novelAbuy Chapter 177 The Emperor's Personal Expedition
Chapter 177 The Emperor's Personal Expedition
The proclamations and news of the Xiangyang Alliance and the Anti-Star Alliance's oath to launch a northern expedition swept through the Star Kingdom's capital overnight, like a cold front moving south. In the imperial court, the brief jubilation of founding the nation and the enthusiasm for reform were quickly replaced by a heavy, oppressive atmosphere of war. Inside the Chengyun Hall, the atmosphere was oppressive; civil and military officials stood in their respective ranks, all eyes focused on the young Star King on the imperial steps.
"...King Liu Kun of Chu is the leader of the alliance, with Gu Yong of Jiangdong as his deputy. They have united twelve armies from Jiankang, Yizhou, Lingnan, and other regions, claiming to number 200,000. They have been gradually gathering in the Jiangxia and Hefei areas, intending to cross the Yangtze River and invade the north before the floods rise next spring." The Minister of War was reporting the latest urgent border report, his voice dry. "Their vanguard scouts have clashed with our border garrisons several times. Requests for battle and reinforcements from generals in the south are pouring in like snowflakes."
A low murmur of discussion arose within the hall. Some were indignant, denouncing the southern lords for "not recognizing the opportune moment" and "throwing eggs against rocks"; others were worried, concerned that the newly established dynasty, with its unstable foundation, might not be able to simultaneously deal with the southern army's advance and possible disturbances in the northern border; still others were eager to try their luck, hoping to make a name for themselves in the new dynasty's first major battle.
Chen Xing sat upright on the throne, his face calm, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the armrest. After the murmurs subsided, he spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but clear enough to reach everyone's ears: "The scoundrels of the South, seeing that I have just ascended the throne, think they have an opportunity to take advantage of me. They have gathered a motley crew, attempting to stop a chariot with their bare hands. Their intentions are despicable, and their actions are laughable."
He paused, his gaze sharp as lightning sweeping over the assembled officials below: "However, even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. Since they dare to invade, I will ensure they never return! This battle concerns not only the security of our borders, but also the prestige of our Star Kingdom, and how the world views our new dynasty! Victory will bring peace to the southern frontier and greatly enhance our national power; but if anything goes wrong..." His tone suddenly turned stern, "then villains from all sides will rise up in droves, and our new dynasty will be in grave danger!"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Chen Wei stepped forward first, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "This humble general requests to lead the elite troops south and surely defeat the southern bandits north of the Yangtze River!"
"This humble general also requests to fight!" Generals such as Dian Xiong, Zhang Heng, and Pang De stepped forward, their fighting spirit high.
Jia Wen stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the generals are commendable for their loyalty and bravery. However, this battle is no small matter. Although the Southern Allied Forces each have their own ulterior motives, they do have a numerical advantage and control of the Yangtze River, a natural barrier, and their navy is also quite large. Although our army has been reorganized and its combat strength has improved, the large-scale southward transfer will inevitably leave the defenses of the northern and western borders vulnerable. We must take a holistic view and exercise caution in our military operations."
Chen Xing nodded: "What Wenhe said is exactly what I was worried about. Therefore, in this battle, I am determined—" He paused, then said, word by word, "to personally lead the army!"
The moment those four words were uttered, the entire hall was astonished. The Emperor himself would lead the campaign? The King was going to the front lines in person?
"Your Majesty!" Zhao Tiezhu hurriedly stepped forward. "Even a son of a thousand pieces of gold should not sit under a dangerous roof. Your Majesty is the ruler of the nation, your body is of paramount importance. How can you personally go to such a perilous place? If anything happens to you, the foundation of the country will be shaken! The matter of the campaign can be entrusted to General Chen and others!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!" Many civil officials echoed this sentiment.
Chen Xing waved his hand to stop them from talking and said in a deep voice, "My mind is made up. This battle concerns the fate of the nation. Only if I go in person can I inspire the army and intimidate the enemy! Furthermore, I can make decisions on the spot to avoid inconsistent orders and missed opportunities. Moreover," he looked at Jia Wen, "Wenhe's strategy of sowing discord also needs someone to be stationed in the southern border to seize the opportunity in order to be effective."
He stood up, walked a few steps down the steps, and said in an unquestionable tone: "I hereby convey my decree: General Chen Wei, the commander of the vanguard, with Dian Xiong and Zhang Heng as his deputies, shall lead 30,000 elite troops to set off immediately and garrison Wancheng in the southern border, to prepare for war, strengthen the city's defenses, and scout the enemy's situation."
