Qin Guan felt uneasy and quickly asked, "What is the current situation in the northern campaign?"
Seeing Qin Guan's expression, Yan Chi knew she was worried about Qin Chaoyu. He took her hand and said, "Anyang Marquis and Prince Cheng led troops northward. They have now encountered forces in Chongzhou and Fengzhou. The Empress and Crown Prince went to Fengzhou, while Zhao You went to Chongzhou, planning to divide their forces for the attack. Upon learning this, Anyang Marquis dispatched only twenty thousand troops to defend Chongzhou and took the remaining eighty thousand to Fengzhou, intending to capture the Empress and Crown Prince there to break the stalemate. By now, Anyang Marquis has likely reached Fengzhou."
Qin Guan listened with trepidation. Siege warfare had always been extremely difficult throughout history. Anyang Marquis sending only twenty thousand troops to guard Chongzhou was clearly a delaying tactic, while deploying eighty thousand to Fengzhou was meant to overwhelm the Empress numerically. The Empress and Crown Prince were already at a disadvantage in attacking fortified cities, let alone facing an enemy twice their size.
"The Empress acted too hastily," Qin Guan sighed.
Yan Chi nodded. "Upon hearing Anyang Marquis was leading the northern expedition, the Empress wanted to split her forces to attack both cities. But she didn't anticipate Anyang Marquis's military prowess and rapid troop movements. This battle situation looks unfavorable." After a pause, he added, "The Empress appointed Ge Yang as western expedition commander, but they've been struggling to gather sufficient provisions, so the campaign likely won't commence soon. This actually gives us a chance to recuperate..."
Qin Guan felt somewhat relieved. "For now, we can only focus on our own affairs."
Yan Chi agreed and said, "After lunch, I need to visit the government office. With recent changes in Shuoxi, many matters have piled up."
Formerly part of Great Zhou, Shuoxi had now effectively become Yan Chi's domain, requiring his attention to local governance.
After conversing a while longer, Yan Chi left the royal residence. Arriving at the government office, he saw many people waiting. Entering through a side corridor to the rear hall, Dong Shuwen approached smiling, "Your Highness! Did you see the crowd outside when you entered?"
Yan Chi nodded. Dong Shuwen continued cheerfully, "Since we issued the recruitment decree two days ago, people have been coming daily to recommend themselves. Many are from Dingzhou and Liangzhou, including several former imperial scholars. We won't lack civil officials anymore."
The recruitment decree was Yan Chi's idea. With Shuoxi now autonomous, a completely new bureaucratic system was needed, requiring more personnel. Having previously focused only on military affairs, Yan Chi lacked sufficient capable staff, hence the recruitment initiative.
Pleased with the results, Yan Chi said, "Leave this matter to you and Master Qi. I'll meet the candidates after selection."
Dong Shuwen acknowledged the order. Yan Chi then discussed establishing new government offices with Dong Shuwen and others. After formulating plans, he left the office and exited the city.
Outside the city, five thousand troops were stationed in the main camp, responsible for Xilin City's defense. Yan Chi's visit aimed to expand the military encampment.The commander stationed here had been at his post for two years, holding only the rank of a sixth-grade Zhenwu General. Due to the reorganization of the Northwest Frontier Army's independent battalions, when Yan Chi returned a month ago, he handed over this camp to Gu Ling. Gu Ling, a few years older than Yan Chi, was a commoner discovered and promoted by Yan Lin, making him one of Yan Lin's trusted generals. He had nearly fallen victim to Lin Xugui's schemes but was fortunately rescued. Now that Yan Chi had proclaimed himself king in Xilin City, the defense of the city became paramount. By leaving Gu Ling here and planning to reinforce troops, Yan Chi aimed to ensure Xilin City's safety.
Upon entering the camp, Gu Ling led his men to greet them. Once inside the central command tent, Gu Ling reported, "Your Highness, I have completed the preparations as you instructed. Please observe: about a mile north of here lies a depression, sheltered from the wind and adjacent to a river—an ideal location for setting up camp. Moreover, it lies on the essential route to Mengzhou. Considering our current deployments in the west and east, the northern flank remains vulnerable. Previously, Mengzhou was under Xilin City's jurisdiction, but now it is a territory we must defend vigilantly."
Yan Chi laughed heartily upon hearing this. "I came today precisely to discuss this matter with you, and you've already anticipated it. I share the same intention—not only to guard against Mengzhou but also to station troops here as a precaution against the Rong people. Starting next month, we will establish scout camps in the north, patrolling like at White Wolf Pass."
Gu Ling acknowledged each point and ordered his adjutant to record them in writing. After thorough discussions with Yan Chi, they finalized numerous defense arrangements. Yan Chi then inspected the camp before returning to the city to draft official documents. The originally planned reinforcement of 5,000 troops was increased to 15,000, bringing the total garrison in northern Xilin City to 20,000 men.
