Chapter 259: Assume the Position of Chief Supervisor, Swiftly Support the Frontline!
When this news spread, the entire capital was in an uproar!
In these years, the Great Wu had not been without wars against other countries, large and small battles countless in number. However, fighting against a evenly matched major power was the first time in 50 years!
At this moment, the Great Xia’s power was on the rise, while the Great Wu’s power was declining!
In such an unfavorable situation, if the Great Wu were to lose, it would bring unimaginable consequences!
In the capital, fear and anxiety filled the hearts of the people!
“The Great Xia and the Great Wu are about to go to war. The strength of the Great Wu is no match for the Great Xia. Once they lose, it’s all over!”
“Just a few days of good times have passed. Why has such a thing happened?”
“Yes, just as the good times were beginning, we have to go to war. The heavens are not giving us commoners a way to live!”
“Quick, pack up and flee!”
“Other places are even more chaotic. Where else can we escape to?”
…
In the court, the Empress looked at Lin Beifan with regret on her face and said, “Sir Lin, you’ve really hit the mark with your words!”
Even the officials in the court couldn’t look at Lin Beifan without embarrassment.
Initially, Lin Beifan had said that once the Crown Prince of Great Xia returned, it was highly likely that he would initiate a war, and it would be best to take necessary measures, including confining Xia Tianqiong. Their resistance had been the strongest, insisting that it was impossible, but it had all turned out to be a slap in the face.
After the Crown Prince of Great Xia returned, he immediately launched a war and invaded their Great Wu!
Lin Beifan didn’t say anything.
The deed was done, and saying anything more wouldn’t change it.
“Your Majesty, now is not the time for regrets! The most important thing now is to mobilize troops and provisions, immediately head to Hulao Pass, guard the border, and resist the Great Xia’s forces!” The Minister of War, Li Kaiguang, said loudly.
The Empress rallied, her voice filled with authority. “Sir Li’s words are absolutely right. We must immediately mobilize troops, send commanders, transport supplies, support the frontlines, and absolutely not allow the forces of Great Xia to set foot in our Great Wu!”
Just then, a member of the Imperial Guard in ceremonial attire came running from a distance.
“Report! Urgent news!”
The Empress’ eyebrows furrowed. “What’s the matter? Speak!”
The Imperial Guard reported loudly, “Your Majesty, we’ve just received news from the frontlines. The Great Xia Dynasty has mobilized another 500,000 troops from various parts of the country and is heading towards Hulao Pass! Crown Prince Xia Tianqiong is leading them in person!”
“What? Another 500,000 troops mobilized?” The Empress and the officials were taken aback.
It must be noted that Great Xia had already stationed 300,000 troops previously. With this additional 500,000, the total number of troops would reach 800,000!
This was already enough to support a large-scale battle!
Only a dynasty or empire with a large population and substantial strength could send out such a massive force!
The Empress slammed the table and stood up. “The Great Xia’s desire to see us perish is unrelenting! It’s maddening!”
“Report! Urgent report!” Another Imperial Guard rushed in.
A sense of unease welled up within the Empress. “What’s the matter? Speak!”
The Imperial Guard declared loudly, “Your Majesty, we’ve just received news from the border regions of the Great Yan Dynasty. There’s been unusual activity, frequent mobilization of troops and horses. Their target is directly our Great Wu!”
The Empress’ face darkened. Just as Great Xia had taken action, the Great Yan was unable to sit still!
Clearly, they intended to take advantage of the situation and divide the lands and rivers of Great Wu!
“This Great Yan isn’t a good entity either!”
“Report! Urgent report!” Yet another Imperial Guard came rushing in.
The Empress’s expression grew even more grim. “What’s the matter now? Speak!”
The Imperial Guard loudly announced, “Your Majesty, we’ve just received news from the southern regions. The Southern Prince’s forces are also on the move…”
“Report! Urgent report!”
…
One bad news after another echoed within the Great Wu’s court.
It can be said that during this rare occasion of the Great Xia’s invasion, ambitious vassal kings and neighboring countries that had long been waiting could no longer remain idle! They all sought to take advantage of the chaos, stirring the waters and aiming to gain from the turmoil.
The Empress’s face was extremely gloomy.
The faces of the officials didn’t look any better.
While the Great Wu was strong, it couldn’t handle so many forces at once. Just dealing with Great Xia had already stretched its resources thin. Moreover, there was also the formidable Great Yan Dynasty, the powerful major dynasties, and the armies of the feudal kings…
Once they all joined forces against the Great Wu, the situation would become dire.
The Empress asked with a grave expression, “Esteemed ministers, do you have any good strategies?”
“Your Majesty!” an old general stepped forward, arching his hand and speaking loudly, “Currently, various forces are mobilizing troops. It will take time! I estimate about a month!”
“So, the current plan is to swiftly resolve the situation at Hulao Pass, push back the Great Xia’s forces as soon as possible, and severely intimidate these various forces. Otherwise, the longer we wait, the more disadvantageous it becomes for us! Please observe, Your Majesty!”
The Empress nodded, “What the old general says is true!”
“But can a month’s time be enough? There won’t even be enough time to mobilize the troops and send commanders!”
“Yes, Great Xia still has 800,000 troops. Even just defeating them is a daunting task!”
“We’re facing attacks from various sides right now. We can only muster up to 500,000 troops to support Hulao Pass!”
“The disparity in forces is significant. Just holding our ground is already commendable!”
“What can we do in this situation?”
