Chapter 336: Strategy to Break the Stalemate

In Great Chen, within the imperial study of Bian Liang's Huangcheng, a decision was made—like a stone dropped into a still lake, it quickly sent ripples spreading outward.

The vast machinery of the Jing'an Office, under Qian Gui's personal supervision, began operating with unprecedented efficiency.

Every secret route leading north—whether known or speculated to be chosen by the False Song envoy—was now watched by countless eyes.

The frequency of border troops' scouting activities surged, combing the border region over and over like a comb.

At the same time, several rigorously trained sparrowhawks, carrying encrypted messages, flew under cover of night across the border into the actual Khitan-controlled territory, seeking to contact Khitan nobles equally concerned about the southern situation.

……

In both the Menxia Province and the Ministry of Personnel offices, lights burned brightly throughout the night.

Wang Ru and several senior officials repeatedly examined and screened the long list of officials.

The selection of envoy members is of great importance.

They need not only eloquence and familiarity with northern customs, but also loyalty, reliability, boldness and meticulousness, the ability to adapt on the fly in complex situations, and even readiness to confront possible interference from the Iron Crow Army.

"Vice Minister of the Ceremonies Zhou Zhi, who has been sent on multiple missions to Wu-Yue and Southern Tang, is eloquent and well-versed in rites, but… lacks decisiveness and may falter before a strong enemy," a Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel said, pointing to a name on the roster.

"Investigating Censor Feng Yuan of the Censorate is upright and fearless of the powerful, having impeached ministers without changing countenance, possessing ample courage, but his words are overly sharp, which may hinder mediation," another Assistant Minister added.

Names were proposed one by one, then each was temporarily set aside due to various shortcomings.

This is no ordinary diplomatic mission; it is a venture into the lion's den to sabotage a conspiracy, orchestrated by hidden hands, that threatens the fate of the nation.

The chosen person must possess both wisdom and courage, and be ready to die for the country.

Wang Ru's gaze slowly moved across the roster, finally settling on an unassuming name—Left Adviser and Drafter of Edicts, Fan Zhi.

This elder official is not famed for eloquence but for his vast learning, steady conduct, and impeccable integrity.

Having served through several dynasties, he knows the tangled relations of all factions like the back of his hand, and in his youth, due to official duties, he had dealings with northern tribes and understands their customs.

More importantly, he is utterly loyal; after the Chenqiao Mutiny, he was among the first old officials to openly support the new dynasty, not seeking favor but genuinely endorsing Chen Wen's vision to end the chaotic age.

"How about Fan Zhi?" Wang Ru asked softly.

The senior officials pondered briefly, then all nodded.

"Lord Fan is mature and steady; his learning is enough to convince barbarian chiefs, and his character can represent our dynasty's spirit."

"Moreover, his stance is firm; he is not a mere smooth-talker, and the Khitan may appreciate such a person."

"But… Lord Fan is advanced in years, and this journey is perilous; I fear his body may not withstand the strain."

Wang Ru pondered for a moment, then declared:

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are needed. Lord Fan's talent and virtue are exactly suited for this task. As for his health, he can be accompanied by elite guards and a medically skilled attendant, ensuring his safety."

"Furthermore, appoint Langzhong Han Wei of the Ministry of War's Directorate of Staff as deputy envoy; he is versed in military affairs, agile and decisive, able to compensate for Lord Fan's shortcomings and handle sudden situations."

With the personnel decided, Wang Ru immediately drafted a memorial and submitted it to Chen Wen for approval.

……

Inside the Ministry of Revenue offices, it was equally busy.

Zhang Cheng personally oversaw the work, calculating stores with his subordinates.

"His Majesty has decreed that the gift list must be of high standard, to display Great Chen's magnanimity and sincerity." Zhang Cheng pointed to the list: "Five hundred bolts of brocade, requiring the newest weave and splendid patterns; three hundred pieces of porcelain, best from the imperial kilns; one thousand catties of tea, choosing Longfeng tuan tea from Jianzhou; plus various gold and silver vessels, jade ware, and spices…"

He paused, then added emphatically:

"In addition, prepare five thousand catties of fine iron, three hundred strong bows, and five thousand arrow clusters. These are not tribute, but a display of our dynasty's military excellence and sincerity in cooperating with the Khitan."

The subordinate officials felt a chill, understanding that this gift list was not merely to show prosperity, but also carried a latent threat and deep cooperative intent.

They must let the Khitan see the benefits of friendly relations with Great Chen, while also making clear that Great Chen's strength is not to be trifled with.

All supplies were swiftly drawn from the storerooms, sorted, packed, and readied to depart with the envoy.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of the light curtain, within the False Song realm.

