Global Game: I Can Choose Instance Rewards-Chapter 352 - 275: All Sides

Chapter 352: Chapter 275: All Sides
In the grand hall made of ancient and rugged clay, Wang Zhifan held a square piece of white cloth painted with lines and words using black ink, while beside him, an elder in gray attire explained and pointed out details to him.
"Your Majesty, the Chaotic Realm is extremely vast, and no one has ever explored its boundaries. Our Feng Country is located in the southern part of Pangli Mountains, covering an area of approximately three hundred miles, with a population of over seven hundred thousand, famous for its lush foliage... To the south is Tao Country, whose royal family possesses the Terracotta Warrior Skill, having under its command tens of thousands of terracotta soldiers, undeterred by death or injury... Southeast lies Huan Country, renowned worldwide for its divine pattern soldiers who are fierce beyond compare, traversing a thousand miles a day... Even further away is Lv Country, whose Dragon Cavalry has conquered nations numbering the digits on two hands..."
Listening to the elder’s narration for a while, Wang Zhifan realized that the nations in this replica world have a characteristic: the stronger countries possess a unique military unit, such as the Terracotta Army of Tao Country, the divine pattern soldiers of Huan Country, the Dragon Cavalry of Lv Country. It can be said these are the hallmarks of powerful nations. Yet, in the Feng Country where he currently resides, none of this exists; not only are there no unique military units, but even the regular army is on the verge of collapse because the country can no longer afford to pay them.
"My dear minister, although our Feng Country is located in a remote place and has been stable for many years, why has our national strength become so exhausted?"
Feeling the country is currently facing significant issues, Wang Zhifan directly inquired, hoping to understand the root of the problems.
"Your Majesty... It’s a long story, both related to the Xin Family’s handling of military affairs with corruption and embezzlement, and due to the events in the Chaotic Realm. Our Feng Country’s trade routes with neighboring nations have been severed, drastically reducing national treasury revenue..."
The elder, showing some difficulty on his face, explained that the general idea is Feng Country now faces internal and external troubles, struggling to maintain its former situation. Even without external forces invading, it might be difficult to sustain.
"Hmm... In this situation, does my minister have any good strategies?"
As a player born a commoner, Wang Zhifan is completely ignorant about governing a country. Even though this Feng Country, according to real-world standards, is just a tiny nation, he feels a bit overwhelmed.
"Your Majesty, in this situation, the only way is to proceed gradually, first stabilizing the nation and then nurturing the army to prevent foreign invasion..."
The elder’s response was rather moderate, lacking detailed parts, only advising Wang Zhifan to quickly control the situation and then develop the economy and military, as the threat from external forces is already foreseeable.
"Proceed gradually... But I desire to conquer the world and strive at every moment, the pace you suggest is too slow."
After some exchange, Wang Zhifan confirmed that this trusted minister has a relatively conservative mindset. Even after witnessing the forces Wang Zhifan possesses, he did not develop any ambitions, so Wang Zhifan decided to follow his own plan, or else this replica might take decades, which is completely unacceptable.
So when this old minister was feeling baffled by Wang Zhifan’s suddenly expressed desire for conquest, Wang Zhifan further astonished him by saying:
"My dear minister, I desire to personally lead troops to destroy Tao and Yin Countries, what do you think?"
"Your Majesty! Absolutely not! The Feng Country’s troops now number only eight hundred, and the military discipline is extremely lax; attacking other nations is like smashing eggs against rocks!"
The elder, hearing this, was so frightened that he nearly kneeled to Wang Zhifan, hurriedly dissuading him.
"Hmm... then take me to inspect the military camp."
Wang Zhifan knows the importance of the military for conquest, so he didn’t take this old minister’s words lightly and decided to personally inspect before making plans.
And this elder, upon hearing this request, momentarily seemed conflicted, until Wang Zhifan stared at him for a few seconds before nodding in approval.
Consequently, the two quickly left the grand hall. Wang Zhifan summoned a Red Deer Horse and leapt onto its back, while the elder rode the horse previously left by the Xin Family in front of the royal hall, leading the way to the Feng Country military camp.
This journey naturally required them to pass through the city where the grand hall was located, which is the Feng Country Capital. Wang Zhifan took the opportunity to observe this small country he currently holds in title.
As he exited the grand hall, he discovered the building is situated on a somewhat elevated summit, surrounded by a circle of lower hills, with roads connecting each peak, presenting an overall image of stars encircling the moon.
Apart from the recently exited grand hall built of clay, other visible houses are mostly constructed of wood and straw, looking somewhat primitive. Some men and women in simple fabric or straw clothing walk along the mountain paths, some carrying hoes and other farming tools on their shoulders, others balancing baskets of goods on their heads, showcasing a rural primitive ecology.
"It is indeed a small country; even its capital is so backward."
After observing for a while, Wang Zhifan lost interest, having confirmed the fundamental situation is extremely lacking; there is neither quantity nor quality. The only consolation is that law and order appear decent, the surrounding hills are not barren, and some orchards and terraced fields can be seen; the basic survival needs can probably be self-sustained.
The elder’s horsemanship was skillful, and about twenty minutes later, he led Wang Zhifan to Feng Country’s military camp, which, specifically speaking, is near a row of straw houses at the foot of Feng Country Capital’s mountain. If not for a small soldier in a black short cloak standing guard outside, along with a wooden plaque with the word "Camp" hanging on the straw house’s eave, it might resemble more of a cattle shed than a military camp.
"His Majesty has arrived! Where are the officers?"
When the elder led Wang Zhifan, who had dismounted in front of this row of cattle sheds, he quickly shouted inside with commanding voice, hoping to summon someone in charge.