Chapter 561

In the deep autumn at Black Cloud Stronghold, the air is crisp and cold. 【raw_term: Black Cloud Stronghold, original_term: Heiyunzhai】

On the training field, shouts rang out continuously as new soldiers practiced formations under the guidance of veteran troops.

Chen Wen stood at the edge of the field, his gaze calm. 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen】

That day, the glimpsed fragments—the corner of the Wind and Snow Pavilion, a sorrowful silhouette—would occasionally surface. 【raw_term: Wind and Snow Pavilion, original_term: Fengxuetang】

But his face showed no sign of anything unusual.

"Mr. Chen Wen, look at this formation transition—it's much smoother than a few days ago." 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen】

Chao Gai walked over and pointed to a unit of sword-and-shield soldiers in the field. 【raw_term: Chao Gai, original_term: Chao Gai】

These newly allied refugee soldiers have weak foundations.

After training for a month or two at Black Cloud Stronghold and hearing much of the Northward Aspiration ideology, their spirit and vigor have changed. 【raw_term: Black Cloud Stronghold, original_term: Heiyunzhai; raw_term: Northward Aspiration, original_term: Northward Aspiration】

Moreover, leaders like Chao Gai and Lin Chong often receive the convenience of Chen Wen's 'Ability Endowment'. 【raw_term: Chao Gai, original_term: Chao Gai; raw_term: Lin Chong, original_term: Lin Chong; raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen】

Although not a pre-battle burst, during critical training segments Chen Wen will give a brief, minor boost to training instructors or outstanding squad leaders.

Either to make explanations clearer or to make practice more engaged.

Subtle and gradual, the effect is significant.

"Indeed." Chen Wen nodded, "The formation's footing is solid, advances and retreats are well-founded. Instructor Lin trains troops with great method." 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen; raw_term: Lin Chong, original_term: Lin Chong】

This method was devised by Lin Chong, combining the Forbidden Army Drill Canon, practical combat experience, and Chen Wen's occasional suggestions on 'squad coordination'. 【raw_term: Lin Chong, original_term: Lin Chong; raw_term: Forbidden Army Drill Canon, original_term: Jinjun Caodian; raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen; raw_term: Squad Coordination, original_term: Xiaodui Peihe】

Simple, but effective.

Lin Chong finished his archery and crossbow training and strode over. 【raw_term: Lin Chong, original_term: Lin Chong】

Beads of sweat appeared on his brow, and his eyes shone bright.

"Mr. Chen Wen, Heavenly King." 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen; raw_term: Heavenly King, original_term: Tianwang】

He clasped his fists in salute.

"The newly arrived 'Yu Sha Crossbow' has been distributed for trial use. Its rapid-fire capability is indeed useful, especially in close-quarters combat in mountainous and forested terrain." 【raw_term: Yu Sha Crossbow, original_term: Yushanu】

"But the crossbow bolts consume a lot of resources; I worry that supplies from Old Brother Zhao Lao Nian might run short." 【raw_term: Zhao Lao Nian, original_term: Zhaolaonian】

"No problem."

Chen Wen said.

"Zhao Lao Nian wrote that the Chen Dynasty Workshop has expanded production, and the next batch of supplies is en route." 【raw_term: Zhao Lao Nian, original_term: Zhaolaonian; raw_term: Chen Dynasty Workshop, original_term: Chenchiao Gongfang】

"Our own workshop must also rush to replicate key components; we can't always rely on rear support."

He paused.

"Have there been any updates on the brothers sent to meet the South-bound Grain Transport Team?" 【raw_term: South-bound Grain Transport Team, original_term: Nanyun Liangdui】

Lin Chong's expression turned solemn.

"Ruan Xiao Wu dispatched a fast boat early this morning to send word; the first batch of grain ships from the disguised merchant convoy has safely passed Dongping Lake and is now heading south along the Wen River, with Zhang Rong's men providing support along the way." 【raw_term: Ruan Xiao Wu, original_term: Ruan Xiao Wu; raw_term: Dongping Lake, original_term: Dongping Hu; raw_term: Wen River, original_term: Wen Shui; raw_term: Zhang Rong, original_term: Zhang Rong】

"But further south lies territory under the direct control of the False Song Imperial Court, with checkpoints everywhere and inspections growing stricter." 【raw_term: False Song Imperial Court, original_term: False Song Imperial Court; raw_term: Qin Hui, original_term: Qin Hui】

"Even with thorough disguise, it remains uncertain whether they can safely reach General Yue's headquarters." 【raw_term: Yue Fei, original_term: Yue Jiangjun】

Chen Wen remained silent.

