Chapter 67 Intensifying Preparations for the Empress's Coronation Ceremony

Yuwen Che accompanied Su Luoxue to Guanju Palace for some snacks, and watched her drink the medicine to prevent miscarriage before gently saying, "Xue'er, I'm going to Sizheng Hall to handle some official business. You stay here and rest. If you get bored, let Fuling keep you company, or you can continue making those little clothes."

Su Luoxue nodded obediently: "Go ahead and do your work, I'll wait for you to come back."

Yuwen Che kissed her forehead, then turned and left Guanju Palace. The moment he stepped into Sizheng Hall, the gentleness on his face was instantly replaced by coldness.

"All of you, step back."

Li Dehai immediately led all the palace maids, eunuchs, and guards out and tightly closed the palace gates.

Almost simultaneously, a dark figure appeared in the hall as if blending into the shadows, kneeling on one knee—it was Han Ying.

"Owner."

"speak."

“The Lone Wolf planted in the Northern Kingdom’s court has sent a secret report,” Han Ying’s voice was low and swift. “Helian Bobo has secretly dispatched his trusted envoy, carrying a large amount of treasure, and is rushing to the capital of our Great Zhou. His stated intention is to ease tensions and request the release of the princess and the delegation.”

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Che's lips curled into a cold smile: "Oh? You've given in?"

Han Ying continued, "But at the same time, the tribes along the northern border are frequently mobilizing troops and stockpiling provisions. The elite forces of the Wolf Mountain and Blackwater tribes are showing signs of moving closer to the border. All these movements indicate that they are... preparing for war."

Yuwen Che stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes sharp as an eagle: "On one hand, he sends envoys to feign weakness and seek peace, while on the other hand, he secretly mobilizes troops. Is Helian Bobo trying to play a game of feigning weakness while secretly advancing his own forces?"

Han Ying lowered his head: "Yes, I speculate that Helian Bobo's move is twofold: first, to lull us into a false sense of security; second, to increase his bargaining power in possible negotiations; and even... if the negotiations fail, the delegation could be used as a pretext to launch a war."

"An excuse?" Yuwen Che sneered. "Does he think I care about that?"

He walked to the massive map of the territory, pointing his finger at the heart of the northern lands: "I have been waiting for him to make his move for a long time. If he had obediently submitted and paid tribute, I might have allowed him to sit on his wolf-skin chair for a few more years. Now that he has handed the knife to me himself..."

He turned, his gaze chilling: "Han Ying, get our men moving. By the time the Northern envoys arrive, I want to see twice as many of our Great Zhou's cavalry as they do on the border! Our provisions and supplies must be plentiful enough to sustain a war of annihilation!"

"Yes! I'll do it right away!" Han Ying accepted the order and disappeared in a flash.

Yuwen Che stood alone in the hall, his eyes brimming with murderous intent and a cold, all-encompassing control. Helian Bobo's death throes were, in his eyes, nothing more than a farce he had long foreseen. This time, he didn't want repulsion, nor submission, but rather the complete annexation of the troublesome Northern Kingdom into the Great Zhou's territory! For the future peace of the Great Zhou, any potential threat must be eradicated at its root!

Yuwen Che pondered for a moment in the Sizheng Hall, then called out loudly, "Li Dehai!"

Li Dehai, who had been waiting outside the hall, immediately pushed open the door and entered, bowing and saying, "This servant is here."

"Go, summon Pei Xuan to the palace to see me immediately." Yuwen Che's tone was calm and carried an unquestionable authority.

"Your servant obeys!" Li Dehai dared not delay and quickly turned around to give the order.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Pei Xuan, dressed in military attire and looking travel-worn, strode into the Sizheng Hall and knelt on one knee: "Your subject Pei Xuan pays respects to Your Majesty!"

"Rise." Yuwen Che raised his hand, his gaze sharp as he looked at him. "Pei Xuan, tell me again about the recent situation of the northern border troops."

Pei Xuan rose, his expression solemn: "Your Majesty, along the northern border, there are a total of 200,000 border troops, all of whom are capable soldiers. They have ample weapons and provisions, and their morale is high. The generals guarding the passes have all followed Your Majesty's previous orders, raising their vigilance and preparing for battle."

“Very good.” Yuwen Che walked up to him and lowered his voice. “I want you to secretly select another 50,000 elite Imperial Guards, disguise them in batches, and infiltrate the northward merchant caravans and supply trains. They must reach the northern border within ten days and be handed over to the General of the North. This matter must be kept absolutely secret and not a word of it can be leaked.”

Pei Xuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light, knowing that His Majesty was about to make a big move. He immediately clasped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Your subject obeys! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

"Furthermore," Yuwen Che continued, "transmit my secret decree to the General of the Northern Garrison: if there is any unusual activity in the Northern Kingdom, even if it is just a small troop crossing the border to provoke us, send them back to fight them off fiercely! No need to ask for instructions! I grant him the right to act first and report later!"

"yes!"

"Furthermore, double the manpower at all official roads and strategic passes leading to the northern border to strictly inspect travelers and merchants, especially those heading towards the northern country. Better to investigate the wrong people than let the wrong people go free!"

"Your subject understands!"

Yuwen Che patted Pei Xuan on the shoulder, his tone deep: "Pei Xuan, this battle concerns the fate of the nation. I entrust the safety of the rear to you. Do not fail my expectations."

