Chapter 209

"Long live" the sound wave was like an endless tide, wave after wave, washing over the night sky of Chen Bridge Station.

Torches were lit one after another, their leaping flames illuminating faces that were excited, frenzied, or bewildered, casting them in shifting light.

Chen Wen — perhaps now he should be called the Chen Emperor.

— seated upon the temporarily moved commander's seat, his bright yellow robe flowed with a dignified luster in the firelight.

He raised his hand, pressing down in the air.

The roaring sound gradually subsided, tens of thousands of eyes fixed on him, awaiting the edict of the new dynasty's ruler.

The air was thick with gunpowder, blood, and an aura called "power" that made hearts race and intoxicated.

Chen Wen's gaze slowly swept over the dark mass of troops below, over the generals kneeling on the ground.

Finally it landed on the military banner that had not yet been changed, still belonging to the Later Zhou.

His voice was steady, carrying an undeniable power, clearly reaching every corner of the assembly.

"All officials, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The soldiers shouted their assent, rose en masse, yet still bowed their heads slightly to show respect.

"The dynasty has just been founded, a hundred undertakings await revival, yet treacherous ministers remain, the realm is not at peace; this is not the time to reward merit and enjoy tranquility."

Chen Wen's voice was not loud, yet it carried a metallic resonance that struck each person's heart.

"I, having received the mandate in times of crisis and the endorsement of the soldiers, shall make it my duty to sweep away treachery and pacify the realm!"

He paused, his gaze turning sharp.

"Convey my imperial order!"

All commanders and soldiers trembled, holding their breath and focusing.

"First, effective immediately, abolish the 'Xian De' era name and change it to 'Establish the Dynasty'! Starting from this station, proclaim to the world: Great Chen establishes the nation, all things renewed!"

"Second, the existing Later Zhou military and administrative system shall be temporarily maintained in its old form, each staying in their post. Anyone willing to submit to Great Chen and be loyal to the new dynasty, I will treat equally and promote according to ability."

Upon hearing this, many commanders and soldiers who originally belonged to the Later Zhou system felt somewhat relieved.

The new monarch did not rush to purge, giving them a buffer and a chance to choose.

"Third, promote Han Tong to Commander of the Palace Vanguard, overseeing the forbidden troops of Bian Liang and its vicinity!"

"Promote Zhang Yongde to Commander of the Guard's Cavalry and Infantry, to assist Han Tong and stabilize the capital region's defenses!"

These two appointments, like a divine needle calming the sea, instantly soothed the hearts of most of the former Later Zhou forbidden troops present.

Han Tong and Zhang Yongde were already veteran commanders in the army, highly respected; having them step forward to stabilize the situation could not be more fitting.

This also clearly sends a signal: the new dynasty does not intend to completely overturn the old order, but to carry out a smooth transfer of power.

"Fourth," Chen Wen's gaze turned to the side, where Zhao Kuangyin, his face ashen, was being guarded by two soldiers, along with his core followers.

His voice turned cold.

"Zhao Kuangyin, colluding with demons, fabricating military intelligence, plotting rebellion, the evidence is conclusive!"

"Effective immediately, strip him of all offices and titles, escort him to…… Chen Prefecture for detention, awaiting disposition!"

"Those under his command who participated in the conspiracy—Wang Shenzhi, Shou Shixin, Li Chuyun, and the like—shall all be stripped of office and investigated!"

He did not immediately execute Zhao Kuangyin.

It was not out of mercy, but the timing was not right.

Behind Zhao Kuangyin stood the Iron Crow Army; keeping him alive might yet yield more clues about that "purge plan" and the truth of the world.

Moreover, the new dynasty has just been founded; excessive killing is inadvisable, especially toward someone like Zhao Kuangyin who still retains some influence in the military.

Temporary imprisonment is the safest choice.

"Fifth!" Chen Wen's voice rose again, carrying an unquestionable resolve.

