Seven days later, in late February.

Luonan.

Outside the west gate.

Over a thousand people dragging their families along, carrying burdens, leading cattle, sheep, donkeys, and other livestock, orderly left the city. Among them was an elderly woman with a dirty face, carrying a bundle. After exiting the city, she stopped and turned around reluctantly to look at the huge yet dilapidated Luonan City.

"Don’t look, don’t look, hurry up, hurry up." Over a hundred Chen Army soldiers escorting them urged loudly.

These people were the last batch of residents in Luonan City, also known as Luonan’s most stubborn "nail house households." The Government Office had sent people several times, yet they were unwilling to move from Luonan. Unable to do otherwise, stronger methods had to be employed.

Although the Chen Army soldiers urged loudly, no violent acts occurred. Orders had been issued from above that for these migrating people, you could shout, even curse, but you absolutely could not beat or kill them, nor seize the belongings they carried. Any violators would be severely punished.

The residents bowed their heads, taking heavy steps as they traveled down the official road. Their shadows lengthened as they walked further away from Luonan until they became tiny black dots, finally disappearing from view.

"Giddy up, giddy up..."

The sound of horse hooves rumbled towards Luonan City. The guards on the city wall initially thought it was the enemy and instinctively became vigilant. Only after seeing familiar faces did they breathe a sigh of relief.

"Where is the Prince? We received the Prince’s orders to escort the criminal Liang Mu to the capital."

"Over there..."

...

Han Yuan Hall.

"Prince, spies report that a large convoy passed through Yuan’an County. Investigation confirms this convoy came from the direction of Luonan in January. It is Lu Sheng’s convoy relocating his family. Deep tracks of the cart wheels were found, and spies are continuing to follow them," Sun Meng reported to Chen Mo as soon as he received the information.

"Bring the map."

Chen Mo looked at Yuan’an County’s position on the map, then frowned: "That is to the northwest. Could they be fleeing to Xiliang?"

"Prince, this is not impossible. Lu Sheng occupied Xiliang the year before last, incorporating it into his sphere of influence. To control Xiliang, he would definitely have left a certain number of troops stationed there. If they’re fleeing to Xiliang, they’ll have reception," Diwu Fusheng said.

"Lord Diwu is right. Besides, Xiliang is located on the border of our Great Song. If Lu Sheng’s family learns of his death, they may continue to flee west, and we won’t be able to pursue them," Liu Ji also chimed in.

Beyond Xiliang lies the Western Regions.

The Western Regions are merely a geographical concept, not a country. The Western Regions are vast and contain many small countries. If Lu Sheng’s family flees there, Great Song cannot just overtly go after them in the Western Regions, as it would be seen as an act of war.

Hearing this, Chen Mo knitted his brows tightly, massaging his temples, a headache arising, and asked immediately: "How is the transfer of the populace going?"

"Today is the last batch of citizens within the city. The rest are the villagers outside the city," replied Wu Yanqing, who was temporarily acting as Minister of Revenue.

"If the outer villages have not been affected by the Soul Devouring Array, and the people do not wish to leave, let them stay."

Chen Mo somewhat underestimated the people’s determination to not leave Luonan.

These past days, numerous reports have come up detailing stories of citizens willing to dash their heads against the walls rather than leave Luonan.

"Noted." Wu Yanqing nodded. Acting as Minister of Revenue these days has thoroughly exhausted him; there were simply too many things that needed his attention, especially since there were not many people available to be used.

After all, Chen Mo entered Luonan with his army, and few in the army are skilled in governance.

However, before the capital relocates to Celestial River, they’ll have to make do.

"Later, I will seek an imperial edict from Your Majesty, declaring to the world that all vassal kings and officials above fifth grade must enter Celestial River to face the Emperor. Those who do not comply shall be stripped of their ranks and dealt with as rebels," Chen Mo stated coldly.

This step is also one he must take.

The biggest threat within the country has already been eliminated by him. He must now "unite the world," making those separatist forces submit under his command, subject to the Court’s coordination.

Gone must be the days when orders were disregarded.

Anyone refusing to enter the capital indicates defiance, wanting to act as a local tyrant and create "division." Then Chen Mo will know who remains in the country that he must deal with as "enemies."

If they do not submit, then they will be forced to.

Hearing this, both Diwu Fusheng and Liu Ji were filled with fervor. As strategists, who wouldn’t want to assist their master in governing the entire realm?

To know, governing the entire realm is not simply holding the Court and Emperor in one’s hands, but making the people everywhere obey one’s commands; that is the true governing of the realm.

"Prince..."

Just then, Xia Zhining entered from outside the hall, whispering a few words to Chen Mo’s ear.

Outside, Xia Zhining still gave Chen Mo face.

"Take them to the Celestial Prison, and call for Miss Nalan; I will go over shortly," Chen Mo said.

Xia Zhining nodded and withdrew.

...

Shoukang Palace.

Palace maids and eunuchs were busily packing luggage.

According to information leaked from the palace, the city’s citizens were migrating to Celestial River one after another, and next it would be their turn.

Such tasks naturally did not require the hand of Liang Ji, the mistress. As she painted, her attention was not at all on the painting.