Chapter 519

Winter's steps drew ever nearer; the bitter north wind swept up fine snowflakes, scouring the war‑scarred lands north of the river.

The several‑month‑long, nearly frenzied southern invasion offensive, like a giant python that had gorged itself and temporarily lain dormant, began to show fatigue.

After suffering a series of setbacks, especially the stubborn resistance of the Northward Aspiration army and its allies at Zhao Zhou city and in the subsequent mopping‑up operations, the Jin army's sharp spearhead finally showed a noticeable delay.

More importantly, the False Song Imperial Court conveyed shocking news.

As if urgently needing to match some unspeakable rhythm, the dragon throne in Bianliangcheng actually underwent a changeover in a short time.

The former emperor Zhao Heng (Song Zhenzong) suddenly fell gravely ill and retreated to the inner palace, while his son Zhao Zhen was swiftly pushed onto the throne and changed the era name to Jingkang.

This series of changes happened so quickly as to dazzle the eyes, exuding an ineffable eeriness.

Emperor Zhenzong of Song

Zhao Zhen

Jingkang era

A huge, almost effortless benefit lay before them, causing the Jun Ying's internal drive for unstoppable conquest to be diluted by realistic considerations of dividing territory and seizing wealth.

Adding to the supply pressure from the protracted front, and the constant harassment by the Northward Aspiration army and other resistance forces in the rear—raiding supply lines and striking scattered garrisons—the Jin army's high command realized that continuing blindly deeper would see risk sharply increase.

Thus, on a morning with thin snow drifting, scouts returned with definite news: the main force of the Jin army besieging the remaining major strongholds north of the river—Fragrant Prefecture and Great Bright Prefecture—began to withdraw and contract its defensive line.

They did not completely abandon the occupied territories, but instead relied on the core cities they held—Stabilizing Prefecture, River Between, Central Mountain—to construct a relatively stable defensive line, intending to digest the fruits of war, consolidate rule, and watch with tiger‑like vigilance every move of the False Song Imperial Court to the south, awaiting that formal treaty and the even greater benefit shipment that would follow.

The large‑scale southern invasion that had lasted nearly half a year, bloody and chaotic, came to a temporary close in an extremely humiliating manner, slightly tinged with eeriness.

Zanhuang Mountain

The False Song Imperial Court, by trading land and dignity, gained a slim chance to keep breathing.

Daming Prefecture

Yet, on this abandoned land, a new force stubbornly grew in the cracks.

Black Cloud Stronghold and its surrounding areas ushered in a relatively peaceful yet extremely busy period.

With no direct threat from a large‑scale Jin army pressing the border, the Northward Aspiration army finally obtained the precious, long‑sought‑after window for development.

West Hebei Circuit

The fortifications originally built for military defense were still being reinforced, but more effort was poured into the foundations of survival and development.

Under Chao Gai's personal supervision, large numbers of soldiers and gathered refugees were organized, braving the cold wind to open up new plots of farmland in the valleys and along the riverbanks.

Although it was deep autumn and main crops could not be planted, they hastily sowed some cold‑resistant vegetables and began digging canals, leveling the land, preparing for next year's spring plowing.

Imperial Court

Chao Gai's loud voice often echoed between the field ridges, as he put Chen Wen's 'tuntian system' into practice in the plainest language.

"We sweat one more drop, and next year one fewer person will starve, allowing us to support one more soldier and kill one more Jin dog!"

Northward gaze

Military farming system

Thanks to Chen Wen's continual catalyzation of the 'Initiate Bright' method on small groups of elite officers, these core personnel displayed efficiency far beyond ordinary people in understanding and executing tactics and training new recruits.

The blending of new and veteran troops grew ever more practiced, and a unique fighting method based on the Northward Aspiration concept—combining the bravery of Bright Mountain, official army discipline, and rebel flexibility—was gradually taking shape in practice.

The newly defected commanders Zong Ying and Zhang Jue also brought in the official army formations and banner commands they were familiar with, further enriching the Northward Aspiration army's tactical system.

Inside the central commander's tent, Chen Wen had spread out the latest power distribution map before him.

The area controlled or influenced by the Northward Aspiration army is no longer just an isolated point at Black Cloud Stronghold; instead, radiating from Black Cloud Stronghold as its core are several lines linking more than ten rebel strongholds of various sizes—such as Five Horse Mountain and Zanhuang Mountain—that obey Northward Aspiration's orders.

A network formed of secret trade routes, intelligence stations, and small supply points is quietly being woven and extended across the southern region of Hebei West Circuit.

"The Jin troops' withdrawal is not out of mercy; it is truly due to their exhaustion and the lure of profit."

Chen Wen's finger traced the core region on the map controlled by the Jin forces, his tone calm.

"They need time to digest, and also to wait for the False Song Imperial Court to implement the peace terms."

"But this period will not be long."

He looked up at Lin Chong, Chao Gai, Ruan Xiaoer, and the newly involved core council members Zong Ying and Zhang Jue.

"This precious breathing space, we must seize."

Consolidate our existing holdings, deepen the garrison-farming system, stockpile grain and fodder;

Strengthen liaison among the various rebel units, perfect command coordination;

"Most importantly," his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "accelerate drills and boost combat power."

When the Jin forces return next time, we will absolutely not underestimate them again; what we will face will be a far more difficult battle.

Chao Gai grinned, rubbing his fists together:

"Mr. Chen, rest assured! We know our limits!"

Now our troops are strong and our horses sturdy—perfect timing to seize this opportunity and clench our fists tighter!

When those Jin dogs come again, we will surely shatter every last tooth in their mouths!

Lin Chong nodded steadily:

"Integrated training—we dare not relax for a moment."

The brothers brought by General Zong and General Zhang are all aids to our army; they have already begun to integrate.

Given time, they will surely become an elite force.

Zong Ying and Zhang Jue also expressed their stance, their words earnest.

They sensed the vigorous, upward-looking spirit within the Northward Aspiration army, as well as the pragmatism and unity that starkly contrast the False Song officialdom; this gradually steadied their originally somewhat wavering hearts.

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, his gaze once again turning toward the outside of the tent.

The wind and snow seemed to have grown stronger, yet he could feel inside him the progress bar representing 'growth,' steadily and solidly accumulating and advancing as a result of these months of painstaking planning, campaigning, and construction.

His system level remains at Lv. 4, but his grasp of ability usage, his perception of Fortune Momentum, and his understanding of the rules of this world are deepening day by day.

He faintly sensed that the opportunity for the next breakthrough might be just around the corner.

The new situation in Northern Frontier is a temporary balance amid crisis.

For the False Song Imperial Court, this is a precarious peace;

For Gold State, this is a period of digestion and incubation;

But for the Northward Aspiration Army rising from the ruins, this is the crucial developmental stage that will determine whether they can truly transform from cocoon to butterfly and shake heaven and earth.

Although the wind and snow are cold, they cannot suppress the vitality quietly sprouting on this land, nor the "Northward Aspiration" battle flag that snaps in the cold wind, pointing toward brightness.