Chapter 355: with translation of chapter title

Bian Liang, Privy Council.

A huge sand table almost occupied the exact center of the council hall, with mountains, rivers, cities, and passes shown in minute detail.

At this moment, on the north side of the sand table, the area representing the False Song-controlled region was densely planted with red triangular flags.

They were especially concentrated at several newly built camp positions, like clusters of burning, ominous flames.

On this side, representing the northern defense zone of Great Chen, blue square flags had also been laid out in layers.

Relying on the fortified cities of Xiongzhou, Bazhou, Mozhou, and a series of newly reinforced fortifications and beacon towers, they formed a deep defensive line.

The atmosphere in the hall was stern and killing.

Chen Wen stood at the main position of the sand table, wearing ordinary robes, without armor.

But the dignity and resolve in his brow were more oppressive than any armor.

The core ministers—Northern Frontier Grand General Shi Dun, Vice Premier Zhang Cheng of the Central Secretariat, Vice Minister of the Gate Down Wang Ru, Minister of Works Zhao Lao Nian, and Duke Jingguo and Deputy Privy Council Envoy Qian Gui—stood on either side.

Everyone's gaze was focused on the sand table.

"According to the latest military intelligence summary..."

Qian Gui held a long rod, pointing at the area on the sand table where the red flags were most densely clustered.

"The lord of False Song, Zhao Kuangyin, has poured the nation's strength into creating the 'Divine Martial Army' First Legion, about twenty to twenty-five thousand strong, secretly deployed at the newly built main camps 'You Wolf' and 'Ying Blade' outside the Gao Yang Gate and Wa Qiao Gate opposite Xiongzhou."

"Its follow‑on auxiliary troops, laborers, and regular forces are estimated to exceed eighty thousand, continuously flowing into the aforementioned area."

"The enemy's intention is clear: they will use the 'Divine Martial Army' as an iron hammer to smash our Xiongzhou‑Bazhou line in one blow and rush straight at Bian Liang!"

Shi Dun spoke solemnly, his voice loud and steady: "Your Majesty, I have already adjusted the northern deployment according to the previous plan."

"As for Xiongzhou, I will personally hold the post, with Deputy General Yang Ye leading fifteen thousand elite troops to guard the city, and I have established three forward outworks at strategic points outside the city, forming a pincer posture."

"Bazhou is under the command of the veteran general Yao Yuanfu, with twelve thousand troops, holding firm, clearing the fields, digging deep moats and building high ramparts."

"Mozhou and the flank security are under..."

He listed each army's main commanders and troop allocations in turn, clear and orderly, responding appropriately.

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, showing his approval of Shi Dun's arrangement.

"The enemy's sharpness lies in the 'Divine Martial Army'."

"Its details are unknown, its combat power uncertain; it is the greatest variable of this war."

He turned his gaze to Zhao Lao Nian: "Minister Zhao, what response can the Ministry of Works offer regarding this?"

Zhao Lao Nian stepped forward at once; today he rarely wore a relatively neat official robe, but oil stains could still be seen on his cuffs.

"Your Majesty! The Investigation of Things Institute and the Armory Bureau have worked day and night, producing a first batch of fifty prototypes of the 'Dispelling Yin Crossbow'; thirty of them have been urgently sent to the Xiongzhou front line!"

"This crossbow is based on the 'vortex' principle; its body is inscribed with turbulence runes, and it fires specially made armor‑piercing arrows whose heads embed micro‑sized 'Repel Yin' runes."

"After testing, it shows some penetration and interference effect against highly condensed yin‑energy armor, and could pose a threat to that 'Divine Martial Army'!"

"However… production is still low, and making the bolts is extremely time‑consuming; at present we have only five thousand bolts ready."

"Use whatever we have."

Chen Wen said in a deep voice: "Continue to rush production; materials and manpower are to be taken as needed."

"Also, the 'Guard‑Heart Talisman' must be issued one to each northern‑front soldier, with ample reserves."

"Since the enemy already possesses the 'Divine Martial Army', we cannot rule out their repeating old tricks, using means like 'Shadow Erosion' to disturb our troops' morale."

"I have already arranged this; Minister Wang's side has also coordinated personnel from the Imperial Medical Service to accompany the army."

Zhao Lao Nian replied.

