"Of course.
"But doing so also has a downside.
"That is, nominally speaking, our Northern Liang is still a subject of the Great Sheng Dynasty."
This point—
Chen Sanshi naturally understood.
But this was the other party's open scheme.
If he did not make use of the Prince of Jin's banner, the situation would drag on into endless back-and-forth.
The reason Chen Sanshi was unwilling to delay was not only because he was worried about the emperor's Foundation Establishment.
More importantly—
It was the ancestral vein of Mang Mountain.
The revival of an ancestral vein was not something that could be completed overnight.
But Chen Sanshi could not be certain whether the cultivators of Heavenly Water Isle had methods to use the ancestral vein as a conduit for large-scale entry. If they did so, it would bring about even greater trouble and threaten everyone's safety.
Including the Seeking Immortals Tower and the Guiyuan Sect standing behind the Prince of Jin—they were all existences that required vigilance.
As expected.
Most of the envoys Xu Wencai sent out to persuade surrender returned in frustration. Many city commanders—and even civil officials within the cities—refused to bow their heads and submit. The Great Sheng Dynasty still had loyal ministers who would not surrender to Chen. Even civil officials were a crucial link in maintaining rear stability.
Thus—
Combining forces became the best strategy.
In the seventy-seventh year of the Longqing era, in the seventh month.
The Northern Liang Army and the Prince of Jin's "new court" combined their forces.
In the eighth month of the same year.
Prince of Jin Cao Huan, holding a forged enthronement edict, held a grand Fengshan Ceremony at Mount Ziwei in Lingzhou, which had only recently been reclaimed. He offered sacrifices to Heaven and ancestors, ascended the throne, proclaimed himself emperor, and established the era name "Zhengtong," marking it as the first year of Zhengtong.
"I have received Heaven's protection and inherited the great undertaking of my imperial ancestors. I succeed the rightful mandate of Heaven and Earth, and today ascend the throne as emperor, governing in accordance with Heaven's will and unifying the four directions.
"I deeply understand the responsibility of ruling and safeguarding the state. I shall hold benevolence in my heart, strive diligently in governance, broadly open channels of remonstrance, pacify distant peoples, accept worthy and capable men, and endeavor to ensure the well-being of the common people and peace under Heaven.
"All my subjects… all the people of the realm—abide by your duties, labor diligently in farming and weaving, rest and recover. When the state is prosperous and the people are secure, when the five grains are abundant, I shall celebrate together with you a flourishing and peaceful age."
Amid chaos across the realm—
On Mount Ziwei in the east, a vast and mighty Fengshan Ceremony was held.
In the end, within the Hall of Nurtured Heart, the new dynasty convened its first court assembly.
The main content of this assembly was the appointment of officials.
Cao Huan, clad in dragon robes, sat upright upon the dragon throne.
At his side, a eunuch loudly read out the appointments of the new court.
"Ming Qingfeng is appointed Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, concurrently holding the post of Minister of War.
"Fang Qingyun is appointed Grand Scholar of the Wenhua Hall, ennobled as Duke of Chu, concurrently serving as Second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and temporarily appointed Governor-Inspector of Yulu Continent, overseeing all military affairs.
"Jian Shichuan is appointed Grand Scholar of the Jianji Hall, concurrently holding the post of Minister of Revenue…"
From the Cabinet to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and even the Directorate of Ceremonial Supervision, all were formally appointed on the same day. The institutional structure was complete, clearly the result of long preparation.
Finally—
It was the proclamation for the White Robe.
"King of Northern Liang, Chen Sanshi, answered His Majesty's call to raise troops amid peril, truly a loyal subject of the Great Sheng and a pillar of the state.
"By special decree, he is appointed Grand Commander of the Grand Commander's Office. For this campaign, he shall command all military and civil affairs of the twelve prefectures, holding a ceremonial Yellow Axe. He is additionally appointed Grand Preceptor, granted authority to record and review memorials, and bestowed the rank of Special Advancement Grand Master of Glorious Merit. All official titles and noble ranks shall be hereditary without end.
"Furthermore, he is specially granted the privilege to enter the hall wearing sword and shoes, to enter court without hurrying, and to be addressed without name during audience. His fief is Liangzhou, with a stipend of ten thousand households!"
In the Great Sheng Dynasty—
The Grand Preceptor was foremost among the Three Excellencies. According to ritual law, even the emperor was expected to show him deference. In the past, such an honor was almost exclusively granted to elder statesmen who had already retired from court.
Yet at this moment—
It was bestowed upon a twenty-five-year-old young man.
Not only that—
"Commanding all military and civil affairs of the twelve prefectures," even if only during wartime, was essentially equivalent to "controlling all forces under Heaven." What kind of power was this?!
