Chapter 690

The discussions within Xijing City did not subside despite the clearing weather.

Translation: "The discussions within Xijing City did not subside despite the clearing weather."

The discussions within Xijing City did not subside despite the clearing weather.

The golden vortex that enveloped Huangcheng the previous night, together with the faint rumble of thunder, was too terrifying.

Translation: "The golden vortex that enveloped the imperial city the previous night, together with the faint rumble of thunder, was too terrifying."

The golden vortex that enveloped Huangcheng the previous night, together with the faint rumble of thunder, was too terrifying.

Teahouses and taverns, street talk and alley gossip—none could avoid discussing this strange incident.

Translation: "Teahouses and taverns, street gossip and alley talk, could not avoid this strange matter."

Better: "Teahouses and taverns, street gossip and alley talk—all could not avoid this strange affair."

"Have you heard? That golden light shot up from the direction of Chengtian Hall!"

Translation: "Have you heard? That golden light shot up from the direction of Chengtian Hall!"

We need to keep quotes. Use double quotes? The source uses Chinese quotes 「」. We'll keep English double quotes. So: ""Have you heard? That golden light shot up from the direction of Chengtian Hall!""

Chengtian Hall

Not only that! My second uncle who works in the palace said that night the ground trembled, as if an earth dragon was turning over!

Translation: "Not only that! My second uncle, who serves in the palace, said the ground trembled that night, like a subterranean dragon turning over!"

【24】

"Could it be… that the Son of Heaven possesses virtue, and Heaven has sent an auspicious omen?"

Translation: "Could it be… that the Son of Heaven possesses virtue, and Heaven has sent an auspicious omen?"

Could it be… that the Son of Heaven possesses virtue, and Heaven has sent an auspicious omen? (Same as 【24】 translation.)

Auspicious omen? I feel uneasy... that disturbance doesn't look like a good omen, rather it looks like...

Translation: "An auspicious omen? I feel uneasy in my heart… that commotion doesn't look like a good omen, but rather…"

We need to keep the trailing ellipsis. So: ""An auspicious omen? I feel uneasy in my heart… that commotion doesn't look like a good omen, but rather…""

I dare not finish speaking.

Translation: "He did not dare finish his words."

Or "He didn't dare to finish speaking." We'll keep: "He did not dare finish his words."

Various rumors spread among the populace.

Translation: "All kinds of speculation spread among the populace."

Some say the former emperor has manifested his spirit.

Translation: "Some said the late emperor had manifested his spirit."

Some say a great victory at the frontier has revealed the nation's fortune.

Translation: "Some said a great victory at the frontier had revealed the nation's fortune."

Also, there are private whispers fearing a change in the nation's foundations, with heavenly phenomena as a warning.

Translation: "Others whispered in private, fearing a change in the state's foundations, with heavenly phenomena as a warning."

Rumors and gossip are gradually getting out of control.

Translation: "Rumors and gossip were gradually getting out of control."

Just at this moment.

Translation: "Just at this moment."

The Ministry of Rites and the Directorate of Astronomy jointly issued a notice.

Translation: "The Ministry of Rites and the Directorate of Astronomy jointly issued a notice."

The Ministry of Rites and the Directorate of Astronomy jointly issued a notice. (Same as 【48】? Actually 【48】 is the sentence; 【51】 is meta about translating the two terms. We'll output same translation.)

Signed personally by Zhang Cheng, Minister of Rites.

Translation: "Signed personally by Zhang Cheng, Minister of Rites."

Signed personally by Zhang Cheng, Minister of Rites. (Same as 【52】? Actually 【52】 is the sentence; 【55】 is meta about using Zhang Cheng. We'll output same.)

The notice was posted at every city gate and street corner.

Translation: "The notice was posted at every city gate and street corner."

The content is brief and to the point.

Translation: "The content was concise and to the point."

It was said that the previous night's portent was "the condensation of the nation's fortune, manifest through resonance with heaven and earth."

Translation: "It stated that the previous night's portent was 'the manifestation of the nation's fortune coalescing in resonance with heaven and earth.'"

We need to keep quotes. So: "It stated that the previous night's portent was 'the manifestation of the nation's fortune coalescing in resonance with heaven and earth.'"

Because of "a great victory in Bei Jing, the standoff of the light barrier, and the people's hearts turning toward the state," the Chen dynasty's power grew daily, its vital energy flourished, thus moving the heavenly phenomena.

Translation: "Because of 'a great victory in the northern frontier, the standoff of the light barrier, and the people's hearts turning toward the state,' the Chen dynasty's power grew daily, its vital energy flourished, thus moving the heavenly phenomena."

Because of "a great victory in Bei Jing, the standoff of the light barrier, and the people's hearts turning toward the state," the Chen dynasty's power grew daily, its vital energy flourished, thus moving the heavenly phenomena. (Same as 【64】? Actually 【64】 is the Chinese sentence; 【67】 is meta about translating terms. We'll output same translation.)

