Chapter 181: Thunderclap

The tension inside and outside Luochuan City was as taut as a fully drawn bowstring, lasting three days.

However, the expected thunderous strike from the "Yingying" squad did not arrive.

In the midst of high alert, the night gave way to dawn, with only the mountain wind brushing the treetops, bringing the early summer's growing dryness.

Then, on the afternoon of the fourth day.

A single swift horse, its back bearing three feathers dyed vermilion.

Like scissors tearing silk, it came with piercing hoofbeats and rolling dust, madly charging into Luochuan's South Gate.

Ignoring the hoarse shouts of the gate guards—"Urgent military situation! Report to the Defense Commissioner!"—it raced straight toward the Defense Commissioner's Mansion.

"Eight-hundred-li urgent!"

The old soldier at the city gate's face changed drastically as he watched the receding silhouette.

He muttered.

"The vermilion feather signals warning... something major has happened!"

Not only Luochuan, but at the same time.

Similar swift horses also charged into Chan Prefecture City and Bianliangcheng.

It hurled a piece of news like a thunderclap from the ninth heaven into the core of the Later Zhou power structure, stirring up tremendous waves.

The news spread uncontrollably like a plague, faster than the official relay horses.

Through caravans, refugees, and even the deliberate spreading by certain interested parties.

In an extremely short time, it spread throughout Hebei and radiated in all directions.

"Have you heard? Chan Prefecture... Governor Chai... is critically ill!"

"It's not just a common cold; they say he's vomiting blood nonstop and can't get out of bed!"

"The Imperial Physicians of Bian Liang have been sent in several batches; the situation looks bad..."

"Heaven above! If this... the Hebei region is bound to fall into chaos!"

Teahouses and taverns, street corners and alleys—countless people whispered to each other.

Their faces bore shock, bewilderment, and deep worry for the future.

Chai Rong, who had turned the tide at the Battle of Gaoping and displayed the bearing of a heroic lord, was the Military Governor of Chan Prefecture.

His health had long been more than a personal matter; it upheld the stability of the entire Later Zhou's north.

Even the Divine Needle that Calms the Sea, which influences the world's pattern.

Now, this pillar seems to emit a heart‑pounding sound of breaking.

Luochuan Defense Commissioner's Mansion, study.

Chen Wen gripped the official document just delivered by the messenger, bearing the seal of the Chan Prefecture Governor's Office, his knuckles whitening from the force.

The wording on the document was relatively restrained, merely stating, "The lord has inadvertently contracted a serious illness and needs quiet recuperation."

But combined with the format of the eight‑hundred‑li urgent dispatch, and the implicit hope in the letter that each garrison commander "faithfully fulfill their duties and hold their defensive zones,"

the true situation was self‑evident.

Although he had been mentally prepared, and although Chai Rong had earlier hinted at some signs,

but when this news was formally confirmed and delivered in such a violent manner, Chen Wen's heart still sank sharply.

A complex emotion welled up in his chest.

There was genuine concern and regret for the enlightened lord who had recognized and promoted him.

Moreover, there was a strong premonition that the situation was about to spiral out of control.

Inside the study.

Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui and others who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

All wore solemn faces, no one spoke, and the air was thick with the oppressive feeling of an impending storm.

After a long while, Chen Wen slowly set down the document, his voice low, breaking the silence: "The news is confirmed."

Those four short words made everyone's hearts tighten.

"My lord..."

Zhang Cheng opened his mouth, but ultimately let out a sigh.

Shi Dun slammed a fist into the pillar beside him with a muffled thud, then growled lowly.

"Damn it! How could this happen! My lord is in the prime of his life..."

Wang Ru remained relatively calm, but the worry in her brows could not be dispelled.

"The lord is gravely ill; with the ruler young and the state doubtful, Bian Liang will surely move at once. And there's Zhao Kuangyin..."

Qian Gui immediately chimed in, his tone urgent.

"My subordinates have just received multiple intelligence reports; at the same time the news spread,"

"within Chan Prefecture City, Zhao Kuangyin's troops show signs of abnormal mobilization, with each of his units strengthening their guard."

