Chapter 651

Morning light streamed through the window lattice, falling on the blue‑brick floor.

When Yue Fei opened his eyes, there was a brief moment of daze.

No bugle call, no horse hooves, no personal guards waiting outside the tent.

He sat up.

He wore clean plain cloth, and the bed was soft.

A faint footstep sounded from outside the door.

The steward's voice rang out: "General Yue, hot water is ready, breakfast is in the main hall."

"Understood."

He washed up and changed clothes.

Yue Fei changed into the everyday attire prepared by the Chen dynasty—a deep blue cotton robe with narrow sleeves and a cinched waist, utterly unlike the Song‑dynasty official robes he usually wore.

He moved his arms.

The fabric was supple and did not hinder his movement.

Inside the main hall, everyone had already gathered.

Breakfast consisted of rice porridge, pickled vegetables, fried flatbread, and boiled eggs.

It was simple, but the portions were ample.

"The Chen dynasty's food is actually quite solid."

Chao Gai gnawed on the fried flatbread, muttering.

"After we finish, let's go to the Privy Council."

Yue Fei lifted the porridge bowl.

"Look more, listen more, speak less."

Late morning.

The carriage arrived on schedule at the gate of the residence.

The messenger was Zhang Cheng's secretary, surnamed Zhou, about thirty years old, with a brisk manner.

"Gentlemen generals, please."

Secretary Zhou lifted the carriage curtain.

The carriage drove through the streets.

Xijing's morning bustled to life.

Shops opened, pedestrians came and went, carriages and horses moved in orderly fashion.

By the roadside, children chased and played.

Yue Yun pressed his face against the carriage window to watch.

"Father, aren't they afraid of war?"

"Because the battlefield is in Bei Jing, far from here."

Yue Fei said.

"The Chen dynasty has held the frontier passes, allowing the people to live in peace."

The carriage entered Huangcheng through a side gate.

The Privy Council lay in the eastern palace precincts—a five‑courtyard blue‑brick compound, with no conspicuous plaque before its gate, only two guards standing solemnly.

Secretary Zhou led everyone into the compound.

The compound was unusually quiet.

Officials hurried along the corridors, holding documents in their hands, speaking in low voices.

"Privy Councilor Zhang is waiting in the main hall."

Secretary Zhou pushed open the main hall doors.

Inside the hall.

Zhang Cheng stood before a large map on the north wall, speaking with several officers.

Hearing the sound, he turned.

"Marshal Yue, gentlemen generals."

He clasped his hands in salute.

"Please take your seats."

Everyone seated themselves on either side.

Besides Zhang Cheng, there were three others in the hall.

One was the deputy commander of Shi Dun, who had rushed back from Bei Jing overnight.

One was a technical director from the Bureau of Works.

One was a staff officer from the Peace and Security Bureau.

"Today I have summoned you for three matters."

Zhang Cheng took the seat of honor and got straight to the point.

"First, appointments."

He gestured for the secretary to read the document.

The secretary unfurled the scroll.

"By imperial decree: appoint Yue Fei as military advisor for Bei Jing affairs in the Privy Council, holding the rank of regular third grade, to assist in the northern campaign."

"Appoint Lin Chong as tactics instructor at the Lecture Hall, holding the rank of junior third grade."

"Appoint Wu Yong as strategic counselor in the Privy Council, holding the rank of junior third grade."

Appoint Yue Yun, Zhang Xian, Wang Gui, Chao Gai, Ruan Xiao2, Guan Sheng, and Hu Yanzhuo as deputy commanders of the Bei Jing Governorate's Vanguard Army, each holding the rank of Zheng 4th pin.

Effective immediately.

The hall fell silent.

Yue Fei rose and clasped his fists.

"Yue Fei, receive the order."

Everyone followed suit and performed the salute.

"The posts are honorary titles, to facilitate your participation in military affairs."

Zhang Cheng gestured for everyone to sit down.

"To be frank, the military system of the Chen dynasty differs from that of the Song; your specific duties must be worked out in practice."

"But there is one point—"

His gaze swept over everyone.

"In the Chen dynasty, we employ people solely on merit."

"Your achievements in Luoyang and in the False Song have been detailed in reports by Governor Shi."

"His Majesty and the Retired Emperor have seen them and said only four words: 'a vessel of national talent.'"

Yue Fei took a deep breath.

"The second matter."

Zhang Cheng pointed at the map.

"Bei Jing military situation."

Shi Dun's deputy rose.

"After the Northern Yuan retreated fifty li, they regrouped north of Wild Fox Ridge."

"For the past five days, they have not advanced south again."