"The Northern Grain Southern Transport operation is a crucial step in aiding Yue Fei, but also a risky gamble." 【raw_term: Northern Grain Southern Transport, original_term: Beiliang Nanyun; raw_term: Yue Fei, original_term: Yue Fei】

Thousands of stone of grain serve as hard currency in chaotic times, and also represent the southward extension of the Northward Aspiration Army's influence. 【raw_term: Northward Aspiration Army, original_term: Beiwangjun】

The False Song Imperial Court, especially Qin Hui, could not be unaware. 【raw_term: False Song Imperial Court, original_term: False Song Imperial Court; raw_term: Qin Hui, original_term: Qin Hui】

They won't openly block them, but it's all too easy for them to secretly trip them up.

"Tell Ruan Xiao Wu to be cautious; better slow than mistaken. If absolutely necessary..." 【raw_term: Ruan Xiao Wu, original_term: Ruan Xiao Wu】

Chen Wen lowered his voice.

"Guard the person and the token; the grain can be sacrificed."

The token he spoke of is a prototype of a special-material badge that Zhao Lao Nian is researching. 【raw_term: Zhao Lao Nian, original_term: Zhaolaonian】

If produced and then personally imbued with a stable 'Momentum Fate Seal' by Chen Wen... 【raw_term: Momentum Fate Seal, original_term: Shi yun yin ji; raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen】

Perhaps it could serve as a medium for 'Limited Remote Endowment' in emergencies. 【raw_term: Limited Remote Endowment, original_term: Youxian yuancheng fuyu】

Although the effect is weak, it might still work in dire circumstances.

This has not yet succeeded, but Chen Wen already regards it as a future strategic key. 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen】

Lin Chong nodded heavily.

"Understood."

Wu Yong hurried from the gate direction, holding a sealed letter with a feather inserted. 【raw_term: Wu Yong, original_term: Wu Yong】

"Mr. Chen Wen, Heavenly King, Instructor Lin." 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen; raw_term: Heavenly King, original_term: Tianwang; raw_term: Lin Chong, original_term: Lin Chong】

"An urgent secret report from the 'South Wind Record' has arrived from the south." 【raw_term: South Wind Record, original_term: Nanfeng ji】

Chen Wen took it and quickly broke the wax seal.

The letter came from Stone Mound, using a coded language. 【raw_term: Stone Mound, original_term: Shi Dun】

The core information deciphered consists of only a few lines:

"Peng Ju has resolved to memorialize the throne, requesting orders for a Northern Expedition aimed directly at Bian Liang, with the memorial's wording being fervent." 【raw_term: Peng Ju, original_term: Pengju; raw_term: Northern Expedition, original_term: Bei Fa; raw_term: Bian Liang, original_term: Bian Liang】

"Yet the false capital Lin'an seethes with undercurrents, and the Qin Premier's faction acts frequently, fearing that their memorial may be suppressed or obstructed in every way." 【raw_term: False Capital Lin'an, original_term: Wei du Lin'an; raw_term: Qin Premier, original_term: Qin Xiang】

"Yue's forces have exhausted their supplies; though morale remains solid, if the court cuts off provisions and applies pressure, the Northern Expedition could become rootless."

"Someone has tried to contact a couple of loyal officials in the court, but it's merely a drop in the bucket."

"What should be the next step? Please show us the way."

Chen Wen finished reading and passed the letter to Chao Gai and Lin Chong. 【raw_term: Chen Wen, original_term: Chen Wen; raw_term: Chao Gai, original_term: Chao Gai; raw_term: Lin Chong, original_term: Lin Chong】

Yue Fei... is about to move.

Chao Gai stroked his beard, his eyes complex.

"He's a fine fellow! But this Imperial Court..."

Lin Chong furrowed his brows.

"Supplies are inadequate, the rear unstable; launching a major northern expedition now is extremely perilous."

"Those of the False Song Imperial Court seek only survival; how could they allow him?"

"They'll likely just go through the motions, delay, even stab him in the back."

Chen Wen did not answer.

He walked to the edge of the drill ground, sat on a large stone, and gazed at the distant mountains.

In his mind, fragmented images floated up again.

Not a snowy pavilion, but a broader scene.

—— banners fluttering, troop formations like forests, shouts shaking the heavens, a sharp vigor seeming to burst through the image.

But at the peak of this momentum, the image suddenly dimmed.

Being entwined and dragged by countless black shadowy tendrils stretching from behind……

His heart clenched.

"Is this a passive warning from the 'Script Review'?"

Clearer than before, yet still fragmented, full of symbolism.

The black shadow immediately made him think of the Iron Crow Army, Qin Hui, and the poisonous plot possibly being hatched in the warm pavilion of Lin'an.

