Chapter 236

The towers of Bian Liang were already in sight, but the anticipated ambush did not occur.

Translation: The towers of Bianliangcheng came into view, but the anticipated ambush did not occur.

The towers of Bian Liang were already in sight, but the anticipated ambush did not happen.

Chen Wen led the triumphant troops safely through the sparse woodland that had once warned him, amid the earth‑shaking cheers of the people along the way.

Translation: Chen Wen led the triumphant troops, safely passing through the sparse woodland that had once given him a sense of warning, amid the earth-shaking cheers of the locals along the way.

Chen Wen led the triumphant troops safely through the sparse woodland that had once warned him, amid the earth‑shaking cheers of the people along the way.

The wind and waves are calm.

Translation: The wind was calm, the waves still.

But it's a phrase meaning "All was calm." We'll translate as "All was calm."

Only a few startled cold crows let out harsh cries, flapping their wings as they flew toward the overcast sky.

Translation: Only a few startled cold crows in the woods let out harsh croaks, flapping their wings as they flew toward the overcast sky.

cold crows

Chen Wen's face remained calm, yet his heart felt no relaxation.

Translation: Chen Wen's face was calm, yet he felt no relaxation in his heart.

The Iron Crow army had certainly not abandoned its operation; it was more likely that Qian Gui's surveillance bureau had acted early, or the enemy had temporarily changed its plans for some reason.

Translation: The Iron Crow Army had certainly not abandoned its action; a greater possibility was that Qian Gui-led Inspection Bureau had taken effect early, or the enemy had temporarily changed its plan for some reason.

Such dangers lurking beneath calm often prove the most deadly.

Translation: Such a danger lurking beneath calm often proves more deadly.

When the troops arrived outside Bian Liang, the grand official welcoming ceremony inevitably involved elaborate rites.

Translation: Upon reaching the outskirts of Bianliangcheng, the grand official welcoming ceremony inevitably involved elaborate rites.

Zhang Cheng and Wang Pu led the remaining civil and military officials to greet them at the ten‑li pavilion outside the city, the scene solemn yet fervent.

Translation: Zhang Cheng and Wang Pu led the remaining civil and military officials to greet at the ten-li pavilion outside the city, the scene solemn yet fervent.

Chen Wen did not linger at the ceremony; after simply accepting the congratulations and comforting the officials, he ordered the imperial carriage to return directly to the palace.

Translation: Chen Wen did not linger long at the ceremony; after simply receiving the court audience and consoling the officials, he ordered the imperial carriage to return directly to the palace.

He even went straight to the audience without changing out of his battle‑stained armor, and upon first returning to the palace summoned all the core ministers present in Bian Liang to a side hall of the Zi Cheng Hall.

Translation: He even did not change out of his battle-stained uniform, and at the first moment after returning to the palace, in the Side Hall of the Purple Harmony Hall, he summoned all the core ministers presently in Bian Liang.

A pre‑court council that would decide the fate of the new dynasty began amid a tense atmosphere.

Translation: A conference deciding the fate of the new dynasty, held before the throne, opened amid a tense atmosphere.

Inside the hall, the charcoal fire dispelled the winter chill, but could not dispel the heaviness that lingered on everyone's brows.

Translation: Inside the hall, the charcoal fire dispelled the winter chill, but could not dispel the heaviness that lingered on everyone's brows.

Chen Wen sat upon the throne still wearing his dark armor, which added a fierce, battlefield‑born chill to his presence.

Translation: Chen Wen sat upon the throne, his black armor still on, adding a touch of the icy killing aura from the battlefield.

Below, Zhang Cheng, Wang Pu, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian—who had rushed from the Ministry of Works upon hearing of the emperor's return—were present.

Translation: Below, Zhang Cheng, Wang Pu, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian, who had rushed from the Ministry of Works upon hearing of the emperor's return to the capital, were present.

Even Han Tong, who had temporarily handed over Jinzhou's defenses to his deputy and raced back by fast horse, and Zhang Yongde were among them.

