Jiuguan City was one of the poorest places in the barren Southern Regions. Its walls, built from bricks and stones during its founding, were old and worn. The enchanted tools used for defense and soldiers guarding the city showed clear signs of age. If the city faced an attack, it was uncertain how well the city could be defended.0

However, Jiuguan City occupied an extremely important location in the Southern Regions. It served as a central hub connecting three provinces as well as the headquarters of the four government offices[1], making it a vital water and land transport hub and a strategic point of contention for military forces.0

For such a prime location to remain impoverished without enduring natural disasters year-round, the cause could only be attributed to humans.0

The Southern Regions were filled with rugged mountains, far beyond the reach of imperial authority. Ambitious and capable officials were reluctant to serve here as they wouldn't be easily noticed for their achievements but without notable achievements, they would end up dying of old age...0