Chapter 496

Chen Dynasty palace deep inside, an inconspicuous side hall.

But we need to ensure we don't add extra info. Let's translate literally but naturally.

Deep in the Chen dynasty palace, an inconspicuous side hall.

- "Deep in the Chen dynasty palace, an inconspicuous side hall."

deep in the Chen dynasty palace. an inconspicuous side hall. Good.

This place is far from the solemn majesty of the Purple Majesty Hall, unlike the clamor of the Ministry of Works' Investigation of Things Institute, and thus appears especially tranquil.

- "This place is far from the solemn majesty of the Purple Majesty Hall, and differs from the clamor of the Ministry of Works Investigation of Things Institute, appearing especially tranquil."

the solemn majesty of the Purple Majesty Hall. the clamor of the Ministry of Works Investigation of Things Institute. appears especially tranquil.

Inside the hall, candles burn bright, yet they illuminate only the central massive cypress table and the few people seated around it.

- "Inside the hall, candles burn bright, yet they illuminate only the central massive cypress table and the few people seated around it."

candles burn bright. only illuminate the central massive cypress table. and the few people seated around it.

Chen Wen sits in the chief seat, with Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru on his left, and Zhao Lao Nian and Qian Gui on his right.

- "Chen Wen sat in the chief seat, with Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru on his left, and Zhao Lao Nian and Qian Gui on his right."

The four ministers are gathered together, plus an observing emperor, Chen Hong.

- "The four ministers gathered together, plus an observing emperor, Chen Hong."

the four ministers gathered together. plus an observing emperor, Chen Hong.

This is the true decision‑making core of the Chen dynasty, determining the future course of two worlds.

- "This is the true decision‑making core of the Chen dynasty, determining the future course of two worlds."

"Everyone has arrived."

- "\"Everyone is here. \""

Chen Wen's gaze swept over the crowd, his voice calm and steady, with no pleasantries, he went straight to the point.

- "Chen Wen swept his gaze over the crowd, his voice calm, without any pleasantries, and went straight to the point."

"The northern border of the False Song already shows killing intent."

- "\"The False Song's northern border already shows killing intent. \""

False Song's northern border. killing intent already shows.

"The rise of the Jin state is like an arrow drawn on a bow."

- "\"The rise of the Golden State is like an arrow drawn on the bow. \""

"We all know that the cause‑and‑effect fragments of the Jingkang Incident foretell what."

- "\"We all know that the fragments of cause and effect from the Jingkang Incident foretell what. \""

"We all know that the cause‑and‑effect fragments of the Jingkang Incident foretell what."

"Today's discussion is to establish the fundamental strategy for responding to this change."

- "\"Today's discussion is to set the fundamental strategy for responding to this change. \""

He paused, letting everyone digest this heavy opening remark.

- "He paused, letting everyone digest this heavy opening."

Zhang Cheng spoke first, responsible for grand strategy, his thoughts clear:

- "Zhang Cheng spoke first, he in charge of grand strategy, his thoughts clear:"

"Your Majesty, the False Song court is corrupt, its military neglected, ruler and ministers deluded—this is a deep‑rooted illness."

- "\"Your Majesty, the False Song court is corrupt, its military neglected, ruler and ministers deluded—this is a deep‑rooted illness. \""

Your Majesty. the False Song court is corrupt. military neglected. ruler and ministers deluded. this is a deep‑rooted illness.

In my view, to save the imperiled, the primary task is not to prop up the dying court, but to preserve the vital essence of Chinese civilization.

- "\"In my view, to save the imperiled, the primary task is not to prop up its court's lingering breath, but to preserve the vital essence of Chinese civilization. \""

Chinese civilization.

This vital essence lies in people, in classics and skills, and in an unyielding spirit.

- "\"This vital essence lies in people, in classics and skills, and in an unyielding spirit. \""

"The Northern Watch Army was established for this purpose; it should become the core that absorbs, preserves, and passes on this vital essence."

