Chapter 200: with translation of chapter title

The Jing'an Army's main camp, inside the commander's tent.

The charcoal brazier crackled, yet it could not dispel the heaviness hanging in the air.

Chen Wen sat in the chief seat; below were those who had received the urgent orders.

The core members who had rushed back from all places overnight: Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian.

Everyone was travel-worn, their faces showing the fatigue of campaign, but more prevalent was a tacit solemnity.

On the case lay that letter from the Chen Prefecture Commandery, sealed with Wang Pu's seal.

The content was brief, yet weighed as heavily as a thousand jin.

——"Lord, your illness is grave; northern front affairs are temporarily entrusted to the deputy commander; you are ordered to immediately travel light and with few attendants, rush night and day to Chen, without mistake."

No reason, no explanation, yet every word exuded an undeniable urgency.

Chen Wen's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, his voice steady as he spoke, breaking the silence.

"Lord is critically ill, summoning me back to Chen."

"This trip is unlikely to be a simple report of duties."

He said no more, but everyone present understood the meaning behind those words.

Chen Prefecture, and indeed the entire power structure of the Later Zhou, was about to face an earth-shaking upheaval.

And they, along with the foundation they relied upon for survival, had already been pushed to the forefront of the storm.

Shi Dun was the first to shout, his voice like a muffled thunder.

"Lord, give your orders! I, Shi Dun, and my brothers will follow your lead!"

Chen Wen raised his hand, signaling him to calm down and not be restless.

He looked toward Zhang Cheng.

"Zhang Cheng, the three counties of Luo Chuan are our foundation."

"After I leave, you will have full authority over the three counties' administration, finances, and logistics."

"Grain and supply reserves must be increased by thirty percent according to wartime standards, carried out covertly."

"The armory workshops shall run at full capacity, producing as many arrows, armor, and especially divine crossbows as possible."

Zhang Cheng's expression tightened, and he replied in a deep voice.

"Lord, rest assured; I will exert my utmost effort to ensure the rear is safe and supplies and armaments are never lacking!"

Chen Wen nodded, turning his gaze to Wang Ru.

"Wang Ru, you will assist Zhang Cheng, overseeing administration, surveillance, and pacifying the populace."

"In extraordinary times, harsh measures are needed."

"If anyone is found negligent, derelict in duty, spreading rumors, or even colluding with the enemy, regardless of who, you are authorized together with Qian Gui to act first and report later."

"At the same time, closely monitor public sentiment; ensure the three counties remain stable and free of unrest."

Wang Ru drew a deep breath, her pretty face full of resolve.

"Ru understands; I will surely not disappoint the lord's trust."

Chen Wen looked toward Shi Dun, who stood like an iron tower.

"Shi Dun, the Jing'an Army is the foundation of our existence."

"During my absence, I will preemptively apply the effect of 'Broadly Bestowed Eightfold' to you and your directly subordinate combat units."

"This effect will continuously drain my spirit, but as long as I suffer no major harm, it can be maintained remotely."

"You must intensify drills, especially for new recruits, ensuring they quickly integrate and become combat-effective."

"Northern front defenses must not be relaxed; maintain pressure on Liu Jiye's forces, but avoid large-scale decisive battles, focusing on containment."

"If... if Chen Prefecture changes, upon receiving my signal, you shall lead the main force of the Jing'an Army straight to Chen Prefecture to seize control!"

Shi Dun's eyes burst with a terrifying gleam; he fiercely clasped his fists, his voice shaking the rafters.

"Yes! Lord, rest assured! With me, Shi Dun, and my brothers here, the northern barbarians dare not move!"

"If Chen Prefecture sees troublemakers rise, I will lead my brothers to crush them flat!"

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, finally letting his gaze fall on Qian Gui, who had remained silent like a shadow.

"Qian Gui, your burden is the heaviest."

"The Inspection Bureau's eyes must see farther and deeper."

"First, closely monitor Zhao Kuangyin and all his movements, especially any contact with the Iron Crow Army."

"I need to know every troop movement of his, every abnormal action."

"Second, in the direction of Bian Liang, any stir in the Imperial Court— the attitudes of Empress Fu, the young ruler, and several regent ministers— must be grasped immediately."

"Third, the military governors of the various Hebei prefectures must also estimate their possible reactions to the situation in Chen Prefecture."

"Fourth, and this is the most important point..."

Chen Wen's voice dropped, carrying a hint of icy killing intent.

"Within our ranks, carry out the most thorough investigation."

"During my absence, anyone who has abnormal contact with the outside world, especially with Zhao Kuangyin and Bian Liang, regardless of rank, you are authorized to execute first and report later!"

"I want an unbreakable Luo Chuan, and a Jing'an Army impervious to even a needle!"

Qian Gui lifted his eyes; those usually listless pupils were now sharp as an eagle's.

He slowly uttered two words, with the texture of rusted iron.

"Understood."

Finally, Chen Wen looked toward Zhao Lao Nian, who kept rubbing his hands, appearing somewhat nervous.

"Supervisor Zhao."

"Lord!" Zhao Lao Nian hastily bowed.

Your task at the Artificers' Battalion is equally arduous.

Besides ensuring weapons production, I have two more matters to entrust to you.

First, gather the finest artisans to study the Nether Energy Crystal Ore we have captured.

I need to know whether, aside from being used by the Iron Crow Army, it has any other uses… or… whether there is a way to counter it.

Second, secretly select sites within Luo River to set up two or three concealed backup workshops and warehouses.

Only you, Zhang Cheng, and Wang Ru will know the locations, in case of emergency.

Zhao Lao Nian's face showed a solemn expression as he nodded firmly.

"Milord, rest assured, Lao Nian will see these two tasks through even if I forgo food and sleep!"

Orders were issued clearly, one after another, and everyone's duties and objectives became exceedingly clear.

Chen Wen rose to his feet, walked into the tent, and gazed at those who had followed him all the way from Jiao Tu Zhen to become the core cadre today.

His gaze was deep and resolute.

"Everyone."

"In this chaotic age, like a tide, we were originally those who drifted with the current."

"But now, we have something we must protect, a bottom line that cannot be trampled."

"Heading to Chan Prefecture, the road ahead is uncertain—perhaps a smooth path, perhaps an abyss."

"No matter the circumstances, holding Luo River and leading the Peaceful Army well will be my greatest support and our greatest reliance in this chaotic age."

He paused, his voice carrying an undeniable force.

"Remember, what we seek is not merely to preserve our lives in this chaotic age."

"What we want is to end this chaotic age, to establish a new order where tillers reap their food, guardians find their peace, and our labors are not in vain…"

"For this, even if there are a thousand difficulties and myriad dangers, I will go forth!"

Inside the tent fell silent, save for the crackling of the burning charcoal.

Everyone's gaze became exceedingly firm, a solemn aura as weighty as a mountain yet as fervent as fire flowing among them.

Zhang Cheng was the first to bow, his voice steady.

"I am willing to be the vanguard for Milord, a hundred deaths without regret!"

Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian bowed in unison, their voices ringing together like the striking of metal and stone.

"I am willing to be the vanguard for Milord, a hundred deaths without regret!"

Chen Wen looked at them and nodded slowly.

"Good."

"Each act according to the plan."

"After I depart, Luo River… I entrust it to you all."

He said no more, turned, and walked toward the tent's exterior.

There, the personal guards had already readied swift horses.

The night was as dark as ink, the starlight dim.

A storm concerning the future's fate was slowly gathering above Chan Prefecture City.

And this Luo River foundation, like a sturdy fortress quietly erected amidst a storm, had already prepared to withstand any onslaught.

【Extra chapter completed】