A troupe disguised as a large caravan quietly departed from Bian Liang under the cover of night.

The caravan was sizable, loaded with silk, porcelain, tea, and other goods, appearing no different from ordinary northbound merchant convoys.

But upon close observation, one could see that the guards were all fit and sharp-eyed, their march bearing a faint military air.

The "caravan leader" at the forefront was a steady, capable military officer carefully selected by the Privy Council.

They chose an extremely concealed route, not heading straight north but first going west, attempting to use a narrow, highly unstable passage provided by the Iron Crow Army to bypass the most heavily defended areas of Chen's border.

The existence of this passage reflects the lingering influence of the Iron Crow Army, but its instability also signifies great risk.

Every member of the troupe clearly understood their mission and knew that this journey was a near-certain death.

……

Several days later, in the Great Chen court.

Chen Wen formally issued an edict appointing Left Adviser and Drafter of Edicts Fan Zhi as Northern Pacification Envoy, and Langzhong Han Wei of the Ministry of War's Directorate of Staff as deputy envoy, forming the mission to travel to the genuine Khitan.

The edict clearly stated that the mission's task was "to proclaim Great Chen's virtue and power, befriend the northern neighbor, and jointly discuss border peace and mutually beneficial trade."

The edict made no mention of the False Song, yet everyone in court understood the implication.

Although Fan Zhi was advanced in years, upon receiving the edict he did not decline, accepted the command calmly, bathed and burned incense at home, paid respects to his ancestral temple, then immediately went to the posthouse to meet Deputy Envoy Han Wei and the retinue.

Han Wei was in his prime and full of eager anticipation for this mission.

Before the envoy's departure, Chen Wen privately summoned Fan Zhi and Han Wei in a side hall of the palace.

There was no elaborate ceremony; only the sovereign and his two ministers were present.

"Fan Qing, Han Qing, this journey is of great importance; do you understand my intentions?" Chen Wen asked the two, his voice low.

Fan Zhi's beard and hair were all white, yet his expression was unusually calm:

"This old minister understands. The False Song has sent envoys westward to seek strong allies and frame our dynasty. His Majesty sends us eastward to thwart their scheming, check their power, and exalt our nation's prestige."

Han Wei clasped his hands, his voice ringing:

"I too understand! I will not allow the False Song and the Khitan to easily collude; if necessary, I will let Great Chen's majesty shine upon the steppe!"

Chen Wen nodded:

"Very good. As for how to proceed specifically, I will not micromanage; you two may decide as circumstances dictate."

"Remember, Great Chen fears no war, nor does it rashly seek war. This mission's focus is to demonstrate our state's strength, sincerity, and inviolability."

"If we can persuade the Khitan to join us in attacking False Song, that would be best; if not, at least we must keep them neutral, absolutely not letting them side with False Song."

"When necessary, we may offer lucrative trade benefits, but any clauses concerning national dignity must be handled with utmost caution."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two of them:

"I will order the personnel of the Jing'an Office's northern line to fully cooperate with you, relaying information along the way and ensuring safety."

"Furthermore..."

Chen Wen took two warm, smooth jade talismans from his sleeve—exactly the newly crafted "Heart-Guarding Talisman" from the Ministry of Works.

"This item, made by the Ministry of Works, can calm the mind and ward off external evil. In the steppe lands, there may also be the Iron Crow's ghostly tricks; you two should carry it on your person as a precaution."

Fan Zhi and Han Wei received the jade talismans with both hands, feeling a strange sense of tranquility upon touch, and were deeply moved.

"We will not disgrace our mission!"

The next morning, Great Chen's Northern Pacification Commissioner Fan Zhi and Deputy Commissioner Han Wei led a hundred-member entourage comprising civil officials, guards, interpreters, and medical officers, carrying rich gifts, departing from the north gate of Bian Liang, banners flying, guard imposing, heading straight toward the court of the genuine Khitan in the north.

Almost at the same time, Chen Wen received a secret report from Qian Gui of the Jing'an Office.

"Your Majesty, the False Song envoy has confirmed passing through that unstable channel, entering an area we cannot monitor in real time; we infer their target is precisely the Mirror Khitan."

Chen Wen stood on a high point of Huangcheng, gazing northward.

The eastern and western envoys were like two arrows drawn from their sheaths, almost simultaneously shooting toward the vast northern and southern steppes.

A silent contest over diplomatic initiative and ally rivalry has unfolded.

"Fan Zhi, Han Wei, do not disappoint my expectations."

"Zhao Kuangyin…… let us see whether your script steals the spotlight first, or whether my envoys, arriving later, prevail first!"

The northern wind seemed to carry a hint of tension.