Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 219 The Moon is Slightly Ill

While the war and pacification efforts raged on the south bank of the Yangtze River, Chang'an, the northern capital of the Xingqi Empire, a thousand miles away, was immersed in a relatively peaceful and orderly atmosphere. The southern expedition was a matter of national importance, and the eyes of the court and the public were mostly focused on the front lines, but Empress Murong, who remained to oversee the country, bore a heavy burden on her shoulders.

Weiyang Palace, a side hall of Xuanzheng Hall. This place has been temporarily converted into the Empress's office for handling state affairs. The furnishings inside are still magnificent, but with a touch more solemnity and practicality. The huge map has been replaced with a map of the entire empire and the situation of the southern expedition. On the desk are piled up not only the usual memorials, but also military reports from the southern expeditionary camp, documents on the allocation of funds and provisions, and urgent matters from various places that require the central government's decision.

Murong Mingyue sat upright behind her desk, dressed in a black robe with phoenix patterns. Her black hair was styled into an elegant high bun, adorned only with a golden phoenix hairpin. Her brows and eyes still held their usual firmness and clarity, but deep within them, a hint of weariness was faintly visible. In her hand, she held a memorial regarding the requests from several recently surrendered grassland tribes in the northern frontier to engage in trade and to send artisans to teach them city-building techniques. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she pondered how to respond in a way that would both demonstrate the benevolence of the Celestial Empire and align with the court's long-term strategy of "divide and rule, and gradually Sinicize" the grasslands.

After Chen Xing personally led his army into battle, she, as Empress, formed a cabinet with Grand Secretary Jia Wen, Minister of Works Zhao Tiezhu, and several other important officials, effectively managing state affairs. Court meetings were held every five days, and daily government affairs were discussed by the cabinet before she made the final approvals or affixed her seal. Although she came from a military family and had fought alongside her father in her early years, since becoming Chen Xing's wife, and especially since becoming regent, she had diligently studied government affairs for many years. Coupled with her innate intelligence and decisive yet measured approach, she gradually developed the demeanor of an empress, capable of ruling the court and governing the empire.

However, perhaps due to the months of exhaustion, having to stabilize the rear, ensure supplies to the front, balance the various forces in the court, deal with sudden natural and man-made disasters, and constantly worry about her husband who was far away in Jiangnan, braving arrows and stones... the mental and physical exhaustion was far greater than when she was charging into battle on the battlefield in the past.

Just as she was about to pick up her pen to write a reply, a familiar, subtle stinging pain suddenly struck below her left scapula, causing her fingers holding the pen to tremble involuntarily, and a drop of thick ink splashed onto the edge of the memorial.

This old wound was inflicted by a stray arrow when she accompanied her father on a campaign against the northern barbarian tribes in her early years. Although it was treated by renowned doctors and did not damage the root of the problem, it would ache whenever she was overworked or in cold, damp weather, reminding her of those years of war. Recently, as autumn deepened in Chang'an and rains continued, she was busy with official duties and had not had time to rest properly, so this old ailment began to flare up again.

Seeing this, the female official standing to the side quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, is your old injury aggravated? Should we summon the imperial physician to take a look? You have been working at your desk for two hours straight; you should rest for a while."

Murong Mingyue waved her hand, took a deep breath, and forcefully suppressed the stinging pain, her expression returning to normal: "It's nothing, just an old ailment. This memorial regarding the Northern Frontier trade is extremely important and needs to be approved as soon as possible to avoid arousing suspicion among the tribes of the grasslands." She dipped her brush in ink again, carefully removing the splattered ink, and continued writing her comments, her handwriting still upright and powerful, as if her earlier lapse in composure had never occurred.

However, that afternoon, while listening to the Ministry of Revenue's report on the new plan for transporting grain from the south, the lingering pain returned, this time clearer and more persistent than before, even causing a fine layer of cold sweat to bead on her forehead. She forced herself to listen to the report, gave some general instructions, and then, citing a slight illness, ended the small court meeting early.

Back in her palace, she dismissed everyone except her most trusted old nanny. After removing her heavy phoenix crown and elaborate outer robe, Murong Mingyue gently leaned against the soft couch, a genuine weariness and pain showing between her brows.

"Your Majesty, the pain seems more severe than before. Perhaps we should have Physician Liu from the Imperial Medical Bureau take a look. He is skilled in treating old injuries," the old nanny advised with concern.

Murong Mingyue closed her eyes and paused for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Physician Liu is too old; there's no need to alarm him. Just summon a regular imperial physician to prescribe some remedies to warm the meridians, dispel cold, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain. I know my own injury; rest quietly for a couple of days and avoid strenuous activity, and I'll be fine. Remember, this matter must not be made public, especially not to His Majesty at the front lines."

She knew that Chen Xing was in a dangerous place and shouldered the heavy responsibility of unifying the world. How could she let him be distracted and worried because of her "minor illness"? She was even less willing to cause unnecessary speculation and discussion in the court and among the people because of her.

However, the Empress's poor health, no matter how discreetly she tried to conceal it, could not completely hide it from those with ulterior motives both inside and outside the palace. The Imperial Medical Bureau's records showed that the Empress had suspended some non-essential audiences and meetings; these subtle changes still managed to quietly leak out through certain channels.