This is "the proof that the Great Chen's orthodoxy has received Heaven's mandate," and also "an omen that the aspiration of Northward Aspiration reaches the heavens."

Translation: "This is 'the proof that the Great Chen's orthodoxy has received Heaven's mandate,' and also 'an omen that the aspiration of Northward Aspiration reaches the heavens.'"

This is "the proof that the Great Chen's orthodoxy has received Heaven's mandate," and also "an omen that the aspiration of Northward Aspiration reaches the heavens." (Same as 【68】 translation.)

Order all prefectural and county offices to pacify the people and not to believe rumors.

Translation: "It ordered all prefectural and county offices to pacify the populace and not believe rumors."

It was also decided that, three days later, an altar would be set up in Nanjiao of Xijing to hold the "Heaven‑Repaying, People‑Soothing" grand ceremony, to thank Heaven's grace and calm the people's hearts.

Translation: "It also set, three days later, to erect an altar in the southern suburbs of Xijing and hold the 'Heaven‑Repaying, People‑Soothing' grand ceremony, to thank Heaven's grace and calm the people's hearts."

It was also decided that, three days later, an altar would be set up in Nanjiao of Xijing to hold the "Heaven‑Repaying, People‑Soothing" grand ceremony, to thank Heaven's grace and calm the people's hearts. (Same as 【74】 translation.)

With the notice issued and accompanied by officials' explanations and guidance, the panic within the city was quickly suppressed.

With the notice issued and accompanied by officials' explanations and guidance, the panic within the city was quickly suppressed. (Same as 【78】 translation.)

With the notice issued and accompanied by officials' explanations and guidance, the panic within the city was quickly suppressed. (Same.)

With the notice issued and accompanied by officials' public explanations and guidance, the panic within the city was quickly suppressed.

In its place arose a sense of exhilaration shared by all.

Translation: "In its place arose a sense of exhilaration from sharing in the honor."

We need to keep meaning: "With honor, a feeling of exhilaration." So: "In its place arose a feeling of exhilaration from sharing in the honor."

"It turns out our dynasty's fortune is too prosperous!"

Translation: ""It turns out our dynasty's fortune is too flourishing!""

"No wonder! We won a battle in the north, and the southern light barrier has stabilized—Heaven itself is watching!"

Translation: ""No wonder! We won a battle in the north, and the southern light barrier has stabilized—Heaven itself is watching!""

"No wonder! We won a battle in the north, and the southern light barrier has stabilized—Heaven itself is watching!" (Same as 【90】 translation.)

"The Heaven‑Repaying Grand Ceremony! We must go see it!"

Translation: ""The Heaven‑Repaying Grand Ceremony! I must go see it!""

Public opinion has been steadied.

Translation: "The direction of public opinion was firmly turned back."

The imperial palace, the emperor's study.

Translation: "The imperial palace, the study."

The imperial palace, the emperor's study. (Same as 【98】 translation.)

The young Emperor Chen Zhong lowered his vermilion brush and rubbed his forehead.

Translation: "The young emperor Chen Zhong set down his vermilion brush and rubbed his brow."

We need to use Chen Zhong from glossary. So: "The young emperor Chen Zhong set down his vermilion brush and rubbed his brow."

Before him lay a summary of preliminary reports from all regions concerning this anomaly.

Translation: "Before him lay a summary of preliminary reports from all regions concerning this anomaly."

"The former emperor's arrangement of the Heaven‑Repaying Grand Ceremony is most timely."

Translation: ""His Majesty the Grand Emperor's move of the Heaven‑Repaying Grand Ceremony is most timely.""

"The former emperor's arrangement of the Heaven‑Repaying Grand Ceremony is most timely." (Same as 【108】 translation.)

He said to Zhang Cheng, who stood beside him.

Translation: "He said to Zhang Cheng, who stood attending at his side."

We need to use Zhang Cheng. So: "He said to Zhang Cheng, who stood attending at his side."

Zhang Cheng bowed slightly and said, "This is the sovereign's intent. In extraordinary times, one must employ extraordinary rites to settle the people's minds. Moreover, the flourishing of the nation's fortune is indeed a fact; using this to boost morale is precisely timely."

Translation: "Zhang Cheng bowed slightly: "This is the sovereign's intent. In extraordinary times, one must use extraordinary rites to settle the people's hearts. Moreover, the flourishing of the nation's fortune is a fact; using this to boost morale is timely.""

We need to keep quotes. So: "Zhang Cheng bowed slightly: "This is the sovereign's intent. In extraordinary times, one must use extraordinary rites to settle the people's hearts. Moreover, the flourishing of the nation's fortune is a fact; using this to boost morale is timely.""