Although Yan Chi had left the military camp, his study always displayed a topographic map of the Northwest Frontier. Now, his responsibilities extended beyond merely defending against the Rong people, requiring more comprehensive strategies. Despite residing in the royal residence, his ability to orchestrate grand plans for the Northwest Frontier commanded deep respect.
Both Master Qi and Zhang Dongxuan were now in Xilin City. Witnessing how Yan Chi had flawlessly secured the entire Northwest Frontier in just over a month, they felt profound admiration. Meanwhile, the eastern camp at Crimson Wind Plains was established under the supervision of Fan Xin and others, with frequent updates sent back to Xilin City—all progressing smoothly.
Half a month later, the northern camp outside Xilin City was successfully settled. Gu Ling dispatched 2,000 troops northward to select sites for scout camps.
Simultaneously, multiple new government offices were added within Xilin City, along with over twenty civil officials, forming a complete administrative system. Though skilled in military affairs, Yan Chi was also adept at governance. Having spent years in the Northwest Frontier, he possessed deep understanding of local customs and livelihoods. Within another half month, the Northwest Frontier legal code, drafted by Yan Chi and refined by his subordinates, was promulgated. Thus, Yan Chi truly transformed the Northwest Frontier into his domain. At this time, the capital received confirmed news of Yan Chi proclaiming himself king in the Northwest Frontier.
In Chongzheng Hall, Yan Han erupted in fury. He threw the memorial from the Northwest Frontier to the floor and coldly addressed the assembled civil and military officials, "Do you see?! This is Yan Chi! This is the consequence of letting a tiger return to the mountains! The Northwest Frontier is easily defended but hard to attack, and the Northwest Frontier Army is a elite force I nurtured with ample funds over the years! Now the Northwest Frontier has become Yan Chi's territory—do any of you have a plan to reclaim it? Hmm?!"
Yan Han took a deep breath, a menacing glint flickering in his eyes."Lin Xugui and Lin Xie have gone without returning, and Yu Wenxian is helpless in Dingzhou. I wish to launch a western campaign, yet each of you presents countless reasons to stop me. And now, what a splendid Prince Rui's residence! What a remarkable Western Zhou Prince Rui! They've even established their own petty court! My face has been trampled underfoot!"
Yan Han rarely displayed such fury, but the northern campaign had not progressed as smoothly as he anticipated, while in the west, Yan Chi had audaciously declared himself king. Now that this minor court had been established, with common folk everywhere referring to Yan Chi as the Western Zhou King, Yan Han could no longer contain his rage! Just when he wanted to launch a western expedition, he found himself obstructed by his own officials.
Seeing Yan Han's intense anger, Ge Yang stepped forward. "Your Majesty, it's not that we officials seek to hinder you. The truth is military provisions haven't been fully prepared, making it unwise to hastily deploy troops. Although we can muster about a hundred thousand soldiers from various forces, they currently lack cohesion. Moreover, the total grain and supplies collected—whether already delivered or en route—only amount to three months' worth. With one month consumed by transportation, only two months' provisions would remain upon reaching Dingzhou. Should subsequent supply lines fail during combat, military morale would inevitably waver. We already lack numerical advantage, and our combat effectiveness falls short of the Northwest Frontier Army. To embark so recklessly would make victory highly unlikely."
Yan Han's chest heaved violently. "Yan Ze! What is your view?"
At this question, all eyes turned toward the court. Among the officials clad in formal uniforms stood one figure distinct in snowy white robes—Yan Ze, Prince Yi's heir. Originally afflicted with eye disease, Yan Ze had been miraculously cured by the former Yongci County Princess, wife of a rebel. During the New Year, his decade-long blindness had truly been healed. With restored vision, Yan Ze could finally face the world with clear eyes. Not only that, he had actively petitioned Emperor Yan Han for an official position.
The Anyang Marquis and Prince Cheng Yan Qi had led troops north just ten days after Yan Chi's departure from the capital. Though Yan Chi had deceived the emperor with false claims about the Northern Garrison Army moving south, the army's rebellion proved real. The emperor dared not take it lightly. After the Anyang Marquis and Prince Cheng's departure, court morale became unsettled. Furthermore, this northern expedition had drawn various Ministry of War departments and several young court generals to accompany the campaign, leaving the court noticeably emptier. With Yan Li, Prince Gong's heir, newly admitted to court and urgent need for personnel, the emperor quickly approved Yan Ze's petition. Uncertain what position to assign, Yan Han initially granted him an advisory role, never suspecting Yan Ze possessed capabilities far beyond his seemingly frail appearance.
Just when the western expedition forces had been assembled but sorely lacked supplies, Yan Ze proposed a tax-for-supplies method. He advised the Ministry of Revenue to grant special privileges to Luozhou, Yuzhou, and Chuzhou, allowing collection of military provisions from major banks, grain stores, and other merchants in these prefectures. In exchange, tax credit documents would be issued, permitting deduction of contributed amounts during year-end tax assessments. This effectively advanced seventy percent of these three prefectures' tax revenue.
