The spring brought with it new life to the landscape around the river Irrawaddy, and rains brought a rise in water and the slow deterioration of stable trade routes. Mingyinyo was appreciating the beauty of the landscape with members of his court. Devising new plans to spread his power and economic might. Citizens of Taungoo tended to their rice paddies, soldiers stood guard at the royal palace, nothing more than a large stone complex that shared double duty as a place of worship.
Carpenters crafted away at various hardwoods and were quite well known in the region as masters of quality. Something Mingyinyo himself enjoyed very much was watching the carpenters do their work, and gifting them with his praise, one of the many reasons his people beloved him. Troubles were coming in the north and he knew it, it wouldn’t be long before the Ava kingdom fell to the barbaric onslaught, yet he kept his hopes high and the morale of people in good condition.
Of his entourage there were a few new faces for just this occasion. Mingyinyo had requested architects and planners to accompany him on his spring day walk. Discussions on the future of his kingdom were the focus of the day. He brought the group to a street of Taungoo, weathering away by water and down the hill it was covered in flood water, preventing crossings. The king pointed to the roads and waters and when Mingyinyo spoke, all listened and all were silent.
“My kingdom is in a state of emergency as you can see, our roads are failing and bridges of the past have collapsed or are in serious ill repair. I have gathered you men here today to let you see what I wish you to correct. Such problems must not remain visible to outsiders, I want this mighty kingdom to shine to all that view it. I order the finest quality of roads, covered in stones, to line the great capital of my domain. Bridges made of teak will cross the streams and rivers. I wish it to be completed by the beginning of the winter, I am willing to pay well for your successful completion of my plans.”
No one replied, they simply bowed and kept records of what and when, small boys followed the well to do builders, keeping all the writings and notes in bags along with other gear. They seemed famished, but no one cared. So they continued their observations, following the king and his guards around the city. Mingyinyo did not care about wakening through the dirt and mud, he was above such ridiculous fears, he had the theory that if a king mingled with his people, the people would better support him.
They arrived at a forest in the process of being clear cut for new expansion, men labored with axes held high, mighty swings would snap little trees with little issue. Elephants and water buffalo pulled logs in bunches towards other little work areas where they were cut into viable building materials. Some carpenters carved the oddly shaped or short logs into furniture pieces for the wealthy or decorative items to trade. Minhyinyo spoke about what they witnessed.
“These are my people, our people. Hard working and skilled in all professions and crafts. Just look at how mighty our tree cutters are, and the commanders of the animals that pull the logs from the mud and muk of the forest floor. All the way to the men who work on the final product. Just like a mighty army, well maintained and trained, Taungoo is above all else in the world in efficiency.”
They kept to their walk, heading back towards the palace complex of Mingyinyo and his servants. As the walked the streets lacked the severely poor, everyone did well enough to get their rice, no one starved. At the gates of the palace they were greeted by women servants, possibly doubling as sexual objects for the court and king. Mingyinyo turned to the builders, his guards and the nobles that were with him.
“This is where you stop and where we separate. Go begin your planning of what I desire and you will be rewarded handsomely. When your plans and required prices are confirmed come back and talk to my court and I, we will gladly see to it that you get what is needed. This kingdom is yours to live in and it is mine to rule, keep your hard work up and you and I both will prosper and become the greatest.”
So they separated and into the palace gates the king went. As he returned and was serenaded by the beautiful women around him and a feast prepared in his absence was in his dinning hall, he received more information about the Shan in the north. Disgruntled he did not see this as a problem as much as an opportunity. So with haste he begin preparing diplomatic letters for the people in the villages around his border, offering protection and prosperity. This was the beginning of his greatness and all those around him could feel it in the air.
OOC: Story war Silver?