Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 178 Murong Regent

Even before the banners of Chen Xing's central army had completely disappeared on the northern horizon, the atmosphere of excitement and restlessness within the capital city of Xing Kingdom quickly subsided, transforming into a more focused and subdued busyness. The center of power, though having moved south with the imperial entourage, had not dissipated, but rather, under the leadership of Queen Murong Mingyue, was being re-established and re-operated in a completely new way.

The title of "Regent" carried immense weight. It was not merely an honorary title, but a real exercise of royal power, especially during this critical period marked by the ignition of war. Murong Mingyue was acutely aware of the burden on her shoulders. Her husband had entrusted her with the rear and the foundation of the nation; this was not just trust, but a severe test. She was not only Chen Xing's wife and the Crown Prince's mother, but at this moment, she was also the temporary holder of the highest power in the north of Xing Kingdom.

The court assembly at Chengyun Hall was not interrupted by Chen Xing's departure from the capital; however, the main seat remained vacant, and Murong Mingyue sat beside the steps, observing the proceedings from behind a curtain—a system of etiquette insisted upon by Jia Wen, reflecting the dignity of the regent while subtly avoiding the direct confrontation of a "female ruler." Presiding over the court alone for the first time, Murong Mingyue felt no trepidation, only a calm as still as an icy lake. Having witnessed power struggles in the grassland tribes with her father and brothers since childhood, and later fighting alongside Chen Xing in cavalry command, she was no longer an ordinary young lady. While she disliked the intrigue and power struggles of the court, she was not entirely unfamiliar with them.

Today's court meeting will focus primarily on the logistical support for the southern expeditionary force and the defense of the northern frontier.

The Minister of War reported: "Your Majesty, the King's vanguard has reached Wancheng, and the supply routes are clear. However, according to General Chen's urgent report, the grain stored in the southern border is only enough for three months. Further transport needs to be planned urgently. In addition, General Pang De reported from the northern frontier that the Snow Wolf Clan's scouts have been active recently, suggesting some unusual activity. Several disguised spies have been captured at the border."

The Minister of Revenue stepped forward and said, "Lord Su of the Imperial Household Department has already allocated the first batch of 100,000 shi of emergency grain, which is being transported south in batches by canal and land. However, several counties in the north have also suffered from snow disasters this winter, requiring relief, which has doubled the expenditure of the national treasury. The subsequent expenses for the army will need to be carefully calculated."

Murong Mingyue sat upright behind the curtain, her voice clear and steady as it came through the beaded curtain: "Supplies are the lifeblood of the army and cannot be lost. Minister Zhao, together with Lady Su of the Imperial Household Department, immediately calculate how much of the national treasury's reserves are available for disaster relief and maintaining the operation of various government offices, after ensuring at least four months' worth of supplies for the southern expeditionary army and the provisions for the northern border defense. I need precise figures; report back to me within two days."

"To General Pang De," she paused briefly, "Issue the order: all fortresses and strongholds in the northern frontier shall be placed on Level Two alert, with scouts and patrols doubled to closely monitor the movements of the Snow Wolf Clan. Grant General Pang De the authority to make decisions on the spot. If small groups of enemy cavalry cross the border to harass, he may resolutely counterattack; if a large force moves unusually, he shall hold his ground and await reinforcements, while simultaneously reporting to the capital immediately. In addition, transfer a batch of powerful bows and crossbows and winter clothing from the capital's armory and send them to the northern frontier immediately."

Her instructions were well-organized, taking into account both the needs of the front lines and the stability and potential threats in the rear, while also granting appropriate authority to the frontline generals, demonstrating her outstanding overall vision and decisiveness. Many ministers in the hall who had previously harbored doubts or were hesitant about the "Queen's Regent" nodded in approval upon hearing her words.

Jia Wenli, standing at the head of the civil officials, with his eyes slightly lowered, stepped forward and added, "Your Majesty is wise. The southern expeditionary army is far from home, and the transmission of messages is inevitably delayed. I suggest that, in addition to the regular postal relays, the secret carrier pigeons reserved by the Censorate should be used for the urgent transmission of military intelligence between the capital and the King's central army, as well as between the capital and General Chen's vanguard, in order to ensure speed."