Translation: Even Han Tong, who had been temporarily assigned to defend Jinzhou as deputy commander but had rushed back by fast horse, and Zhang Yongde were among them.

Everyone knew that the emperor's urgent summons was not merely to hear praises of the victorious return.

Translation: Everyone knew that the emperor's urgent summons was certainly not to hear praises of the triumphant return.

"Your Excellencies, dispense with the formalities."

Translation: "Your Excellencies, dispense with the formalities."

"Chen Wen got straight to the point, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority."

Translation: Chen Wen got straight to the point, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"During my absence from the capital, I trust you are all fully aware of the internal and external situation."

Translation: "During my time away from the capital, you surely have a clear grasp of the internal and external situation."

"The northern frontier is temporarily pacified, but the flames of war have already risen in all directions."

Translation: "The northern border is temporarily pacified, yet the flames of war have risen in all directions."

His gaze first fell on Qian Gui.

Translation: His gaze first turned to Qian Gui.

"Marquis of Jing'an, please tell us what you know."

Translation: "Marquis of Jing'an, tell us what you know."

"I obey your order!"

Translation: "I obey your order!"

Qian Gui stepped forward, his expression solemn, and succinctly reported each known threat.

Translation: Qian Gui stepped forward, his expression solemn, and succinctly reported each known threat.

"First, Liu Jun of Northern Han, aided by the Iron Crow army, launched a fierce attack on Zhouzhou three days ago; though the dukes Han and Zhang fought desperately and managed to repel the enemy, the foothold remains unbroken and they still eye the border hungrily."

Translation: "First, Northern Han's Liu Jun, with the support of the Iron Crow Army, launched a fierce attack on Jinzhou three days ago; Dukes Han and Zhang fought desperately, barely repelling the enemy, but the foothold remains unbroken, and the enemy still eyes the border hungrily."

"Second, Liu Yanzuo, the military governor of Hebei's Chengde, has colluded with envoys of the Iron Crow army; his vanguard has crossed the border bridge, aiming to pin down our forces at Chan Prefecture and threaten the emperor's return route—a crime worthy of death!"

Translation: "Second, Liu Yanzuo, the Governor of Chengde Army in Hebei, has colluded with envoys of the Iron Crow Army; his vanguard troops have crossed the Boundary Bridge, intending to restrain our Chan Prefecture direction and threaten the emperor's return route—a crime worthy of death!"

"Third, the Southern Tang envoy Zhong Mo, though outwardly respectful, is actually probing; should he perceive weakness in our court, Huainan may harbor disloyal intentions."

Translation: "Third, Southern Tang envoy Zhong Mo, though outwardly respectful, is actually on a probing mission; should they perceive our weakness, Huainan may harbor disloyal intentions."

"Fourth, and the most pressing danger at present, the main force of the Iron Crow army and its hidden backers are plotting multi‑pronged operations whose true target is always the emperor and the heart of the new dynasty!"

Translation: "Fourth, and also the most urgent current peril, the main force of the Iron Crow Army and its hidden masterminds are plotting multi-pronged operations, whose true target has always been the emperor and the central authority of the new dynasty!"

He paused, his tone growing even graver.

Translation: He paused, his tone growing even graver.

"I have confirmed that their plan includes an extreme measure called 'Annihilation'; its exact form is unknown, but its power is likely terrifying."

Translation: "I have confirmed that their plan includes an extreme measure called 'Annihilation,' its exact form unknown, but its power is likely horrifying."

"They had plotted an ambush on the emperor's return route; although it failed to launch for some reason, the threat remains."

Translation: "Their plot to ambush the emperor on his return route, though thwarted for some reason, has not been eliminated."

"Based on interrogation of prisoners and multiple intelligence assessments, the Iron Crow army is very likely plotting a frenzied operation to be launched inside Bian Liang, aimed at creating maximum chaos!"

Translation: "Based on interrogation of prisoners and multiple intelligence assessments, the Iron Crow Army is highly likely plotting a frenzied operation to be launched inside Bianliangcheng, aiming to create maximum chaos!"

"The 'Cold Crows' lurking within the palace may also be activated in this operation."