The ceremonial Yellow Axe, ceremonial Axe, and ceremonial Command Tally were the Great Sheng Dynasty's means of delegating authority. Among them, the ceremonial Yellow Axe was the most exalted—granting the power to execute soldiers who violated military law at will, and, when necessary, to adapt on the spot and alter strategic arrangements, almost equivalent to a "sovereign."
As for the final privileges—"entering the hall with sword and shoes, entering court without hurrying, addressed without name"—they were unprecedented honors in the Great Sheng Dynasty.
Especially given Chen Sanshi's current realm. If the cultivators of Heavenly Water Isle were set aside, he could be said to be—
The number one martial figure of the age!
Not only was there no precaution taken against him, but he was allowed to "enter the hall with sword and shoes"—trust taken to the absolute extreme.
However—
This was not the end!
After finishing the appointments of the civil and military officials, the eunuch took up another scroll.
"Additionally!
"A Chen Family Ancestral Temple shall be established, a state altar erected, and the ancestors of the Chen family posthumously enfeoffed! From this day forth, the Chen family shall be hereditary 'Immortal-Slaying Divine Generals' of the Great Sheng Dynasty!"
Establishing a clan temple and posthumously honoring ancestors!
This was the true meaning of—
Reaching the pinnacle of subjecthood!
What did this mean?!
From this moment on, the Chen family would become the most honored family under Heaven, second only to the Cao imperial clan!
To put it bluntly—
If even higher honors such as the "Nine Bestowals"—bearing the Son of Heaven's sword, riding the Son of Heaven's golden carriage, raising the Son of Heaven's banners—were added, it would practically amount to "assisting the emperor."
For a time—
All civil and military officials were dumbfounded.
On one hand, they were alarmed that Chen Sanshi had reached the pinnacle of subjecthood at such a young age. On the other, they marveled at the Zhengtong Emperor's trust in the White Robe.
"This subject receives the decree with gratitude."
Chen Sanshi stood straight at the very front and lightly cupped his hands.
"Heh, heh—beloved minister, no need for such formality."
Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan spoke:
"I have heard that you and my Twelfth Brother are sworn brothers. That makes you my brother as well. I am a few years older than you—if you do not mind, you may address me as elder brother in the future."
Looking across two thousand years of recorded history, there was once the Great Wei Dynasty's Emperor Shun, who recognized the entrusted regent Feng Shengwen as his 'Second Father,' unifying four states and founding a golden age of Great Wei.
There was also the Former Yan Dynasty's Emperor Ming, who, throughout his life, treated Yi Mingbo with the rites of a master.
Also among them was the founding meritorious minister of the Great Jin Dynasty, Gan Yu. Because his repeated remonstrations against the debauched and unrestrained Emperor Ying bore no fruit, he expelled the emperor from court and exiled him to a remote region, personally taking control of state affairs. Yet after Emperor Ying repented, Gan Yu welcomed him back, returned all authority, and Emperor Ying bore him no grudge. Instead, he treated him generously in his later years, and after Gan Yu's death even granted him an imperial-level burial.
There was also the Great Sui Dynasty's regent minister Huo Kuo, who deposed the muddle-headed Emperor Chong and enthroned Emperor Huan, restoring the Great Sui. The ruler and minister likewise lived in mutual peace and respect.
Each of these ruler–minister pairs trusted one another, supported one another, and achieved immortal renown.
Today—
Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan of the Great Sheng Dynasty spoke before all civil and military officials, declaring the Cao family and the Chen family to be sworn brothers, clearly intending to recreate another ruler–minister legend to be praised for a thousand generations.
"This subject would never dare overstep."
Chen Sanshi said so aloud.
In his heart, he naturally understood what the other party was aiming for.
Moreover, his so-called "sworn brotherhood" with Cao Zhi did not truly exist in the first place.
Back at Taihu Prefecture, Cao Zhi had barged in and bowed straightaway, leaving no room for refusal.
The situation now was the same.
Before his words had even fallen, Cao Huan spoke again:
"Beloved minister, there is no need to be reserved. I am by no means speaking in jest. If you had not raised troops in Northern Liang to answer my call, I fear the Great Sheng realm would already have fallen into the hands of the Yan faction.
"Looking across this entire court, there is no one more worthy of my trust than you!
"Today, before all civil and military officials, I shall leave behind a decree!
"All my beloved ministers, listen well and engrave this in your hearts—be sure to act in accordance with it.
"After my death, should any future emperor of the Great Sheng Dynasty prove foolish, incompetent, and lacking virtue, King of Northern Liang Chen Sanshi may at any time carry out the deeds of Gan Yu or Huo Kuo, with full legitimacy!"
To carry out the deeds of Gan Yu and Huo Kuo!
With just a few short sentences—
Before all under Heaven, Chen Sanshi was bound with the glorious title of a "loyal minister for the ages."
After that—
Without giving the slightest chance to refuse, Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan continued:
"The new court has just been established, and there are many matters that will require the efforts of all beloved ministers. I hope you will work with me in unity to save this realm and its altars of state.
