Wen Yanran carefully examined the data on the [War Sandbox].
[Total Troops: 114,000;
Cavalry: 36,000;
Ranged Troops: 11,000;
Infantry: 14,000;
Engineers: 3,000;
Militia: 63,000.]
If the numbers of each troop type were added together, it would be found that the total exceeded 114,000. Wen Yanran had studied the mechanics of Monarch’s Conquest and knew this was because there was overlap between certain troop types – ranged troops and cavalry, engineers and infantry. For example, the three thousand soldiers in the Iron Cavalry Camp could simultaneously be counted as both cavalry and ranged troops. As for the militia, they consisted of conscripts without formal training or combat experience, typically tasked with logistical duties such as transporting supplies, cooking meals, and other miscellaneous chores for the army.
Following the troop data was the current provisions count, though it displayed not the total amount of provisions but the duration they could sustain the army. According to the system, the provisions prepared by Lu Yuanguang were sufficient to support an army of 100,000 for three months.
After provisions and troops, another column displayed [Morale: 6010 (Profession Bonus)].
This value was calculated on a percentage scale. A score of 70 indicated that the overall morale and mental state of the army were fairly good. Wen Yanran recalled from some strategy guides that if morale exceeded 90, even if over half the soldiers were killed by the enemy, the formation would not collapse. Conversely, if it fell below 10, the army could achieve the [Instantly Routed] feat without even engaging the enemy.
At that moment, the palace attendant Cai Qu came to announce, “Attendant Cui requests an audience.”
Wen Yanran mentally calculated the days and smiled, “It’s about time she arrived.” She then added, “Allow Attendant Cui to enter.”
Cui Xinjing’s face appeared somewhat pale from exhaustion. She first provided a detailed report on the results of her recent assignment, then removed her official headdress and performed a solemn, respectful bow to the Emperor before offering her counsel: “The fate of the Great Zhou rests solely on Your Majesty’s shoulders. The Shangxing Pass is located in Dan Province, with the terrain ahead growing even more expansive. The forces of the Western Tribes could arrive at any moment. Your Majesty’s person is of immeasurable worth, and it is truly unwise for you to personally venture into such perilous territory.”
After enduring the many years of devastation under Emperor Li, the Great Zhou had managed to maintain a semblance of stability solely because Wen Yanran held firm at the central authority. She didn’t even need to encounter any misfortune – if her prestige were to decline beyond a certain point, it alone would be enough to plunge the entire realm into turmoil.
Cui Xinjing had been taught from a young age that when planning strategies, one must consider not only success but also failure. If the Emperor were to suffer any harm because of the Western Tribes conflict, the consequences would be utterly unbearable for the current court.
After listening to her words, Wen Yanran did not answer directly but instead asked, “When you departed, did Inspector Wang have any message for me?”
Cui Xinjing paused briefly before replying, “Inspector Wang mentioned that Tai Province’s situation is already like adding fuel to a fire, and in warfare, speed is of the essence.” She then added, “Your Majesty could dispatch a commander from the court to lead troops here. Why must you personally take to the field?”
Wen Yanran smiled and asked, “Then, according to your view, who should be appointed to lead the troops?”
Upon hearing this, Cui Xinjing found herself momentarily speechless – the commander most familiar with Tai Province’s situation was undoubtedly Tao Jia. However, this man had once suffered a major defeat and had not led troops for many years, making it difficult for him to command the soldiers effectively. Yet, if he were appointed as a deputy general, there was no one else with both the capability and prestige to take charge.
Only the Emperor could.
In the Jianzhou region, no one’s prestige surpassed Wen Yanran’s. If she decided to personally assume the role of the army’s nominal commander, others would oppose it solely out of concern for her safety, not because of any defiance or disorder.
In fact, when news of the Emperor’s arrival reached Shangxing Pass, the local officials, gentry, and influential clans quickly united, striving to act with one purpose to avoid any misstep that might anger the new emperor.
Wen Yanran spoke slowly, “The Western Tribes are certain to rebel, and this war cannot be avoided. If the conflict drags on for too long, even a victory would bring more harm than good.”
Throughout the entire army, only Wen Yanran’s authority to make decisions was unquestionable. That was precisely why she had to personally come to Shangxing Pass to oversee the situation. Only then could the frontline commanders carry out their duties with certainty and resolve.