Translation: "The 'Cold Crows' lurking within the palace may also be activated in this operation."

With each point Qian Gui made, the faces of those in the hall darkened a little more.

Translation: With each point Qian Gui made, the faces of those in the hall darkened a shade.

Enemies surround us on all sides, hidden dangers lie within, and the situation is far worse than ordinary.

Translation: Enemies on all sides, hidden dangers within—the situation is far worse than ordinary.

When Qian Gui finished his report, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Translation: After Qian Gui finished his report, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Zhang Cheng spoke first; as the overseer of civil affairs and finance, he considered matters more practically.

Translation: Zhang Cheng spoke first, as he oversaw civil affairs and finance, his considerations more practical.

"Your Majesty, the military expenditures on the Northern Han and Hebei fronts, plus the costs of your northern campaign, have left the treasury's grain, silver, and funds stretched thin."

Translation: "Your Majesty, the military expenditures on the Northern Han and Hebei fronts, plus the costs of your northern campaign, have left the treasury's grain and silver stretched thin."

"If we try to meet threats from all four directions at once, our strength may fall short."

Translation: "If we try to respond to threats from all four directions simultaneously, our strength may fall short."

"Might we first secure one front?"

Translation: "Might we first secure one front?"

His gaze turned southward, unmistakably hoping to temporarily appease or stabilize the Southern Tang.

Translation: His gaze turned southward, unmistakably meaning he hoped to temporarily appease or stabilize the Southern Tang.

Wang Pu slowly shook his head.

Translation: Wang Pu slowly shook his head.

"Minister Zhang's concern is valid, but showing weakness could backfire."

Translation: "Chancellor Zhang's concern is valid, but showing weakness could backfire."

"The Li clan of Southern Tang are accustomed to fence‑sitting; if they see our court worn down by the Northern Han and Hebei, they may grow bolder and seize the opportunity to strike."

Translation: "The Li clan of Southern Tang, accustomed to fence-sitting, if they see our dynasty weary from dealing with Northern Han and Hebei, may instead grow bolder and seize the chance to strike."

"In my view, the urgent priority is not compromise but to strike with thunderous force at the most arrogant and direct threat, thereby awing the petty foes and stabilizing the whole situation."

Translation: "In my view, the urgent priority is not compromise, but to launch a thunderous strike against the most arrogant and direct threat, thereby awing the petty foes before we can stabilize the whole situation!"

"Mr. Wang's words exactly match my wishes."

Translation: "What Mister Wang says exactly matches my intention."

Chen Wen replied in a deep voice, his eyes sharp.

Translation: Chen Wen said in a deep voice, his eyes sharp.

"Launching attacks on all fronts is inadvisable, but constant retreat will only invite the wolves to circle and eventually devour us."

Translation: "Launching attacks on all fronts is inadvisable, but constant retreat will only invite the wolves to surround us, eventually leaving us to be devoured piecemeal."

He lightly tapped his finger on the imperial desk.

Translation: He lightly tapped a finger on the imperial desk.

"Liu Yanzuo is like grass on a wall—weakest of all, yet he dares to provoke first; surely the Iron Crow army is egging him on behind the scenes."

Translation: "Liu Yanzuo, a grass on the wall, the weakest in strength, yet dares to provoke first; surely the Iron Crow Army is behind him, urging and supporting him."

"If we do not punish him severely, the other garrisons of Hebei will surely follow suit, bringing endless trouble."

Translation: "If we do not punish him severely, the various garrisons of Hebei will surely follow suit, breeding endless future troubles!"

His decision was clear and resolute.

Translation: His decision was clear and decisive.

"This scoundrel must be struck! Hit him hard, hit him fast—let the might of Great Chen be shown!"

Translation: "This scoundrel must be struck! And struck hard, struck fast! Let us display the might of Great Chen!"

"Your Majesty is wise and sagacious!"

Translation: "Your Majesty is sage!"

Han Tong could no longer hold back; upon hearing the words he stepped forward, his voice booming like a great bell.

