Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely Chapter 1282: 421:

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Top Floor of the Ministry Building.

Lin Kai occupied the primary position, while Zhao and Li relayed his instructions. Soon, Civil Affairs Director Ying Yi, Hunting Bureau's Yu Yuan Shan, Logging Department's Medicine Lord Chen Hua, Artisan Department's Craftsman Kong Xiu, Cloud Dragon Army Commander, and Hongmen Military Department's Commander Liu Yuan all hurried over.

These seven key leaders, together with Garrison Department's Guardian Lin Kai, made up Hongmen City's central administrative group.

“Everyone, have a seat!”

After serving as Hongmen Guardian for over half a year, and with his power steadily rising, Lin Kai now carried a commanding presence. With all seven assembled, he skipped formalities, motioned for them to sit, and straightaway inquired: “Director Ying, what's the current population status in the city?”

Ying Yi looked grave as he reported: “To the lord, the situation isn't promising. Early this year, the city's total population neared 300,000. It's February 19th now, and we've only reached just over 320,000.”

Just under two months, a mere 20,000 gain?

Not just Lin Kai; everyone else furrowed their brows deeply at the news.

A 20,000 increase seemed decent.

But consider what Hongmen City represented.

It was undoubtedly the most thriving spot in Moao Southern Slope these days, aside from the Eight Towns.

Prior to Hongmen's opening in July last year, the city held only Great Xia folks, including troops, totaling over 30,000; yet after Treasure Tower's build and Great Xia's public announcement, Hongmen's numbers exploded monthly.

By the Hongmen Battle on September 18th last year, the population had surged to nearly 150,000.

In that battle, Xia Hong crushed Nine Towns' top dog Yang Zhun, subdued Six Towns, and cemented Great Xia's rule over Moao Southern Slope… As word spread through Eight Towns, Hongmen's fame hit unprecedented peaks.

Over the next three months, influxes poured in nonstop. By year's start, the population approached 300,000 in merely three months.

That meant roughly 50,000 added per month.

Yet nearly two months into the year, only 20,000 more—even factoring in Eight Towns' overall numbers, such a sharp drop in growth made no sense.

“What's causing it?”

“This…”

At Lin Kai's query, Ying Yi shot a quick look at Zhao Bao.

“Be straightforward. Hongmen's progress ties into the lord's grand strategy. If issues arise, the lord might overlook them, but the Minister surely won't. Why fear the Minister's reprimand?”

Ying Yi composed himself at once, bowed, and explained: “The core problem is the shrinking flow of transients. Over these two months, sneaky monsters have stirred chaos in the city with back-to-back killings, and rumors are spreading. Folks claim Hongmen isn't secure anymore, so many refuse to remain.”

Some who wanted Great Xia citizenship got travel passes and rushed to Xia City right away; others wrapped up business and departed, loath to stay; a handful even sold homes and bolted after rooting here.

Now, all six others fixed their eyes on Zhao Bao.

Under that scrutiny, Zhao Bao squirmed uncomfortably, ready to voice his apologies, but Lin Kai cut in first.

“What's the latest on Hongmen Supply Department's earnings?”

Li Longkai had come back from Muyin but stopped by the Supply Department en route to the hall, so he saluted promptly and answered: “Last year's final two months brought in 12.59 million taels and 16.42 million taels monthly; January this year hit 17.21 million taels, and this month isn't done, but projections show around 17.92 million taels.”

No shock there!

Lin Kai just shook his head calmly, unsurprised.

Back in July last year, Great Xia opened to all from Eight Towns, though bulk trades with the eight townships stuck to old schedules—mainly September and October yearly.

This was unavoidable. Deals with Eight Towns amounted to exploitation. Great Xia dreamed of stripping all their silver, but output couldn't sustain it.

With recent population booms tightening resources, endless exports proved impossible. Two months of heavy trading yearly was already generous; year-round was out of reach.

Thus, sans September-October peaks, Hongmen Supply Department's routine revenue came from everyday swaps, all hinging on visitor volume. Sluggish population rises naturally dragged income growth.

“What of Logging Department and Hunting Bureau?”

“The outskirts have been restless lately too. Since new year, Logging Department suffered 17 murders beyond city walls. Prison Department probes found three missing, cases on hold; five human killings confirmed, three culprits nabbed and executed, two probes ongoing; nine tied to deceitful monsters.”

“Hunting Bureau took heavier hits—21 deaths since new year. Prison Department checks: six missing, cases suspended; nine human murders verified, seven killers captured, two under probe; six victims connected to deceitful monsters.”

After Yuan Shan and Chen Hua's updates, Lin Kai's stern expression eased a bit.

Case clearance-wise, Prison Department had pulled solid effort; powerless only against those deceitful monsters.