"Pengju is being backed into a corner, seeking to break the stalemate with military merit, and also to find a path to survival for his troops."

Chen Wen slowly spoke.

"He probably also vaguely feels that the Imperial Court's patience is about to run out."

"Rather than wait for death, it's better to fight to the death."

"If we can recover large swaths of lost territory, perhaps we can still turn the tide."

"But this turning point……"

Wu Yong gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

"From the student's observation, the atmosphere of the False Song Imperial Court is decadent and they fear the Jin like a tiger."

"Even with earth-shattering military achievements, it would likely be hard to counter the peace faction's single cry of 'waging war recklessly provokes strong neighbors.'"

"So……"

Chen Wen rose, his gaze sweeping over the three.

"We cannot let him truly become a lone army."

He pondered a moment, then spoke decisively.

"Reply to Shi Dun."

"First, I agree with Yue Fei's proposal for a northern expedition."

"Tell him that the Northward Aspiration Army will fully support in the north, harassing and tying down Jin forces."

"The specific coordination details are to be discussed directly between him, Yue Fei, and Instructor Lin."

"Second, remind him that the Imperial Court's attitude will inevitably be vague, and any authority granted will be limited."

"Inform Yue Fei that the northern expedition may proceed, but initial objectives should not be too grand or rushed."

"Taking priority: recover the environs of Luoyang and open communication with northern rebel forces."

"Steady and solid, accumulate advantage, avoid deep penetration by a lone army that would give the Imperial Court an excuse."

"Third, the 'Northern Grain Southern Transport' plan remains unchanged, even accelerated."

"Tell Shi Dun and Ruan Xiao5 that even if only thirty to fifty percent gets through, it will be a timely boon for the Yue family army."

"The route can be made more covert, split into dozens of small merchant caravans."

"Fourth……"

He paused.

"Have Shi Dun remind Yue Fei to straighten internal affairs and guard against villains."

"Especially…… those mid-level officers who have close contact with Lin'an, or whose recent mood is unsettled and behavior abnormal."

He could not directly say 'beware of the Iron Crow Army using spies,' so he could only give this gentle reminder.

Hope Yue Fei can understand and take it seriously.

Chao Gai, Lin Chong, and Wu Yong felt a chill in their hearts.

Mr. Chen's words carry strong implication.

The Yue family army's interior…… possibly already unstable?

"Military advisor……" Chen Wen looked at Wu Yong.

"How have the ten Yue family army students in the Lecture Martial Hall been lately?"

Wu Yong gathered his thoughts.

"They are all very diligent."

"They quickly accept the Northward Aspiration concept, especially its core of 'fighting for the people, recovering our rivers and mountains.'"

"They are quite interested in the political and military details of Chen's governance, often expressing astonished praise."

"Among them, the Wang-surnamed officer and the Zhang-surnamed clerk stand out, often chatting with me at night, asking in detail."

"Very good."

Chen Wen nodded.

"No need to hide secrets; teach what should be taught."

But keep within bounds, don't let them feel we are deliberately 'infusing'; silent nourishment is enough.

These people may one day be the seeds of new thought in the Yue Family Army.

Having finished his instructions, Chen Wen waved his hand.

Go about your business. Instructor Lin, step up the drills, especially the cavalry. Perhaps soon there will be a tough battle to fight.

Yes!

The three received the order and departed.

The sounds of drilling on the training ground remained resonant.

Chen Wen stood alone, feeling the stable, powerful 'multiplier' force of the Level 5 system within his body.

And occasional unsettling fragments flashing through his mind.

The prelude to the Northern Expedition has sounded.

Yue Fei's arrow is nocked.

And the hidden hand behind the scenes is tightening the net.

What he can do is to stir up greater waves in the north, draw more attention, and share Yue Fei's pressure.

At the same time, quickly have Zhao Lao'nian produce a 'remote bestowal' medium.

Even if only a trace of weak power can be transmitted, at a critical moment it could change much.

He raised his head, gazing toward the southern horizon.

Dark clouds gathered.

The mountain rain is about to come.

Brother Peng Ju...

He murmured softly, as if crossing thousands of mountains and rivers, speaking to that commander whose fate is intertwined with his.

This Northern Expedition path is destined to be thick with thorns, with cold arrows ceaselessly coming from behind.

But since you have chosen...

I, and the myriad brothers of Northward Aspiration, will accompany you on this journey.

Let's see whether the inertia of the 'script' is strong, or whether we, joining hands, can pierce a hole in this heaven...

The autumn wind swept over the hills, rolling up dry leaves, spinning southward.

As if carrying the indomitable will of the north, it drifted toward the land where war is about to ignite.