"Today's court assembly ends here. Minister Chen, Minister Ming—you may take this time to discuss the upcoming campaign. Once all preparations are complete, we shall begin the grand southern expedition!"
With that—
He rose and departed.
The Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial Supervision announced in a loud voice:
"Court dismissed—"
The court session ended.
The civil and military officials did not disperse immediately. Instead, they crowded forward to congratulate or invite the White Robe.
"Lord Chen is truly the pillar of our Great Sheng Dynasty now!"
"Indeed!
"Stabilizing the realm will depend on Lord Chen!"
"Does Lord Chen have time today? Might you honor my residence with a visit?"
"Military affairs are pressing. Please forgive me for declining."
Chen Sanshi refused them one by one, then left the hall.
After the establishment of the new court—
The officials of the court were mainly composed of two groups.
One group consisted of the former capital officials who had fled with Prince of Jin Cao Huan, as well as officials from various regions who had come to join him.
The other group—
Was made up of aristocratic families and sects from the various prefectures.
After the great chaos under Heaven, the aristocratic clans and sects immediately resurfaced, displaying astonishing foundations—grain supplies, troops, and even high-realm martial cultivators far exceeded what was recorded in court archives.
Truly—
Emperors may change like flowing water, but aristocratic clans endure like iron!
If this time the Prince of Jin—or rather, the "Zhengtong Emperor"—truly managed to secure the realm, the court would likely return to the early days of the Great Sheng Dynasty, when sects and aristocratic families grew unwieldy and difficult to control.
But that was a matter for later.
What mattered most now was still how to win the coming war.
Their forces were still in the process of integration, while the court's forces were ready-made. After abandoning the eastern and southern regions, the court still held one million elite troops. Added to this were cultivators from Heavenly Water Isle continuously entering Eastern Divine Continent, as well as the clansmen of martial cultivator Ling Yun at the ancestral vein of Mang Mountain, who were very likely to come participate in this decisive battle as well.
All in all—
It was still going to be a hard-fought battle.
After returning—
Chen Sanshi still needed to carefully plan his own troop strength, grain supplies, marching routes, and possible contingencies. Coupled with cultivation, his days were almost entirely packed from start to finish, without a moment of leisure.
Hall of Nurtured Heart.
After court was dismissed, Zhengtong Emperor Cao Huan came to the rear hall. Looking at Prince Yan Cao Zhi, he clasped his hands behind his back and sighed:
"Twelfth Brother, I followed your advice and gave Chen Sanshi everything that could be given!
"Now—
"The only thing left is letting him sit beside my dragon throne!"
"Your Majesty,"
Cao Zhi said indifferently,
"Half of our troops are in his hands. Without giving him sufficient respect, why should he be willing to submit to us?"
"But…"
Cao Huan frowned.
"Twelfth Brother, are you not worried that once the great undertaking is accomplished, with Chen Sanshi's overwhelming personal strength and his command of more than one hundred thousand elite cavalry, he might raise troops and establish himself independently?"
"People are like beasts," Cao Zhi said calmly. "Once they are fed, they have no other thoughts. Moreover, today Your Majesty compared him to Gan Yu and Huo Kuo, binding him tightly to 'great righteousness.' If he were to rebel in the future, it would truly be intolerable to all under Heaven.
"Besides," Cao Zhi added softly, "Your Majesty should not truly think the Guiyuan Sect is mere decoration. The current of time stands with Father Emperor, and it also stands with us—but it does not stand with Chen Sanshi."
"Very well."
Cao Huan nodded thoughtfully.
"I will immediately circulate today's enfeoffments of Chen Sanshi throughout the realm, letting everyone know that the Great Sheng Dynasty has bestowed upon him favor as heavy as mountains."
By the end of the eighth month—
The new court issued proclamations across the realm.
All under Heaven came to know that the new Cao emperor was benevolent and righteous, treating the White Robe with fraternal courtesy. Not only was he designated as an entrusted minister while still alive, he was even granted the authority of Gan Yu and Huo Kuo. It could be said he was treated as family, receiving treatment unprecedented for a subject in all ages.
In early September—
Not long after the new court was established, the court raised troops to campaign westward and march south. As expected, everything went smoothly. Aside from a handful of prefectures that stubbornly resisted, nearly all surrendered at the mere sight of the banners.
Half of the Central Plains—
Was taken into their grasp.
Yulu Continent, Youlan Prefecture.
This place would temporarily serve as the capital of the new dynasty, and preparations on all fronts entered their final stages.
Wolong and Phoenix Chick briefly gathered here.
"Master Fang!"
Xu Wencai abandoned his usual habit of riding everywhere in a carriage or being pushed on a handcart. Holding a feather fan, he strode forward quickly and cupped his hands in greeting when he reached the man before him. "It's been a long time!"
