Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 221 Stabilizing the Rear

Chen Xing's stay in Chang'an was destined to be a brief but efficient glimpse. The emperor and empress were deeply in love and reluctant to part, but he also bore the heavy responsibility of unifying the world. The war in Jiangnan would not cease for the sake of the emperor's personal feelings.

After confirming that Murong Mingyue's old injuries had healed well after careful treatment by the imperial physicians and that her spirits had recovered considerably, Chen Xing immediately devoted all his energy to sorting out and arranging the affairs of those left behind.

He did not convene a grand court assembly to avoid unnecessary speculation, but instead handled the matter discreetly by stating that "His Majesty is resting briefly on the way back from inspecting the troops." For two consecutive days, he summoned several vice ministers, heads of the six ministries, and rotating senior officials from the Privy Council and the Grand Council in batches in the warm pavilion behind the Xuanzheng Hall.

The agenda was clear and well-organized, getting straight to the point:

I. It is reiterated that the southern expedition is the top priority of the current national policy, and all government orders and resources must continue to prioritize the front line, without any hesitation or change due to the emperor's brief return.

Second, the decision-making process for court affairs during Empress Murong Mingyue's recovery is clarified. Routine government affairs will be handled jointly by the three vice-ministers and the six ministries. Matters not involving fundamental systems, major personnel appointments, or extraordinary transfers of funds and provisions need not be reported to the Empress for a decision, thus reducing her burden. However, all important decisions must be copied and sent to the Empress for her information.

Third, expedite the return of Consort Su Xiaoxiao from the southern expeditionary camp to Chang'an. Chen Xing personally wrote an edict ordering Su Xiaoxiao to immediately return north after handing over the camp's finances and provisions. In her capacity as Minister of Revenue, she would assist the Empress in overseeing the overall allocation of rear-area resources and managing parts of the inner court and imperial finances. This demonstrated both trust in Su Xiaoxiao's abilities and tangible support for Murong Mingyue.

Fourth, the Imperial Censorate and all guards in the capital are strictly ordered to strengthen patrols and closely monitor the situation to prevent any rumors or misconduct that may arise while the Emperor is away from the capital or the Empress is unwell, and to ensure the absolute stability of Chang'an and the surrounding area.

Fifth, he personally inquired about the studies of the Crown Prince and several young princes, instructed the Grand Tutor and the Imperial Lecturers to do their best, and took half a day to examine the Crown Prince's studies and give him encouragement.

These arrangements not only demonstrated consideration and protection for Murong Mingyue, but also ensured the continued stable operation of the imperial center during his absence. Furthermore, they conveyed a clear signal that although the emperor had briefly returned to the capital, his determination to launch the southern campaign remained undiminished, and his control over the rear remained firm.

Although Murong Mingyue was reluctant to part with him, she knew the greater good was paramount. Unlike most women, she didn't try to keep him. Instead, during a break from Chen Xing's official duties, she personally packed his belongings, checked his warm clothing, and carefully wrapped the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician to refresh him and relieve fatigue, placing it in his personal pouch. Although their time together was short, it was filled with tacit understanding and warmth; many words were unnecessary.

On the morning of the third day, before dawn, Chen Xing once again donned his dark, dust-stained outfit. At a secluded side gate of the Weiyang Palace, he bid farewell to Murong Mingyue, who had come to see him off.

"Your Majesty, please be careful on your journey." Murong Mingyue tightened the sash of his cloak, her voice soft yet firm. "While I am in Chang'an, I will certainly do my duty to stabilize the rear and ensure Your Majesty has no worries. The situation at the front is constantly changing, Your Majesty must not be too hasty and must take care of your health."

Chen Xing held her hand, looked at her deeply, his gaze filled with both tenderness and a plea: "I know. Take good care of yourself in Chang'an, and don't overwork yourself. Su Xiaoxiao will be back soon to share your burdens. If you encounter any difficult decisions, or if you feel unwell again, be sure to send me a message immediately."

"Mm." Murong Mingyue nodded, suppressing the stinging feeling in her nose, and smiled. "This concubine awaits news of Your Majesty's triumphant return."

Without another word, Chen Xing mounted his horse, nodded to the important officials who had come to see him off, gave a soft shout, and led his five hundred Imperial Guards, now fully rested and in high spirits, like arrows released from a bow, into the still-lingering morning mist of Chang'an, galloping southward.

The return journey was equally swift. When Chen Xing and his group reappeared at the Flying Tiger Pass camp, covered in dust but high in morale, only fifteen days had passed since he left.

