If you resist, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Look at what you said, do you really think of yourself as the master?" This time, before he could even speak, Bai Ling, who was standing next to him, had already put her hands on her hips and spoke to Song Yuan with some resentment.

Now that the identities of the two have been revealed, they speak directly.

In order to consolidate his authority, Song Yuan reiterated with his eyes wide open.

"Listen carefully, I'm not going to tell you anything. This is an order, not a negotiation. If you're willing, then follow me. If you can't, go wherever it's cooler!"

"You..." Bai Ling was instantly furious and was about to step forward.

At the critical moment, it was still this year who grabbed his junior sister's hand. After comforting her, he raised his eyebrows at Song Yuan and said, "Your Highness is so domineering, but I wonder if he is qualified to control the two of us?"

"What qualifications do you need? Just because you are staying in the palace now, you must listen to what I say!" Song Yuan refused to give in.

Such domineering behavior made Jinlian fall into silence.

After thinking for a long time, Jinlian raised her head again and silently accepted what Song Yuan said.

"Then do as His Majesty says. However, we both have something to tell His Majesty. When we're watching you, you'd better be careful no matter what you do. Don't forget my goal. If I don't see any hope in you, I may kill you at any time!"

"Why so much talk? If you have the ability, just come on!"

Song Yuan was not afraid at all, and suddenly changed his tone mid-sentence.

"Since you've agreed to my request, the next step will be easy. Tomorrow, I'll lead the main force and set off first. You two will stay in the Imperial City to do something for me. I'll tell you the location later, and we'll reunite there!"

"What's the matter?" Noticing the seriousness in Song Yuan's tone, he spoke with some curiosity.

Song Yuan raised the corners of his mouth and sneered, then stepped forward and began to instruct the two of them...