Changwen Prefecture City, capital of Mozhou Road.
This was Wang Ping's second time in the city. The last time he was here, it had been a picture of prosperity. Many merchants from the Northwest Region would stop here before heading south to Hu Mountain Country.
The city was still as magnificent as ever, but the streets held far fewer pedestrians. There were no merchant caravans in sight. The two markets he passed were completely deserted, and the inns, restaurants, and brothels along the road were all shuttered.
Yet, looking toward the distant city walls, he saw a sea of people. Tens of thousands of conscripted laborers swarmed the ramparts, repairing the fortifications. The roads were also full of patrolling soldiers. Outside some of the larger manors, sword-wielding guards warily watched every passerby.
