Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 202 Strategies for the Royal City

Murong Mingyue's order and encrypted military report were delivered to the Star Kingdom's capital in just six days by a messenger on two horses, traveling day and night along the newly repaired northern border road. The messenger changed horses along the way but not the riders.

When the secret letter, tinged with the frost of the north and a faint scent of blood, along with a partial copy of Tuomu's confession, was rushed into the Chengyun Hall, Chen Xing was discussing with several officials from the Ministry of Works the budget for the extension of several major official roads and water conservancy projects after the spring of the following year. He dismissed the officials, and alone, he opened the copper tube sealed with sealing wax, took out the letter inside, and quickly skimmed through it.

At first, his brows furrowed slightly, relieved by the initial victory at Juma Fortress, but his heart tightened again at the thought of Murong Mingyue personally leading the battle from such a dangerous location. When he saw the results of the interrogation, especially the vague clues about the "possible infiltration from the west" and the "people from the south," his eyes suddenly sharpened like knives, and his previous worries were instantly replaced by deeper contemplation.

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately ordered: "Summon Minister Jia Wen, Director of the Imperial Household Department Su Xiaoxiao, and General Chen Wei to the palace for a meeting. Also, summon the Chief of the Military Affairs Department and the Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs to the Military Equipment Hall with the latest complete maps of the northern frontier and the northern border of Xiliang to await orders."

In less than half an hour, the several high-ranking officials who had received the urgent summons had gathered at the Military Preparations Hall. The hall was well-lit with charcoal fires, but this could not dispel the solemnity between the officials' brows. A huge composite map of the northern frontier and the western Liang border had been hung up, densely marked with cities, fortresses, mountains, rivers, and the known areas of tribal activity.

Without exchanging pleasantries, Chen Xing directly relayed the key points of Murong Mingyue's military report to everyone and circulated a copy of the confession.

"...That's the situation." Chen Xing stood with his hands behind his back in front of the map, his voice deep and slow. "The early battle at the beginning of the month stabilized the Juma Fort defense line and dampened the enemy's morale, a truly great achievement. However, the threat from the Snow Wolf tribe is likely not limited to one route. Wuwei is violent and cunning. If, as the prisoners say, he intends to seek out the dangerous western route and attempt a flanking maneuver, then our northern defense line, especially the flanks of the newly annexed Xiliang territory, will be wide open! At that time, his iron cavalry can advance south along the mountain valleys, plunder Longxi, and even threaten the heartland of Liangzhou, leaving us unable to defend both ends."

He pointed sharply to the blank area on the map west of Langjuxu Mountain, marked by dotted lines and crisscrossed by mountains: "This area is where our defenses are weak and the geography is unclear, posing the greatest hidden danger!"

Jia Wen stroked his sparse beard, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed as he stared at the map. He slowly said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The Uwei suffered a setback in their first battle. Forcibly attacking a fortified city is neither their wish nor in line with their nomadic nature. Instead, they are seeking a secluded route to outflank us, harass our rear, and cut off our supply lines. This is the only logical course of action. If this route is open, the mobility of their cavalry will be fully utilized, while our infantry's advantage in defending cities will be completely lost. What is even more worrying is..." He paused, lowering his voice, "The military report mentions 'people coming from the south'... If this is true, then there is something fishy about it. They are probably not just merchants or refugees. The Southern Dynasty has just suffered a defeat and is still in shock. They are most afraid that after our Star Kingdom stabilizes its northern border, it will focus all its efforts on the south. If they secretly send envoys, luring us with benefits, or even posing as merchants, to provide the Uwei with some information about our border situation, maps, or even guides... then the danger on this western route will be far greater than anticipated."

Chen Wei, his face grim, replied, "Your Majesty, Minister Jia's concerns are not without merit. Xiliang is newly pacified, and the people's hearts are not yet fully won over. The garrison is mostly deployed in major cities and old border fortresses, with limited control over the remote, mountainous regions of the north. If the elite Snow Wolf Clan, even several thousand cavalry, does indeed find a secret passage southward, initially raiding and harassing, destroying farmland, intercepting messengers, and creating panic, it will not only destabilize Xiliang but also tie down a large number of our troops, greatly increasing the pressure on the northern frontier. We must immediately strengthen reconnaissance and defenses on the western route!"

Su Xiaoxiao had been listening quietly until now, when she finally spoke, her voice clear and calm: "Your Majesty, gentlemen. If the war in the northern frontier drags on, or if the battle lines expand, the expenditure on money and provisions will inevitably increase dramatically. Currently, the annual revenue of the Imperial Treasury, the profits from sea salt are gradually increasing, and commercial taxes are also steadily growing, which is sufficient to support the existing northern frontier defenses and the expenses of the royal city. However, if a new battlefield is opened on the western front, or if the war is extended to next spring or even longer, then we will need to re-evaluate the budget, either by increasing taxes, using reserves, or finding new sources of revenue. Moreover, the transportation of military equipment, winter clothing, and medicines will be much longer and the terrain more difficult if the western route is opened, and losses and costs will also increase significantly. We need to make plans as soon as possible."

As Chen Xing listened to the three senior officials analyze the situation from different perspectives, the overall picture became clearer in his mind. He remained silent for a moment, then his gaze swept across the map again, finally settling on the point symbolizing the capital city, before slowly moving southward toward the winding Yangtze River.