Emperor Chen Zhong nodded, yet he still felt some worry.

Translation: "Chen Zhong nodded, yet he remained somewhat worried."

"However… the consumption of this commotion is likely not small. Could it harm the foundations of the state?"

Translation: ""But… the consumption from this commotion is likely not small. Could it harm the foundations of the state?""

Zhang Cheng replied calmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. The sovereign has his own measure. Though the expenditure is great, our dynasty's foundations are deep and far from being harmed at the root. Furthermore, after this, the circulation of the nation's fortune appears more refined and pure—perhaps not without benefit, like a tempering."

Translation: "Zhang Cheng replied calmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured. The sovereign has his own measure. Though the expenditure is great, our dynasty's foundations are deep and far from being harmed at the root. Moreover, after this, the circulation of the nation's fortune appears more refined and pure—perhaps not without benefit, like a tempering.""

Zhang Cheng replied calmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. The sovereign has his own measure. Though the expenditure is great, our dynasty's foundations are deep and far from being harmed at the root. Furthermore, after this, the circulation of the nation's fortune appears more refined and pure—perhaps not without benefit, like a tempering." (Same as 【124】 translation.)

Emperor Chen Zhong then felt somewhat relieved.

Translation: "Only then did Chen Zhong feel somewhat relieved."

"Then that's good. The matters of Bei Jing and the light barrier still require heavy reliance on Commander Yue and the senior ministers."

Translation: ""Then that's good. The matters of Bei Jing and the light barrier still require heavy reliance on Commander Yue and the senior ministers.""

"Then that's good. The matters of Bei Jing and the light barrier still require heavy reliance on Commander Yue and the senior ministers." (Same as 【130】 translation.)

"This is within our duties."

Translation: ""It is our duty.""

Zhang Cheng took his leave.

Translation: "Zhang Cheng took his leave."

He left the emperor's study, did not return to the Ministry of Rites office, but went straight to the secret chamber of the Jing'an Bureau.

Translation: "He left the imperial study, did not return to the Ministry of Rites office, but went straight to the secret chamber of the Jing'an Bureau."

He left the emperor's study, did not return to the Ministry of Rites office, but went straight to the secret chamber of the Jing'an Bureau. (Same as 【138】 translation.)

An encrypted and sealed report awaited him.

Translation: "An encrypted, sealed report awaited him."

It came from a joint analysis of the "Pinhole" observation post and Commander Yue of Bei Jing.

Translation: "It was a joint analysis from the 'Pinhole' observation post and Commander Yue of Bei Jing."

It was a joint analysis from the "Pinhole" observation post and Commander Yue of Bei Jing. (Same as 【144】 translation.)

The report's contents made Zhang Cheng's brows furrow deeply.

Translation: "The report's contents caused Zhang Cheng's brows to furrow deeply."

The Iron Crow Army's guidance toward the Huai Xi target has shown a significant upward trend over the past forty‑eight hours.

Translation: "The Iron Crow Army's guidance toward the Huai Xi target has shown a significant upward trend over the past forty‑eight hours."

The Iron Crow Army's guidance toward the Huai Xi target has shown a significant upward trend over the past forty‑eight hours. (Same as 【150】 translation.)

Initially, it was merely environmental coincidence and information infiltration.

Translation: "Initially it was merely environmental coincidence and information seepage."

Recently, it has developed as follows:

Translation: "Recently it has developed into:"

One, targeted disasters—such as the precise collapse aimed at "experimental excavation."

Translation: "1. Targeted disasters, such as the precise collapse aimed at 'experimental digging'."

We need to keep quotes around the Chinese term? It's a quoted phrase inside Chinese quotes. We'll translate: "such as the precise collapse aimed at 'experimental digging'." Keep single quotes? We'll use double quotes inside? We'll just use single quotes for inner quote. So: "1. Targeted disasters, such as the precise collapse aimed at 'experimental digging'."

Two, biological manipulation—observed small packs of wolves and mad dogs affected by dark energy, purposefully harassing the periphery of the camp.

Translation: "2. Biological manipulation. Observed small packs of wolves and mad dogs affected by dark energy, purposefully harassing the periphery of the camp."

Observed small packs of wolves and mad dogs affected by dark energy, purposefully harassing the periphery of the camp. (Same as 【162】 translation.)

Three, human intervention strengthened— the identities of the "persuaders" and "guides" appearing near the target area have become more complex, and the information they carry is more deceptive and coercive.

Translation: "3. Human intervention reinforcement. The identities of the 'persuaders' and 'guides' appearing near the target area have become more complex, and the information they carry is more deceptive and coercive."

The identities of the "persuaders" and "guides" appearing near the target area have become more complex, and the information they carry is more deceptive and coercive. (Same as 【166】 translation.)

Four, indirect military pressure—small units of the Yuan army have abnormally increased their activity frequency around the target area, and though they have not launched a direct attack, they have formed a sustained threat.

