Chapter 387: Chen Wen's Thoughts

The news that the False Song had changed its era name to "Taiping Xingguo" was like a stone tossed into a pond, causing a few ripples in the Chen court before quickly subsiding.

The stalemate between the two sides had long solidified, and would not undergo a fundamental change just because the other side changed its era name.

Border scouts remained vigilant, and the economic covert struggle continued.

Everything seemed to be proceeding along its established course.

However, Chen Wen in the Purple Majesty Hall felt more clearly than ever that the passage of time was accelerating the etching of traces upon him.

That day's court meeting discussed the matter of extensively promoting the new rice strain in the Huainan Circuit.

This was an important state affair he had been strongly pushing, concerning the foundation of the state.

Zhang Cheng stood in the hall, elaborating on the promotion plan, the estimated increase in yield, and the possible difficulties.

Chen Wen sat upon the throne, striving to focus his spirit and listen.

But at some point, Zhang Cheng's clear, resonant voice seemed to be filtered through a thin gauze, becoming somewhat blurred and distant.

In his sight, Zhang Cheng's figure swayed slightly, and the halo of the hall's candlelight appeared to be spreading.

A strong wave of fatigue surged like a tide, making him almost unable to hold the jade tablet in his hand.

He had to half-close his eyes, take a deep breath, and rely on his strong will to suppress that dizzy feeling.

"……Therefore, I propose that He Prefecture and Lu Prefecture be used as pilot sites, with the Ministry of Works dispatching capable officials to carry the Dragon-stirring Boat and the new farming tools, guiding the peasants……"

Zhang Cheng continued to speak at length, unaware of the abnormality on the throne.

But the Crown Prince Chen Hong, standing attentively below the imperial steps, keenly noticed his father's momentary lapse and the slight furrow of his brow.

His heart also gave a tug.

"……I accept your memorial."

Chen Wen's voice sounded, still steady, but upon close listening it seemed to lack a bit of its usual vigor.

"This matter concerns the people's food; it must be handled steadily and progressively."

"I, obey the edict." Zhang Cheng bowed and received the order.

The day's affairs were finally finished, and the officials retired.

Chen Wen did not rise immediately, but leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest for a moment.

That brief dizziness, along with his recent frequent lack of energy, reminded him of an unwelcome yet unavoidable fact——

He was no longer the young man who could fell trees day after day in Jiao Tu Zhen, fight bloody battles all night on the walls of Chan Prefecture, or lead troops on night raids across the snowy plains of Jin Prefecture.

The backlash from using the "Thirty-twofold Concentrated Bestowal" in the Battle of Xiong Prefecture, like a latent wound, had not fully faded; instead, with increasing age it became ever clearer.

Moreover, years of painstaking effort spent dealing with endless state affairs had greatly drained his primordial essence.

He was truly beginning to grow old.

This aging was not merely a decline in physical strength and energy.

More importantly, his way of viewing things and thinking about problems was also quietly changing.

He paid less and less attention to specific tactical victories and losses, to the gains and losses of individual cities and territories.

Instead, he thought more and more about whether the foundation of the dynasty he had built himself was solid, whether its institutions were sound, and whether its succession was secure.

The exploration of the "Fortune Momentum Balance" let him understand more deeply that a dynasty's strength lies not only in military victory or territorial expanse, but also in internal balance and enduring vitality.

"Hong'er."

Chen Wen opened his eyes and looked at the Crown Prince, who had been standing quietly at his side with a worried expression.

"Come, let us walk together in the Imperial Garden."

"Yes, Father." Chen Hong hurried forward, carefully supporting Chen Wen as he rose.

Father and son walked slowly out of the Purple Majesty Hall, proceeding along the palace corridor at a leisurely pace.

The early summer breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and grass, brushing against the face and slightly dispelling the hall's heaviness.

"Regarding today's court discussion on promoting the new rice strain in Huainan Circuit, what are your thoughts?" Chen Wen asked as if making casual conversation.

Chen Hong pondered briefly, then replied respectfully: "Father, Chancellor Zhang's plan is prudent and steady; advancing point by point is indeed a safe approach."

"However, I am thinking that although the new rice strain is good, water and soil vary from place to place, and popular sentiments differ. If we rely entirely on Ministry of Works officials to impose it from above, we may encounter the worry of 'oranges grown north of the Huai River' or face local superficial compliance with hidden resistance."

"Would it be possible to let the local prefectures and counties select experienced old farmers who know agriculture well, to participate in the trial planting together with the Ministry of Works officials? In this way, we could adapt to local conditions and also make the new method more readily accepted by the villagers."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wen's eyes flashed with a hint of relief.

The Crown Prince could see the possible problems in policy implementation and propose more practical suggestions; this was much progress compared to his mere endorsement of Zhang Cheng's plan.

"Indeed, these words are reasonable."

Chen Wen nodded.

"As a ruler, formulating major policies is certainly important, but one must also attend to the sentiments below, understand the difficulties of policy implementation on the ground. You being able to consider this point is excellent."

He shifted his tone, his voice taking on a somewhat distant quality.

"These years, I have indeed saved the dynasty much time and avoided many detours by relying on……some special means."

