Xijing.
Although it claimed to be the legitimate successor of the "Great Yin" dynasty and occupied this ancient capital, the small court's actual territory only included Hedong, Guannei, and Longyou.
Moreover, the territories of these three routes were all conquered by a man named Zhao Muyun and his troops.
The palace retains the layout of the previous dynasty, with vermilion gates and green tiles, flying eaves and brackets, yet it cannot conceal a sense of crampedness and desolation.
The palace servants walked hurriedly, their faces filled with worry. Even the sparse winter sunlight shining through the tall window frames onto the cold, golden brick floor seemed exceptionally chilly.
The puppet emperor, Yin Zhao, was sitting on a large, heavy dragon throne, cautiously looking at the assembled officials below.
Standing beside him was Cao Chunfeng, the eunuch who had followed him from the capital to various places.
In the darkness of a corner of the main hall, there was also Xiao Wuying, the commander of the Dragon Inspection Division, who was solely responsible for protecting the safety of the Yin family emperor.
However, given the current situation, he was powerless to intervene and could only hope to ensure the emperor's survival within his capabilities.
However, after Emperor Yongchang died, very few people remained in the Longcha Division.
The first seat below Yin Zhao was occupied by his nephew, Yin Ji, who was enfeoffed as the "Prince of Jin".
He knew that although Yinji also had a group of people left behind by Prince Jin, Yinxi, such as Zhou Hong, Xiao Cheyun, Wang Ben, and Zhang Huan.
However, Zhao Muyun, the Grand Commander and brother-in-law of Prince Yinji of the Lesser Jin Dynasty, was the mainstay and actual controller of this small court.
Yinji, who was about twenty-five years old, had a thin face and his eyes were heavy with worry.
Dressed in his princely attire, he stood below the imperial steps, his brow furrowed, listening to Pei Lun's urgent report of the pressing military situation from the east and south.
"According to multiple intelligence reports, Wuzhu, the Left Wise King of the Northern Barbarians, led 80,000 elite troops in a fierce attack on Xiangzhou. The court appointed Yang Yan as commander-in-chief and he defended the city to the death. He won the first battle, but the Northern Barbarian offensive did not slow down. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, and the battle became a stalemate..."
"Furthermore, Yang Chao, the military governor of Jiannan Circuit, has been making frequent moves lately, recruiting soldiers on a large scale, and secretly transporting large quantities of military equipment and provisions to Jinzhou, Yangzhou and other places under the pretext of guarding against barbarians. His intentions are likely aimed at our Xijing!"
"Especially in the Ziwu Valley area, there has been frequent activity of unidentified scouts recently..."
With each sentence he heard, Yinji's face grew darker.
He waved his hand to interrupt Pei Lun's report, his gaze sweeping over Fan Nan, Zhou Hong and others in the hall, finally settling on a young general standing at the head of the military officers.
This man had a dark complexion, a steady gaze, and was dressed in military uniform. He was Lin Feng, a military talent valued by Zhao Muyun and the current governor of Huazhou.
“Governor Lin!” Yin Ji’s voice was slightly hoarse.
"You've heard the situation. You've faced off against this Yang Yan in Xi'an. You were originally under house arrest, but now Li Jingang has reinstated you as the head coach of the Hebei front line."
"His blocking Wuzhu in Xiangzhou seems like good news, but for us, it may be an even greater crisis."
"My master wrote to warn us that Yang Yan is like fire and water to us, and between the Tartars and us, his target will inevitably be us!"
"Yang Chao is now making trouble in Jiannan. The elite troops in Guanzhong have been taken to Hebei by the Grand Commander to fight against the Tartars. We are short of troops."
"To the east, we must guard the strategic pass of Longmen Pass; to the south, we must defend Xiegu and Ziwu. We are stretched thin, and we are losing sight of one thing while trying to do another... What do you think we should do now, Commander Lin?"
Lin Feng stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke in a low voice, yet with the calm and strength unique to military personnel:
"We will naturally follow the instructions of the Grand Commander, guarding the east and south sides externally, and preventing Yang Chao's traitorous infiltration internally."
"What Your Highness and we need to do is to provide the Grand Commander with a safe and secure rear."
Lin Feng's words kept mentioning Zhao Muyun, which made Yin Zhao, who was on the dragon throne, very uncomfortable.
However, there was nothing that could be done. In the entire hall, Pei Lun and Fan Nan were both staunch supporters of Zhao Muyun, Zhou Hong was a confidant of the young Prince Jin, and the remaining officials were either on Zhao Muyun's or the young Prince Jin's side; none of them were on Yin Zhao's side.
What made Yin Zhao even more upset was that as soon as Lin Feng finished speaking, Pei Lun and Fan Nan echoed his sentiments.
"Governor Lin is right. We will defend Xijing well, so that the Grand Commander can focus on winning battles in Hebei without any distractions!"
"That's right. Last time, the Grand Commander conquered Youzhou, which was incredibly inspiring. Maybe we'll recover Yanyun Road soon."
"Yes, once the Yanyun Road is under our control, and with Hedong in a commanding position, we will soon be able to take over the Central Plains."
Fan Nan and Pei Lun were discussing animatedly, their spittle flying everywhere.
This display of affection makes it hard to believe that just two years ago they were mortal enemies.
"Lord Fan, Minister Pei!" Seeing that the two were not stopping, Yin Ji hurriedly spoke up, "I also agree with Governor Lin's words. My master's logistics in Hebei will have to be handled by the two of you!"
"That's natural. We've already sent the latest batch of the fierce fire oil from Heidu Mountain and the thunderous thunder from Yanzhou to the Grand Commander."
"Madam Bai just completed a transaction with the Western Regions, acquiring a thousand Ferghana horses, which were immediately delivered to Daizhou. Presumably, the heavy cavalry under the Grand Commander's command will finally be able to solve their horsepower shortage problem."
Pei Lun said loudly.
"We traded 100,000 catties of dried mutton with the Qiang and Rong people. In addition, the production of honeycomb briquettes in Qiewu Mountain has doubled. These will ensure the Grand Commander's military rations and cold protection."
"Therefore, we believe that the Grand Commander will soon bring us a surprise."
Fan Nan also spoke up.
“Very good. With two of you strategizing from the rear, Master will surely be able to win another battle.” Yinji glanced at Zhou Hong and then nodded.
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