- "\"The Northward Aspiration Army was established for this purpose; it should become the core for absorbing, preserving, and transmitting this vital essence. \""

Wang Ru nodded and added, her perspective focusing more on internal affairs and security:

- "Wang Ru nodded and added, her focus more on internal affairs and security:"

"What Minister Zhang said is absolutely correct."

- "\"Minister Zhang is absolutely correct. \""

"Factions within the False Song court are in constant struggle, and the pro‑peace faction holds deep‑rooted power."

- "Within the False Song court, factions intrigue, and the peace faction's influence is deeply entrenched."

"They might even actively cooperate with the Iron Crow Army's script to preserve their positions."

- "They might even actively cooperate with the Iron Crow Army's script to preserve their positions."

"If we were to cooperate directly with them, it would be like seeking skin from a tiger, and we would easily expose ourselves."

- "\"If we directly cooperate with them, it's like seeking skin from a tiger, and we'd easily expose ourselves. \""

"Supporting the Northern Watch, a force independent of the corrupt system, is a more secure and fundamental choice."

- "\"Supporting the Northward Aspiration, an independent force outside the corrupt system, is a more secure and fundamental choice. \""

"I think……"

- "\"I think……\""

Zhao Lao Nian scratched his head and spoke bluntly.

- "Zhao Lao Nian scratched his head and spoke bluntly."

"That court is hopeless."

- "\"That court is hopeless. \""

"We have to rely on ourselves—well, actually rely on the Northern Watch Army to hold our own."

- "\"We have to rely on ourselves—no, we have to rely on the Northward Aspiration Army itself to hold firm. \""

"From the Ministry of Works side, whatever equipment we can provide will surely go to them first."

- "\"On the Ministry of Works' side, whatever equipment we can provide will definitely go to them first. \""

"As for the light‑curtain passage, I'm also working hard with my apprentices to optimize it, hoping to let more things pass through more swiftly."

- "\"As for the Light Curtain Passage, I too am desperately optimizing it with my disciples, hoping to let more things pass through more swiftly. \""

Qian Gui then reported, with more specific content:

- "Qian Gui then reported, the content more concrete:"

"According to the latest intelligence, the Jade Seal incident has already escalated."

- "\"According to the latest intelligence, the Jade Seal Incident has already escalated. \""

"Du Jingzhu's itinerary has been blocked, rumors are spreading, the Iron Crow Army is forced to devote more forces to guard him, and the Song Jiang Group is also determined to obtain the Jade Seal."

- "\"Duan Jingzhu's itinerary has been blocked, rumors are rampant, the Iron Crow Army has been forced to devote more manpower to guarding, and the Song Jiang Group is also determined to obtain the Jade Seal. \""

"This is an excellent opportunity to undermine their Mandate of Heaven authority and further intensify internal conflicts within Liangshan."

- "\"This is an excellent opportunity to undermine their Mandate of Heaven's authority and further intensify the internal contradictions of Liangshan. \""

"In Shandong and even western Hebei, there are already many scattered rebel bands and strongmen who are disappointed with the False Song court and bear a deep hatred for the Jin people."

- "\"In Shandong Circuit and as far as Western Hebei Circuit, there are already many scattered righteous armies and strongmen who are disappointed with the False Song court and hate the Jin people to the bone, actively operating. \""

"They could potentially become future allies of the Northern Watch Army."

- "\"They could perhaps become future allies of the Northward Aspiration Army. \""

Chen Wen listened quietly to everyone's analysis and suggestions, his finger slowly moving across the map on the table.

- "Chen Wen quietly listened to everyone's analysis and suggestions, his finger slowly moving across the map on the table."

"He finally settled on the region where Shandong, Hebei, the False Song capital Bianjing, and the northern Jin sphere of influence intersect."

- "Finally he stopped at the region where Shandong, Hebei, False Song Bianjing, and the Northern Golden State's spheres of influence converge."

"What you all have said hits the nail on the head."

- "\"What you all said hits the nail on the head. \""

"He concluded, his voice not loud but carrying an undeniable force."

- "He summed up, his voice not loud but carrying undeniable force."

"The core of our strategy can be summarized in three points."

- "\"The core of our strategy can be summarized in three points. \""

"He raised one finger."