After a moment of contemplation, Cui Xinjing cautiously remarked, “Although Inspector Wang emphasized the importance of speed in warfare, the fact that the army has already reached Shangxing Pass must be far beyond Inspector Wang’s expectations.”
Under normal circumstances, after deciding to dispatch troops, the first step would involve meticulous arrangements for supplies and personnel. Even though Jianzhou and Tai Province were not far apart, starting from the time Cui Xinjing delivered the message back, it would typically take at least a month to fully mobilize the army.
In other words, the Emperor’s presence here was not part of Wang You’s original plan.
Wen Yanran nodded, signaling Cui Xinjing to continue.
Cui Xinjing said, “I believe that Inspector Wang has likely not yet succeeded in dividing the various clans of Tai Province. If we advance at this moment, it may in fact be disadvantageous…”
Before she could finish, a laugh came from above. The Sovereign, dressed in dark robes, reclined against the armrest, looking down at her from on high, her tone gentle. “Since antiquity, the conduct of warfare has always emphasized striking where the enemy is unprepared. Now that all of Tai Province is unready, would this not be precisely the right moment for Jianping to make a move?”
Listening to the Emperor’s words, Cui Xinjing suddenly understood – of course the Sovereign knew that Wang You had not yet thoroughly stirred up the muddy waters of Tai Province. She simply did not care.
The Wang clan had privately controlled Tai Province for many years, to the point that the local people knew only of the Inspector and the General, and had never heard of the Sovereign of Jianping. Wang You had never truly wished to bow her head to the court; it was only because age and infirmity had worn away her former ambitions that she now sought to borrow the strength of Jianzhou to extend her family’s fortunes. All this, the Emperor understood perfectly well.
Since she was no loyal subject, there was no need to show her any special leniency.
Thinking this, Cui Xinjing performed another salute and said, “As for Inspector Wang’s youngest daughter, she has now arrived at Shangxing together with me…”
Wen Yanran understood at once. “Since she is already here, then ask her on my behalf whether she wishes to remain here for the time being, or go to Jianping now to study.”
Wang You, for all her overwhelming private interests, was nonetheless the first to extend goodwill toward Jianping. Though she was not someone who merited special consideration, Wen Yanran could hardly make a display of crossing the river and tearing up the bridge behind her. The conditions she had previously agreed to would, naturally, still have to be honored; otherwise, when similar situations arose in the future, others would no longer be willing to fall for her overtures.
Cui Xinjing grasped the meaning behind the Emperor’s words. She bowed once more to Wen Yanran, tacitly thanking the Sovereign for allowing her not to break faith with others.
Wen Yanran smiled and said, “Minister Cui, you may rise. Since you are here, help me analyze this: if Tai Province were to learn that I have already arrived at Shangxing Pass, what reaction would they have?”
Cui Xinjing gave a wry smile. “I fear they would immediately raise troops.”
Hearing this, Wen Yanran gestured through the air toward a memorial on the desk. Seeing this, Cai Qu lifted the document with a tray and handed it to Cui Xinjing.
“Take a look.”
Cui Xinjing inclined herself slightly before taking up the memorial to read. Giving it a cursory glance, she found that this petition – its author’s name deliberately erased – came from the western frontier. Its contents accused a prominent local clan of secretly stockpiling arms and armor, with intent to rebel.
With only a single glance, Cui Xinjing realized that this memorial was genuine – and that the accusations it contained were genuine as well. The imperial guards who had accompanied her and then departed ahead of her had in fact also served as scouts and imperial envoys. While she was in contact with Wang You, they had sought out several minor officials of Central Plains origin and, together, fabricated this letter of accusation.
After the affair with Wang You, the various Western Tribes could no longer act in unison. Now, upon hearing that someone had privately reported them to the court, they would likely be unable to resist turning on one another with mutual accusations.
“I intend to have Minister Tao go and question them as to whether this talk of rebellion is true or false.”
Cui Xinjing lowered her head – sending a general with troops to ‘ask questions’ was, in effect, a deliberate choice to initiate hostilities.
Wen Yanran rose from the wooden couch and walked to the window, hands clasped behind her back, gazing into the distance. A clear, steely edge showed in her eyes. “The Western Tribes have gone their own way for far too long. Now that I am here, I intend to show them who truly rules this land.”
