Chapter 228

The news of the great victory in the northern frontier, as if given wings, was carried by an urgent messenger traveling eight hundred li, raising dust along the way, swiftly transmitted to Bian Liang.

The scarlet command flag on the messenger's back snapped in the cold wind; at every pass and relay station along the route, those who saw it promptly made way, giving priority.

Everyone who saw this symbol of the victorious report showed an expression of exhilaration and anticipation on their face.

When the dust-covered, chapped-lipped messenger finally galloped through the majestic gate of Bian Liang, shouting with his last strength, 'Great victory in the northern frontier! His Majesty personally arrived at the front, our army crushed the Khitan, beheading hundreds, annihilating a detachment of the Iron Crow Army!' the entire capital seemed like a tranquil lake struck by a massive stone, instantly boiling over.

The news first spread by word of mouth in the markets, quickly proliferating.

In teahouses and taverns, the storyteller, having no time to prepare the clapper, jumped onto a stool and excitedly told the gathering crowds the splendid battle results they had just heard, already embellished.

"His Majesty is godly martial! Personally leading the tiger guards, he set an ambush in the river valley!"

"Those Khitan cavalry were slaughtered to the point of men and horses overturned, crying for their fathers and mothers!"

"Moreover, those sorcerers of the Iron Crow Army who feigned mysticism, before His Majesty's heavenly might, each one as if struck by sorcery, went limp in hand and foot, and were all cut down from their horses by General Shi Dun as easily as slicing melons and vegetables!"

The populace listened, entranced and intoxicated, with cheers and applause unceasing to their ears.

The new dynasty just founded, external threats frequently arose, and popular sentiment was inevitably unsettled.

This timely great victory, especially the triumph won by the Emperor himself leading the campaign, greatly boosted popular morale and dispelled the faint gloom hanging over the capital.

"Long live His Majesty!"

"Great Chen, ten thousand victories!"

No one knew who started it, but soon the shouts rose and fell in waves, echoing through the streets and alleys of Bian Liang.

The victory report reached Huangcheng; the officials left in charge reacted variously, but overall there was a atmosphere of joy and encouragement.

Within the Bureau of Military Affairs, the officials responsible for military coordination let out a long sigh of relief, their faces showing smiles as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

"Excellent! His Majesty's first battle ended in victory; the northern front is secure!"

"Quick! Copy the victory report and immediately issue it to all ministries and the armies of the surrounding regions!"

"This is an inspiring act!"

In the Hall of Government Affairs, Zhang Cheng, Senior Executive of the Secretariat and Chancellery, was handling piles of documents stacked like mountains together with several core officials.

Upon hearing the report, he set down his pen, and his slightly furrowed brow finally relaxed a little.

"His Majesty's safety is the greatest blessing."

He calmly said to those around him, then immediately gave orders.

"Since the victory report has arrived, we should promptly draft an edict to reward the frontline troops and console the families of the fallen."

"The Ministry of Revenue must prepare the rewards in advance; the Ministry of War must verify military merits, allowing no error."

"After this battle, the sentiments of the northern frontier populace can also be somewhat eased, which will greatly benefit the implementation of the new policies."

He considered further, that this victory brought a chain of effects, as well as the consolidation of the rule of the entire new dynasty.

Within the deeply guarded headquarters of the Inspection Bureau, Marquis Jing'an Qian Gui, upon receiving the secret report, showed little joy on his face.

He carefully read the detailed description in the victory report of the annihilation of the Iron Crow Army detachment, his fingers lightly tapping the tabletop.

"As expected…… they were mixed among the Khitan forces."

He muttered under his breath, his eyes sharp.

"His Majesty's divine might, using the Fortune Momentum to break the enemy, has verified Chancellor Zhao's research."

"But this is only the beginning."

He rose to his feet and walked before a huge map marked with various complex symbols and lines.

On the map, not only were the positions of the Khitan and Northern Han marked, but also in the Chengde Army of Hebei and even certain areas of Bianliangcheng, striking red markings were drawn.

"The Iron Crow Army, having suffered this setback, its master will surely not resign itself."

Qian Gui's voice was icy.

"The several abnormal movements we have monitored have become increasingly frequent lately."

He pointed toward the direction of Hebei.

"The commander-in-chief of the Chengde Army, Liu Yanzuo, in his contact with the Iron Crow Army's envoy, has shifted from covert to overt; the abnormal mobilization of his troops suggests an intention to move south."

He then pointed toward Northern Han.

"Within Northern Han territory, a large quantity of arms and grain, suspected to be supplies for the Iron Crow Army, is gathering at the border."

Finally, his finger pointed to a certain location within Bianliangcheng.

"Moreover, our 'Han Ya' hidden in the palace…… although it has been silent for a few days, after the victory report arrived, a covert line associated with it suddenly showed signs of transmitting information outward."

He turned around and gave orders to the several capable confidants standing solemnly behind him.

"Issue orders to all hidden posts, double the vigilance!"

"The great victory in the northern frontier will only make those rats hiding in the dark go even more crazy."

"Their forthcoming counterstrike will undoubtedly be even more brutal!"

"What we must do is to find them and strangle them before they act!"

Meanwhile, inside an inconspicuous residence somewhere in Bian Liang.

In a tightly sealed secret room, candlelight flickered, casting shadows of several vague and oppressive figures.

"The news from the north…… has failed."

A hoarse voice sounded, filled with uncontainable shock and anger.

"Our people…… together with those carefully selected Khitan vanguard, the entire force was wiped out."

"The target…… that new emperor seems to have mastered some method of restraining crystal ore power……"

"Our people, before him, have seen their strength greatly diminished, and even…… the crystal ore has shattered!"

The interior fell into dead silence, only the candlefire crackling.

The air was permeated with an emotion called fear.

After a long while, another voice, icy as metal scraping, spoke;

The node has deviated……it has accelerated.

The priority of the cleanup targets must be raised to the highest.

The master's patience is limited.

Activate the 'Swarm' plan.

Notify the 'partners' in Hebei, they can start causing trouble.

And as for Northern Han over there, get them moving to pin down the Chen dynasty's western forces.

As for Bian Liang……

That icy voice paused, killing intent palpable.

Have the 'Cold Crow' make preparations, await final orders.

We need a……sufficiently chaotic feast to conceal the true killing intent.

And in the relay station area, in a relatively secluded courtyard.

Several officials dressed in Southern Tang attire were also quietly discussing the just‑received Northern Frontier victory report.

Leading them was a refined‑mannered middle‑aged scholar, namely the envoy sent by Southern Tang's ruler Li Jing, the Vice Minister of Rites Zhong Mo.

He twirled his beard, his eyes glinting.

This Great Chen emperor……is indeed extraordinary.

Having taken the throne less than a month, he dares to personally lead the campaign, and his first battle was a victory, his methods ruthless.

He pondered, then said.

It seems our originally devised probe strategy needs slight adjustment.

Facing such a powerful new dynasty, being overly arrogant or dismissive would not be wise.

He said to his deputy envoy.

Tomorrow, when presenting the state letter, the wording must be more respectful.

We want to see with our own eyes just what kind of person this Chen emperor is, and how long this new Great Chen dynasty can endure in this turbulent Central Plains.

The Northern Frontier victory report, like a strong east wind, stirred the chessboard of Bian Liang and indeed all forces under heaven.

Some rejoiced, some worried, some hid murderous intent.

The surface war seemed to have temporarily ended, but the undercurrents beneath became all the more turbulent and surging.

The new Great Chen dynasty, basking in the halo of its initial victory, now faces a more complex and severe trial.

And all of this, has only just begun.