Within just two months, the gathered provisions extended the northern campaign's supplies by half a year and provided over three months' worth for the western expedition forces.Seeing that Yan Ze's method had proven so effective, the Emperor began to place great trust in him. Noting his active efforts in raising military provisions, the Emperor also sought his opinion on the western campaign, wondering if he had other ways to gather funds so the expedition could proceed.
Dressed in a white robe, Yan Ze stood in the court with the grace of an orchid branch and the clarity of jade—elegant and poised, as if embodying the refined demeanor of the entire civil officialdom. When the Emperor posed his question, Yan Ze stepped forward half a pace and said, "Your humble servant believes Minister Ge's words are reasonable. A western campaign at this time is inadvisable."
Upon hearing this, Yan Han frowned deeply. "You actually think the western campaign is inadvisable?"
Yan Ze nodded. "Although the method of converting taxes into military funds can address immediate needs, it must not be overused. Otherwise, by year's end, the tax coffers will be empty—what will we do then? The northern front remains uncertain, while the west is sure to be a bloody battle. Your humble servant believes we should wait until the northern campaign is victorious before launching the western expedition. If both fronts become protracted struggles, the only beneficiaries will be the rebels. Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to reconsider. If there are other ways to raise funds, your servant will report them to Your Majesty at once."
Yan Han pursed his lips and waved his hand dismissively. "So be it! Although Yan Chi has established his own minor court, he hasn't yet marched north. I shall endure this for now."
Ge Yang visibly relaxed at these words, and Yan Ze withdrew to his position. The most pressing matter now was the northern campaign, and the court deliberated on this for another half hour before adjourning. Seeing the Emperor summon Ge Yang to the Imperial Study for discussions, Yan Ze turned and headed toward the Longevity and Health Palace.
After just a few steps, he encountered Yan Li, who was also heading to the Longevity and Health Palace.
Noticing Yan Ze's approach, Yan Li smiled and said, "Third Brother, the Emperor was so furious, yet you remained perfectly composed."
Though Yan Ze's eye condition had been cured for some time, Yan Li still felt somewhat unaccustomed to it somehow. Looking into Yan Ze's bright eyes—clearly smiling—Yan Li strangely felt there was something elusive in that smile, never quite providing the sense of security Yan Chi's presence had given him.
The corners of Yan Ze's lips lifted slightly. "The western campaign is unwise. No matter how angry the Emperor becomes, I would still say the same."
Yan Li's smile faded. The former young general of the Northwest Frontier Army, Prince Rui's Heir—now labeled a rebel by everyone. And each day, the court debated sending troops west to confront Yan Chi.
Noticing Yan Li's expression, Yan Ze asked, "What's wrong? Does thinking of Yan Chi still trouble you?"
Yan Li exhaled softly and forced a smile. "Not really. It's been so long now. Still, knowing Seventh Brother has settled in the west actually brings me some relief."
Yan Ze glanced around cautiously. "You shouldn't let His Majesty hear such words."
Yan Chi had provoked the Emperor's thunderous wrath—if these words reached him, the consequences would be predictable.
Yan Li shrugged and fell silent momentarily. His gaze lingered on Yan Ze, his mind growing somewhat dazed. For over a decade, Yan Ze's eye condition had made all members of the imperial family deeply sympathetic toward him—Yan Li included. Yet no one expected that once cured, Yan Ze would shine so brilliantly. His wisdom and strategies flowed naturally, showing no alienation from either the current era or the court itself—as if he had always studied and learned like any ordinary person, accumulating remarkable abilities that could finally be fully displayed now.Yan Li knew that even a blind person could be learned and erudite, but the Yan Ze of the past had seemed indifferent and detached. Back then, Yan Ze gave him the impression that he would never enter officialdom or engage in discussions about serious and worrisome court matters like military provisions and supplies.
Yan Li withdrew his gaze, feeling somewhat bewildered. He had always been poor at judging people, often making assumptions based on preconceptions. Even when facing his own destiny, he often indulged in fantasies of a peaceful and harmonious illusion. In reality, however, he was acutely aware that he had long been caught in the eye of a storm, and with just one misstep, he would sink deeply into it.
The two arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace, where the entire palace was so quiet one could hear a pin drop. When they reached the entrance of the main hall, Mammy Chen emerged with a grave expression. Seeing the two princes approach, Mammy Chen finally managed a smile. Yan Li hurriedly asked, "What is Grandmother doing?"
Mammy Chen sighed. "The same as always."
After Prince Rui Yan Chi rebelled and fled the capital, the Empress Dowager fell seriously ill again. It took several imperial physicians working together to save her. Since then, the Empress Dowager had lost the ability to speak. Only when the Ninth Prince, Yan Sui, was by her side would a flicker of vitality appear on her face. Many said the Empress Dowager had become senile due to her illness.
Yan Li's expression darkened, and he entered the hall together with Yan Ze.
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