Chapter 407

Morning light pierced the thin mist, falling on the glazed tiles of Bianjing's Huangcheng, casting a golden sheen.

The palace gates opened slowly; civil and military officials adjusted their robes and caps, then, in order of rank, filed in single file into the solemn, reverent hall.

The new emperor, Chen Hong, sat upright on the dragon throne, wearing a reddish-yellow dragon robe, his crown with pendants shielding part of his youthful face, yet unable to conceal his growing composure.

His gaze swept calmly over the officials below who stood bowed and attentive.

All officials, rise.

His clear voice rang out, echoing through the hall.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

The officials rose and stood in two rows.

Today's court assembly, compared to a month ago, was noticeably more relaxed.

The Minister of Revenue stepped forward first, holding a jade tablet, and reported in a loud voice.

Your Majesty, spring plowing across the realms is nearly complete; seedling growth is promising, and in the disaster-stricken prefectures of Hebei and Hedong, replanting has been timely—if no major calamity occurs, this year's autumn harvest can be expected.

In post-disaster reconstruction, over half of the county offices, roads, and bridges have been repaired; displaced persons have been settled, order prevails everywhere, and popular sentiment is gradually stabilizing.

The Minister of Works, Zhao Ting, followed closely behind.

Your Majesty, the third batch of 'Dispelling Malignance Devices' manufactured by the Works Ministry has been distributed to all border provinces and the lingering 'Bone-Corroding' areas; reports indicate the spread of pestilential qi has been effectively checked, with the number of the ill decreasing daily.

The Vice Minister of War also stepped forward to present a report.

The northern frontier sees no large-scale movements; the border is peaceful, trade routes are gradually reopening, and local militias continue their drills without letup.

Each piece of news points to the Chen dynasty recovering from the heavenly disaster triggered by the sovereign's breakthrough; the nation's strength, like a wounded beast, is slowly and resolutely licking its wounds, gathering strength.

Chen Hong gave a slight nod, his face showing little joy, and spoke calmly.

This is the result of your united efforts with the people; my heart is greatly comforted.

Yet the road ahead remains long; though the heavenly disaster has subsided, human calamities have not ended.

He shifted his tone, his gaze sweeping over the ministers.

Although the False Song has temporarily ceased its harassment, its wolfish ambitions cannot be ignored.

In the northern lands, the Khitan, Empress Dowager Xiao now holds full power; her ambitions are not small, requiring heightened vigilance.

In domestic affairs, we must comfort the displaced, encourage farming and weaving, and rectify official conduct—these are the pressing tasks.

His words were clear and orderly, with distinct points; they affirmed current achievements while also providing a sober awareness of potential dangers and plans for the future.

Several senior ministers bowed in unison.

Your Majesty's sagacity, we shall keep in mind.

Chen Hong then inquired about the handling of several specific governmental matters, consulted briefly with a few ministers, and each time reached a prudent decision.

The court assembly ended amid a slightly uplifted atmosphere.

As the officials withdrew from the hall, many senior ministers nodded secretly, exchanging relieved glances.

Although His Majesty's reign has been brief, having endured these trials, his governance has become increasingly steady and seasoned, already showing the faint signs of a wise ruler.

Chen Hong returned alone to the imperial study.

He dismissed his attendants, walked to the window, gazed at the recovering palace city outside, and let out a gentle sigh.

Only at this moment did a fleeting, hardly perceptible weariness cross his face.

He knew that this quietly improving situation must surely be sustained by some hidden force behind the scenes.

It was his father, who cleared away obstacles and stabilized the nation's fortunes.

This realization gave him both a sense of reliance and an urgent need to stand on his own more quickly.

He must prove that he is capable of safeguarding the foundation his father laid.

Meanwhile, within the secret mountain villa, another long-term scheme was quietly unfolding.

In the secret chamber, Chen Wen sat at the head, while Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian, and Shi Dun took seats on either side.

