Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 240 The Legacy of Zhuge Liang

At Chen Xing's command, the Xingqi Army, a sophisticated and efficient war machine, immediately began intensive yet extremely covert preparations centered around the core strategy of "fire attack".

In a secluded bay north of Hukou, the craftsmen and selected sailors of the Jinghai Navy, under the close supervision of Shen Qing's trusted generals, worked day and night to complete a project. Dozens of captured or requisitioned small and medium-sized boats were towed into the bay for modification. The boats were piled high with bundles of dry firewood and reeds soaked in fish oil and pine resin, as well as large quantities of flammable and explosive materials such as sulfur and saltpeter. Sharp iron spikes were fixed to the bows, and the rudders were temporarily fixed or set to go straight, waiting for the opportune moment when daredevils would pilot them downwind to the enemy lines, set them ablaze, and then the crew would escape in small boats. These "fire ships" were carefully disguised, dispersed, and concealed. Daily patrols and water activities in the Hukou area continued as usual, trying to avoid alerting the Southern Dynasty scouts on the opposite side.

On land, Dian Xiong's Xingqi Army intensified its attacks but changed its strategy. Instead of focusing on a direct assault on Xingzi County, it used elite troops to constantly harass Luo Heng's outer strongholds, conducting frequent feints and small-scale raids. This kept Luo Heng constantly on the move, on edge, unable to determine the main direction of Xingqi's attack, and unable to divert troops to monitor the situation on the lake. Chen Wei's main force, on the other hand, advanced steadily and cautiously, compressing the Southern Dynasty army's defensive space on the north bank of the lake and protecting the naval flanks and the departure points of the fire ships.

Meanwhile, an invisible observation network radiated outwards from Hukou. Following Chen Xing's instructions, more than a dozen observation posts were established at high points, windward slopes, and protruding points along the lakeshore near Hukou. Each post was manned by literate, meticulous sergeants or junior officers, equipped with a simple compass, cloth strips or feathers for measuring wind speed, basic devices for recording temperature and humidity, and standardized recording forms.

They observed and recorded every two hours: wind direction, wind speed, cloud type, cloud cover, temperature changes, perceived humidity, and any unusual weather phenomena. This data was quickly compiled into a specially reserved quiet room next to the headquarters.

Inside the quiet room, a large, simplified map of the Poyang Lake area hung on the wall, marking the locations of various observation posts. Lin Wan'er, leading several skilled scribes, was responsible for promptly transcribing and organizing the flowing data into tables next to the map, and drawing simple curves showing changes in weather elements. The air was filled with the scent of ink and a slightly tense solemnity.

Chen Xing would visit this quiet room several times a day. Sometimes he would stand in front of the charts for a long time, staring at them in silence. Sometimes he would ask Lin Wan'er about the details of certain data. More often, he would just listen quietly to the sound of the wind blowing through the camp flags, or go outside to feel the wind and watch the changing sky.

His actions seemed rather mysterious to senior officials like Jia Wen and Shen Qing, even carrying a mystical air reminiscent of the legendary "Zhuge Liang's wind-prayer ritual." However, they knew that Chen Xing never did anything pointless, nor was he one to create suspense, so they simply suppressed their doubts and fully cooperated.

This was the fifth day of observation. The weather remained clear and cold, with northerly or northwesterly winds still dominating. Although the wind occasionally weakened or shifted slightly, there was still no sign of the expected southeasterly winds. The land battles on the front lines were at a stalemate, the naval confrontation continued, and the conversion of the fire ships was nearing completion. The soldiers were eager to fight, but they were also anxious because "everything was ready except for the east wind."

Inside the quiet room, Chen Xing was deep in thought, staring at the latest data charts. Lin Wan'er stood beside him and reported softly, "Your Majesty, over the past twelve hours, reports from all outposts indicate that the wind direction has remained predominantly northwest-northwest. However, it is worth noting that from 1-3 PM to 3 PM, two observation posts in the eastern part of the lake recorded brief and weak easterly winds, lasting less than half an hour, and with a force of only 'light breeze'. At the same time, cloud maps show that a high-level cloud system is slowly moving eastward from the southwest, but the cloud layer is very thin."

A glint of light flashed in Chen Xing's eyes. He walked to the window and opened it. A cold wind rushed towards him; it was still a north wind, but its force seemed gentler than the previous two days. He stretched out his fingers, feeling the subtle sensation of the airflow brushing against his skin, and then looked up at the southwest horizon. There, indeed, were a few extremely faint, silky wisps of clouds, slowly unfurling in the high sky.

