Chapter 116: Rear Concerns

Midnight

The main hall of the Deep Prefecture Military Governor's mansion, lights burning all night.

The war's clouds not only hung over the border, but also weighed heavily on every attendee's heart.

Chai Rong sat upright in the chief seat; candlelight flickered on his angular face, casting a stern hue.

Below, Zhang Yongde, Han Tong, Wang Pu and other core civil and military officials stood solemnly, with Chen Wen also among them.

One could clearly sense the tension and killing intent permeating the air.

"The military situation, you all already know."

Chai Rong's voice broke the silence; not loud, but each word struck like iron.

"Liu Chong has allied with the Khitan, advancing aggressively. This battle concerns the nation's fate; our great army marches north to meet the enemy, with no retreat."

He rose, walked to the huge map of Bei Jing hanging on the wall, and his finger heavily traced the area north of Deep Prefecture.

"Yet, with the entire army committed, the rear lies empty—a major military taboo!"

"Northern Han spies, internal bandits, and… those rats hiding in the shadows…"

His words paused slightly; his gaze, as if unintentionally, swept over Chen Wen, then shifted away.

"We will not let such an opportunity slip. If the supply line is cut, morale will surely collapse!"

Han Tong clasped his fists, his voice booming like a great bell:

"My lord, rest assured! I will send elite cavalry to patrol the route, guaranteeing the supply line's safety!"

Chai Rong nodded slightly, but did not immediately agree; his eyes returned to Chen Wen: "Wenzhong."

"Here!" Chen Wen stepped forward from the ranks.

He sensed the critical moment had arrived.

He had just been entrusted with the important post of Pacified Army Commissioner; this battle was the perfect time to establish his authority.

"Your Pacified Army, though newly formed, has already shown vigor in recent drills."

"Moreover, in Approaching River you have demonstrated skill in pacifying the region and comforting the populace."

Chai Rong's tone was solemn, carrying scrutiny and expectation.

"I have pondered before and after…"

"The army's main force must strike directly at High Level, with no time to spare elsewhere."

"Your Pacified Army! It is my final trump card; now is not the time to commit it prematurely to the front lines."

"Therefore, the task of securing the rear, ensuring smooth supply lines, and eradicating internal bandits falls to you."

"I wish to entrust this to you and your Pacified Army!"

This is not a frontline assault role, but the cornerstone sustaining the army's lifeline!

The weight of this responsibility is in no way less than direct combat.

At the same time, it is Lord Chai's high regard for him, demanding he fight at the critical moment!

Chen Wen hesitated not, drew a deep breath, and declared firmly:

"I will obey! I will exert my utmost to clear the rear and guarantee the supply line's absolute safety!"

"If a single grain of grain fails to reach the front because of my Pacified Army's failure, I will present my head!"

"Good!"

Chai Rong's eyes flashed with admiration; what he wanted was precisely this resolve and sense of duty.

"From today, all passes, routes, and grain-transfer points north of Deep Prefecture up to the border…"

"…shall be under the command and defense of your Pacified Army!"

"Upon encountering suspicious persons, no need to request permission—strike first, report later!"

"All officials of the prefecture must fully cooperate, providing whatever supplies and personnel you require!"

"Received!"

Chen Wen's voice rang out.

He could feel it as this order was issued.

In his sea of consciousness, the faint golden whirl of Fortune Momentum trembled slightly, as if deepening its bond with the entrusted land.

"Han Tong."

Chai Rong then turned his gaze to Han Tong.

"Here!"

"Your cavalry unit's primary duty is to ride out on reconnaissance, tracking the enemy's main movements."

"At the same time, detach a light cavalry unit under Chen Wen's command to assist in guarding the supply line and maintain communication."

"As you command!"

Han Tong had no objection this time, clasping his fists in acceptance.

After previous events, he had come to know Chen Wen's ability well; this cooperation suited him perfectly.

Orders were issued one after another, clear and explicit.

As Chen Wen left the Military Governor's mansion, the east already showed a faint light.

The cool morning breeze brushed his face, yet could not dispel the surging fervor and mountain‑heavy sense of responsibility in his chest.

He did not return to the inn, but instead rode straight to the Pacified Army's main camp outside the city.

In the camp, the soldiers had already been roused by the morning's urgent bells and drums; fully armored and armed, they stood solemnly on the drill field.

They watched the army commissioner gallop in, rein his horse to a halt before the appointment platform, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"Brothers!"

Chen Wen's voice echoed across the drill field.

The Northern Han–Khitan allied army has already broken our border stockade; the main force will soon march north to meet the enemy!

The thousands of soldiers below had their breath caught, their eyes instantly sharpening.

"Indeed, the commander has given an order!"

Chen Wen's gaze swept over every face.

"Order the Jing'an Army to hold the rear, eradicate the remaining enemies, and secure the supply routes!"

"This is the crucial duty of sustaining our army's lifeline, and also the commander's trust in us!"

He paused, his voice suddenly rose, ringing with a metal-and-stone tone:

"Some may feel this is not the achievement of the vanguard breaking the enemy lines!"

"But I tell you, whether the frontline soldiers can eat their fill, whether their swords and arrows can slay the enemy, all depend on us!"

"The merit of this battle lies not in how many heads are taken, but in the four characters 'never a mistake'!"

"Anyone who violates our supply lines or disturbs our rear, be they barbarians, traitors, or bandits, is the mortal enemy of our Jing'an Army!"

"We must strike with thunderous force, uproot their nests, and eliminate all future threats!"

"We will strictly follow the military order! Never a mistake!"

Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, and others led the roar.

"Never a mistake! Never a mistake!"

The roar of the thousands of soldiers converged into a steel torrent, scattering the morning's thin mist and shooting straight up to the clouds.

They were not disheartened by failing to serve as the vanguard; instead, they were filled with fighting spirit by this weighty trust and unique mission.

Chen Wen looked at the troops below, who had been utterly transformed, and a heroic fervor surged in his heart.

He knew this would be his and the Jing'an Army's debut in this battle of national fate; they must win splendidly, win completely!

"Shi Dun!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Muster your elite troops, set out immediately, head north along the official road, clear any suspicious strongholds along the way, and make contact with General Han Tong's scout cavalry!"

"Order received!"

"Qian Gui!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Send out all your men; I want to know, within one day, every possible hiding place for the enemy in the mountains, rivers, valleys, and abandoned villages north of Chan Prefecture!"

"Yes!"

"Zhang Cheng and Zhao Lao'nian, coordinate the allocation of grain and supplies, plan the defensive line, and ensure all transfer stations are securely defended!"

"Understood!"

The entire Jing'an Army camp, like a wound-up war machine, began to operate with thunderous efficiency.

The curtain of war has already risen, and Chen Wen's stage lies first in the vast expanse of this rear.

He dismounted, entered the main commander's tent, and his gaze fell upon the newly drawn, more detailed map of northern Chan.