"In the past, to resist the Liao Nation, it was necessary to station forbidden troops, costing vast sums."
"Now, though the world seems unified, the Northern Border is extensive, the newly annexed Grassland still harbors potential enemies."
"Placing the national center in this war-ridden land; if an alarm is raised, the whole situation will be shaken!"
"This is a military peril."
Another official from the northern regions solemnly declared, "Your Majesty, Lord Gu!"
"I speak with boldness!"
"The layout of Kaifeng has always been the capital of the Central Plains, not the capital of the world!"
"The court residing here for so long inevitably narrows its perspective to traditional Han territories, often out of touch with the newly incorporated West River and even more distant lands."
"In time, this might breed division and hinder integration."
"This is a political shortcoming!"
One minister after another spoke tirelessly.
And the voices of opposition soon followed.
