Starting with helping Zhao Kai ascend the throne in the snow

Shen Qing looked at Zhao Kai, who was fawning over him, and shook his head helplessly, indicating that he was powerless against such a shameless guy.

Shen Qing then turned his gaze to the sand table of Kuaiji County and pondered for a moment before saying, "Zhao Kai, order your men to build two simple military camps in the east and south of the city, and set up marching tents inside as a place for those martial arts practitioners to live."

"Two military camps?" Zhao Kai asked, puzzled. Logically speaking, building one would be enough, saving time, manpower, and supplies.

“Nonsense, these martial artists who came are not only from Liyang, but also from neighboring countries such as Beimang, Nanzhao, and the Western Regions. If they are mixed together, trouble is bound to happen. So we need to separate the Liyang martial artists from the other martial artists, which will greatly reduce the natural hostility.” Shen Qing explained irritably.

Zhao Kai nodded in sudden realization. Li Yang's relations with neighboring countries were not very harmonious, and this national and personal hatred extended to the martial arts practitioners in their respective Jianghu (martial arts world), and the two sides often fought each other as soon as they met.

"In addition, separate areas for men and women should be set up in each camp, and more toilets should be built. With more people, hygiene must be well managed. To put it mildly, it's disgusting; to put it more seriously, it can easily breed plagues. After the military camps are built, send someone to inform the martial artists staying in inns, taverns, and even civilian residences in the city that the Yue King's Mansion has begun building military camps outside the city, which will be responsible for accommodation and meals during this martial arts examination."

"Also, we need to recruit some civilians in the city to cook, men and women are welcome. We need to ensure they have three meals a day. Each meal doesn't need to be fancy, but it must include one meat dish and one vegetable dish, and they can eat as much steamed buns and porridge as they want. If anyone wants better food, they'll have to go to the city and buy it themselves. Oh, and remember, no drinks are allowed. Otherwise, these guys will be more likely to cause trouble if they get drunk." Shen Qing briefly explained the requirements to Zhao Kai.

"Brother Shen, isn't it a bit too much of a waste for us to hold a martial arts competition and provide food and drink for so many people?" Zhao Kai asked, his face showing some reluctance upon hearing Shen Qing's request.

If we follow Shen Qing's request, it will inevitably cost a lot of money and supplies. Wouldn't it be better to use that money to recruit local militia or govern the area? Why waste it like this?

"Zhao Kai, what are your thoughts on this martial arts examination?" Shen Qing didn't answer Zhao Kai, but instead posed another question.

"Isn't it just a martial arts competition? The winner gets a reward and an official position." Zhao Kai hesitated for a moment, but still truthfully expressed his opinion.

Shen Qing shook his head and said, "Wrong, terribly wrong." Seeing that Zhao Kai didn't understand, he continued, "Originally, if only a few thousand people had participated, then what you said wouldn't be wrong. But I didn't expect it to attract so many people, even martial artists from other countries. So the influence of the martial arts competition has changed. Therefore, we must take this opportunity to showcase Yuezhou's culture, promote Yuezhou, spread our image, and let the world know about Yuezhou's existence, its ideals, and its policies. Such a good opportunity cannot be obtained by spending money, so we must seize it. Don't be afraid to spend money; even if it costs a lot, it's worth it."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kai's eyes gradually brightened. Only then did he understand Shen Qing's purpose. It seemed that he was still inexperienced and could not keep up with Shen Qing's thinking. Zhao Kai secretly made up his mind that he must work harder in private to learn how to govern the world.

With Shen Qing's advice, Zhao Kai immediately issued orders according to the plan. Soon, more than a thousand local militiamen were divided into two groups, carrying various tools and timber, and headed to the open spaces in the east and south of the city to set up tents as required.

Meanwhile, local militiamen in charge of propaganda were banging gongs and loudly conveying the latest orders from the Yue King's Palace, which aroused discussion among the warriors inside and outside the city.

The order stipulated that two military camps, one in the south and one in the east, be built outside the city for the warriors to reside in. The southern camp, located further away, would be for the warriors of Liyang, to demonstrate our magnanimity as hosts. The eastern camp, closer in distance, would be for the warriors of Beimang, Xiyu, and Nanzhao, as they were guests from afar and should enjoy certain preferential treatment. In reality, Shen Qing arranged it this way to more easily monitor the warriors of Beimang and Nanzhao, preventing any conspiracies or schemes. As for the Liyang warriors in the south, Shen Qing also dispatched people from the Dongyue Sword Pool to oversee the situation, making thorough arrangements.

"Shen Lang." Just as Shen Qing was pondering how to arrange the martial arts examination, a gentle voice pulled him back to reality.

Shen Qing looked up at the sound and saw Xuan Yuan Qingfeng in purple robes standing before her. Seeing her travel-worn and slightly haggard appearance, Shen Qing felt a pang of heartache.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng is already the head of the Xuanyuan family. If the original plot had been followed, he could have quickly risen to power by simply staying in Huishan and cultivating the demonic art of devouring human bodies. However, after meeting Shen Qing, he has been busy with matters in Yuezhou all day long.

"Young Master Shen, it's been a long time." Just as Shen Qing was about to embrace Xuan Yuan Qingfeng, a familiar voice suddenly rang out again.

Shen Qing looked again and saw Qi Xianxia carrying a sword on his back, emerging from behind Xuan Yuan Qingfeng and smiling as he greeted him.

"Master Qi, what brings you here? Are you here to participate in the martial arts examination as well?" Shen Qing looked at Qi Xianxia's figure with surprise, truly astonished. Since leaving Longhu Mountain, he hadn't expected to see Qi Xianxia again in Yuezhou.

Qi Xianxia shook his head and said, "I came here only for Young Master Shen, not for the martial arts examination."

"For me?" Shen Qing looked at Qi Xianxia strangely, and quietly moved a little further away from him. He wasn't gay.

Qi Xianxia was stunned for a moment when he saw Shen Qing's actions, and his face immediately turned red after he realized what was happening.

"Shen Lang, you've misunderstood. Master Qi was sent by Longhu Mountain to protect you." Xuan Yuan Qingfeng smiled upon seeing Shen Qing's actions, then quickly explained to prevent Shen Qing from misunderstanding Master Qi.

Upon hearing this, Shen Qing scratched his head in embarrassment and immediately said with a forced smile, "Master Qi, please forgive me. I misunderstood. Ignorance is no excuse. Please forgive me."

Qi Xianxia snorted softly, his face dark.

"Master Qi said he came to protect me, but I don't know what he means?" Shen Qing regained his composure and looked at Qi Xianxia.

However, before Qi Xianxia could speak, Xuan Yuanqingfeng walked to Shen Qing's side and explained to Shen Qing the old tradition of Longhu Mountain of placing bets on multiple parties, making Shen Qing understand the purpose of Qi Xianxia's visit.

Shen Qing looked at Qi Xianxia in surprise and said, "Then we will have to trouble Daoist Qi to stay in Yuezhou for the time being."

At the same time, he was even more shocked by Longhu Mountain. It seemed that Longhu Mountain, as the leader of the Taoist sect, was not as bad as described in the original work. Its vision and strategies were worthy of the position of the leader of the Taoist sect.

This multi-faceted investment approach is sufficient to ensure that Longhu Mountain can be passed down steadily and for a long time, unless it encounters a calamity that destroys it instantly.

Shen Qing felt a little smug. Since Yuezhou had caught the eye of Longhu Mountain, it proved that his efforts over the years had not been in vain and that Yuezhou had gained a certain influence.