- "He raised one finger."

"First, preserve the vital essence."

- "\"First, preserve the vital essence. \""

"Not to be concerned with the gain or loss of a single city or territory, nor to aim at preserving the False Song Zhao family's realm."

- "\"Not to obsess over gains or losses of a single city or territory, nor to aim at preserving the False Song Zhao clan's realm. \""

"The focus is on guiding and assisting the Northern Watch Army, attracting the loyal and brave scattered in the north, principled officials and generals, as well as craftsmen who master techniques and learned scholars."

- "\"The focus is to guide and assist the Northward Aspiration Army, attracting the loyal and brave from the northern lands, officials and generals of integrity, as well as skilled artisans and learned scholars. \""

"Establish a solid base, protect the people, and pass on the spark of civilization."

- "\"Establish a secure base, protect the people, and pass on the spark of civilization. \""

"If necessary, we can abandon Shandong and shift toward Henan, Jianghuai, and even farther south—saving the people even if we lose the land, so that both people and land endure."

- "\"If necessary, we can abandon Shandong, shift toward Henan, Jianghuai, and even farther south—preserving people even if land is lost, so that both people and land endure. \""

"Next, the second finger."

- "Next, the second finger."

"Second, weaken the corrupt."

- "\"Second, weaken the corrupt. \""

"The False Song court is not a monolith."

- "\"The False Song court is not a monolith. \""

"Officials like Li Yuan, who still retain a pragmatic mindset, can continue to be contacted discreetly and guided."

- "\"Officials like Li Yuan, who still have a pragmatic mindset, can continue to be contacted secretly and guided. \""

"So that, within possible limits, they can delay the surrender faction's arguments, or provide some convenience to the Northern Watch Army."

- "\"So that, within possible limits, they delay the surrender faction's claims, or provide some convenience to the Northward Aspiration Army. \""

"For those who are obstinate, willing to be lackeys of the Iron Crow Army, and possibly even selling out their country for glory……"

- "\"For those obstinate, willing to be lackeys of the Iron Crow Army, or even possibly betraying the country for glory……\""

"A cold glint flashed in Chen Wen's eyes."

- "Chen Wen's eyes flashed with a cold light."

"The Jing'an Bureau can find an opportunity to eliminate them, or cause them to suffer ruin and disgrace."

- "\"The Peace and Security Bureau can find an opportunity to eliminate them, or cause their ruin and disgrace. \""

"Specific targets and timing are to be jointly decided by Qian Gui and Wang Ru."

- "\"The specific targets and timing are to be jointly decided by Qian Gui and Wang Ru. \""

"Finally, he extended his third finger."

- "Finally, he extended his third finger."

"Third, give full support to the Northern Watch."

- "\"Third, fully support the Northward Aspiration. \""

"This is the focal point of all our actions."

- "\"This is the focal point of all our actions. \""

"He looked toward Zhao Lao Nian."

- "He looked toward Zhao Lao Nian."

Now we need to ensure each line is a single output line with 【N】 prefix.

After all lines, output ===TITLE=== and translation of chapter title: Secret Chamber Strategy.

Secret Chamber Strategy

Now

This place, far from the solemn majesty of the Zijin Hall, also differs from the bustle of the Ministry of Works' Investigation of Things Institute, appearing especially tranquil.

Candlelight blazed within the hall, yet it illuminated only the massive cypress table at the center and the few people seated around it.

Chen Wen sat in the chief seat, with Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru to his left, and Zhao Lao Nian and Qian Gui to his right.

The four ministers gathered together, plus an observing emperor, Chen Hong.

This is the true decision‑making core of the Chen dynasty, determining the future course of two worlds.

"Everyone is here."

Chen Wen swept his gaze over the assembly, his voice steady, without any pleasantries, and went straight to the point.

"The northern borders of the False Song are already showing killing intent."

"The rise of the Jin state is like an arrow drawn on the bow."

"We all know what the fragmented cause‑and‑effect of the Jingkang Incident foretells."

"Today's discussion is to establish the fundamental strategy to cope with this change."

He paused, allowing everyone to digest this heavy opening.