"Cough, cough, cough…"
Fang Qingyun had originally been smiling in welcome, but just as he was about to speak, he began coughing violently. Only after spitting out a mouthful of pitch-black congealed blood did he finally calm down.
"Master Fang!"
Xu Wencai hurried forward, produced a handkerchief, and placed it into the other's hand. "It's only been a few years—how has your body deteriorated to this extent?"
"An old ailment."
Only after quite some time did Fang Qingyun recover his breath, saying weakly, "I was merely forcing myself before. I've long been a candle guttering in the wind."
"How can that be acceptable?"
Xu Wencai said, "I'll go find my lord at once. He now cultivates immortal arts and can even refine immortal pills—he'll surely be able to find a way to cure you."
"He's not a Great Luo Immortal. How could he make dead wood bloom again?"
Fang Qingyun said calmly, then changed the topic. "Let's speak of proper matters. After the establishment of the new dynasty, what does Master Xu think of the 'generous treatment' given to my junior brother?"
"Sigh."
Xu Wencai pushed him into a pavilion and sighed softly. "It's nothing more than wanting to seize the moral high ground in advance, to bind my lord tightly so that he has no choice but to acknowledge their sovereignty.
"But it's still better than the current Emperor Longqing.
"Once the war ends, regardless of the outcome, my lord—relying on his own martial cultivation and more than a hundred thousand elite cavalry—will be able to occupy the entire five northern border prefectures. He can fully afford to recuperate and bide his time, quietly awaiting Heaven's opportunity."
"No."
Fang Qingyun shook his head. "Time is not on our side."
"Oh?"
Xu Wencai inclined his head. "Is Master Fang suggesting there may be threats yet to come? I admit that my understanding of both the martial path and the immortal path is limited—this is indeed a significant shortcoming on my part."
"There are some matters my junior brother needs us to do on his behalf," Fang Qingyun said. "When necessary, we must give him another push."
Mang Mountain's ancestral vein.
This place had remained locked in continuous warfare.
Only—
From the Battle of Mingzhou to the Battle of Guandu, two crushing defeats were suffered within just a few short years. Western Qi was unlike Eastern Qing or the Southern Xu Kingdom, whose national strength was abundant. It was already at the end of its rope. Added to that, the Battle of Guandu had utterly shattered its morale under the blows of the White Robe. Even with the strong backing of Fallen Leaf Valley, no meaningful gains were achieved in the past half year.
Later—
The cultivators of Fallen Leaf Valley had no choice but to carry out decapitation strikes.
The old ancestor of the Ling family from Heavenly Water Isle was a True Force middle-stage martial cultivator, equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Without being able to invite combat power of the same level, how could Fallen Leaf Valley possibly contend with him?
After suffering grievous losses in just half a year, they were forced to abandon the effort.
Within a certain canyon.
Several Ling family cultivators surged forth together. Each held a long sword as supple as a whip, activating water-element True Force to summon torrents that took the form of ferocious flood beasts. They struck down the retreating Fallen Leaf Valley cultivators, then slaughtered them all.
After finishing this, they activated flying talismans and flew back toward the mountains in the rear.
At the summit of Mang Mountain, at the edge of a cliff.
A man and a woman stood there.
The man was none other than the current old ancestor of the Heavenly Water Isle Ling family—Ling Kui.
Ling Kui was already over ninety years old, yet he looked no more than a man in his prime. Naturally, this was because he had taken a youth-preserving pill long ago.
Unlike all other Ling family disciples, he did not carry a soft sword. Instead, a broad sword with a blade a palm wide was strapped to his back. Gazing at the distant rivers and mountains, he spoke calmly:
"Your younger brother is dead."
"Ancestor, this granddaughter knows."
Hatred flickered in the woman's eyes. "This time, I will personally avenge Ling Yun."
"Must you go?"
With a dogtail grass stem clenched between his teeth, Ling Kui raised an eyebrow. "You're just one step away from breaking through to the True Force middle stage. Why not wait another two years? Why insist on risking yourself at this time?"
"What I seek is clarity of mind."
Ling Ling's voice was icy. "If Ancestor forbids me from participating in this war and I cannot personally avenge my brother, I fear I will be unable to calm my heart and focus on martial cultivation afterward."
"Then go."
Ling Kui did not force the issue. "When you youngsters reach the battlefield, don't be obstinate. Leave matters of marching and warfare to the generals and military strategists. Your task is simply to kill.
"Once the few old fellows of Fallen Leaf Valley are dealt with, I will personally enter the battlefield.
"Remember.
"This is a battle of life and death for our Ling family."
The path of martial cultivation was fraught with hardship at every step.
If the spiritual vein within their clan had not dried up, why would they ever be willing to risk the entire clan in such a gamble?
"This granddaughter will remember."
Ling Ling departed.
The capital.
Zhongjue Hall.
"What did you say?!"
