The three southeastern kingdoms, Dongnan, were dominated by Da Qin's strength, Nan Qi's wealth, and the military might of Tujue.
Generally, the three nations were in a state of equilibrium, with none yielding to the others.
Before the passage opened, this was one thing. But now that it was open, Nan Qi and Tujue naturally cast their eyes upon Dongnan.
Each desired Dongnan to be their rear base, ensuring an inexhaustible supply of logistical support during their conflicts with the other two nations.
However, the current lord of Dongnan was Si Fengwu, and he would hardly allow them to take whatever they pleased.
Since Si Fengwu intended to display his strength to the other nations, Lu Qingwan had no reason to stop him and readily agreed to his proposal.
"If we are to write invitations, why not invite not only Tujue, Nan Qi, and Da Qin? Let's also invite the Samsara Palace, Heavenly Xuan City, Three Lives Tower, and Cold Night Hall.
To magnify our influence, let's invite everyone we can. Whether they come or not, and how others view their relationship with the New Dynasty, will depend on their own considerations. What do you think?"
If one is to borrow the tiger's might, would any fox complain about having too many tigers trailing behind them?
It was undeniable that Dongnan was temporarily weaker than Tujue, Nan Qi, and Da Qin. Since the facts could not be changed for now, the public's perception was the only thing that could be altered.
Da Qin was one thing; Si Fengming would not suddenly attack them.
But Tujue and Nan Qi were unpredictable. If they were hesitant to act against the New Dynasty out of consideration for the ambiguous relationships between the Samsara Palace, Three Lives Tower, Cold Night Hall, and the New Dynasty, wouldn't that provide the New Dynasty with an opportunity to recuperate?
Lu Qingwan felt she was quite brilliant!
"If we are to borrow the tiger's might, we should also invite the prominent families and influential clans of Dongnan. If so many great figures are gathered, how can there be no audience?"
The two spoke back and forth, gathering all the noteworthy individuals on the continent.
Then, with a sly smile, they mused, "With so many invitations, the calligraphers in the Ministry of Rites will probably wear their brushes down to the bristles."
Having traveled for half a year, now that they had decided to return, neither lingered. They arranged for carriages and set off for the new capital.
Though they said they would arrive soon, it still took over ten days to reach the new capital.
Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan also wished to conduct a final assessment of the New Dynasty officials' capabilities. Therefore, they did not announce their arrival and entered the new capital quietly.
In mid-spring, the official roads outside Jin City were already adorned with new greenery.
Lu Qingwan, seated in the carriage, observed the bustling entrance of the new capital, Jin City, and curiously asked, "Has Jin City always been this prosperous, or did it become so only after being established as the new capital?"
"Jin City is the foremost stronghold in the southwest. When there is no war, this place is generally quite prosperous.
However, to speak of it truly having the appearance of a large city, that came only after it was established as the new capital."
Unable to rest assured that Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan had entered the capital quietly, Lian Yu, who insisted on coming out to welcome them, proactively explained, "Since the capital was established in Jin City, following the Princess Consort's instructions, the court has intentionally or unintentionally attracted merchants from all regions to the new capital.
Some more well-informed merchants have also voluntarily relocated their businesses to the new capital.
The prosperity of the new capital is an inevitable trend."
After speaking, Lian Yu, like a diligent steward, inquired, "The court ministers have all received word of the Prince and Princess Consort's arrival today.
Your subordinate and Prime Minister Nan have appeased the officials somewhat, urging them not to be too agitated, but I doubt it will last long.
Your Highness, Princess Consort, the ministers have a backlog of matters awaiting your personal attention. When would be a suitable time for them to meet you?"
Even though the two had been away traveling and conducting private visits, they had not completely set aside court affairs. However, when not present at court, handling matters was inevitably less convenient.
Especially since the New Dynasty had consolidated all the affairs of the three southeastern kingdoms, the volume of work had multiplied several times over.
Let alone ordinary citizens, even court officials were not entirely accustomed to it. Thus, the need for consultations naturally increased.
Previously, Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan were not at court, and they had no one to consult. Now that they had returned, they were eager to push as much as possible onto the two.
Si Fengwu pondered for a moment and then asked Lu Qingwan, "Are you tired, Princess Consort?"
"I'm alright."
In fact, knowing that opportunities to leave the capital would be scarce for a while after their return, Si Fengwu had increasingly urged Liyang and the others to travel slower as they approached the new capital.
Lu Qingwan felt not only not tired but not even the slightest bit of travel fatigue. She felt embarrassed to admit this in front of Lian Yu.
After confirming Lu Qingwan was in good condition, Si Fengwu said to Lian Yu, "First, have Prime Minister Nan, Elder Wen, Elder Chi, and Prince Consort Shao come to the palace to meet with this Prince and the Princess Consort.
As for the others, this Prince will summon them in the Imperial Study."
Although it was only a meeting with Prime Minister Nan and the others, the fact that he was willing to meet people indicated that Si Fengwu intended to begin handling court affairs. Lian Yu was quite pleased with this arrangement.
He then smiled and said, "In that case, Prince and Princess Consort, please alight from your carriage and proceed to the palace on foot.
You can take this opportunity to appreciate the scenery of the new capital. It may not be so convenient to leisurely tour the new capital like this again in the future."
As the two were newcomers, the citizens of the new capital were still aware of their identities, and there would not be too many people flocking to see them.
After the enthronement ceremony, it would be difficult to travel discreetly.
The new capital, before becoming the imperial capital of the New Dynasty, was renowned as Jin City, the foremost stronghold in the southwest. This was not only due to its unique geographical location but also because its southern position, abundant rainfall, and excellent climate made it known as the "Land of Abundance" among the three southeastern kingdoms.
At that time, the capital was shrouded in a misty haze after the rain. The streets and alleys revealed a pleasing new greenery, yet it was faint and elusive upon closer inspection.
Lu Qingwan unconsciously recited aloud, "The light spring rain on the imperial street moistens like curd, the color of the grass is seen from afar but is gone when close. The best season of the year is spring, surpassing the misty willows filling the imperial capital!"
"A fine poem!"
A clear voice rang out.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw several young men at a street tea stall smiling in their direction.
Seeing Lu Qingwan look over, a young man among them cupped his fists and said from afar, "I am Jiang Hongzhan of the Jiang Clan of Jiannan. I greet you all."
Si Fengwu and Lian Yu bowed their heads to the group. Lu Qingwan, however, curtsied, not performing a full bow.
The gazes of the young men inadvertently fell upon Lu Qingwan. Jiang Hongzhan cupped his fists again and asked, "May I presume to ask, the poem recited by the madam just now, who is its author?"
"It is merely from some ancient books that this humble woman perused in her leisure time. I felt it matched the spring scenery of the new capital before me, and my lips moved to recite it. I hope the esteemed young sirs will forgive my boldness."
Lu Qingwan said, moving closer to Si Fengwu, "Husband, we should be going."