During these fifteen days, the battle situation in Jiangnan was indeed as Chen Xing had hoped before his departure and as Jia Wen and Chen Wei had assured him—"as stable as a rock," and even made progress in some aspects.

Upon returning to the headquarters, Chen Xing, without even having time to change his clothes or wash up, immediately summoned key generals such as Jia Wen, Chen Wei, Shen Qing, and Dian Xiong, as well as Lin Wan'er, to hear a detailed report on the military situation during his absence.

Jia Wen first reported: "During Your Majesty's return to the capital, we, your subjects, strictly followed Your Majesty's decree and adopted a strategy of 'encirclement without attack, high-pressure encirclement and surrender' against the main stronghold of Caishiji. Our army, based at Feihu Pass, continuously extended its controlled area to the west and south, and also eliminated three outer fortifications of the allied forces, further isolating the main stronghold of Caishiji. At the same time, the navy continued to patrol the river, blocking the exit of its water fortress, and used heavy crossbows from warships to conduct deterrent bombardments from time to time, harassing its shore defenses. The defenders of Caishiji attempted to organize counterattacks several times to recapture the outer strongholds, but were all repelled by our army, suffering considerable losses. Now their morale is even lower, and they are holed up and unwilling to come out."

Chen Wei then reported on the army's situation: "Our landing zone has been secured and expanded, extending more than twenty miles in depth. The passage to the rear riverbank is unobstructed, and the transfer of supplies is smooth. The 20,000 fresh troops who landed have completed their rest and are ready to be deployed at any time. Although General Dian Xiong's elite troops have fought a bloody battle, they have been replenished in time, and their combat strength has been basically restored. In addition, based on the clues and strategies provided by Counselor Lin, our army, in coordination with the pacification efforts, conducted 'armed patrols' of several surrounding counties that had previously been ambiguous in their attitudes. Three more local garrisons and officials surrendered upon hearing the news, further expanding the area under our control."

Shen Qing reported on the naval movements and the control of the river. Everything was normal. The main force of the Southern Dynasty's navy was still constrained by the pressure from the western detachment and Caishiji, and dared not make a large-scale eastward transfer.

Lin Wan'er concluded her report on the progress of the pacification efforts: "Your Majesty, the Zhao family of Danyang has had a very positive impact since their submission. Recently, two middle-class aristocratic families from Wu County and a wealthy maritime merchant from Kuaiji have secretly contacted us, expressing their willingness to follow the Zhao family's example. I have responded and appeased them according to the established strategy, and have begun to draft specific procedures for receiving some of their granaries and fleets for military use. In addition, the Censorate has secretly reported that the internal disputes within the Allied Forces are becoming increasingly intense due to pressure on the western front and the predicament on the eastern front. There seem to be signs that the Jingxiang and Lingnan regions are conserving their strength and contracting their defenses."

Listening to these reports, Chen Xing's fatigue from days of travel seemed to vanish, and a sharp light rekindled in his eyes. The situation was even more favorable than when he left; the frontline commanders were performing their duties diligently and cooperating seamlessly, executing his strategic intentions perfectly. The pacification efforts, under Lin Wan'er's management, were also highly effective, gradually eroding the social foundation of the allied forces.

"My lords, you have all worked hard!" Chen Xing said loudly, his tone full of satisfaction and affirmation. "In the half month I was away, not only did the front lines remain unchanged, but they also made steady progress and even greater advances! This is all thanks to the concerted efforts of my lords and the bravery of my soldiers! Minister Jia and Minister Chen have made excellent overall plans, Minister Shen has controlled the river, Minister Dian has been a pillar at the front, and Counselor Lin has been adept at winning hearts and minds. I am very pleased!"

He walked to the huge map of Jiangnan, his gaze once again fixed on Caishiji: "Now, Caishiji is an isolated island, cracks have appeared within the allied forces, our army's morale is high, and we have ample reinforcements and supplies. It seems it's time to deliver the final blow to this most important fortress on the eastern front of the Southern Dynasty, and the last pillar of Xiao Jingyan's confidence!"

He turned around, his gaze blazing: "Issue my decree: the entire army shall rest for a day to inspect its weaponry. At dawn the day after tomorrow, launch a general offensive against the main stronghold of Caishiji! I want to witness with my own eyes how this so-called 'natural barrier of the Yangtze River, the key to Nanjing' crumbles under the might of my Xingqi royal army!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!" The generals responded in unison, their fighting spirit instantly ignited.