Chapter 417: Setting Out Again

The strategy is set; action cannot be delayed.

Chen Wen knows well that to effectively "sow thorns" in the False Song's south, deepening its rule's cost, relying solely on remote command and information transmission is far from enough.

Someone must be on the ground, accurately grasping local sentiment, officialdom ecology, and the actual state of potential resistance forces, in order to leverage the situation and devise precise measures.

And this person is none other than him.

Not only because he possesses "Shi Yong", allowing him to sense shifts in the situation more intuitively, but also because only he can, at the most critical moment, make a decision most aligned with long-term interests.

"This time heading south, I need to go in person."

Chen Wen's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable resolve.

His gaze swept over the five worried ministers, finally landing on Shi Dun.

"Shi Dun, you will go with me."

Upon hearing this, Shi Dun's spirits lifted; he immediately clasped his fists.

"I will obey your orders, General!"

He had been worrying that his talents had no outlet; infiltrating enemy rear, assessing military potential, and giving tactical guidance—this was exactly his forte.

Zhang Cheng pondered and said.

"Your Highness going personally—isn't that too risky? The south is surely a dragon's pool and tiger's den; the Iron Crow Army will certainly have tight surveillance."

Wang Ru also showed a worried expression.

"Yes, Your Highness, your priceless person is of great importance; perhaps we should send a capable commander……"

Chen Wen raised his hand, stopping their advice.

His gaze calm, he slowly explained the reasons why he must go in person this time.

"The southern situation is complex; without being there in person, it's hard to truly grasp."

"Although 'Shi Yong' can perceive the big trend, it's difficult to detect subtle changes in people's hearts."

"Which powerful factions are worth supporting? Where lie the hidden dangers of officials oppressing the people into rebellion? Which resistance forces merit resource investment? And which are traps or rabble?"

"These judgments must be based on a deep understanding of local conditions, governance, economy, and even folk customs."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of gravity.

"The 'sowing thorns' strategy hinges on 'going with the trend' and 'concealment.'"

"If the judgment is wrong or we act too hastily, not only will we fail to deepen their rule's cost, we may instead startle the snake, helping them swiftly eliminate hidden dangers and even expose our intentions."

"Such critical decisions cannot be left to chance; I cannot rest easy unless I am there myself."

He looked toward Shi Dun.

"Shi Dun is versed in military affairs, skilled at assessing strength and spotting talent; he can help me select and guide promising resistance forces, teaching them guerrilla harassment and how to preserve their strength."

"This journey is not for personal bravery; it is to lay the foundation for victory in a 'cost war.'"

Seeing Chen Wen's thorough consideration and firm resolve, everyone knew further persuasion would be useless.

Qian Gui immediately said.

"I will immediately arrange the southern investigation network, fully cooperating with Your Highness's actions to ensure smooth communication and timely warnings."

Zhao Lao Nian also said.

"The Ministry of Works has several small, portable, inconspicuous tools that could help Your Highness and General Shi conceal their movements and detect the environment."

Preparations proceeded swiftly.

This operation's target is clear, pointing directly at the False Song's southern region about to be pacified, with focus on the former Wu Yue lands, especially the prosperous yet loyally unanchored core areas such as Su Hang.

After several days, all preparations were complete.

Before the light‑curtain passage, Chen Wen and Shi Dun had already changed into fine‑cloth garments fitting a southern merchant's identity, carrying necessary silver and gold, disguises, contact tokens, and the few small tools provided by Zhao Lao Nian.

Shi Dun further restrained his killing aura entirely, appearing like a capable guard chief.

Qian Gui gave his final report.

"Your Highness, all southern outposts have received the orders and will give full support, but for safety's sake, they will avoid direct contact unless necessary."

"This is the latest simple map of the southern situation, together with brief information on several preliminarily screened areas and personnel that may have potential for 'sowing thorns.'"

Chen Wen took the thin silk cloth, quickly skimmed it, committed its contents to memory, then returned the cloth to Qian Gui.

"Destroy it."

