Arga nodded slightly, his face remaining cold, yet a calmness radiated from his eyes. "Thank you for your concern. Take your seats; there is something important I need to discuss."
Without hesitation, the commanders took their places around the large table filled with maps and documents. Ten people, along with a chief commander, sat with full attention. Silence hung in the air. Only the sound of their breaths could be heard, as if time had deliberately slowed, awaiting the orders that were about to be given.
"I am grateful to all of you," Arga began, his voice low but resonating in every corner of the tent. "You arrived just in time to save the villagers."
The statement caused some commanders to exchange glances. One of them, a sturdy man, whispered quietly to his colleague. "Is our Emperor really like this? Shouldn't he prioritize his own safety first?"
But the whisper was met with a firmer response from another commander. "I have always trusted Emperor Arga. I am willing to dedicate my life to him."
Arga continued, his eyes sweeping across the room. "The city of Kashgar cannot produce enough food for the entire empire. But this valley is the key. Its soil is fertile, its location strategic. If we lose this valley, it's not just resources that will be gone. Our people will be forced to buy basic necessities at unaffordable prices. They will fall into poverty, become divided, and fight each other for food. I will not let that happen."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink into the minds of the commanders. His gaze was sharp yet warm, carrying an unshakable conviction. "I want to improve the welfare of my people. They have given everything for this empire, and now it's time to ensure they lead decent lives. We will transform this valley into the empire's primary agricultural district, protected by robust defense systems at every corner."
Silence enveloped the tent. The faintly flickering light of the oil lamp cast shadowy outlines on the walls, amplifying the tension in the room. Arga pointed to a spot on the map with his finger. "Here, in this valley, we will begin. We will design an irrigation system capable of ensuring maximum harvest. After that, we will build a logistics hub in Kashgar City to distribute the yields across the empire."
One of the commanders, General Guang Yu, looked at Arga with a mixture of admiration and skepticism. "Your Majesty," he finally spoke, "your vision is grand. But how do we start with such limited resources?"
Arga gave a faint smile, one that seemed more like a challenge than a gesture of softness. "We start with what we have. Our people may not have much, but they have spirit. And I believe that spirit is enough to move mountains."
The commanders exchanged glances before nodding in unison. There was no longer any doubt in their eyes. Arga had planted something stronger than mere orders—hope.
"Alright," said Arga, looking at them one by one. "Does anyone have suggestions for the initial steps? Let's begin with sketches of the new district in this mountainous region."
The conversation in the tent grew more serious. Arga's voice and those of the commanders echoed, piercing through the night that was slowly fading into dawn. Outside the tent, the wind carried the scent of the valley's fertile soil, signaling the start of something monumental.
The night air in the valley was cold, carrying the aroma of damp earth mixed with embers from the command tents. Under a canopy of stars, the atmosphere within the main tent was tense yet brimming with hope. A large map lay spread out on a rough wooden table, detailing the fertile valley now at the center of the empire's focus.
Arga stood at the end of the table, the torchlight casting sharp shadows across his young face, full of determination. The commanders, seasoned men with faces etched with stories of battle, stood around him, watching his every move closely.
Guan Yu, a general from District 1 renowned for his brilliant strategies and courage, was the first to break the silence. His voice was deep but cautious. "However, Your Majesty," he said, pressing his finger on the map, "to build an irrigation system of this scale, we'll need skilled labor. Many villagers lack such expertise. And, of course, we'll need a significant amount of funding."
Arga lifted his gaze from the map, his eyes meeting Guan Yu's. Though young, his eyes carried the conviction of a leader who had weathered storms. "You're right," he replied without hesitation. "We will start training the villagers. Not only that, but we will also bring some residents from the capital city of Kashgar to settle here. They will assist in constructing dams and irrigation systems. Meanwhile, I will send envoys to the Riveria region to seek experts who can expedite this project."
The tent fell silent again. Arga's words, though full of plans, presented significant challenges that wouldn't be easily overcome.
Patimura, a captain known for his leadership on the battlefield, voiced his concerns. "Your Majesty, this plan is ambitious, but what about the security of this area? Bandits still roam freely, and neighboring nations are always watching our every move. If we divert a large portion of our forces to this project, wouldn't that be too risky?"
Arga took a deep breath, as if absorbing Patimura's concerns. His eyes returned to the map, studying every curve and valley. Then, he spoke with a steadier tone. "You're right, Patimura," he said, pointing to a spot on the map, right in the heart of the valley. "That's why I want to establish a main military headquarters here, complete with a fortress. This valley will not only become the center of agriculture but also a strategic stronghold that protects our empire."
"A main military headquarters and fortress?" Guan Yu furrowed his brows, his mind clearly working rapidly.
"Yes," Arga replied firmly, lifting his head to look at the commanders. "This area has geographical advantages that cannot be ignored. With a strong fortress and trained troops, we will not only protect the inhabitants but also ensure the construction project proceeds without disruption. Neighboring nations will think twice before attempting to seize this territory."