"Crack—"
Upon hearing the news, the Prince of Qin smashed the teacup he had just picked up against the ground, shattering it. He roared in fury:
"Ascended the throne?! What throne did he ascend?! Father Emperor is still alive!"
"Your Highness, please calm your anger!"
The eunuch responsible for delivering the message knelt on the ground. "Prince of Jin has announced to the outside world that His Majesty has already left the mortal realm and gone to the immortal cultivation world. He has indeed deceived many people."
"Shame! Utter shame!"
The Prince of Qin was so furious that his face and neck flushed red, veins bulging on his forehead. "He even set himself a reign title, calling it 'Zhengtong'! What kind of orthodoxy is he?! He's disgraced the ancestors of the Cao family!"
"Where is Father Emperor?!"
The Prince of Qi was equally indignant.
They were still running themselves ragged in court affairs, while that sixth brother—damn him—had gone straight ahead and proclaimed himself emperor?!
"Please ask Father Emperor to come out! Once he appears, the rumors will collapse on their own!"
"Absolutely not, Your Highness!"
The eunuchs hurriedly blocked him.
"His Majesty is at a critical juncture of secluded cultivation. He must not be disturbed!"
"Hmph!"
The Prince of Qin snorted coldly. "This is utterly outrageous! Cao Huan is still a member of the Cao family, yet now he actually intends to murder his elder brothers and slay his father—this is intolerable by Heaven's law! And that Chen Sanshi!
"He even arranged that nonsense of 'bearing sword and boots into the hall, entering court without hastening,' and compared him to Gan Yu and Huo Kuo. Why not just let him sit on the dragon throne outright?!
"To curry favor with the Northern Liang Army, this is flattery taken to the extreme!"
The atmosphere in the hall grew oppressively heavy.
"Your Highness,"
Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun said, "At present, Prince of Jin and the Northern Liang Army have merged forces, occupying twelve prefectures. They command vast troops, abundant provisions, and continue to recruit soldiers. Coupled with the constant incursions of the Southern Xu rebels, the strength of the bandits will likely grow ever greater."
"Fortunately,"
Minister of Revenue Tian Guang said, "Our court controls the east and south, as well as the capital. We have assembled a full 1.5 million troops. As long as we hold fast to the various strategic passes, we can certainly delay for sufficient time."
"Minister Tian speaks rightly,"
Yan Maoxing followed up. "Our army now has ample troops and provisions, with no pressure to attack. We can wait for the rebels to march long distances to us—this is what is called 'waiting at ease for the weary.'"
"Unacceptable."
A man who appeared to be only in his twenties spoke up, yet he wore a brand-new crimson robe embroidered with cranes—clearly already holding a top first-rank position.
"Oh?"
The Prince of Qi looked toward him. "Lord Zhou, if you have insights, please speak plainly."
Zhou Rong.
Foremost among the Twelve Generals of Qilin Pavilion, the foremost meritorious contributor to the state—Duke of Zhao Zhou Tao's—only remaining descendant.
At eighteen, this man had taken first place in the martial imperial examination. By convention, he should have begun as a lieutenant general and climbed step by step. Instead, he submitted a memorial to the court, declaring, "My Zhou family stands foremost among the Qilin and is the pillar of Great Sheng. Its descendants should command the three armies and pacify rebels across the realm—how could I serve as a mere officer?" He then directly demanded the post of Minister of War and the rank of Cavalry General, seeking to command all troops under Heaven. The Grand Secretariat immediately rejected him, calling him an "arrogant youth," and dispatched him to a garrison near the capital.
Who would have thought that he would resign outright, return home, and live amid song and dance, unconcerned about punishment from the court?
Later, out of regard for the Zhou family's legacy, he was not severely punished, but he was effectively never employed again, remaining idle at home for a full nine years.
Only recently, after Mu Fengchun's defeat, did the old meritorious nobles collectively recommend him to assume the post of Minister of War.
It was said that before the outcome of the Battle of Guandu was decided, Zhou Rong had already foreseen Han Xiang's defeat. He had said, "The War Immortal leaves no calculations unmade, but if he is to lose, it will be because of the word 'immortal.' Immortals seek longevity, and clinging to life is the greatest taboo of military strategists. A single retreat leads to total collapse."
At the time, many had mocked him.
Yet—
His words proved prophetic.
Of course, Zhou Rong's immediate appointment as Minister of War upon returning to public life was not solely due to his mastery of military strategy. It was also because the once-glorious noble clans in court, now fallen into decline, needed an opportunity.
And moreover—
The court truly had no one left to use.
From Gao Bo to Ming Qingfeng, and then to Mu Fengchun not long ago, there was no one left in the court qualified to contend with the White Robe. They could only recall retired old officials while selecting younger talents.
Immortal masters would assist in the future, but the court could not rely entirely on cultivators. New talents worthy of great responsibility had to be chosen.