The foray into False Song, though perilous, confirmed many of our earlier speculations and pointed the way forward.

Chen Wen got straight to the point.

Fine-grained intervention is imperative.

But to carry this out, we need a solid foothold and unobstructed channels.

He looked toward Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru.

Lord Zhang, Envoy Wang, the South Wind Chronicle must be expedited.

Zhang Cheng stroked his beard and responded steadily.

Your lordship may rest assured; the merchant house's framework is already erected, located in Bianjing's Xishi, dealing in southern goods, with the accounting office and staff all arranged—all are people of clean background, alert and reliable.

The first batch of goods will arrive shortly, sufficient to sustain the storefront.

Wang Ru replied briskly, her voice clear and crisp.

Regarding personnel, the first batch of stationed undercover agents has been selected—twelve in all, all rigorously trained, well-versed in False Song's local customs, and unquestionably loyal.

They will infiltrate under the guise of shop clerks, accountants, guards, etc.; their primary task is to establish a foothold, set up an initial investigation network, and seek contact with the local populace of all strata.

Chen Wen nodded.

Excellent.

Initially, the focus will be on concealment and information gathering; unnecessary dangerous missions will not be undertaken.

The top priority is to ensure our own safety and the concealment of our base.

Subordinate understands.

Wang Ru responded solemnly.

Chen Wen then turned his gaze to Zhao Lao Nian.

As for the channels, the repulsive force remains the greatest obstacle; we must quickly find a way to alleviate it.

Zhao Lao Nian hastily rose to their feet.

"I already have some leads; I am trying to adjust the crystal's resonance frequency to simulate an energy field closer to the other world's 'Fortune Momentum' fluctuations, which could 'trick' the light barrier's rules and lessen the rejection against us."

"However...... this method is still in trial, its effectiveness unknown, and it requires consuming more Nether Energy Crystal Ore."

"The crystal ore reserves are still sufficient; go ahead and do it."

Chen Wen gave support.

"Yes!"

Zhao Lao Nian received the order and sat down.

"Shi Dun."

Chen Wen looked toward the taciturn commander.

"You can dispatch a few subordinates skilled in small-unit combat and adept at covert reconnaissance to stand by at any time."

"Once the channel stabilizes, or the 'South Wind Chronicle' gains a foothold, we may need them to infiltrate and carry out some guard or specific missions."

Shi Dun clasped his fist, speaking concisely.

"The subordinate has received the order; the personnel are ready."

Finally, Chen Wen's gaze fell on Qian Gui.

"The Jing'an Bureau must divert part of its efforts to intelligence analysis of the False Song, especially monitoring its court movements, troop deployments, and...... whether there are any abnormal persons missing or rumors of replacement in various places."

Qian Gui's eyes flashed with understanding; he immediately grasped Chen Wen's deeper meaning——this was laying a net for the Iron Crow Army's "body double" plan.

"Yes, I will allocate more personnel to keep watch for such information."

All orders were issued in an orderly manner; everyone received their assignments, with clear division of labor.

Chen Wen looked at these five core partners before him, his mind somewhat eased.

On the surface, the new emperor Chen Hong holds court, stabilizing the situation;

In secret, there is their "Guardians" team, laying long-term plans to counter threats from the Iron Crow Army and the "Script World."

The two fronts advance together, supporting each other.

This is the prudent strategy for dealing with the current complex situation.

"Everyone,"

Chen Wen finally said in a low voice.

"The road ahead is perilous, the enemy inscrutable; I hope we unite our efforts, for Great Chen and for all under heaven, to strive for a different future."

Everyone rose and responded in unison.

"We will dutifully follow the sovereign's command!"

The sound echoed in the secret chamber, firm and powerful.

Sunlight streamed through the high window, illuminating the room and also lighting the flame called "hope" in everyone's eyes.

The open and covert lines, like the wings of a great bird, have unfolded, bearing the destiny of the Chen Dynasty, flying toward the unknown ahead.