Chapter 172: Xuzhong Empire's Personnel 2

"In addition to the defense forces stationed in each city, I've made several key appointments within the broader military structure," Huang Xinyi began.

She started with the Imperial Guard, the elite unit tasked with protecting her and the city where she would reside outside Jingzhong City.

"Commander Xu Feng leads the Imperial Guard. He has proven himself time and again, not just in battle but also through his loyalty to the empire. His unit is one of the best-trained in the empire, and I trust him completely to protect our most valuable assets."

Though Huang Xinyi is powerful enough not to need personal protection, the Imperial Guard serves as a symbol of status. Beyond that, the soldiers in the Imperial Guard are skilled in espionage, making them a valuable tool when necessary.

Next, she discussed the Border Patrol, responsible for monitoring the empire's vast and sometimes dangerous borders.

"Commander Lu Yi, a seasoned veteran with extensive experience in managing frontier regions, leads the Border Patrol. He has established outposts along key routes and fortified border towns, ensuring our empire is protected from external threats."

She moved on to intelligence gathering and strategic planning agencies.

"Beyond military strength, information is power. That's why I've established a Council of Advisors to provide me with the latest intelligence on both internal and external matters. Chief Advisor Li An oversees this council. Li An has built an extensive network of spies and informants, ensuring we are always aware of threats before they escalate."

Huang Xinyi explained how the work of these officers differed from that of the Shadow. While the intelligence officers' identities are known and expected, the work of the Shadow remains hidden and operates at a more clandestine level.

Her gaze swept across the room before she continued.

"To maintain order within the empire, we also need a fair and just legal system. That's why I've appointed Chief Magistrate Wen Shun to oversee the empire's legal affairs. Wen Shun is known for his fairness and skill in handling complex cases. His reforms have made our legal system both just and efficient."

The room remained quiet as some continued reviewing the ledger while others listened intently to what she said.

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, a shared sense of purpose and pride filling the space.

Huang Xinyi's empire was strong and rapidly growing. She knew it could become the strongest in the world, but she was also aware that there were far greater enemies in the void they would need to face soon.

With five major cities under their control, the Xuzhong Empire was expanding rapidly. After fully consolidating their recent gains, they planned to extend their influence to other cities across the continent.

Xu Qianghua, who had been quietly reviewing the ledger, finally spoke up.

"That's all good, Xinyi, but we can't forget to encourage people to form their own families. Families are the foundation of any powerful empire."

He smiled as he spoke, knowing she wouldn't stop at just what she had planned. But he had noticed something missing: other forces outside their own.

In any truly powerful empire, multiple forces are always working under the empire's protection, each using its advantages to boost its national growth.

Xu Qianghua knew that for the Xuzhong Empire to thrive, they would need to encourage the growth of other influential families and organizations to strengthen their foundation.

"Yeah, I know and have already come up with ways to make some of the loyal members of the empire start their own," Huang Xinyi said while nodding.

"That's good, as we need them as much as they need us," Xu Qianghua said.

He said this because in many history books, he had read from other planets in this sector, he could see that all those powerful empires had multiple powerful forces supporting them.

Similarly, in this world, in the old timeline, there have been examples where the family who built their own empire did not allow any other forces to settle in.