"But you must know that not everything can be achieved instantly by relying on the 'double effect' function."

"Especially the people's loyalties, officials' integrity, and the people's livelihood hardships require patient, meticulous cultivation, and the establishment of sound institutions and just laws."

"Some roads must ultimately be walked step by step; some experiences also need to be accumulated through setbacks."

Chen Hong's expression tightened, knowing this was his father imparting deeper principles of kingship; he quickly composed himself and replied: "I will keep Father's teachings in mind."

Chen Wen stopped his steps, gazing at a nearby ancient tree with twisted branches that was still sprouting new green, and let out a soft sigh.

"I……cannot forever shield you and this Great Chen from wind and rain."

"The road ahead must be walked by you yourself; the burden ahead must also be borne by you yourself."

His voice was not loud, yet it carried a heavy meaning that made Chen Hong's heart sink sharply.

"Father……" Chen Hong's voice trembled slightly.

"Your dragon body will surely remain healthy, enabling you to enjoy ten thousand years……"

Nonsense.

Chen Wen waved his hand, interrupting him.

How could there be a ten‑thousand‑year person? Qin Emperor, Han Wu—none can escape. In this troubled age I have managed to found this enterprise and safeguard the people of one land; that is already a great fortune.

These days, seeing you grow more mature, I am greatly reassured. Handing this realm to you, I… am at ease.

He paused, his gaze turning toward the Cining Palace, a faint wistfulness entering his tone.

Just, there are some matters I still need to clear away for you, removing some obstacles. Some arrangements also need to be made in advance…

Returning from the Imperial Garden, Chen Wen habitually went to the Cining Palace to pay his respects.

Mother Liu Shi is advanced in age; her health has declined in recent years, and she spends most of her time resting in the palace, rarely going out.

The sleeping palace is filled with a faint, soothing fragrance.

Liu Shi leaned against the soft couch, covered with a thin blanket, slowly turning the pages of a Buddhist sutra in the light streaming through the window.

Her hair is almost completely white, the wrinkles on her face have deepened considerably, but her eyes remain kind and clear.

Seeing Chen Wen enter, she set down the sutra and smiled.

Wen Zhong has arrived.

Mother. Chen Wen stepped forward, sat on the embroidered stool beside the bed, and took his mother's somewhat withered hand.

How do you feel today? Have you taken your medicine on schedule?

All good, all good. Liu Shi lightly patted the back of her son's hand.

Just old ailments, nothing serious. But you—I see your complexion isn't good; is the court business wearing you out?

Your subject is fine; I just stayed up late last night. Chen Wen answered lightly, not wanting his mother to worry.

Liu Shi looked at him; her eyes, cloudy yet full of wisdom, held a loving awareness of all things.

You, from childhood you had to be strong; now that you are emperor, the burden is heavier.

Mother knows you are a person who does great things, holding the world in your heart.

She shifted her tone, her voice filled with deep concern.

But the world's work is endless, while the body belongs to oneself.

Hong'er has also grown up, sensible and capable; some matters should be let go, allowing him to gain experience, while you rest more.

Mother, in this life, has no other wish but that you two siblings be safe and sound.

Listening to his mother's nagging concern, Chen Wen felt a warm current rise in his heart, mixed with a hint of sorrow.

He, as the Son of Heaven, controls the fate of millions, yet cannot reverse time to halt his mother's fading life.

He could even faintly sense that the vitality within his mother's body, like autumn leaves, was slowly and inevitably draining away.

This feeling of helplessness is heavier than when he faces a hundred thousand troops.

Mother, rest assured, your subject understands. Chen Wen replied softly, gripping her hand more tightly.

Wan'er wrote a few days ago saying all is well; when the weather warms a bit more, she will bring the children to the palace to see you.

Good, good. Liu Shi's face broke into an expectant smile.

I also miss my grandson and granddaughter…

Leaving the Cining Palace, Chen Wen's mood grew ever heavier.

His mother's aging, the crown prince's growth, his own waning energy, and the potential threat from the northern Khitan, the False Song opposite the light curtain, and the Iron Crow Army…

All of these were like heavy stones pressing on his heart.

He returned to the Imperial Study, and instead of immediately attending to state affairs, he dismissed his attendants and stood alone before the great map.

His gaze slowly swept over the vast territory of the Chen Dynasty, across the northern plains, over that light curtain, and finally fell beyond the map's edge, onto the unknown blue region representing the sea.

Seagoing vessels have successfully made round trips to Goryeo, bringing back new products and hope.

But this is not enough.

He knows that future challenges may come from a wider world, from the 'game rules' hidden behind the mists of history.

He must seize the time.

Before his own lamp oil burns out completely, he must lay a long road for the dynasty he himself founded.

For his heir, he must leave as stable a foundation as possible, and… the means to confront those unknown threats.

Night once again shrouded the imperial palace.

Chen Wen sat beneath the lamp and began drafting a statute for establishing the Imperial Academy of Investigating Knowledge, systematically cultivating talent for the Ministry of Works.

At the same time, he silently sketched in his mind a more important blueprint concerning the dynasty's future direction and the transfer of core power.

Some arrangements, it is time to set them in motion.