Translation: Han Tong could no longer restrain himself; upon hearing this, he stepped forward, his voice like a great bell.

"I, the lowly officer, volunteer to be the vanguard, lead the troops across Hebei, and capture that treacherous Liu Yanzuo!"

Translation: "I, the humble commander, wish to be the vanguard, leading troops to march on Chengde and capture that treacherous Liu Yanzuo!"

Zhang Yongde also bowed and spoke.

Translation: Zhang Yongde also bowed and said.

"I concur! If Hebei remains unstable, the flanks of Bian Liang will constantly be threatened; we must eradicate the danger at once!"

Translation: "I concur! If Hebei is unstable, the flanks of Bianliangcheng will always be threatened; we must eradicate it swiftly!"

Chen Wen nodded slightly.

Han Tong, Zhang Yongde, hear the order!

Order you two to immediately muster the 20,000 capital garrison troops, take some new equipment, set out in three days, and attack Chengde's Liu Yanzuo!

In this battle, we do not seek to occupy land; our aim is to destroy their main force and capture and kill their chief villain!

Let the world know what fate awaits those who betray Great Chen and collude with foreign barbarians!

The humble officer receives the edict!

Han Tong and Zhang Yongde responded in unison, their fighting spirit high.

'Toward the Northern Han...'

Chen Wen turned his gaze to the map.

Order Shi Dun to detach 10,000 troops from the northern border, move south to deter and pin down the Northern Han forces, so they dare not advance east with full strength.

The Jinzhou defense line shall be held by the existing garrison; after the Hebei campaign subsides, we will then devise further plans.

'As for the Southern Tang...'

Chen Wen looked toward Wang Po.

Then it will be trouble for Mr. Wang and Minister Zhang to continue dealing with Zhong Mo.

You may appropriately reveal to them our determination to pacify Hebei and our troop deployments, letting them weigh it themselves!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wang Po and Zhang Cheng bowed and accepted the order.

Finally, Chen Wen's gaze fell upon Qian Gui and Zhao Lao Nian.

The Iron Crow Army is a hidden menace; their conspiracies within the city must be thwarted!

Qian Gui!

I am here!

I grant you full authority to mobilize all available forces, dig three feet deep if needed, and before the Iron Crow Army acts, uncover all their strongholds within the city, especially that 'Cold Crow'!

Better to kill by mistake than to let any escape!

If necessary, extraordinary measures may be employed!

Chen Wen's tone carried a chilling killing intent.

I, your servant, am willing to die ten thousand times!

Qian Gui solemnly accepted the order.

Zhao Lao Nian.

Your old servant is here!

Your research on the Nether Energy Crystal Ore is vital to the future success or failure against the Iron Crow Army!

If you have any needs, report them directly to me; the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue must fully cooperate!

You must achieve a breakthrough as soon as possible!

'The old servant understands! I will surely not betray Your Majesty's trust!' Zhao Lao Nian assured excitedly.

Orders were issued clearly one after another, and the originally chaotic crisis seemed to find a clear direction.

The officials in the hall felt somewhat reassured, yet also sensed the weighty pressure.

The war to establish the new dynasty's prestige is no longer merely external; it is also internal, a frontal counterstrike against the hidden black hand manipulating everything from the shadows.

Officials.

Chen Wen rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over each senior official.

Great Chen has just been founded, facing internal troubles and external threats; this truly is the critical autumn of survival or demise.

Yet, the battle in the northern borders has already displayed our military might;

the implementation of new policies has already won the people's hearts.

As long as ruler and ministers are of one heart and the soldiers give their all, what fear have we of demons and monsters, what fear have we of wolves from all directions?

His voice was not loud, yet it carried a strong confidence and persuasive power.

This time, let the world see whether the blade of Great Chen is sharp!

Let us, in this chaotic age, cleave a bright and clear universe!

We officials solemnly obey the imperial decree! We are willing to die for Your Majesty! To die for Great Chen!

The officials responded in unison, their voices echoing in the hall, filled with resolve and belief.

The storm approaches, yet the Great Chen, this new vessel, has raised its sails, ready to meet the towering waves.