"Earlier, Lord Yan said that our 1.5 million troops could hold the passes and await the rebels' southward advance—waiting at ease for the weary. But in my view…"
Zhou Rong paused, then emphasized, "This is waiting for death.
"The court does indeed have 1.5 million troops, but they must simultaneously garrison six prefectures. As many as twelve cities require heavy troop deployments.
"By contrast, the rebels have enjoyed unbroken victories over the past half year. After Prince of Jin presumptuously proclaimed himself emperor, he deceived countless people into surrendering. The entire northern half of the Central Plains has fallen into their hands—vast in territory, with as many as eight routes from which they can deploy troops simultaneously.
"That Chen Sanshi is cunning and treacherous. Aside from me, who among you can still contend with him on the chessboard? Once our forces are spread too thin, I will inevitably be stretched to my limit. When he finds an opening and drives straight through, it will only be a matter of time.
"Therefore,
"We absolutely cannot wait for death. We must mobilize our forces, launch a northern campaign, and suppress the rebellion. Only then can we turn passive defense into initiative."
A proactive strike!
Ever since Northern Liang rose in rebellion, it had not tasted a single defeat. Even the seemingly perilous battle at Hongdu Prefecture had cost the Hongze Battalion only a little over a thousand men—on a strategic scale, it could almost be said to be no loss at all.
Now,
The Northern Liang Army had joined forces with Prince of Jin's troops and gained support from numerous sects and noble families. Logistics, provisions, and manpower had all surged dramatically. With the White Robe and the Guiyuan Sect backing them, their strength had reached unprecedented heights. Under such circumstances, not only were they not contracting their defenses—they were even planning to attack proactively.
"Heh heh."
Yan Maoxing said with a thin, insincere smile, "Lord Zhou truly is a newborn calf unafraid of the tiger."
"Indeed, Lord Zhou,"
Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun echoed. "It's not that we doubt your abilities—it's that Chen Sanshi is simply too difficult to deal with. If we can avoid a head-on confrontation, it's best to avoid one. This is called 'avoiding the enemy's sharp edge.' As we've said before, the timing of Heaven stands on our side!
"Our primary task is to rely on natural defenses and hold the capital. Once His Majesty emerges from seclusion, all problems will be resolved. We must not create further complications.
"We truly cannot afford another defeat!"
Years of continuous warfare—
Everything had already reached its limit.
One and a half million troops sounded like a lot, but if a catastrophic defeat occurred, it would be an irreversible collapse—an army routed like a landslide.
Within Zhongjue Hall.
After Zhou Rong finished speaking, aside from the Prince of Qin—who narrowed his eyes and stared at the sand table before him—all the other civil and military officials whispered among themselves and sighed repeatedly. The entire court was steeped in despondency.
Seeing this—
"It seems you've truly been frightened out of your wits by Chen Sanshi!"
Zhou Rong let out a cold laugh. When all eyes turned to him, he suddenly barked harshly, "If the court is left with only such ratlike fellows as you, the fall of the state and the destruction of the people are imminent!"
Ratlike fellows?
"You insolent brat!"
The Prince of Qi said angrily, "You have neither merit nor reputation—how dare you spout such wild nonsense?!"
Yin Mingchun likewise clenched his teeth and said in a restrained tone, "Your Highness and the Grand Secretariat only gave you a chance to participate in the grand strategy out of regard for the many senior court officials who recommended you. But judging from this, Lord Zhou's arrogance makes it hard to believe you can shoulder such a heavy responsibility!"
"Enough!"
Prince of Qin, acting as regent, cut off the quarrel and said in a deep voice, "In my view, Lord Zhou is right! The more timid and hesitant we are, the more mistakes we'll make! What's more, the court still has 1.5 million troops!
"1.5 million!
"With whips cast into the river, the flow could be cut off!
"It should be Chen Sanshi who fears us—not us who fear him!"
"Your Highness, this old minister also supports Lord Zhou's plan."
"Absolutely not, Your Highness!"
"What's unacceptable about it?!"
Inside the hall, the court gradually split into two factions.
One faction advocated holding fast and not advancing.
The other believed they should strike proactively, using offense as defense.
In the end,
the Prince of Qin had everyone vote: the conservative faction stood on the left side of the hall, the hawkish faction on the right.
When the count was finished, even including the two princes, the numbers on both sides were exactly the same.
"I believe we should indeed strike proactively."
Just as the two sides were deadlocked, a resonant voice suddenly rang out.
A long, slanted shadow appeared at the entrance of the hall in the setting sun. Immediately after, a man in a cyan robe embroidered with cloud patterns, handsome and dignified, walked in at an unhurried pace. A jade pendant hung at his waist, and he held a bamboo flute in his hand. His every movement carried an air of transcendence. Upon reaching the center of the hall, he lightly cupped his hands and calmly introduced himself:
"I am Shan Liangcheng, an array master of the Shengyun Sect. By order of my sect, I have come to assist the Great Sheng court in suppressing the rebellion, and also to avenge my fellow sect brothers."