"But our scouts have detected signs of a large-scale troop movement deep in the steppes."

"Minister Zhao led the 'Sever Nest' squad deep in, losing contact three days ago."

The deputy's voice was heavy.

"Yesterday, a scout team found battle traces on the northern foothills of Yin Mountain, including fragments of our standard crossbow bolts and numerous remains of non-human creatures."

"We judge that Minister Zhao's squad had engaged there."

The atmosphere in the hall grew solemn.

"Non-human creatures?"

Lin Chong frowned.

"The 'Nether Shadow' unit of the Iron Crow Army."

Zhang Cheng said.

"They resemble humans yet are not, possessing great strength and speed, and they fear no ordinary blades or arrows."

"Someone here has seen them."

Yue Fei nodded.

"In the battle intercepting the Light Curtain Passage, Master Chen slew one."

"The appearance of Nether Shadows indicates that the Iron Crow Army has directly intervened in the Northern Yuan front."

A technical officer of the Bureau of Heavenly Works spoke.

"The core defense of the Mother Nest is likely guarded by the Nether Shadow unit."

"What exactly is the Mother Nest?"

Wu Yong asked.

"We don't fully know either."

Zhang Cheng admitted frankly.

"According to current intelligence, it is a giant bio-mechanical composite based on Nether Energy Crystal Ore."

"It can spawn enhanced soldiers, control surrounding organisms, and even distort local environments."

"Before departing, Old Zhao speculated that the Mother Nest has a networked nature—destroying one causes other Mother Nests to sense it and bolster their defenses."

"Therefore we must locate the Main Nest."

Yue Fei said.

"Exactly."

Zhang Cheng pointed to the area north of Yin Mountain on the map.

"Old Zhao's last transmission placed him here."

"Governor Shi has mustered elite scouts, combined with the Bureau of Heavenly Works' detection equipment, to expand the search."

"But the steppes are vast, and Northern Yuan raiders frequently intercept, slowing progress."

"How many are needed?"

Yue Fei suddenly asked.

Zhang Cheng looked at him.

"If we are to lock onto the Main Nest's position within a month and prepare for an attack,"

Yue Fei rose and walked to the map.

"We need at least three thousand light cavalry, divided into twenty teams, conducting a fan-shaped search."

"Each team equipped with two horses, ten days' rations, signal flares, and simple detection gear."

"Upon spotting traces, they must not engage but immediately report back."

He ran his finger over several passes of Yin Mountain.

「The main force will stand by here; once the position is confirmed, they will advance immediately。」

Several Chen dynasty officers in the hall exchanged glances.

「Marshal Yue's plan is roughly the same as that proposed by Commander Shi。」

The vice general said.

「But three thousand light cavalry... Bei Jing currently has only five thousand mobile troops; if we draw three thousand, the defensive line will have a gap。」

「Bei Yuan will not attack。」

Yue Fei shook his head.

「They are also waiting for the mother nest's strengthening to be completed。」

「Taking the initiative now will merely be a diversion。」

「Retaining two thousand mobile troops is enough; the main force should hold the passes and show weakness to the enemy。」

He turned his head to look at Zhang Cheng.

「Zhang Cheng, are there any defectors in the Bei Yuan army who know the terrain well? 」

「Yes。」

The Jing'an Office staff officer took up the conversation.

「The captain of a thousand captured at Wild Fox Ridge has already defected。」

「He knows the terrain north of Yin Mountain like the back of his hand。」

「Let him lead the way。」

Yue Fei said.

「On the grasslands, a guide is more useful than many people。」

Zhang Cheng pondered for a moment.

「The third matter. 」

He clapped his hands.

The side door opened.

Two soldiers carried in a wooden crate.

The crate lid was opened.

Inside were twelve sets of deep black light armor, along with matching waist swords and arm-mounted crossbows.

「A special product of the Heavenly Works Academy: the 'Xuan Niao Armor'. 」

The technical chief introduced it.

「The outer layer is made of refined steel plates, lined with cotton and hemp, weighing only eighteen catties total。」

「It can withstand direct bolt shots from within thirty paces。」

「The arm-mounted crossbow has a range of one hundred paces and comes with ten armor-piercing bolts。」

He looked toward Yue Fei.

「Your armor and weapons have already been left in Luoyang; these shall be considered a greeting gift from the Chen dynasty。」

Yue Fei reached out and picked up a breastplate.

It felt lighter than expected.

The plates were matte black, fastened with ox sinew, and the joints had clever designs.

「Want to try it on? 」

Zhang Cheng said.

Yue Fei took off his outer robe and put on the breastplate.

