Chapter 226

Delay is inadvisable; to get the supplies to His Majesty as quickly as possible, we will split our forces into two routes, transporting simultaneously by sea and land!

After hearing everyone's counsel, Liuju's eyes flashed like torches, and he fiercely slapped the table.

As soon as the remark was made, the hall first fell silent, then immediately rose with a wave of discussion.

Prime Minister Suwu was the first to regain his composure, clasping his hands and saying: "Your Majesty, this plan is excellent! Sea transport carries large capacity, able to bring vast amounts of grain and fodder; land transport is highly mobile, can flexibly respond to sudden situations, and the two complement each other."

Liuju nodded slightly, looked at the official in charge of water conservancy and shipping, and ordered: "Immediately select sturdy merchant ships and form a sea transport unit. At the same time, arrange experienced sailors familiar with the sea routes to pilot, ensuring navigation safety." The official received the order and hurriedly withdrew.

Next, Liuju turned his gaze to the officer in charge of military deployment: "Select elite soldiers to form a land escort unit. Choose experienced scouts to scout the route, set up beacon towers along the way, and transmit messages at any time."

After receiving the order, the officer quickly left the hall to prepare.

Huoguang stepped forward and reminded: "Your Highness, although sea transport has large capacity, it is vulnerable to weather; land transport may encounter bandits. We need to devise countermeasures."

Liuju pondered for a moment, then said: "Equip the sea transport unit with defensive weapons; upon encountering pirates, launch a full counterattack. On land, set up supply stations at intervals; they can both provide provisions for the transport unit and serve as temporary strongholds to resist bandits."

Suwu added: "We can also communicate in advance with the states along the route, seek passage, and request their assistance."

Liuju nodded in approval: "Just do that. Everyone must hurry to ensure the supplies arrive on time!"

Under Liuju's command, the interior of Ever Peace City swiftly sprang into action.

At the port, merchant ships gathered one after another, and workers busily transported grain and equipment;

Outside the city gates, the escort unit stood ready, soldiers spirited. A cross‑mountain‑and‑sea supplies relief operation, amidst tight order, formally kicked off.

Just as Ever Peace was busily preparing the supplies transport, a report came from outside the Hall of Proclamation: "Your Majesty, the Wei King, Bolang Marquis Zhangqian, and Tianqianqiu, leading the meritorious officials of the Great Han Nursing Institute, request an audience!"

Liuju blinked slightly, a hint of doubt rose in his heart, then immediately ordered: "Summon them quickly!"

Moments later, Weiqing led the way, with Zhangqian and Tianqianqiu closely following, as a group of meritorious officials entered the Hall of Proclamation.

Although Weiqing was already past sixty, his posture remained upright, his eyes revealing resolve.

Zhangqian, having endured the wind and sand of the Western Regions, bore a dark complexion yet was vigorous; Tianqianqiu, meanwhile, was composed in demeanor, his every gesture bearing dignity.

All knelt in unison, and Weiqing proclaimed loudly: "Your Majesty, we have heard that you are in dire straits in Mojietuo Country; we hereby request to go forward, wishing to travel to Mojietuo Country to support the Retired Emperor!"

Seeing this, Liuju hurriedly rose, personally helped Weiqing to his feet, and said: "Wei King, honored elders, please rise quickly! You are advanced in age and ought to enjoy your twilight years; this campaign is fraught with hardship, and I truly cannot bear to let you face danger."

Zhang Qian stepped forward and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I have been sent as an envoy to the Western Regions; I know the geography and local customs along the way like the back of my hand. This time, going to Magadha, I will certainly put my strengths to use, point the army in the right direction, and coordinate relations among all sides."

Tian Qianqiu also clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, although we are old, our loyalty to you and the Retired Emperor has never changed. Moreover, we still hold prestige in the army; going to Magadha can both boost morale and offer you counsel."

Liu Ju listened, and his heart was deeply moved.

He scanned the crowd with his gaze, pondered a moment, then said, "All you senior officials are wholly sincere; I am deeply gratified. But this journey to Magadha will not only involve long-distance travel, but also possibly face enemy attacks, fraught with danger."

Wei Qing's eyes were firm, and he loudly said, "Your Majesty, for Your Majesty and for Han, we have long regarded life and death as nothing! Please, Your Highness, grant us permission to go to war!"

Other meritorious senior officials also knelt down one after another, voicing their request in unison.

Liu Ju saw this, no longer hesitated, nodded and said, "Good! Since you senior officials have made up your minds, I approve! This expedition must be carried out with caution, and return victorious as soon as possible."

The crowd received the order, their faces filled with a determined expression.

After the crowd departed, Liu Ju watched their backs, his heart filled with myriad emotions.

This support operation spanning ten thousand miles, with the addition of these senior officials, gains another hope.

But the road ahead remains fraught with peril; whether they can smoothly reach Magadha and meet with Liuche remains unknown.

At this moment, in the Pepper Chamber, sunlight streamed through the window lattice onto the golden-brick floor.

Wei Zifu wore plain-colored palace attire; though her face bore traces of age, she still could not hide her dignified and graceful bearing.

Upon learning that Liuche was in dire straits in Magadha, her heart filled with worry and longing, so she sent someone to summon Liu Ju.

Liu Ju hurried over; upon entering the hall, he asked concernedly, "Mother, I heard you summoned your servant; are you feeling unwell?"

Wei Zifu gently shook her head, her eyes showing determination, and said, "Ju, I have heard that your father is in a difficult situation in Magadha, and my heart is filled with anxious longing that keeps me awake. I wish to go to Magadha to see him, to ease my longing and also to care for him by his side."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ju's brows furrowed instantly, his tone firm and unquestionable: "Mother, absolutely not! The journey from Chang'an to Magadha is far; one must cross vast deserts and towering mountains, and danger lurks along the way. You are advanced in years, your health no longer what it was; I truly cannot set my mind at ease about this trip."

Wei Zifu stepped forward, took Liu Ju's hand, eyes glistening with tears, and said, "Ju, I have been married to your father for many years, our bond deep and steadfast. Now that he is in peril, how could I remain peacefully in Chang'an? Each day I eat without flavor, each night I cannot sleep; only by seeing him can my heart find peace."

As she spoke, Wei Zifu's tears spilled forth.

Liu Ju looked at his mother's sorrowful appearance, and his heart felt a sharp pang.

He knew well that his mother shared deep affection with his father; forcibly stopping her would only cause her greater pain.

After a moment's hesitation, Liu Ju said, "Mother, I understand your feelings, but this route is truly too dangerous. If you insist on going, I will arrange for Li Yan to accompany you, so there will be someone to look after you."

Wei Zifu broke into a smile through tears, nodding repeatedly: "Good, with Yan'er accompanying me, I can rest easy. Ju, thank you for understanding your mother."

Liu Ju sighed helplessly and instructed: "Mother, on this journey you must be extra careful. If you feel any discomfort, you must return at once. I will also assign elite troops and strong generals to escort you safely to your destination."

Wei Zifu gently stroked Liu Ju's cheek: "Ju, rest assured, I will take good care of myself. You too must govern the state well and safeguard the realm of Han."

A few days later, Wei Zifu, accompanied by Li Yan and with the escort detail arranged by Liu Ju, set out on the journey to Magadha.

Gazing at his mother's receding back, Liu Ju silently prayed, hoping her journey would be safe and smooth, and that she would soon be reunited with his father.