Translation: "4. Indirect military pressure. Small units of the Yuan army have abnormally increased their activity frequency around the target area, and though they have not launched a direct attack, they have formed a sustained threat."

Small units of the Yuan army have abnormally increased their activity frequency around the target area, and though they have not launched a direct attack, they have formed a sustained threat. (Same as 【170】 translation.)

Conclusion: The guidance strategy has shifted from "gentle push" to "multiple pressures," aiming to force the target to yield under survival pressure to the preset course.

Translation: "Conclusion: The guidance strategy has shifted from a 'gentle push' to 'multiple pressures,' intending to force the target to yield under survival pressure to the prescribed path."

We need to keep quotes. So: "Conclusion: The guidance strategy has shifted from a 'gentle push' to 'multiple pressures,' intending to force the target to yield under survival pressure to the prescribed path."

Moreover, another intelligence report from the Liaodong direction is even more alarming.

Translation: "Moreover, another secret report from the Liaodong direction is even more alarming."

Around the core tribe of the Jianzhou Jurchens, "Hetu Ala," the concentration of dark energy has surged by three hundred percent in the past seven days.

Translation: "Around the core tribe of the Jianzhou Jurchens, 'Hetu Ala,' the concentration of dark energy has surged by three hundred percent in the past seven days."

Around the core tribe of the Jianzhou Jurchens, "Hetu Ala," the concentration of dark energy has surged by three hundred percent in the past seven days. (Same as 【180】 translation.)

Large‑scale, organized signs of dark‑energy‑affected beasts being tamed and armed have been observed.

Translation: "Observed were large‑scale, organized signs of dark‑energy‑affected beasts being tamed and armed."

Observed were large‑scale, organized signs of dark‑energy‑affected beasts being tamed and armed. (Same as 【184】 translation.)

The Jurchen cavalry's equipment, horse quality, and even individual warriors' performance all showed a rapid increase that defies common sense.

Translation: "The Jurchen cavalry's equipment, horse quality, and even individual warriors' performance all showed a rapid increase that defies common sense."

The Jurchen cavalry's equipment, horse quality, and even individual warriors' performance

Solid evidence shows that at least three larger remnants of the steppe tribes have secretly contacted the Jianzhou Jurchens, suggesting they may have reached some kind of cooperation.

Translation: "Solid evidence shows that at least three larger remnants of the steppe tribes have secretly contacted the Jianzhou Jurchens, suggesting they may have achieved some form of collaboration."

Check if any missing: also 【??】 maybe 【??】 we have 【??】 but seems complete.

Zhang Cheng put down the report.

The face was solemn.

The Iron Crow Army's two-pronged operation did not slow despite obstruction in guidance; instead, it accelerated fully.

One side increased pressure on Zhu Yue, attempting to pull them back onto the right track or at least delay their growth.

The other side, at any cost, catalyzed the Qing faction and sought to win allies for it.

"Time… really isn't much left."

They muttered softly.

We must quickly let the Western Xinghuo truly grasp the whole picture and establish effective contact.

Otherwise, once the Qing faction forms early under the Iron Crow Army's no-expense feeding, while Zhu Yue is suppressed in the sprouting state…

The Chen Dynasty will face immense pressure from two fronts, eastern and western, of utterly different nature.

They immediately laid out paper and ground ink, preparing to draft an emergency proposal for the Sovereign.

The brush tip just touched the paper.

A Jing'an Office secret agent entered silently, handing over a small copper tube.

Zhang Cheng twisted it open and pulled out the inner slip of paper.

On it was only a single sentence, in Zhao Lao Nian's distinctive messy handwriting:

"The third wave signal was sent out, riding the qi fluctuations of the preparations for the Heavenly Repayment Ceremony."

"Content: revealing the direct link between 'guidance,' 'yuneng,' and the Jurchen rise, and adding a simple method to identify and counter yuneng pollution."

"Also, an abstract expression attempting to convey a cooperative intent was tucked in."

Zhang Cheng took a deep breath.

They set the slip of paper alight on the lamp flame.

Watching it turn to ash.

Everything that needed to be done has been done.

The seed has been sown, the water has been poured.

Now we can only watch that distant seed in Huai Xi—how it will break through the soil, how it will grow, how it will choose and align with the forces on this side of the light curtain…

They responded to each other from afar.

They picked up the brush again.

On the memorial they wrote the title: "Urgent Strategy for Countering the Iron Crow Army's Strategic Acceleration and Promoting East-West Coordination."

Outside the window.

Xijing City was busily preparing for the Heavenly Repayment Ceremony three days hence.

Colored silks, offering tables, sacrificial goods… a bustling scene.

No one knew.

Under these peaceful preparations.

A undercurrent concerning the future fate of two worlds surged forward at an unprecedented speed.