"Yes."

Qian Gui flicked his fingertip, releasing internal energy; the silk cloth turned into fine powder.

"The passage's condition is stable, its repelling force similar to last time."

After checking the stabilizer, Zhao Lao Nian reported back.

Chen Wen nodded, looking at the solemn assembly.

"Court affairs, I'll trouble you all with."

Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian all bowed in unison.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness; we will exert our utmost effort!"

Chen Wen said no more, giving Shi Dun a slight nod.

"Let's go."

The two, one after the other, stepped once again into the shimmering light curtain.

The familiar viscous resistance and mental pressure surged forth again.

Shi Dun was experiencing the crossing for the first time, but his will was iron‑clad; though his face instantly flushed and veins bulged, he gritted his teeth, made no sound, and followed Chen Wen closely without missing a step.

Chen Wen could feel that the passage's repulsion toward the source of 'variables' still existed, but after optimization it was indeed a bit smoother than at first.

He guided his own 'fortune' that was incompatible with the False Song, like rowing upstream—difficult yet steady—forward.

After an unknown span, it seemed to pierce an invisible membrane, and the pressure all around suddenly lightened.

A slightly warm, humid breath mixed with water vapor and the fresh scent of plants blew over them.

It was utterly different from the dry, vast expanse of Hebei West Circuit.

They were now inside False Song territory, in the land of Jiangnan.

Before them lay a dense bamboo grove; in the distance, paddy fields stretched in a checkerboard pattern, and villages with white walls and dark tiles dotted the landscape.

The sky was somewhat overcast; fine rain like silk fell silently, shrouding heaven and earth in a hazy veil.

"Cough……"

Shi Dun couldn't help but give a light cough, circulating his internal energy to suppress the surging qi and blood brought on by the crossing.

He warily scanned the surroundings, quickly assessing the terrain and confirming safety.

"My lord, this place seems safe."

Chen Wen closed his eyes slightly and activated the 'Shi Yong'.

His mind and spirit spread outward like ripples.

Unlike the general oppression felt in Hebei West Circuit, the 'momentum' here appeared more complex.

The 'momentum' representing the False Song government, carrying the will of conquest and rule, was like a gray‑black cloud layer overhead, trying to permeate and dominate this land.

Below, the 'momentum' of the local populace resembled a river network spreading through the waterlands—seemingly calm, yet with turbulent undercurrents within.

There was numbness, there was obedience, but more than that lay a deep‑seated unwillingness, resistance, even resentment.

That was an instinctive resistance to the foreign conquerors and the impending harsh rule and heavy taxes.

He could even faintly sense scattered, extremely weak points of light in remote villages or between forests and marshes, each bearing a tenacious will to resist.

Like sparks, they lay hidden in the damp twilight.

The underlying tone of the 'momentum' was chaotic and uneasy.

Chen Wen opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.

"Do you feel it? Shi Dun."

"The hearts of the people here… have not submitted."

Although Shi Dun could not perceive Fortune Momentum as clearly as Chen Wen, his long battlefield experience gave him a beast‑like intuition for the atmosphere.

He drew a deep breath of moist air and spoke in a low voice.

"This subordinate feels it."

"The wind here carries… a sense of resentment and vigilance."

"It is nothing like Hebei—although oppressive, at least there is surface compliance."

Chen Wen nodded and unfolded the simple square‑formation diagram drawn from memory by Qian Gui.

"Let's first go to the nearest one—the South Wind Chronicle's hidden post outside Suzhou Prefecture."

"Learn the latest situation, then decide on the next move."

"Yes."

The two determined their direction, maintained their merchant disguises flawlessly, and walked along the muddy field ridges toward Suzhou Prefecture.

The fine rain dampened their clothes, but could not chill the sharp gleam rising in their eyes.

Setting out again, their aim pointed straight at the southern heartland where False Song seemed pacified on the surface but actually seethed with undercurrents.

"A silent war aimed at "deepening the cost of rule" is about to unfold quietly upon this misty rain‑shrouded land."