"Furthermore, the few scouts from Bian Liang we are monitoring have clearly increased their activity, as if urgently transmitting information."

"See? I told you Zhao Kuangyin isn't a peaceful subject!"

Shi Dun glared, eyes wide.

"My lord has just fallen ill, and he's already itching to jump into action!"

Chen Wen raised his hand, stopping Shi Dun's indignation.

He walked to the map, his gaze sweeping over Chan Prefecture, Bian Liang, and the vast north.

"The situation has changed."

Chen Wen's voice returned to its usual calm, but now carried an unprecedented resolve.

"The lord is gravely ill; like a stone sinking in water, all the hidden thoughts of every side will surface."

Bian Liang will intensify its control and suspicion of Chan Prefecture, especially toward us.

Zhao Kuangyin, with the aid of the Iron Crow Army, will not let this opportunity to expand power slip away.

Northern Han and the Khitan will also inevitably stir.

He turned around, his eyes like lightning, sweeping over every core member present.

"Previously, we 'deepened our roots and solidified our foundation' in order to cope with the unexpected."

"Now, the unexpected has arrived! Luo River, Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping, Lin River—these are the foundations of our blood and sweat; we cannot allow any loss!"

"Effective immediately, the three counties will enter full wartime control!"

"Shi Dun!"

"Here!" Shi Dun stepped forward, his voice like a great bell.

"The Jing'an Army cancels all rotations; all personnel shall garrison key points! Execute according to the highest combat readiness standards!"

"Extend scouts fifty li outward; I want to grasp every stir in Chan Prefecture, Bian Liang, and even the borders at all times!"

"Received!"

"Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru!"

"Present!" the two replied in unison.

"Launch full-scale material control, uniformly allocate all grain, fodder, armaments, and medicinal herbs."

"Stabilize the market, strictly prevent hoarding for profit, and avert turmoil among the populace!"

"Double the severity of official evaluations; anyone who slacks, neglects duties, or colludes inside and out shall be executed on the spot without pardon!"

"Yes!"

"Qian Gui!"

"At your command!" Qian Gui's spirit lifted.

"Dispatch all forces of the Inspection Bureau!"

"I must know every move of the Bian Liang court, every plot of Zhao Kuangyin and the Iron Crow Army, and any shift of the northern Khitan!"

"If necessary, any means may be used to eliminate potential threats!"

"Understood!"

Order after order was clear and explicit, carrying unquestionable authority.

Having received the orders, everyone hurried off to execute them; in an instant, only Chen Wen remained in the study.

He picked up the document again, looking at the seal of the Chan Prefecture Military Governor's Office upon it, his expression complex.

Chai Rong's grave illness marked the imminent end of an era, and also marked that he, Chen Wen, must completely shed his sole identity as a subordinate commander.

He must now face the impending, more brutal and chaotic turmoil as the true lord of a power with a strong foundation.

At this moment, the balance between loyalty and ambition tipped decisively due to the drastic change in the external environment.

He walked to the window and gazed upon Luo River City; banners fluttered on the walls, armor glinted.

On the streets, though passersby hurried with anxiety, order had not yet collapsed.

An intangible force was tightly binding this city and its surrounding lands together.

This force stems from him, from the Cow Horse System, and even more from the shared efforts of all on this land and their yearning for peace.

"My lord, if you are well, I, Chen Wen, am willing to serve as a bulwark for the Zhou household, to drive northern barbarians back..."

Chen Wen silently recited this in his heart, but immediately a stronger resolve arose.

"But with the situation as it is, the great hall will topple; a lone log cannot support it."

"For this foundation, for these tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, I, Chen Wen… have no other choice."

Thunder has already exploded; the storm is approaching.

He must firmly grasp the power in his hands amidst the impending towering waves.

For himself and for those who follow him, he must carve out a path to survival, and even… strive for a new heaven!

Under the catalysis of immense external pressure and internal resolve, the Growth Progress Bar twitched slightly.

It rose silently from 15% to 16%. This increase is not merely a number; it is the determination and strength to face the changing situation.