Walking into the city, Wei Liuying could see that the city was truly still under development. There were many areas that was still being built by the people there and the number of citizen was not as many as most cities this size.

A higher ranked soldier rushed out and stopped not far from Wei Liuying. He cupped his hand. "3000 man commander, Commander Cao wished to speak, Strategist Liu."

Wei Liuying's real status was actually not any higher than the commander. After all, she didn't have any formal military title. But because she was considered as one of the few close aides of Prince Ji Sheng, her status became higher. Unless one was already a general, they would have to greet her formally.

"You may speak."

"This one didn't understand why Strategist Liu come here at this time. Aren't there also other attacks at Prince Ji Sheng's City's border?" Commander Cao asked bluntly.

Wei Liuying narrowed her eyes. While it was not wrong, most of the soldiers there would be able to defend the city properly. After all, most of the elite soldiers were still staying behind in that city and not coming with her and Yang Xian.

"The attack is not only from the one outside the border but from inside. Have you heard about the tribes that managed to get in, Commander Cao?" Wei Liuying asked with a faint smile on her face.

However, that smile only caused chills to run down Commander Cao's back. The news spread not long ago, so he had heard about it. In fact, their general was punished because some tribes managed to get in through this area too without them stopping them.

The result was not too pretty.

Commander Cao gritted his teeth and then bowed down. "This commander will help you, Strategist Liu!"

"Get up. I'm not your superior and naturally have no intention to command you," Wei Liuying said in an indifferent tone. She turned her head around. "My task is to give aid in order to defend against an attack that might target this city."

"I understand, Strategist Liu!"

"However, I do have a question."

"Ask away, Strategist Liu. I'll answer you to my utmost ability."

"What's the name of this city?"

The question caused Commander Cao to be taken aback. He was sure that Wei Liuying would ask some kind of important question to him and all. But the one that she asked was instead the name of this city?

Wei Liuying watched as Commander Cao's expression changed a bit. She wanted to laugh but held it in. By their short conversation, she had seen that Commander Cao was a very rigid person, so she wanted to lighten up the atmosphere a bit. Besides, she did want to know about the city's name.

"Replying to Strategist Liu, this city didn't have a name, yet."

"Oh?" Wei Liuying arched her eyebrows. Did the Emperor was still lazy for naming cities? She felt that the Emperor she met not long ago was truly busy to the point he couldn't even write a letter to bestow a name.

"I…it's the truth!"

"I don't doubt you." Wei Liuying smiled. "Would you be so kind as to bring us to the barracks? In the meantime, can you tell me more about this city and the number of soldiers here?"

"With pleasure… I mean, I'll do it, Strategist Liu!"

Upon entering the city, Wei Liuying had seen that the city was constructed quite well, which helped to defend the city when it was attacked. However, the number of soldiers and their skills would eventually play big roles to determine whether the city would fall or not.

And based on the number that Commander Cao give her, there was not even 3000 soldiers here. Commander Cao was also the one with highest command, but not all of his soldiers were here because some of them were sent to reinforce a small village that was hit by local bandits not long ago.

"For a city at this size, 3000 men is not that many, isn't it?" Wei Liuying asked slowly. She thought that there would be more soldiers, but with this number, it would be hard to keep all four walls covered.

They needed more soldiers to protect the city.

"Well, the city is still under development and the focus during winter is to defend the border," Commander Cao stammered.

"I understand. In that case, I'll distribute the soldiers that I brought here and positioned them in some places after I see your plan. Do you mind, Commander Cao?"

"No, not at all!"

Wei Liuying could see the soldiers behind Commander Cao was feeling uneasy. It seemed that they knew that their commander was a bit unreliable at times. But to be able to become a commander despite having this kind of personality, she could guess that Commander Cao was quite capable.

As for how capable he was, she would need to see for herself.

"Please lead the way, Commander Cao."

"Huh? Now?"

"Yes."

Commander Cao was stunned, but he had no other choice but to give tour to Wei Liuying around the city. On the other hand, the soldiers that came along with Wei Liuying settled down in the temporary dwellings that they had prepared.

The soldiers that Wei Liuying brought were only hundreds in number. It would be impossible to create significant differences unless the disparity between skills was large. But looking at the city, Wei Liuying could see that the undergoing constructions work caused the place to be a bit chaotic.

It wouldn't be impossible for people to sneak in under this kind of condition.

At the same time, Wei Liuying could see that the people there were smiling upon seeing Commander Cao. However, they refrained from approaching when they saw her. It seemed that they knew how impolite it would be to intrude them.

'He's a leader loved by his people.'

Even though he might not look like it, Wei Liuying could finally see why Commander Cao could become a commander and become the leader in this city.

"Commander Cao, I'll be honest, I need you to keep being the leader."

"Ah, but…"

"I'll only help to give advice. As for the soldiers that I brought with me, I'll ask them to cooperate with you."