Cane stepped forward to explain, "Your Majesty, Creation Masters are rare in the Immortal Territories, but they still exist. They either create their own territory or establish their own sects to establish their dominance. Further to our west, there is a sect that's Sect Ancestor or Founder is a Creation Master."
Matthias nodded in understanding. "Then, my powers must not be known to the outside or at least the information leak must be delayed as much as possible. We still need to strengthen and solidify our position here."
"As you wish, Your Majesty!" They all nodded. Matthias then extended his hand to Gongsun Pei, "Continue."
"Ah, yes, Your Majesty." Gongsun Pei woke up from his stupor and analyzed the map. He then picked up pieces of figurine and placed them in several positions.
Gongsun Pei then began to explain his tactic, "My Lord, with our condition now, we wouldn't be able to stop the advance of the Yuan Empire to our west. I suggest wearing down the Yuan's forces by using the high terrain and bombarding them with surprise energy attacks. It will slowly wear down their army."
Matthias nodded in understanding, "Feasible. We also need them to be fast. Black?"
Black appeared behind him, "What is it, Master?"
"How has your recruitment been going?" He asked.
"I have recruited 50 people that have incredible potential." Black answered.
"Then, I want you to disturb Yuan's forces whenever they try to rest. Bombard them and escape immediately. It depends on you on how you'll do it. Do not be reckless." Matthias said.
"As you will, Master." Black nodded and left.
"W-Who is that, Your Majesty?" Gongsun Yi asked, shaking. He did not sense Black's presence. The black-cloaked man just suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Matthias smirked and chuckled, "That was my servant and my ears and blade. He made me aware of your existence even before you submitted to me."
"!!" The generals gasped. Their emperor even became more unfathomable for them.
"His connection already covers all of Qin and some of the enemy territories." Matthias also made them know the extent of Black's connection, shocking the people inside even more.
Matthias then became cold, "So don't even think of betraying the territory, or you wouldn't even know how you died."
The generals shivered with Matthias' threat. Fortunately, his face returned to normal and smiled, "Continue."
Gongsun Pei coughed slightly and continued to speak, "Once the Yuan Army is weared off, It will be up to our forces to defend against them."
He then looked at the southern frontier. "With the rebellion in the south, our army has a high chance of defending it. Although Guan Shaoming is a terrifying opponent, he always focuses on an offensive strategy. I know that we couldn't underestimate any opponent, but with Guan Shaoming, I am 70% certain that he will choose to use an offensive strategy, especially because he wants to conquer Qin. The strategy will be adjusted with every move of Shaoming." He explained.
"Then, prepare for war." Matthias said as he stood up and strapped the Ceremonial Sword on his side.
The generals stood up and cupped their hands towards him, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"We should establish military, political, scientifical, and philosophical and literary schools all over Qin. One school each for every city." Cane suggested.
"Yes, yes." Matthias nodded, "Then, we could set up a cultivation school in one of the mountains east of the capital."
"What would be the name of the sect, Your Majesty?"
"Let's go with the Hidden Dragon Sect. We would train geniuses and establish a sect that will make everyone fear it without us actually warring against them. We will show them what a mysterious enemy can do to their minds." Matthias smiled maliciously.
Days passed. Tension rose inside the Qin Dynasty. With the impending attack from Yuan in the west and with the rebel army of Guan Shaoming attacking from the south, a lot of citizens felt suffocated.
Not until Matthias and Cane implemented their plans.
The merchant that Black was scouting has been proven loyal and came from an ordinary family inside the city of Xizhu, east of the capital Heishan.
The name of the merchant was Li Shangren. He always wanted to be a merchant even if he was from a poor family. He strives from being an errand boy, familiarizing himself with the market's customs at the age of 8.
He was now 28 years old. Although he was still a young man in the eyes of other merchants who were 35 and above, he was even more skilled than them in the ways of the market.
Unfortunately, because of his age, he was still looked down upon in the eyes of many. That is why he strove for success, achieving the impossible.
When Black saw him, he was bargaining with another merchant. With Shangren's logical reasoning and offers, the other merchant was persuaded to give the product to him.
"Y-Your Majesty, what do you need me for?" Li Shangren asked nervously as he groveled on the ground.
Matthias chuckled, "Stand up, Our subject. You need not be afraid, for We were once in your footsteps, as the old dynasty was in its early ages. We were your Ancestor, Descendant, it goes in between."
"Y-Your Majesty?" Li Shangren looked up slowly, and saw the majesty of the man on the throne.
"We want you to achieve your dream." Matthias said.
"My dream?" Li Shangren pointed at himself.
"You wanted to be a merchant, are We right?" Matthias smiled.
Li Shangren gasped, "Your Majesty wants me to achieve my dream of becoming a merchant?"
Matthias nodded. "We want you to be the Head Merchant of Our Royal Family's Commerce. Our advisor, Cane, will be explaining to you all the necessary arrangements." He explained.
Seeing that, Li Shangren rejoiced, "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will serve the Royal Family with my truest loyalty! I was but a normal boy of a poor family, but you recruited me. Thank you, Your Majesty!" He kowtowed for Matthias knows how many times.
After that, Cane and Li Shangren slowly built the commerce.. Cane contacted Duke Verimont and introduced them to their products.