Chapter 202

The side hall of the Chan Prefecture Military Commissioner's residence.

The atmosphere was even more solemn than a few days ago, the air seeming to freeze, each breath carrying a heavy pressure.

Chai Rong had fallen into a state of alternating unconsciousness and lucidity; medicines were ineffective, his life like a candle in the wind.

Wang Pu, Han Tong, and Zhang Yongde gathered again, candlelight illuminating their faces etched with worry and resolve.

"Mr. Wang," Han Tong spoke first, his voice hoarse, tinged with a fatigue not easily noticed.

"My lord... he may not last more than a few days."

"From Bian Liang, the edict urging a decision on the regent for the orphaned emperor comes thicker and faster each day."

"Zhao Kuangyin has been active lately, keeping close contact with several commanders of the Palace Front Command."

"The troops he trained with the 'fire-tempering' method exude a growing ferocious aura; they are certainly no good."

Zhang Yongde said solemnly, his brows furrowed.

"What's worse, the rumors are spreading ever more fiercely."

"Not only are there claims that Commissioner Chen is holding his troops for himself, but now it's said... said that there is talk of making the Commissioner of Inspections the emperor!"

"As soon as the words 'Commissioner of Inspections' were spoken, the side hall fell into sudden silence."

The current Commander of Inspections of the Palace Front is none other than Zhang Yongde himself.

The malicious nature of this rumor goes without saying.

Wang Pu's thin fingers tapped lightly on the chair back, his eyes deep, as if they could see into people's hearts.

He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet it clearly reached Han and Zhang's ears.

"General Han, General Zhang."

"Brother Yongde..."

Han Tong looked at Zhang Yongde, his tone complex.

"This rumor is clearly aimed at us, and at the situation behind our lord in Chan Prefecture."

"Zhao Kuangyin's intentions are already plain as day."

Zhang Yongde gave a bitter laugh.

"My seat as Commissioner of Inspections is now like sitting on a volcano's mouth."

"Lady Fu, the tutor (referring to Empress Fu), and several regents have always favored the Bian Liang faction's commanders."

"Now that this rumor has surfaced, whether true or false, my position... I fear I can no longer hold it."

Wang Pu spoke at the right moment, steering the talk to the crux.

"Gentlemen generals, let us set aside the rumors for now."

"In your view, if our lord should unfortunately pass away, to whom should we entrust Chan Prefecture, the northern frontier defenses, and even this tumultuous world, so as to guard the land and pacify the people, not betraying his lifelong devotion?"

He paused, then lowered his voice further, almost to a whisper.

"The lord, when lucid the day before yesterday, once gave me this instruction..."

Han Tong and Zhang Yongde immediately held their breath and focused.

Wang Pu swept his gaze over them, repeating Chai Rong's startling secret instruction word for word.

"Survival outweighs empty fame; the greater good transcends personal loyalty."

As the words fell, Han Tong's sturdy frame shuddered, and Zhang Yongde's pupils contracted sharply.

These words almost tore away the last fig leaf named 'loyalty'.

They laid bare the most brutal, yet truest, law of survival in this chaotic age.

The object of loyalty can be a ruler, but it ought to be this land, these people, and the futures and lives of the soldiers under their command.

"My lord... he sees so clearly..." Han Tong murmured, a hint of sorrow flashing across his face before being replaced by resolve.

He suddenly lifted his head.

"If that's the case, I, Han Tong, being a blunt man, will speak from the heart!"

"Zhao Kuangyin certainly has talent, but his character has grown increasingly arrogant and his methods cruel."

"Especially his deep ties with the mysterious Iron Crow Army—surely no blessing for the world!"

"By contrast, consider Chen Wenzhong (Chen Wen)!"

Han Tong's voice rose with passion.

"Since he entered the lord's service, has there been anything in defending the city, training troops, governing the state, or repelling invaders that was not upright and meritorious?"

"Saving the lord at Gaoping, breaking the enemy at Black Pine Ridge, the night raid on Eagle's Beak Cliff—each and every deed was for country and people, turning back the tide!"

"Under his governance of the three counties, politics and harmony prevail, the people dwell in peace, arms are excellent, supplies ample—this is true ministerial talent, the hallmark of a foundation!"

"What's more rare, he treats others with sincerity, rewarding merit and punishing fault; his civil and military subordinates are all willing to give their all!"

"The fighting strength of the Jing'an Army, you both have seen—it is a vigor forged in real blade‑on‑blade combat!"

Zhang Yongde listened silently, his eyes shifting uncertainly.

He recalled Chen Wen's steady counsel at every military council, and his habit of never taking credit for himself.

He recalled the disciplined, high‑spirited Jing'an Army under his command, and the flourishing scene of the three counties of Luo Chuan.