Two soldiers stepped forward to help fasten the straps.

The armor fit snugly, neither too loose nor too tight.

Raising his arm and turning his body, there was no stiffness.

Yue Yun and the others also tried it on one after another.

「Good armor. 」

Lin Chong fastened the arm armor and moved his wrist.

「It's much lighter and more convenient than my infantry armor. 」

「The armor is good, and the sword is good as well. 」

Guan Sheng drew his waist sword.

The blade was narrow and straight, its chill sharp and fierce.

When swung, it produced a sharp whistling sound.

「The third matter is this armor. 」

Zhang Cheng adopted a solemn expression.

「Wearing the Chen dynasty's armor makes one a Chen dynasty general. 」

「From now on, you will share food and lodging with the Chen dynasty's soldiers, living and dying together. 」

He paused.

「I have approved Marshal Yue's plan just now. 」

「The three thousand light cavalry will be assembled within three days. 」

「Guides, equipment, and provisions—the Privy Council will fully cooperate. 」

「But the person commanding the troops——」

He looked toward Yue Fei.

"Marshal Yue, are you willing to undertake this task?"

The hall fell silent.

Yue Fei met Zhang Cheng's gaze.

"Search for the main nest?"

"No."

Zhang Cheng shook his head.

"The search will be handled by Shi Dun."

"Marshal Yue's duty is to command the main force of the subsequent advance."

"Once the main nest is found, immediately march north and destroy it."

Yue Fei gripped the hilt of his sword.

"Your troops?"

"Bei Jing currently has thirty thousand infantry and cavalry, at your disposal."

Zhang Cheng said.

"The latest devices from the Bureau of Heavenly Craft are at your disposal."

"There is only one requirement—"

He rose to his feet.

"Within three months, destroy the mother nest and crush the main force of the Northern Yuan."

"So that the steppes will be incapable of southern incursions for ten years."

Three months.

Yue Fei's mind raced with calculations.

Time is short.

But if we concentrate all our strength, it is not impossible.

"We need Mr. Chen's assistance."

He said.

"The sovereign will accompany the army."

Zhang Cheng nodded.

"But his abilities must not be abused."

"In Bei Jing warfare, regular forces will be the mainstay."

"Understood."

"Then—"

Zhang Cheng scanned the crowd.

"Do any of you still have questions?"

Wu Yong rose to his feet.

"Privy Councilor Zhang, we have just arrived and already been given important posts and heavy responsibilities."

"In the Chen dynasty, court and populace, any objections?"

Zhang Cheng smiled.

"Yes."

He spoke candidly.

"But His Majesty said, in extraordinary times, employ extraordinary people."

"The Chen dynasty has stood for 180 years, relying not on seniority but on promoting the capable and demoting the mediocre."

"You have proven yourselves in Luoyang; that is enough."

He walked up to Yue Fei.

"Marshal Yue, the Chen dynasty differs from the False Song."

"Here we do not look at background or seniority, only at what you can accomplish."

"If you succeed, you will be a meritorious official."

"If you fail—"

He patted Yue Fei's shoulder armor.

"You will share the guilt of ordinary defeated generals."

"Isn't that fair?"

Yue Fei slowly nodded.

"Since there are no objections, we conclude today's meeting."

Zhang Cheng said.

"Please return to your residences first to familiarize yourselves with the equipment."

"At this time tomorrow, the Privy Council will send the detailed battle plan and the Bei Jing troop roster."

"Three days later, we will set out for the Northern Pacification Pass."

Everyone rose and saluted.

Upon leaving the Privy Council, it was already near noon.

The sunlight was blinding.

Yue Fei stood on the steps, glanced back at that inconspicuous gate.

"Just like that, it's decided?"

Wang Gui asked softly.

"Are we really going to take troops to fight the Northern Yuan?"

"What else?"

Yue Fei tightened the straps of his arm armor.

"Having eaten the Chen dynasty's food, worn the Chen dynasty's armor, one ought to do the Chen dynasty's business."

He stepped down the stairs.

"What's more—"

He looked toward the north.

"Fighting the Northern Yuan is to avenge the brothers of Luoyang."

The carriage approached.

Before Yue Fei boarded the carriage, he took one last look deep into the imperial city.

Chen Wen should be there now.

This ruler did not appear in the military council, but behind every decision lay his shadow.

Yue Fei suddenly recalled what Chen Wen had said the previous night.

"Changed the place to fight."

That's right.

The battlefield has changed.

The enemy remains unchanged.

He lifted the carriage curtain.

"Return to the residence."

"Prepare the supplies."

"In three days—"

He said in a deep voice.

"Northward."