Chapter 638

Xijing.

Inside the Privy Council's deep chambers, in a tightly sealed, brightly lit secret room.

Chen Wen faced the three senior officials gathered here—Zhang Cheng, Shi Dun, and Qian Gui.

Wang Ru was in Luoyang of the False Song World and could not attend.

Zhao Lao Nian was also carrying out the top-secret Operation Nest-Cutting deep in the grasslands, his fate unknown and communication cut off.

Operation Nest-Cutting.

Only these three could participate in the core decision-making at this moment.

The air was heavy.

On the table lay a map, an intelligence summary, and several top-secret documents.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on Chen Wen.

Waiting for him to elaborate on the decision he had just made, a decision that could be described as shocking and outrageous.

"I know you still have doubts in your hearts."

Chen Wen spoke, his voice calm, breaking the silence.

"Bei Jing has new victories; the defensive line is initially secured."

"Although the Northern Yuan has retreated, its power remains; the grassland's malignant tumor has not been eradicated."

"At this moment I depart for Guanzhong, venturing deep into the False Song Forbidden Land; it seems adventurous, even somewhat unwise."

His gaze swept over the crowd.

Zhang Cheng furrowed his brow slightly, silent in contemplation.

Shi Dun glared, obviously holding back words.

Qian Gui's eyes were sharp, quickly analyzing the pros and cons.

"But we must go."

Chen Wen's tone was firm and resolute.

"The reason, I already briefly mentioned earlier."

"Now I want to tell you the deeper reason."

"Regarding the true meaning of the Fire Seed."

He walked up to the map.

His finger pointed to the area representing the Chen Dynasty (east of the Light Curtain).

"Our Chen Dynasty has stood for 180 years, its national strength growing daily, its technology and armor relying on the principle of Fortune Momentum, making it supreme in the age."

"We resist the Northern Yuan and the monsters spawned by the Iron Crow Army, relying on our foundation, on accumulation, and on the results of accumulated Variables."

"We are the main entity of the Variable world."

His finger moved.

He slowly traced the thick line symbolizing the Light Curtain.

It fell to the west, upon the shadow representing the False Song World, over half of which has now been marked as Yuan-controlled territory.

"And there."

"The False Song World."

"It is a Script World forcibly catalyzed by the Iron Crow Army."

"Its historical development should have followed a certain Fixed trajectory; even if distorted, it still roughly follows a discernible course."

"Yue Fei, Lin Chong, Wu Yong, and even the Northward Aspiration Army we established there..."

"In that world, all of us are Variables."

"It is an error that the Iron Crow Army must eradicate."

His finger heavily pointed to Luoyang's position.

"Now, the Script World, accelerated by the Iron Crow Army, is about to be unified by the Yuan—a monster they spawned that conforms to some historical logic."

"All Variables that do not conform to the Script will be swept into the trash heap of history."

"Yue Fei and his companions are precisely the final, most conspicuous batch of Variables."

"Their downfall is not merely the defeat of an army or a group of people."

"Furthermore, it signifies..."

Chen Wen raised his head, his gaze like a torch.

"In that world, the Variables' efforts to oppose the Fixed have utterly failed."

"This signifies that the Iron Crow Army's logic of upholding the historical script has achieved a stage‑by‑stage, overwhelming victory."

"Their authority will consequently be greatly restored."

"Their influence over both worlds, especially their suppressive power over the Variables, will grow stronger."

"One's gain is another's loss."

"What our Chen Dynasty will face in the future is an Iron Crow Army with more complete authority and means unrestrained by scruples."

"And a civilization unified by the Yuan, fully following its Script logic, possibly deeply bound to the Iron Crow Army—a hostile civilization!"

The secret room was utterly silent.

Only the occasional crackle of the flames broke the quiet.

Chen Wen's words struck like a heavy hammer on everyone's hearts.

They had previously viewed the rescue of Yue Fei mainly from a military and ally perspective.

But now, Chen Wen has elevated this rescue to the level of a clash between two civilizations and two rule sets.

"The Fire Seed is not merely about preserving a few outstanding commanders."

It is also proof of preserving the existence of the variable.

Preserve the fire of hope that opposes the "fixed".

Let the Iron Crow Army be unable to completely erase the traces of the existence of the "variable".

For the Chen dynasty's future resistance, retain a crucial fulcrum of "morality" and "fact".

"I understand."

Zhang Cheng slowly spoke, the last trace of doubt in his eyes dissipating, replaced by a profound solemnity.