Compared to the increasingly tense, scheming atmosphere on Zhao Kuangyin's side, the superiority was clear at a glance.

"Brother Han's words... every sentence makes sense."

Zhang Yongde finally let out a long breath, as if shedding a thousand‑jin burden.

"Working with Commissioner Chen brings peace of mind."

"But with Zhao Kuangyin... every time we face each other, I feel a prickling in my back."

"This world can no longer endure another ruler whose heart is blinded by lust for power and whose methods are cruel."

He looked at Wang Pu, his eyes becoming clear and resolute.

Mr. Wang, Yongde is willing to prioritize the bigger picture.

If there really is a change of circumstances, I... support Defense Commissioner Chen.

Han Tong slapped his thigh heavily.

Good! I feel the same!

Wang Pu looked at the two senior military officers who had finally reached agreement.

On his perpetually tense face, a barely perceptible easing finally appeared.

Both generals understand the greater good; this is indeed a blessing for Chan Prefecture and its people.

Nevertheless, the current situation still requires caution.

Defense Commissioner Chen is already on his way back and will arrive shortly.

Before he arrives, we must stabilize the situation in Chan Prefecture and absolutely cannot let Zhao Kuangyin stir up trouble first.

Han Tong let out a cold snort.

Don't worry! With me, Han Tong, here, the troops of Chan Prefecture won't be able to rebel!

Even if Zhao Kuangyin's few hundred 'tempered fire' soldiers are fierce, can they still overturn the heavens?

Zhang Yongde, however, considered things more thoroughly.

Mr. Wang, regarding the rumors, we must find a way to quell them; at the very least, we cannot let them disturb the morale of the army and the people.

My position as a point checker... perhaps I can take the initiative to do something.

A flicker of approval flashed in Wang Pu's eyes.

General Zhang, what are your lofty opinions?

Zhang Yongde lowered his voice.

I can proactively submit a memorial to Bian Liang, citing 'avoidance of suspicion' and 'insufficient talent and virtue' as reasons to resign from the post of Chief Inspector of the Palace Guard.

At the same time, I strongly recommend... Chen Wenzhong to succeed!

Han Tong's eyes lit up.

Excellent! This is a strategy of advancing by retreating!

It not only dispels the rumors but also pushes Chen Wenzhong into a more crucial position!

Wang Pu pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

This plan is feasible.

Even if the Imperial Court does not approve, or assigns someone else, it is enough to show our stance and deter the petty troublemakers.

Let's do it then!

The three of them again whispered, discussing some details: how to control the key city gates, how to pacify the various military units, and how to respond to any possible reactions from Bian Liang.

Only when the east began to lighten did they disperse.

Not long after Han Tong and Zhang Yongde left the jiedu office, a swift horse broke through the morning mist and galloped into the southern gate of Chan Prefecture.

The rider on horseback, dusty and weary, yet with sharp eyes, was none other than Chen Wen, who had been rushing back day and night.

He did not go directly to the jiedushi's residence, but first returned to his temporary lodging in Chan Prefecture.

—a seemingly ordinary compound.

Qian Gui, who had already received the news, appeared silently like a shadow.

"My lord," Qian Gui bowed, his words brief and to the point.

"Zhao Kuangyin and the Iron Crow Army have already plotted: in three days they will fabricate a northern invasion report, lure him to lead his troops north, and launch a mutiny at Chen Bridge Station."

"The Iron Crow Army will deploy the 'shadowy' elite forces, under the command of Wang Yansheng, to set ambushes around Chen Bridge, blocking any intervening forces."

Chen Wen took off his dust-covered outer robe while listening, his face calm and unruffled.

"I understand."

He walked to the window and gazed at the gradually awakening city of Chan Prefecture.

On the streets, early-rising commoners had already begun their bustle; cooking smoke curled softly, revealing a rare tranquility amidst the chaotic times.

His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of rooftops, landing in the direction of the jiedushi's residence.

"My lord... how much longer can you hold on?" he asked softly.

Qian Gui fell silent for a moment.

"According to spies inside the residence, it may be just a day or two away."

Chen Wen closed his eyes and drew in a breath of the cool morning air.

When he opened his eyes again, they were clear and resolute.

"Prepare the horse, go to the jiedu office."

"It's time to see off my lord."

"It's also time to meet with all the various 'hearts and minds' of Chan Prefecture."

He stepped out of the room, and morning light fell upon his steady face.

He could feel the Growth Progress Bar within his body, which had been slowly increasing.

It seemed to have slightly quickened due to some intangible convergence.

That was the initial surge of Fortune Momentum stirred by the people's allegiance and estrangement beneath the undercurrent.

Han Tong's and Zhang Yongde's decisions were merely the beginning of this surge's onset.

A greater surge still lay ahead.