"Your concerns are all spot on," Chen Xing said in a deep voice. "Uwei and his Snow Wolf Clan are no longer a minor ailment, but a serious threat. Moreover, their possible connections with the Southern Dynasty further increase the danger. The countermeasures must be two-pronged, or even multi-pronged."

He turned to Chen Wei: "General, immediately issue two orders in the name of the Military Council. First, order Murong Mingyue to continue consolidating the Juma Fort line, and to intensify the westward search efforts at all costs, to thoroughly investigate all possible valleys, passes, and glacial routes between Langjuxu Mountain and the northern border wall of Xiliang, draw detailed maps, and assess their difficulty of passage and seasonal variations. Second, order the Xiliang Governor's Office to immediately select elite troops to form several 'Mountain Patrol Battalions,' equipped with guides familiar with the local mountain conditions, to strengthen patrols and vigilance in the northern and northwestern mountainous areas, to build simple beacon towers and sentry posts at key passes, and to stockpile some supplies. In addition, to secretly recruit or employ local hunters and herb gatherers familiar with the deep mountains and forests, offering them high rewards, to act as their eyes and ears."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Chen Wei clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.

Chen Xing then looked at Jia Wen: "Minister Jia, regarding the Censorate: First, all stations in the Northern Frontier must fully cooperate with Mingyue to investigate any possible leads regarding 'people from the South,' ascertaining their identities, purposes, and the extent of their contact with Wuwei. If any traces are found, take steps to capture or eliminate them. Second, within Xiliang, strengthen the surveillance of newly annexed officials, generals, and local powerful figures, strictly preventing them from harboring rebellious intentions due to the war in the Northern Frontier or potential threats from the Western Route, and from secretly colluding with the enemy. Third, in the South… intensify the monitoring of the Southern Dynasty court and the border prefectures, especially regarding any signs of secret dealings with the Northern Hu tribes."

Jia Wen bowed: "This old minister understands. Such underhanded tricks are precisely the work of the head of the Censorate. Your Majesty, rest assured, we will ensure they have nowhere to hide."

Finally, Chen Xing looked at Su Xiaoxiao and said, "Minister Su, the Imperial Household Department must immediately begin three tasks. First, recalculate the revenue and expenditure for the next six months to a year, taking into account the possibility of a prolonged war in the northern frontier and the potential opening of the western front. Develop multiple budget plans to ensure a continuous supply of money, food, and materials. If necessary… consider using part of the maritime trade reserve fund, or issue a tranche of 'border defense bonds' to wealthy merchants and large corporations within the country, offering reasonable interest rates. Second, optimize the transport routes for grain, provisions, and military equipment. Explore the possibility of utilizing the newly opened Bohai-Liaoxi coastal route to increase the transport of supplies to Liaoxi County, which can then be transported overland to the western frontier in the northern frontier, thus alleviating some of the pressure on the land routes. Third, the increase in sea salt production must be accelerated, as this is the cornerstone of stable revenue."

Su Xiaoxiao solemnly replied, "Your Majesty, I obey. The budget proposal will be submitted within three days. Regarding the feasibility of sea transport, I will immediately discuss it with the Water Equipment Department of the Imperial Workshop and merchants familiar with the sea conditions. The expansion plan for the sea salt fields is already underway, and I will personally supervise its implementation."

Chen Xing nodded slightly, satisfied with the three men's reaction and execution. He walked to the window, gazing at the somewhat desolate winter courtyard of the royal city, and slowly said, "The key to the situation in the Northern Frontier lies in 'time.' Uwei needs time to find the western route, integrate his vassals, and perhaps even negotiate with the Southern Dynasty. As for us, we need to get ahead of him, block the western route, stabilize Xiliang, and at the same time continue to put pressure on him head-on, preventing him from making timely adjustments."

He turned around, his gaze intense: "Mingyue at Juma Fortress is the shield and spearhead at the forefront. Our task is to secure her rear, eliminate potential threats on her flanks, and provide ample support. This battle is not only a military contest, but also a test of national strength, strategy, and endurance. Tell every soldier in the Northern Frontier and Western Liang that the royal city stands with them, and the millions of people of Xing Kingdom stand with them. Defending the land and securing the borders is a meritorious deed for the present and a benefit for future generations!"

"Your Majesty's instructions will be remembered!" Jia Wen, Chen Wei, and Su Xiaoxiao replied in unison, their hearts filled with excitement.

The meeting continued until nightfall. More specific and detailed instructions were issued from the Armory, reaching various parts of the Star Nation through different channels, especially the north and west. The vast state apparatus accelerated its operations due to new intelligence regarding the threat from the northern border.

When Chen Xing returned to his palace, it was already late at night. He stood under the eaves, gazing at the northern sky, where the stars were obscured by thin clouds, dim and indistinct. He knew that at this moment, Juma Fortress must be a hundred times colder than the royal city, with war clouds gathering. His wife and his unborn child were there, facing the most dangerous enemy for him and for the country.

"Mingyue, hold on. Soon, you'll receive reinforcements, the western route will be blocked, and Uwei's plot will fail." He muttered to himself, his fist slowly clenching. "Once we've dealt with the wolves of the northern frontier and quelled the internal strife, then it will be time for us... to cross the Yangtze River and unify the world!"