"Approved." Murong Mingyue replied without hesitation. "Jia Lingjun will be fully responsible for this matter. He must ensure the passage is safe and swift."

"Furthermore," Jia Wen continued, "His Majesty's southern campaign has drawn the attention of the entire nation. The capital city is the foundation of the country, and should be outwardly relaxed but inwardly vigilant. I have already ordered the Censorate to strengthen security in the capital city and surrounding key locations, and to monitor the movements of spies from various factions. However, public opinion also needs to be guided. Should we order the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory to release news at an opportune time that the royal army's advance is progressing smoothly and that the people and soldiers of the southern border are supportive, in order to reassure the public and also confuse the judgment of the southern coalition forces?"

Murong Mingyue pondered for a moment and said, "Alright. However, the information must be based on facts and cannot be made out of thin air. As for the specifics, Lord Jia should discuss them with the Ministry of Rites and the Grand Astrologer, and then report back to me."

The court meeting lasted for nearly an hour, with all the important military and political matters being discussed and decided. Murong Mingyue did not engage in lengthy discourses; rather, after listening to the reports and debates of her ministers, she could grasp the crux of the matter and make clear decisions. Her words were concise, yet she possessed an undeniable air of authority. This was not a deliberate imitation of Chen Xing's majesty, but rather stemmed from the decisiveness and confidence honed by her years of military service, as well as the natural sense of responsibility that arose as the regent at this moment.

After the court session ended, Murong Mingyue did not return to the inner palace. Instead, she moved to the side hall of the Qin Zheng Hall, where Chen Xing usually handled confidential matters. This place temporarily served as her "office for overseeing state affairs." Her desk was piled high with memorials and documents from various parties. She changed out of her elaborate court robes and into a practical Hu-style outfit, and began to review them.

The first document delivered was Su Xiaoxiao's detailed report on the allocation of grain and the current state of the national treasury, with clear data and specific suggestions. Murong Mingyue carefully reviewed it and wrote a reply: "Request approved. Disaster relief funds can be partially drawn from the Imperial Treasury's 'Emergency Treasury' to ensure that disaster victims can get through the winter without suffering from cold or hunger. The grain transport to the south must be escorted by capable officials, and the prefectures and counties along the route must fully cooperate. Any delays or withholdings will be severely punished." She specifically circled the words "severely punished."

Next came a secret report from Pang De of the Northern Frontier. Besides reporting on military affairs, it also mentioned that some leaders of the Hu tribes who had submitted to the Hu were complaining slightly due to the shortage of winter supplies. Murong Mingyue pondered for a moment, then summoned the eunuch on duty: "Order the Imperial Household Department to allocate a batch of salt, tea, and cloth. Have the Supervisory Office send someone to deliver it to General Pang De immediately, under the guise of 'the Queen's winter reward,' so that he can distribute it to those leaders. Also, inform Pang De that you can promise him priority in border trade with these tribes after spring."

After handling these urgent government affairs, it was already afternoon. She quickly ate a simple meal and then went to the "Military Equipment Hall" near the palace wall—now the central hub for coordinating military affairs during the regency. Before heading south, Chen Wei left his deputy and some staff officers there to handle military situations in various regions and convey the regency's instructions.

Murong Mingyue listened to the routine reports from the garrisons in various regions and personally inspected the latest progress report on the new army's training. She said to the general in charge of the new army's training: "His Majesty values ​​the new army, as they are the future pillars of our country. Training must be rigorous, but we must also be considerate of the soldiers, ensuring their food and clothing, and clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments. If there are any difficulties, you can report them directly to me."

As the palace lanterns were lit, Murong Mingyue, her back still straight but slightly weary, returned to the inner palace. She didn't rest immediately, but first checked on the sleeping prince, gently stroking his soft cheek, a tenderness and determination flashing in her eyes. Then, she returned to her study, and by candlelight, once again perused the map of the south, analyzing possible battles and considering what oversights needed to be addressed.

She knew that as "Regent," she couldn't simply follow the rules and maintain the status quo. She had to ensure the rear was rock-solid, the front lines were secure, and even… make thorough preparations for any unforeseen events before the king's return. This was her responsibility, and the strongest support she could offer her husband on his expedition.