"There are signs that the warm and humid airflow from the southwest is moving northward..." Chen Xing muttered to himself, his mind rapidly colliding and integrating the knowledge from "Elementary Meteorology" with the data from the past few days of observation. "The cold high-pressure ridge in the north has shifted slightly eastward and weakened... The local area is on the edge of the high pressure, the pressure gradient is decreasing, and the wind is weakening... The leading edge of the warm and humid airflow from the southwest is penetrating, bringing high-level clouds and weak easterly disturbances at the lower level... This is a signal."

He turned around, his gaze sharp and bright: "Wan'er, summon Shen Qing, Jia Wen, and Chen Wei to come see me immediately."

A moment later, the three of them arrived at the quiet room. Sensing the unusual atmosphere inside and the calm yet resolute expression on Chen Xing's face, all three of them perked up.

"Your Majesty, could it be..." Shen Qing was most concerned and couldn't help but speak first.

Chen Xing did not answer directly, but pointed to the charts and cloud map records on the wall: "Observations over the past few days have shown that the northerly winds are dominant, but the wind force is showing a weakening trend. Yesterday afternoon, a brief period of weak easterly winds appeared on the eastern side of the lake. Today, thin high-layer clouds are intruding from the southwest. These are all signs of a shift in the weather system."

He walked to the map of Poyang Lake, ran his finger across the lake's surface, and said clearly and confidently, "According to my calculations, in the next two or three days, the cold air mass from the north will continue to move eastward out to sea, its strength further weakening. Meanwhile, the warm and humid air mass from the southwest will strengthen and move northward. The two will converge and confront each other over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, especially over the vast Poyang Lake area."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them: "At that time, the pressure field here will adjust, and the wind direction is highly likely to change. Especially in areas where land and water meet, and where the lake surface is open, the probability of southeasterly winds is very high due to the influence of local circulation!"

"Southeast wind!" Shen Qing gasped. "Your Majesty, can you confirm when? What is the wind's strength? How long will it last?" These are crucial details for the success or failure of the fire attack.

After a moment's contemplation, Chen Xing, combining observational data with theoretical deductions, gave his assessment: "If the celestial phenomena unfold as I predict, the period from early morning to noon on the 22nd of the twelfth lunar month is the most likely time. Initially, the wind may not be strong, but as the cold and warm energies clash, the wind may increase to a level sufficient to propel the fire ships. As for the duration... it could be as short as half a day or as long as a day and night."

Three days later! Jia Wen was calculating rapidly in his mind, while Chen Wei was considering whether the deployment of land forces could complete the preparations for the general offensive within three days.

"This is a godsend, and our only shortcut to defeating the enemy!" Chen Xing's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable authority, "Shen Qing!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Fireships and their crews must be ready within two days and secretly move into their designated departure positions. All main naval vessels must be prepared to follow up with a surprise attack at any time. Meanwhile, continue to strengthen surveillance, paying particular attention to the exact timing of wind direction changes and wind force variations, and report back immediately!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! This humble general will not fail in his mission!" Shen Qing clasped his hands excitedly, his eyes burning with fierce fighting spirit.

"Chen Wei! Dian Xiong!"

"Your subject is here!"

"All land units, as planned, will launch a full-scale feint attack on the enemy forces currently engaged in a standoff two nights from now. The attack should be large-scale to draw the enemy's full attention to the land battle! Once the lake is ablaze and the enemy is thrown into disarray on land and water, immediately switch from the feint attack to a full-scale assault, break through with all our might, and strike at their heart!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Prime Minister Jia."

"Your old minister is here."

"We must coordinate the overall situation, both land and sea operations, and ensure smooth logistics and communications. This battle is crucial to the recapture of Nanjing and the establishment of a new dynasty; we cannot afford to lose it!"

"This old minister will do his utmost to repay Your Majesty!"

Commands were issued one after another, the atmosphere in the quiet room heavy yet intense. Chen Xing's "prediction," based on knowledge beyond its time, was like drawing the final string on a bow about to be released, indicating the direction of its strike.

After everyone took their leave, Chen Xing stood alone by the window once more. Dusk was approaching, and the north wind seemed to have weakened somewhat; the swirling clouds on the horizon were edged with a faint gold. He could almost see, three days later, the magnificent scene of wind whipping up flames on the vast Poyang Lake, burning enemy ships to ashes, and he could also see the dawn breaking over the city of Jinling at the end of those flames.

"Southeast wind... doesn't necessarily require an altar and the Seven Star Sword." Chen Xing murmured to himself, a complex smile curving his lips. "Observation, data, deduction... this is the true 'legacy of Zhuge Liang' in this era."