"Is General Pang De, the Conqueror of the Barbarians, to lead Hu Yi and his own 10,000 cavalry to garrison along the northern border, closely monitor the movements of the Snow Wolf Clan, and deal with any unusual activities as appropriate, ensuring the safety of the northern border."
"Issuing General Zhang Heng to select 15,000 elite infantry and cavalry from Xiliang and advance eastward to the Luoyang area to prepare for the central army and to deter the remaining forces in the Central Plains."
"Minister of State Jia Wen and Minister of Works Zhao Tiezhu," Chen Xing said, looking at the two, "remain in the capital to oversee state affairs, coordinate the transport of grain and military supplies, pacify the local areas, and ensure the stability of the rear. Minister of the Imperial Household Su Xiaoxiao will do her utmost to ensure the supply of money, food, and materials to the army, and work closely with Minister Jia and Minister Zhao."
With these arrangements made, everyone understood that the King's determination to personally lead the expedition was unwavering, and that his plans were meticulous, taking into account both the north and south. However, one crucial question remained…
Chen Xing's gaze finally fell upon Murong Mingyue, who had remained silent throughout the civil official ranks. She too was dressed in court attire, standing tall and upright, her spirited air undiminished. Sensing Chen Xing's gaze, she raised her head and calmly returned his look.
"Queen Murong Mingyue." Chen Xing's voice softened slightly, but remained solemn. "During my southern campaign, you will temporarily be in charge of military affairs in the capital and the rear, as well as liaison and defense with Pang De's forces in the northern frontier. I grant you the authority to 'oversee the state,' to discuss state affairs with Lady Jia, Minister Zhao, and Minister Su. For important military matters, you may make decisions first and then report back to me."
Regent! The Queen is granted the power to oversee the state! This is an extremely rare and significant authorization in the Star Kingdom, and even in many dynasties that have historically emphasized "the empress's right not to interfere in politics." A low gasp echoed again in the hall.
Murong Mingyue did not refuse. She stepped forward, bowed deeply to Chen Xing, and said in a clear and firm voice, "Your Majesty, I obey your command. I will certainly do my duty, stabilize the rear, and manage military supplies. I will never fail Your Majesty's trust. I wish Your Majesty a resounding victory and an early return!" Her eyes were bright, showing both concern for her husband and determination to shoulder the heavy responsibility.
Chen Xing gave her a deep look and nodded. His choice of Mingyue as regent was not entirely based on personal feelings. Murong Mingyue was a seasoned warrior, familiar with military affairs, and held high prestige in the Northern Army. Moreover, she was decisive, fair, and capable of subduing those arrogant and unruly generals. With her in charge of the rear and coordinating the Northern Frontier, he could truly feel at ease heading south.
"Very well!" Chen Xing turned around, ascended the steps again, faced the assembled officials, and proclaimed loudly, "My ministers, each of you, fulfill your duties and work together with one heart and one mind! We must strengthen our internal governance to solidify our foundation, and hone our military might to deter the enemy! This southern expedition of mine is not only to defeat their allied forces, but also to establish the formidable reputation of my Xing Kingdom's martial prowess! Let the world see who the true ruler of this chaotic world is!"
"Long live our king! The Star Kingdom will surely prevail!" The crowd inside the hall was filled with excitement, and the shouts rose again.
After the court session ended, the capital city immediately entered a state of war. Orders were issued from the palace, troops were mobilized, and supplies and provisions flowed southward along the official roads. The gears of war began to turn.
Chen Xing returned to the inner palace, where Murong Mingyue was already waiting. Dismissing the servants, Chen Xing took her hand and whispered, "Mingyue, I'm entrusting the rear to you. State affairs are complex, and military matters are urgent. If there are any difficult decisions, consult with Wenhe, Tiezhu, and Xiaoxiao. As for Pang De in the Northern Frontier, I have secretly instructed him to consult you on matters."
Murong Mingyue grasped his hand in return, her eyes filled with both reluctance and determination: "My husband, go south in peace. With me here, the rear will be secure. But... swords have no eyes, and you will be on the battlefield. Please take care. My child and I will wait for your return."
Chen Xing pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead: "Wait for my triumphant return."
Two days later, Chen Xing led the main force of 20,000 troops, setting off from the capital after a swearing-in ceremony. Banners blotted out the sun, armor gleamed, and the newly cast royal banner bearing the character "Xing" fluttered in the cold wind. Chen Xing, clad in golden armor and a red robe, rode his magnificent black steed, surrounded by thousands of soldiers, slowly making his way south. Inside and outside the capital, soldiers and civilians knelt along the roadsides, praying for the royal army's swift victory.