…
Everyone’s faces were filled with distress.
The Empress exclaimed, “Even if you can’t think of a solution, you must think! If the Great Wu falls, you will all fall along with it!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The officials responded with troubled expressions.
The Empress’s gaze swept across the officials with authority, and finally settled on Lin Beifan, filled with hope. She asked, “Sir Lin, do you have any plans to swiftly resolve the situation at Hulao Pass and repel the Great Xia’s forces within a month?”
Lin Beifan furrowed his brows, “Your Majesty, this is a difficult matter to handle.”
The Empress’s eyes brightened, “Difficult? Is it impossible to make it possible? Minister, do you have any ideas?”
Inside, Lin Beifan was thinking, “What in the world is this?”
Could it be interpreted this way?
Lin Beifan cupped his hands and smiled wryly, “Your Majesty, military affairs are not child’s play. I’m far from the battlefield here in the court, and I know very little about the situation at Hulao Pass. I really don’t have a solution.”
“What Sir Lin says is true!” The Empress nodded, “Here’s the plan then. We appoint you as the Chief Supervisor. Immediately head to Hulao Pass! If necessary, you can seize military authority and command operations! It’s a must that within a month, you resolve the situation at Hulao Pass, repel the Great Xia’s forces, and safeguard the integrity of our Great Wu’s lands and rivers!”
Lin Beifan was dumbfounded, the officials were dumbfounded!
To actually send Lin Beifan as Chief Supervisor?
It’s important to note that this role was usually taken on by eunuchs, military officers, or commanders of the Imperial Guard. There was no way it would normally fall to Lin Beifan, who was merely the prefect of the capital city!
Even if being Chief Supervisor was possible, allowing Lin Beifan to seize military authority and command operations?
What kind of situation was this?
He was a scholar-official, not a military general!
“Your Majesty, is this appropriate?” Lin Beifan asked cautiously.
The Empress shook her head, “There’s no such thing as appropriate or not. If I feel you can do it, then you can!”
“But who will manage the capital city while I’m away?” Lin Beifan asked again.
“For minor matters, those below will handle them. For major matters, they can come find me!” The Empress said firmly.
“But…”
“Minister, don’t refuse!” The Empress declared loudly, “Now, with Great Xia’s aggressive momentum and the Great Wu surrounded, at this crucial moment of life and death, there are few people I can trust. And you are one of them!”
“You’ve always been resourceful, possessing quick wit. You often find innovative ways to solve problems. Even though the situation is dire this time, I still believe in you. Minister, go! With you here, my heart is at ease.”
Looking up at the Empress’s earnest and hopeful gaze, as well as the faint worry behind her eyes, Lin Beifan recalled her kindness towards him during these days. He felt a subtle stirring in his heart and respectfully replied, “I shall obey the order.”
“Good! Excellent!” The Empress clapped her hands. “In this life-and-death situation, all officials must not slack off. Coordinate with Sir Lin’s actions! If anyone disobeys, they will be dealt with according to military law. Sir Lin, I will grant you a military token and the Imperial Sword. Consider them as if I am personally present, and carry out your duties as needed!”
The officials unanimously voiced their concerns, “Your Majesty, this move is inappropriate. Please reconsider!”
The Empress overrode their objections, “My decision is final. No need for further discussion!”
Shaking their heads, the officials thought, what a foolish ruler!
So, with the military token and the Imperial Sword in hand, Lin Beifan faced the civil and military officials. He said, “Esteemed gentlemen, the situation is dire. Let’s put aside our past grievances. I implore you all to fully support my actions! If we fail in this battle, everything you have will be in vain.”
“Yes, Sir Lin!” The officials reluctantly responded.
Since the establishment of the Minxin City, they had been tied to Lin Beifan’s fate, and also to that of the Great Wu.
So, even if they weren’t happy about it, they had no choice but to fully support Lin Beifan. As he had said, if they didn’t, and the battle was lost, everything they had would be in vain.
Thus, Lin Beifan began to mobilize troops and gather provisions. While the officials might be greedy, they were also highly capable and acted swiftly. Both provisions and troops were mobilized immediately. They boarded the air-cushion boats and sailed downstream to Hulao Pass to support the frontline.
It had to be said that since the introduction of air-cushion boats, the Great Wu’s ability to mobilize forces had increased several-fold.
In less than a day, Lin Beifan had gathered over a million units of provisions, weapons, and a hundred thousand soldiers.
“Speed is vital in war. We’re setting out now!” Lin Beifan waved his hand.
“Yes, Sir Lin!”
The air-cushion boats once again linked together and moved forward in a grand formation.
On both sides of the river, there were crowds of common people escorting them. Having finally enjoyed a good life, they hoped for a smooth journey and a triumphant return.
“Sir Lin, take care on your journey!”
“Please return safely. We’re waiting for your good news!”
“Victory is certain in this battle!”
…
Among them were Li Shi Shi, the Little Princess, and others, waving from the riverbank with a hint of worry in their expressions.
Lin Beifan called out, “Rest assured, I’ll be back soon! Jing Tai, you must protect them!”
The old monk loudly replied, “Master, rest assured, this humble monk will ensure everyone’s safety. Amitabha!”
Lin Beifan nodded with relief. The old monk was a grandmaster and capable of protecting others.
Besides the old monk, there was also Bai Guanyin observing from the shadows.
With this dual layer of assurance, if they still couldn’t be protected, Lin Beifan’s presence wouldn’t make a difference!