Wang Ru immediately spoke: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Personnel and the Jing'an Office have jointly issued a strict order: the northern prefectures and counties are under military administration, curfew is brought forward, and spies are strictly investigated."

"Public opinion in the rear has also been pacified; it is made clear that this war concerns the nation's fortune, civilian support is enthusiastic, and the transport of grain, fodder, and labor proceeds smoothly."

Zhang Cheng finally added: "The state treasury and the granary's stores of grain, silver, and silk have been prepared for long‑term support."

"The ever‑normal granaries of all prefectures have also received orders; they can open at any time to relieve the army or stabilize the market."

"In this war, logistics are utterly without worry."

Civil and military officials each performed their duties, responding in an orderly manner.

Chen Wen swept his gaze over the crowd and slowly said: "All of you have made excellent arrangements."

"However, the key to this war lies not only in the soldiers' devotion, excellent equipment, and secure logistics, but also in…"

He paused; the mighty fortune‑momentum vortex within his body seemed to sense his intent, slightly quickening its circulation, and an invisible, reassuring pressure spread out.

"It lies in whether we can neutralize or even suppress the possible super‑normal advantage that the enemy's 'Divine Martial Army' might possess."

Everyone's expression tightened, knowing the Emperor referred to the unique 'Ability Granting'.

"I have decided: in three days I will personally go to Xiongzhou."

Chen Wen's voice was not loud, yet it carried the tone of metal and stone, beyond doubt.

"At that time, I will, according to the battle's development, personally direct the exercise of 'Ability Granting'."

He looked at the blue line on the sand table, his eyes sharp as a blade.

"Shi Dun."

"I am here!" Shi Dun stepped forward, clasped his fists and bowed.

"I grant you the authority to make on‑the‑spot decisions; all northern front defense and offense are yours to take full charge of."

"Your task is, relying on the defensive line, to exhaust the enemy's vigor to the greatest extent, especially to discern the tactics and weaknesses of the 'Divine Martial Army'."

"When the moment ripens, I will tell you when… to launch a counter‑offensive!"

"I receive the edict! I will surely not disappoint Your Majesty's great trust!" Shi Dun's voice rang out, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

Chen Wen then turned to Qian Gui: "The Jing'an Office must operate at full capacity; any intelligence, big or small, about the enemy's 'Divine Martial Army' must be reported to me and Shi Dun at once."

"Especially, find its weakness, or the key to its power source!"

"I understand!" Qian Gui replied solemnly.

"Zhang Qing, Wang Qing, Zhao Qing," Chen Wen finally looked at the three civil officials, "The rear and technical support are entrusted to you."

This war demands national unity; we cannot afford any loss.

We will exert our utmost to bless Great Chen! the three replied in unison.

The strategy is set; the division of labor is clear.

An atmosphere of shared hatred for the enemy and united resolve gathered in the deliberation hall of the Privy Council.

Everyone knows this will be the most severe test Great Chen has faced since its founding, and also the destined showdown with False Song and the Iron Crow Army behind it.

Chen Wen walked to the window, opened it, and on the northern horizon, dark clouds seemed to gather.

Issue orders to all relevant workshops, especially those for weapons, clothing, and medicine: effective immediately, produce at full capacity, day and night.

Order the conscripted laborers and grain supplies from each prefecture to speed up their assembly and reach the designated locations within ten days.

Order...

One decree after another issued from the Privy Council, swiftly spreading through Great Chen's military and political system via its developed post roads and communication network.

The whole nation, like a lion awakened from shock, began to display its terrifying organizational capacity and war potential.

Inside Bianliangcheng, traffic remained bustling, yet a faint tension permeated the air.

Although the people trusted His Majesty and the Jun Ying, the war's clouds ultimately brought oppression.

Meanwhile, on the northern front, at the city walls of Heroic Prefecture and Hegemon Prefecture, soldiers busily repaired equipment, hauled logs and stones, and gazed steadfastly northward.

They knew a fierce battle was imminent.

And their emperor would stand with them on the front lines.

Chen Wen felt the surging Fortune Momentum within his body, as well as the threat from the north, filled with madness and destruction.

His gaze was calm and unrippled.

The layout is complete.

All that remains is to wait for the east wind.

No, it is only waiting for the blood-and-fire-laden violent storm from the north.