The current Southern Blue was flourishing. With the help of all those mercenary experts, the construction work progressed at a rapid rate. It seemed like a new building was popping up every day. The materials were hardly able to catch up to the demand despite all the major trade companies bringing them in day and night.

Expansion led to good business in the city. The mercenaries needed to eat, the traveling merchant caravans need lodgings and food, and the new factories meant the arrival of more craftsmen. Everyone, from the bottom to the top, was happy. Even Ji Rui, who had been hiding in his residence, was now wearing a radiant smile.

After some detailed calculations, the fatty realized that his income had almost doubled despite the fall in his authority as city lord. At this rate, he would be receiving three times his usual cashflow once Song Zining’s plans had all come to fruition. Additionally, he found his days fairly enjoyable—no longer needing to pay attention to trivial matters or tiptoe around the major powers. All he needed was to lie down and wait for the money to come in. He even found...