Pei Xuan knelt on one knee, his voice resounding: "Your Majesty, rest assured! With me here, the capital is as stable as Mount Tai! I swear to protect Your Majesty and the Empress with my life!"

"Go ahead." Yuwen Che waved his hand.

Pei Xuan bowed again, turned and strode away, his steps firm and carrying an aura of menace.

Yuwen Che watched his departing figure, his eyes icy. Helian Bobo, your double-dealing is nothing but a clown's death throes before absolute power. I'll see how many days of respite this lavish gift will buy you!

Pei Xuan left the palace but did not return to his residence. Instead, he rode directly to the camp on the outskirts of the capital.

On the command platform in the military camp, Pei Xuan stood solemnly, his gaze sweeping over the several trusted generals standing below.

"Zhao Feng, Sun Meng!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Two generals stepped forward.

"From this moment forward, each of you will be assigned 25,000 elite troops. They will be stripped of their armor and infiltrated into the convoys transporting military equipment and provisions northward. They must arrive at the northern camp within ten days without fail!"

"Your subordinate obeys!"

With the troop mobilization arrangements in place, Pei Xuan returned to his tent and immediately laid out paper and pen.

He first wrote a secret letter, the contents of which were concise and to the point:

"Father, by secret decree, the Northern Army is on full alert. If the Northern Kingdom provokes us, no matter how small the provocation, we may strike back decisively. You are granted the right to act first and report later. His Majesty has secretly dispatched 50,000 elite Imperial Guards as reinforcements, which will arrive within ten days. I hope you will act prudently and await His Majesty's further instructions. Your son, Xuan, respectfully submits."

This letter conveys His Majesty's decree and military deployment.

Immediately afterwards, he quickly wrote a second letter, the handwriting clearly showing his concern:

"My dearest father: The tribes in the north are making frequent disturbances and are indeed preparing for war. His Majesty seems to intend to strike first, and there may be great changes on the border. I am doing well in the capital. Father, you are at the front line, so please take care of yourself and do not put yourself in danger. I will take care of Mother at home, so please do not worry. Your unfilial son, Xuan, kowtows."

This letter is a personal instruction from a son.

He sealed the two letters with sealing wax, affixed his seal, and then summoned his personal guard captain.

"Pei Yong!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"These two letters must be sent to the northern border immediately by express courier, and personally delivered to the Marquis! Remember, there can be no delay!"

"Yes, General!" Pei Yong took the letter, hid it close to his body, saluted, turned and rushed out of the tent. Soon, the rapid sound of hooves faded into the distance.

Pei Xuan stepped outside the tent, gazing at the gloomy northern sky, his brow furrowed. He knew... a bloody storm was likely about to erupt. He only hoped his father would be safe and sound, and that this war, as His Majesty wished, would completely resolve the northern threat and bring lasting peace and stability to the border.

When Yuwen Che returned to Guanju Palace, Su Luoxue was already asleep on the soft couch, still clutching the unfinished little tiger-head hat in her hand. He gestured to Fuling that there was no need for her to bow, gently took out the hat, covered her with the brocade quilt, gazed at her peaceful sleeping face for a moment, and then quietly got up.

Upon arriving at the outer hall, he summoned Li Dehai.

"Li Dehai".

"Your servant is here."

"Issue my decree, ordering the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to expedite preparations for the Empress's investiture ceremony." Yuwen Che's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination. "The ceremony must be grand, showcasing the national dignity, but the procedures need not be overly complicated or lengthy. The Imperial Concubine is six months pregnant, and with the weather so cold today, her body cannot withstand prolonged exertion. Everything must be done to ensure her health."

Li Dehai bowed and replied, "This servant understands and will certainly instruct them to ensure that Your Majesty is not troubled."

“Hmm,” Yuwen Che nodded, but his gaze turned to the swirling snowflakes outside the window, his eyes growing deeper. “First, make sure everything in the palace is settled, especially Xue’er’s side. Make sure nothing goes wrong.”

Li Dehai asked cautiously, "Is Your Majesty worried about...?"

Yuwen Che withdrew his gaze, his tone indifferent yet revealing a chilling killing intent: "The Northern Kingdom's treacherous intentions have not died. If Helian Bobo insists on seeking death, I do not mind personally making another trip to the Northern Border."

He paused, his voice low, yet each word carried immense weight:

"To cut the weeds, one must pull out the roots. I have always done so."

Li Dehai's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood His Majesty's intention. His Majesty planned that if there were any disturbances in the Northern Kingdom, he would first secure the court and the inner palace, then personally lead an expedition to resolve the problem swiftly and decisively, eliminating any future troubles!

"This servant...this servant understands." Li Dehai's voice trembled slightly, knowing that this meant another bloody storm was about to break out.

"Go on, take care of your business." Yuwen Che waved his hand.

"This servant takes his leave." Li Dehai bowed and carefully withdrew.

Silence returned to the hall, and Yuwen Che stood with his hands behind his back. The coronation ceremony was his promise to Xue'er; he wanted her to be his only wife, and it had to be a grand affair. The potential war, however, was an obstacle he, as emperor, had to clear for the sake of the Great Zhou dynasty. He was accustomed to controlling everything, whether it was bestowing upon her the ultimate favor or carrying out ruthless conquests. To protect the people of Great Zhou and his loved ones, he didn't mind having more blood on his hands.