"So it is Immortal Master Shan."
The Prince of Qi showed due respect and said, "The Directorate of Ceremonial Supervision notified us in advance that once Immortal Master Shan arrived, all major strategies regarding the campaign should be placed under your direction."
All the officials in the hall, regardless of rank, cupped their hands in return, showing respect.
Several days earlier, the roster of Shengyun Sect disciples coming to provide support had already been delivered to the capital.
This Shan Liangcheng was a true disciple of the Shengyun Sect, at the Qi Refining perfection stage of the ninth level, and a Tier 2 array master.
Before entering Heavenly Water Isle, he had once commanded mortal armies. In just five years, he assisted an enlightened ruler in unifying the realm and authored the Shan Treatise on Warfare. He was a military sage in his own right and also a chess companion of the War Immortal Han Xiang.
The War Immortal Han Xiang
was the only person in the world who had ever, through strategy alone, forced the White Robe into a desperate corner.
Therefore,
everyone placed great hopes on him.
What they had not expected—
was that he, too, supported proactive offense.
"Gentlemen,"
Shan Liangcheng stepped before the massive sand table and pointed at the mountains and rivers with his bamboo flute, saying calmly, "Just as Lord Zhou has said, since we have superior numbers, we must make use of that advantage. If we forcibly divide our forces to defend everywhere, we will only be defeated one by one. Only by striking proactively can we force the rebels to concentrate their troops and face our main army in decisive battle."
"Excellent!"
The Prince of Qin, already inclined toward offense, immediately agreed. "Since even Immortal Master Shan believes we should attack proactively, there is nothing left to debate. Let us proceed to discuss the detailed northern campaign strategy!"
The remaining officials no longer dared voice objections.
"Lord Zhou,"
Shan Liangcheng gestured invitingly and said, "Please speak of your ideas first."
"Since we speak of proactive offense, we must naturally strike where the enemy must defend, forcing them to act according to our designs."
Zhou Rong spoke eloquently. "At present, the rebels occupy half of the Central Plains. No matter which territory we attack, they can advance or retreat at will—except for one place.
"Shouyang!
"Shouyang is the hub of the Central Plains' waterways and the throat of the rebel 'court.' If we can seize it, their troop movements and grain transport will be severely affected. Any attempt to continue southward will require costs multiplied several times over.
"Moreover, our court's naval forces can at any time advance along the waterways and press upon them, ensuring they dare not leave Jade Land Prefecture by even half a step. Otherwise, they risk losing their entire rear.
"Therefore, in this northern campaign, we divide our forces into two routes.
"One route I will personally lead, advancing north to strike Shouyang directly!
"The other route will be led by high-realm cultivators, advancing from the western land route to force Chen Sanshi to come out and fight. Otherwise, the western army can march straight into Northern Liang and destroy their rear."
"Sounds good,"
Yan Maoxing nodded. "But Lord Zhou, do you not know that Shouyang's walls are high and its defenses formidable? If you cannot take it quickly, and Chen Sanshi wins in the west and turns back on you, would you not be left with no path of retreat?"
"Before Chen Sanshi can secure victory, I will take Shouyang. Failing that, I submit myself to punishment by military law."
Zhou Rong's calm tone carried an indescribable confidence and youthful vigor, to the point that even the conservative faction found themselves half-convinced, hesitant to refute him outright.
"Lord Zhou's arrangement is excellent,"
Shan Liangcheng raised no objections and instead said with feeling, "With a Young Lord Zhou such as this, it is truly a blessing for the Great Sheng court!"
These two, though complete strangers who had never met before, appeared at this moment to share remarkable tacit understanding, as if each could read the other's thoughts.
"Good!"
The Prince of Qin, acting as regent, made the final decision. "We will proceed exactly as Lord Zhou proposes. However many men, ships, and provisions you need; whom you wish to appoint as generals—say it all. This prince doubts no one he employs, and employs no one he doubts!
"As for provisions, ships, and other details, I have already calculated them over the past half year. I will soon draft a memorial and submit it to the Grand Secretariat. Your Highness need only approve it. It's just that…"
Zhou Rong briefly closed his eyes and let out a bleak sigh. "The court lacks great generals."
The court lacks great generals!
In these years, as Southern Xu and the other two states continuously lost troops and commanders, had the Great Sheng court fared any better?
From Dong An of Mingzhou years ago, to the many members under the Crown Prince's faction, and then more recently the Prince of Zhen'nan Cao Rong, Jiang Yuanbo…
Each commander's death dragged down a large number of mid- and high-level officers.
These mid- and high-level officers might not participate in grand strategic decisions, but on campaign they were absolutely indispensable. They were the foundation of an army's stability and the key to making it move like an extension of one's arm.
But now, the court—
had no one left to use.
"I can recommend someone,"
Yan Maoxing said.