Zhang Cheng spoke first, responsible for grand strategy, his thoughts clear:

"Your Majesty, the False Song court is corrupt, its defenses lax, ruler and ministers deluded—this is a deep‑seated malady hard to reverse."

"In my view, to save the imperiled, the priority is not to prop up its court in a dying breath, but to preserve the vital essence of Chinese civilization."

"This essence lies in people, in classics and skills, and in an unyielding spirit."

"The Northward Aspiration Army was created for this purpose; it should become the core that absorbs, preserves, and transmits this essence."

Wang Ru nodded and added, her focus more on internal affairs and security:

"What Minister Zhang says is absolutely correct."

"Factions within the False Song court vie for power, and the pro‑peace camp is entrenched."

"They might even actively cooperate with the Iron Crow Army's script to preserve their positions."

"If we directly collaborate with them, it would be like seeking skin from a tiger, and we would easily expose ourselves."

"Supporting the Northward Aspiration, an independent force outside the corrupt system, is a steadier and more fundamental choice."

"I think…"

Zhao Lao Nian scratched his head and spoke bluntly:

"That court over there is hopeless."

"We have to rely on ourselves—no, we have to rely on the Northward Aspiration Army itself to bear the burden."

"From the Ministry of Works side, whatever equipment we can provide will surely go to them first."

"As for the light‑curtain passage, I too am pushing my apprentices to optimize it desperately, hoping to let more things through, and more swiftly."

Qian Gui then reported, with more concrete details:

"According to the latest intelligence, the jade seal incident has already escalated."

"Du Jingzhu's itinerary has been blocked, rumors are rife, the Iron Crow Army has been forced to devote more forces to guarding it, and the Song Jiang Group is also determined to obtain the jade seal."

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to strike at their Mandate of Heaven prestige and further exacerbate internal strife within Liangshan."

"In Shandong and even western Hebei, many scattered rebel bands and strongmen, disillusioned with the False Song court and bitterly hostile to the Jin, are already active."

"They could perhaps become future allies of the Northward Aspiration Army."

Chen Wen listened quietly to everyone's analysis and suggestions, his finger slowly moving across the map on the table.

He finally came to rest on the region where Shandong, Hebei, the False Song's Bianjing, and the northern Jin sphere of influence intersect.

"What you have all said hits the nail on the head."

He summed up, his voice not loud but carrying an undeniable force.

"The core of our strategy can be summarized in three points."

He raised one finger.

"First, preserve the essence."

"Not preoccupied with the gain or loss of a single city or territory, nor aimed at preserving the False Song Zhao family's realm."

"The focus is on guiding and assisting the Northward Aspiration Army, recruiting the loyal and brave scattered in the north, principled officials and generals, as well as craftsmen who master techniques and learned scholars."

"Establish a solid base, protect the people, and pass on the spark of civilization."

"If necessary, we may abandon Shandong and shift toward Henan, Jianghuai, and even farther south—preserving the people even if the land is lost, so that both people and land endure."

Then came the second finger.

"Second, weaken the corrupt."

"The False Song court is not a monolith."

"Officials like Li Yuan, who still retain a pragmatic mindset, can continue to be contacted covertly and guided."

"So that, within the possible range, they may delay the surrender faction's arguments, or provide some convenience for the Northward Aspiration Army."

"For those who are obstinate, willing to be hounds for the Iron Crow Army, and possibly even sell out the country for glory…"

Chen Wen's eyes flashed with a cold light.

"The Jing'an Bureau can seek an opportunity to eliminate them, or cause them to lose reputation and meet ruin."

"The specific targets and timing shall be jointly decided by Qian Gui and Wang Ru."

Finally, he extended his third finger.

"Third, give full support to the Northward Aspiration."

"This is the focal point of all our actions."

He looked toward Zhao Lao Nian.

All equipment developed by the Ministry of Works based on the new theory shall be supplied, in order of highest priority, to the Northward Aspiration Army.

Especially the Evil-Subduing Shield, Spirit-Stabilizing Bell, Evil-Shattering Crossbow, and Concealment Formation Disk must be quickly formed into combat capability.