"The army shall immediately break camp, with no need to return to Chen Prefecture, marching straight to Bian Liang!"

"I, the emperor, will personally go to the capital to steady the people's hearts and proclaim where the Mandate of Heaven lies!"

"Any prefecture or county along the way that dares to obstruct the imperial forces or close its gates shall be treated as conspirators!"

"Yes!"

The generals shouted their assent in unison, their voices shaking the wilderness.

Orders were swiftly transmitted down the ranks.

The troops originally belonging to Zhao Kuangyin, under the coordination of Han Tong and Zhang Yongde's factions, were quickly broken up and reassigned to other units.

Inside the central commander's tent lay the robe originally prepared for Zhao Kuangyin—more formal, embroidered with sun, moon, stars, rivers and mountains, a reddish-yellow dragon robe.

It was respectfully presented before Chen Wen, who took off his somewhat hastily made bright yellow robe.

The simple enthronement ceremony was completed here in the camp, under the gaze of all.

There were no cumbersome rites, no solemn palaces—only cold armor, forests of torches, and the lingering killing intent in the air.

Yet this humble ceremony possessed more power than any meticulously prepared rite.

Because it was founded upon absolute military control and the people's hearts turning toward or away.

Chen Wen could clearly feel, as he proclaimed the era change, established the state name, and issued a series of orders,

the Growth Progress Bar within him, which had already surpassed 60%, began to rise again, slowly but firmly.

62%……63%……

The Fortune Momentum vortex also grew more substantial, its golden light shining ever brighter, as if resonating mysteriously with the dragon robe on his body.

A force called "National Fortune" began to quietly gather.

"Your Majesty."

A clerk temporarily assigned to document duty held up the just-drafted

first notice to pacify the people issued in the name of the new dynasty's emperor, presenting it for imperial review.

Chen Wen took it and quickly skimmed.

The notice merely explained that the Zhou court was feeble, the Mandate of Heaven had shifted, the Chen emperor had arisen in accordance with it, and he was renewing the old and establishing the new.

And also to pacify the people's hearts, ordering officials of all prefectures and counties to carry out their duties as usual, and that the people should each settle in their livelihoods, etc.

He took up his brush and solemnly added a line at the end.

"All subjects of my Great Chen, if they are diligent and law-abiding, I will ensure that the tillers have their land, the dwellers have their homes, the laborers obtain their food, the young receive their care, and all under heaven share the blessings of peace!"

This is not empty talk.

This is the belief he has held since Jiao Tu Zhen, and also the firmest promise that the "Cow Horse System" and "Ability Granting" can bring.

Having finished writing, he set down his vermilion brush.

"Immediately make copies, send them off with eight-hundred-li urgent delivery to all quarters, especially to Bian Liang and the surrounding prefectures and counties."

"As you command!"

The civil official respectfully received the notice and hurried away.

Chen Wen walked out of the great tent and mounted his horse.

At this moment, the great army had finished its preparations, and torches stretched out in a continuous line.

Like a gigantic fire dragon, it slowly writhed in the darkness, heading toward Bian Liang.

He looked back, finally glancing one last time at that River Beach Station which had once determined him and also determined the fate of the world.

Chen Bridge.

This name, from tonight onward, will carry an entirely different meaning.

"Depart."

He gently squeezed the horse's belly and merged into the rolling torrent flowing forward.

Behind him flew the newly born Chen character banner, snapping in the night wind.

A new dynasty was thus founded amidst the haste and slaughter, laying its first cornerstone.

The road ahead remained long, strong enemies surrounded them, and internal troubles were not yet quelled.

But at least, amidst this chaotic world, the first glimmer of what he himself had ignited, called "Order", had appeared.

Chan Prefecture, Luo River, and even more distant places—the fates of countless people will be completely changed because of tonight's Chen Bridge incident.

The Great Chen's train has already set off, roaring forward toward that unknown and challenging future.