Junior Grand Secretary Yan Maoxing picked up the thread, taking out a list he had long prepared from his robes. "Everyone listed here are military officers from within and beyond the capital over the past several years. Every one of them has been diligent and loyal. It is time to bring them out and properly cultivate them."
"Junior Grand Secretary…"
The Prince of Qi glanced at the regent prince and said with some difficulty, "Are you certain these people are fit for heavy use? The court no longer has any room to retreat. If we use the wrong people, it will be eternal ruin."
The words were phrased tactfully.
But everyone present had served as officials for many years—how could they fail to understand what this meant?
Yan Maoxing…
He was trying to use this opportunity to insert another batch of disciples from the Yan family into the army!
Such factionalism and collusion between civil and military officials was originally a great taboo of the court.
Yet at this very moment, not a single person raised an objection.
Because—
After the former Minister of War Ming Qingfeng left, there was no longer any division of factions at court. The entire court belonged to the Yan faction. Even the Prince of Qin had ascended to the position of regent with the Yan faction's support.
Under such circumstances,
even if the Prince of Qin and the Prince of Qi did not wish to agree, they had no choice but to do so.
"Junior Grand Secretary!"
Only Zhou Rong showed no mercy and bluntly exposed the issue. "This is the moment of life and death for our court—how can you still be thinking of forming cliques for private gain?!"
"Forming cliques for private gain?!"
Yan Maoxing retorted, "I am recommending the worthy for the sake of the state. Where is the private interest?!"
"Whether there is private interest or not, you know it yourself!"
Zhou Rong said coldly. "If it were not for the Yan family father and son causing chaos, how would the court have reached the point of having no one left to use?! Your Highness, if it truly comes to it, this minister will select and appoint people from among the young men of the capital garrison."
"Hmm…"
The Prince of Qin pondered and said, "Each of you draft a list. This prince will personally select a portion from them for appointment."
As they discussed state affairs,
a recording eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial Supervision entered the hall. "Your Highness! Outside the Daming Palace, many former officials have arrived today, saying they wish to see Your Highness."
"Former officials?"
The Prince of Qin asked. "Who are they?"
The recording eunuch lowered his head. "There are Elder Yan, Elder Zeng, Lord Zhang Jingwu… They say they know the court is in crisis and have come specifically to request orders to go to war."
"Them?!"
Yan Maoxing's expression tightened.
Those present immediately began murmuring among themselves.
These people…
were all officials who had been demoted!
For example, the former Upper First-Rank Pillar of State Yan Hongyuan, who had once remonstrated unto death against His Majesty's construction of the Wanshou Palace, urging that the people not be burdened and that manpower and resources be used instead for disaster relief—he was demoted.
For example, the former Duke of Wei Zeng Ren, who had once submitted a memorial stating that spiritual grain brought disaster to the state—he was demoted.
The former Left Vice Minister of War and Cavalry General Zhang Jingwu had impeached the Yan faction's actions during the conversion of rice fields to mulberry groves, and his entire household was ultimately exiled.
The former Minister of Revenue Chi Dongping…
In short, these people
were civil and military officials whom the court itself had once driven out.
Yet now, at this very moment, they had come knocking of their own accord.
"Let them in,"
the Prince of Qin said.
Very quickly,
under the eunuchs' guidance,
one grey-haired, plainly dressed old minister after another entered the great hall. They bowed deeply, and in unison their voices rang out clear and forceful:
"This minister Yan Hongyuan!"
"This minister Zeng Ren!"
"This minister…"
After declaring their names,
they shouted together, "We request to go to war—to lead the northern campaign and suppress the rebellion!"
"You—you all…"
Yan Maoxing gaped. "You hold no official posts. What does the fighting at the front have to do with you?!"
"When the realm rises or falls, every common man bears responsibility!"
"The Northern Liang rebels come with ferocious momentum. The state and its altars are in mortal peril—how could we stand by and do nothing?!"
"Moreover, we were once court officials!"
"Yan Maoxing! You need not worry. We did not return to settle accounts with you. Once the war is over, if we are still alive, we will naturally resign again and return to seclusion!"
As they spoke, the voices of these old ministers rose once more—impassioned, thunderous, shaking the hall.
"Your Highness Prince of Qin!"
"We are all willing to serve as vanguard troops and fight the Northern Liang rebels…"
"TO THE DEATH!!!"
"Good! Good! Good!"
The Prince of Qin sprang to his feet, calling out three times in succession. "With such loyal and righteous men in the Great Sheng court, why should we fear that our dynasty will not endure for ten thousand generations?!
"This prince decides!
"All of you are restored to your former offices at once. Effective immediately, you will follow Zhou Rong on campaign and lead the northern expedition to suppress the rebels!
"The fate of the state rests entirely upon you!
"This battle is the decisive battle—one battle to determine Heaven and Earth!"
This was the Great Sheng court's—
fight with its back to the river!