His gaze turned to Qian Gui.

The resources of the Justice and Peace Bureau in the False Song shall be immediately adjusted.

Intelligence gathering in the northern borders is raised to top priority, ensuring the Northward Aspiration Army has well-informed eyes and ears.

Some of the hidden agents originally deployed in other circuits may, as appropriate, be concentrated in Shandong and Hebei, responsible for contacting potential anti-Jin forces in all regions and establishing a secure materiel transport route.

Finally, he looked toward Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru.

Administrative coordination and internal security shall be entrusted to the two of you.

Ensure that Chen's dynasty's support for Shandong flows smoothly and unimpeded, and remains unknown to outsiders.

Chen Hong, standing aside listening, now spoke up, his tone firm:

Your father's and the gentlemen's plans are deeply considered and far-sighted.

Although I cannot personally go to that realm, the full strength of Chen's dynasty will serve as a rear support.

The required funds and supplies shall be unconditionally prioritized from the inner treasury and the Ministry of Revenue.

At court, I will stabilize the situation and absolutely not allow chaos in the rear.

That is excellent.

Chen Wen nodded, feeling relieved at Chen Hong's sense of responsibility.

He emphasized again.

You all must bear in mind that what we do is not to perpetuate a dynasty destined to decay.

but to protect the civilization and living beings on this land, and ultimately to sever the chain by which the Iron Crow Army manipulates fate.

The fire of Northward Aspiration must be ignited and grow into a prairie blaze.

He paused briefly, his tone carrying a hint of gravity.

Moreover, my 'Bestowal' ability has already been restored.

When this technique is used in that realm, there is currently no risk of depletion of Fortune Momentum.

I will personally return to Shandong, oversee the overall situation, and at critical moments use this technique to help the Northward Aspiration Army gain a foothold and break the deadlock.

This decision came as no surprise to everyone.

At such a critical juncture, only Chen Wen's personal presence can cope with the possible storms the Iron Crow Army may stir up.

The overall strategic direction is thus set.

Next, everyone engaged in an in-depth discussion of many details.

For example, the specific types and quantities of the first batch of support supplies, the route and defense of the secret passage.

the update of signal codes for contacting insiders such as Li Yuan, and the focus of intelligence gathering on the main commanders of Jin and key figures of the False Song court, etc.

The candlelight flickered, casting the shadows of those present onto the walls, as if a secret plot deciding the fate of two worlds.

When the discussion neared its end, Qian Gui asked for instructions:

Your Majesty, concerning the matter of the jade seal, how should it ultimately be handled?

Should we ambush and kill Duan Jingzhi on the way, seize the jade seal, or …

Chen Wen shook his head, a flash of cold light appearing in his eyes.

Seizing the jade seal would be useless to me and would only bring disgrace.

Since the Iron Crow Army intends to use this object to crown Song Jiang, we will let them have their wish.

Let the jade seal reach Liangshan 'safely'.

Let Song Jiang receive this symbol of 'Heaven's Mandate' in grand style.

His tone carried a hint of mockery.

Then, when he is most complacent, believing the Mandate of Heaven is already decided, we will publicly expose this so-called 'Mandate'.

It is nothing but a forged object tangled with the barbarians, a deceit carefully crafted by the Iron Crow Army.

At that time, the higher it is lifted, the harder it will fall.

This will not only inflict a heavy blow on Song Jiang's prestige, but also deal a fatal blow to the credibility of the Iron Crow Army's 'script'.

This is the key move to break the situation; it must be meticulously arranged, allowing no mistake.

Qian Gui's eyes flashed with understanding.

I understand, subordinate!

I will make this 'jade seal offering ceremony' become an unforgettable nightmare for them.

The strategy is set, and the details are now clear.

Those in the hall rose to their feet; although their faces showed slight fatigue, their eyes were exceptionally bright and resolute.

A grand layout centered on the Jingkang Incident, spanning two worlds, quietly took shape in this inconspicuous side hall.

What follows is to turn this paper‑based plan into a wind and thunder that sweeps across the False Song lands.