…
Feng Xiu led Lian Rui and Lian Ze back to the western district, and the two little ones were so shocked that their mouths hung open.
The western district was completely unrecognizable from when they had left.
Houses made of blue bricks and red tiles had sprung up, and the once broken ground was now filled with small stones—no more worrying about stepping into mud on rainy days.
The streets were wide and clean, and the houses stood in neat rows. The wandering demons who used to either lie by the roadside, stand around aimlessly, or dig for food in groups had all disappeared.
Lian Rui, full of curiosity, asked, "Sister Feng Xiu, where did all those uncles and aunties go?"
Feng Xiu smiled and patted her head. "This is their home now. They've gone outside the city to build more houses, but they return every evening."
Lian Rui tilted her head. "Are the houses outside the city the same as these?"
"Yes! Her Majesty made sure that every homeless demon would have a place to shelter from the wind and rain. And those who used to go hungry now have food to eat."
Lian Ze, still too young to fully understand, simply stared at the new houses in awe. So pretty!
Just then, Lian Rui pointed at the only building with an open door—the hot water room.
"Sister, there's hot water inside! And fire! It's so warm!"
Feng Xiu explained, "That's the hot water room for the uncles and aunties. They can cook and boil water in there, and the heat from the fire keeps their rooms warm. Do you want to go inside and take a look?"
Lian Rui hesitated. "Can we?"
"Of course!" Feng Xiu took the two little ones inside.
The guards at the door, seeing that it was Feng Xiu, quickly welcomed her.
"Greetings, Lady Feng Xiu!"
Not all demons in the western district had joined the construction team. Yin Jixue had assigned jobs to everyone.
Those with mobility issues stayed behind to guard the area, tend the fires, take care of younger children, and maintain the latrines.The older children helped deliver supplies or assisted the cooks outside the city.
Yin Jixue had made them a promise—as long as every demon contributed, they would never go hungry.
Of course, she didn't want children running around working. The city had too many kids—it needed a school to keep them in one place. Unfortunately, there were no teachers.
After finishing the tour, Feng Xiu crouched down and asked the two children, "Now that life in the western district has improved, everyone has a place to live. You and Lian Ze are still young, and there are adults here to take care of you. Do you still want to stay in the palace? Don't worry, Her Majesty specifically asked me to check with you. Even if you stay here, she won't blame you."
Lian Rui didn't even hesitate. "Her Majesty saved my little brother. I want to follow her!"
Lian Ze, stumbling over his words, echoed her. "I… I want to follow Her Majesty too!"
Feng Xiu smiled, gently rubbing their heads. "Alright, I will report this to Her Majesty and have you stay in the palace."
Meanwhile, in the palace, Yin Jixue was planning the next phase of the city's reconstruction when Meng Qiu and Lin Zhong returned with the food supplies.
With enough food to last until the sweet yams ripened, Black Dragon City wouldn't have to worry about starvation.
Now that the western district had been rebuilt, it was time to repair other dangerous structures throughout the city.
Another issue was the roads—the city lacked the look of a proper capital. While the main roads were paved with flat stone slabs, houses along the streets would flood whenever it rained.
Since the iron mines were now operational, the next step was to build a brick kiln—then she could start working on cement.
Yin Jixue had a general idea of cement production: the main materials were limestone, clay, and iron ore powder. The biggest challenge was limestone, which was typically found in shallow coastal areas—and Black Dragon City wasn't near the sea.
Just as she was thinking, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Your Majesty, Feng Xiu has returned."
Feng Xiu entered with Lian Rui and Lian Ze. Yin Jixue blinked in mild surprise.
"They didn't stay in the western district?"
Feng Xiu grinned. "It's all thanks to Your Majesty's kindness. These two little ones insisted on staying to serve you."
Yin Jixue chuckled. "Serve me? They're just kids. Let's raise them properly first. The palace isn't lacking extra hands."
Since the children had chosen to stay, she might as well train them from a young age.
"Feng Xiu, is there anyone in the palace who knows how to read? If they're going to work for me, they can't be completely illiterate. Their education will be your responsibility."
Feng Xiu bowed slightly. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I have already found a suitable teacher for them."
Yin Jixue's thoughts shifted. "By the way, how many literate people do we have in the palace?"
Feng Xiu answered, "Most of the palace maids can read, but if you're looking for educated scholars, there are only two—Sir Zhong Shang and Sir Nan. They are well-versed in astronomy and geography."
The names sounded unfamiliar.
"Why have I never heard of them?"
Feng Xiu lowered her head slightly. "They are merely guests in the palace and only interact with His Majesty."
Yin Jixue's mind started calculating possibilities.
"Well, then they must be bored. I should find something for them to do."
Looks like the school could move up the agenda.