A few days later, an encrypted report from the Chang'an Censorate's garrison, mixed among a pile of routine administrative documents, was delivered by express horse to the Flying Tiger Pass camp in Jiangnan. The report routinely reported on the recent stability of the court in Chang'an and the smooth transfer of supplies. At the end, it mentioned in a seemingly casual stroke: "...Her Majesty the Empress has been slightly unwell. The Imperial Physicians have been taking her pulse daily, saying that it is due to an old injury caused by overwork. She has been prescribed medicine for recuperation and there is no serious problem. The affairs of state are proceeding as usual."

This seemingly casual remark struck Chen Xing, who was discussing the next steps in the all-out attack on Caishiji with Jia Wen, Chen Wei, and others, like a heavy blow.

He held the report, reading it over and over again, his brows gradually furrowing. His fingers unconsciously traced the edges of the paper, as if he could feel through the cold words the figure of his wife, thousands of miles away, enduring her illness and still struggling to hold on.

Old injury... caused by overwork...

How could he not know of Murong Mingyue's old wounds? They were the marks she left in her early years, fighting alongside her father to build the foundation of his Xinghuo Fortress and for the sake of the world. These past years, as Empress, she had seemingly enjoyed great power and prestige, but in reality, she had toiled tirelessly both inside and outside the palace, especially after his personal military campaigns, when the responsibility of overseeing the country weighed immensely. She was also strong-willed, striving for perfection in everything and refusing to delegate to others. Behind this "tireless" life lay countless sleepless nights and exhausting efforts.

"Your Majesty?" Jia Wen noticed that Chen Xing's expression was unusual and called out softly.

Chen Xing handed him the report, his voice low: "Mingyue... the Empress is in Chang'an, her old wounds have relapsed."

Jia Wen quickly read through the report and understood. He carefully chose his words and said, "Your Majesty, since the report states 'there is no serious problem,' and Her Majesty the Empress is known for her strong will, and with the Imperial Physicians' meticulous care, she should be fine. Your Majesty is concerned with the overall situation of the southern expedition, and this is a crucial moment..."

Chen Xing raised his hand to stop him. He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed in the direction of Chang'an in the north, remaining silent for a long time. The hall fell into silence, with only the occasional crackling of the candlelight.

He understood Jia Wen's meaning. The battle at Caishiji was at a stalemate, and the matter of pacification was crucial. As the emperor, it was indeed inappropriate for him to leave the front lines at this time. Reason told him that national affairs should take precedence, and he trusted that Mingyue could take good care of herself and that the officials remaining behind could handle the government affairs well.

But… that was Mingyue. She was his wife, whom he had known since their humble beginnings, who had stood shoulder to shoulder with him through thick and thin, through thick and thin. She was his wise and capable wife, who had stabilized the home front and raised their children while he was fighting on all fronts. He knew her strength better than anyone else, but it was precisely because of this that he understood even more clearly that a “minor ailment” that the Censorate had specifically mentioned was probably no ordinary illness.

National affairs, family affairs, and world affairs collided fiercely in his mind at one moment.

After a long while, Chen Xing turned around, his eyes clearing again, but deep within that clarity was an unwavering determination.

"Jia Qing, Chen Wei." His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. "The general plan for the attack on Caishiji is largely finalized; you can refine the details further. With Lin Wan'er's assistance, the pacification efforts can proceed as planned. I... need to return to Chang'an."

"Your Majesty!" Chen Wei couldn't help but speak up, "Returning to the capital now might shake the morale of the army..."

"I am not abandoning the southern campaign!" Chen Xing declared resolutely. "I will only return for a few days, by fast horse and light cavalry, the round trip will take no more than ten days. Once I have personally confirmed that the Empress is safe and well and that arrangements are in place, I will return immediately! You will have full command of the frontline military affairs, assisted by generals Shen Qing, Dian Xiong, and others. Act according to the established strategy, proceed steadily and surely, and do not be rash. While I am away, Jia Wen will make all decisions regarding the affairs of the expeditionary force."

He looked at the two senior ministers, his tone softening but becoming even more somber: "The Empress and I are not only husband and wife, but also the foundation of the empire. If she is unwell, I will be uneasy, and what good will that do for the country? I believe in you two, that you can stabilize the front lines. I must also return to put her mind at ease, and to put my own mind at ease as well."

Having said all that, Chen Wei and Jia Wen knew further persuasion was futile. The Emperor was deeply sentimental, especially towards Empress Murong; his affection and loyalty were known throughout the court and the public. Insisting on returning to the capital at this moment, while risky, might actually unsettle the Emperor and have a greater negative impact.

"Your humble servants... obey the imperial decree." The two bowed and accepted the order.

Chen Xing said no more and immediately summoned the commander of his personal guards, ordering the preparation of five hundred of the most elite Imperial Guard light cavalry, with two horses ready, to depart at dawn the next day and head north at the fastest speed.

That night, Chen Xing personally wrote a short letter under the lamp and entrusted it to a messenger to be sent to Chang'an as quickly as possible. The letter contained only a few words: "Mingyue, I heard that you are slightly unwell, and I am very worried about you. The military affairs are temporarily settled, and I will return today. Take care of yourself and wait for me."

After writing, he sealed the letter and looked out the window at the southern night sky. In the direction of Caishiji, flickering lights could be seen. He knew that his departure would bring even greater pressure to the front lines. But he also knew that some people and things were more important than the outcome of a battle.