"Rescuing General Yue Fei and the others is not merely a matter of military mutual aid or a moral gesture."

"But rather... a strategic action concerning the future fortune's direction of two worlds."

"It is to snatch away the last 'light' before the 'script' world is about to be swallowed by darkness."

"This beam of light must continue to burn in our world."

Qian Gui slowly nodded, took up the conversation, his voice low:

"The Jing'an Bureau's intelligence network in the False Song world suffered heavy losses, but the final message sent back also confirmed the ruler's judgment."

"The 'Yuan' in the controlled areas implemented the policy of shaving hair and changing attire, destroyed the previous dynasty's classics, recompiled the histories; its desire to thoroughly reshape civilization's memory is evident."

"General Yue's 'Northward Aspiration' concept is utterly incompatible with it, and will surely be on the purge list."

Although Shi Dun was a bit slow to grasp this grand discourse, he seized the core, slamming his fist into his palm:

"That is to say, rescuing General Yue means punching the Iron Crow Army and that whatever 'Yuan' in the face! It's telling them the variable isn't dead yet! We still have—!"

"Exactly this principle." Chen Wen affirmed.

He looked toward Zhang Cheng and Qian Gui.

"After I leave, the northern border and domestic affairs are entrusted to you."

"Shi Dun's main forces, hold the line."

"Zhang Cheng shall coordinate the overall situation, stabilize the rear, and must ensure the supply of provisions and armaments, especially to the Feng and Cui garrisons in the southern border, continuing to apply pressure; if they still outwardly comply while inwardly defying…"

Chen Wen's eyes turned cold.

"Qian Gui, when the time comes to use those 'accounts' you've gathered, don't hesitate. If necessary, you may employ extraordinary means to replace them with an obedient garrison."

Qian Gui's eyes flashed with sharp light, he bowed slightly.

"I understand. The Jing'an Bureau has made the corresponding preparations."

"Furthermore," Chen Wen said, his tone easing but still solemn, "Old Zhao's side…"

The three of them all tensed.

"He is still on the grasslands, carrying out the 'nest-cutting' mission, and to date no signal has returned."

"After I depart, you must closely monitor any abnormal movements on the northern grasslands."

"If… if we receive his 'green smoke' signal, or any solid sign of success, we may, according to the then northern border situation, appropriately give support or rendezvous."

"If there is still no news…"

Chen Wen fell silent for a moment.

"Then it means he… has shed his last drop of blood for the Chen dynasty."

"But his Heavenly Works Institute, his research, must have someone to inherit it. Zhang Cheng, you arrange this."

Zhang Cheng solemnly replied: "I obey orders. The Deputy Superintendent of the Heavenly Works Institute and several chief artisans are already capable of standing alone. Minister Zhao's painstaking efforts will not be in vain."

Chen Wen nodded.

Finally, he looked toward Shi Dun.

"My departure this time, the date of return is uncertain."

"If the Northern Yuan comes to attack, remember my previous instruction: hold. Rely on the passes and walls, wear down the enemy forces, absolutely avoid wasteful battles."

"If anything goes wrong and I cannot return in time…"

"No! The ruler will surely return!" Shi Dun exclaimed urgently, his tiger eyes reddening.

Chen Wen raised his hand, stopping his words.

"I'm saying if."

"If it truly comes to that moment, the northern border defenses, and indeed the safety of the entire Chen dynasty, will have to rely on you, as well as the Majesty of Xijing (Chen Zhong) and the Grand Emperor (Chen Hong) to support."

"Remember, the root of the Chen dynasty lies here."

"As long as the root does not fall, the tree will always be able to sprout new shoots."

Shi Dun's chest heaved violently, and he finally clasped his fists firmly, dropping to one knee.

"Rest assured, ruler! Shi Dun swears here: as long as the pass stands, we stand; we will never betray the ruler's trust!"

Zhang Cheng and Qian Gui also bowed together.

"We, your subjects, vow to defend the state unto death, awaiting the ruler's return!"

Chen Wen gazed at the three core ministers before him who had followed him for decades, weathered storms, and remained unswervingly loyal.

A warm surge and heroic spirit rose in his heart.

"Good."

"With you all here, I have no worries behind."

"Next…"

He turned his gaze once more to the western region on the map, shrouded in shadow.

His eyes were sharp as a blade.

"Namely, how to go to that dragon pool and tiger's den."

"To take the 'fire seed'…"

"and snatch it back!"