Night was just beginning to fall.
As the palace lanterns lit up one by one, an ordinary-looking awning carriage, surrounded by several plainclothes guards, quietly drove out of the side palace gate.
The snow, still clinging to the cobblestones, was crushed and blended into the myriad lights of the capital city.
Inside the carriage, Yinji held the Empress's hand and sighed softly, "The General is fighting bloody battles at the front, and his family is in the capital. I should visit them more often."
"Although today's good news is gratifying, Dengzhou is now surrounded by enemies on all sides, and I am still uneasy."
The Empress nodded gently, her eyes filled with respect: "Your Majesty's thoughtfulness will surely be appreciated by the General and the ladies. I have prepared some calming spices and children's clothing made in the palace. They are not expensive, but they are a token of my appreciation."
Red lanterns hung high in front of the General's Mansion, creating a strong festive atmosphere.
Upon hearing that the Emperor and Empress were coming in person, a slight but orderly flurry of activity swept through the mansion.
Bai Ruolan, supported by her maid Chunxiang, was about to perform a grand ceremony when Yinji, who had quickly stepped forward, stopped her, saying, "Madam is pregnant, so please excuse these formalities. Yao'er, Madam Xue, please rise."
The group moved to the warm, spring-like flower hall.
Yin Yao—the emperor's younger sister, whose features vaguely resembled those of Yin Ji. Although she was smiling at the moment, a trace of lingering worry was hidden in her eyes.
Huan Naxue held her babbling daughter and stood quietly beside Bai Ruolan.
Yinji's gaze swept over the three of them, finally settling on Bai Ruolan's slightly protruding belly, his tone gentle:
"Is the mansion still lively during the holidays? If there's anything lacking, just let the Imperial Household Department take care of it. The General fights for the country; if I can't even take good care of his family, how can I face the people of the land?"
Bai Ruolan bowed slightly, her voice soft yet steady: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty and Your Highness. Everything in the manor is fine; the New Year's expenses are generous, and the servants are attentive. However..."
Her eyes lowered slightly, and her voice became softer, "I have heard that the war in the south is fierce. We only wish that our husbands are safe and sound, which would be the greatest blessing."
The Empress took over the conversation, warmly taking Bai Ruolan and Yin Yao's hands:
"The general's military strategy is divine, and he is blessed with good fortune. You have also heard the news of the great victory at Lushan? This is an auspicious sign."
"His Majesty has issued a special decree today to allocate additional provisions and military equipment. The reinforcements from Wuguan have arrived, and the General is certainly not fighting alone."
She gestured to the palace servants to present the gifts, saying, "These medicinal herbs for pregnancy and health, soft and warm items, and exquisite trinkets for my little sister are all prepared by the palace. Please accept them."
Huan Naxue hugged her daughter and thanked her softly. The little girl opened her big, dark eyes and looked at Yinji with curiosity.
The emperor rarely showed a gentle smile, and gestured for Chen Hong to hand the child a small gold-inlaid jade longevity lock.
Yinji picked up his teacup, his tone becoming more casual:
“I remember two years ago, back in Shuozhou, I often pestered my master to teach me military strategy. At that time, he said that a general should have a million soldiers in his heart and also care about his family.”
"Now that he is away, the Empress and I will watch over the lights in this house for him. Your peace of mind will put his mind at ease."
Yin Yao's eyes welled up with tears, and she forced a smile, saying, "What my royal brother says is true. My husband also said in his letter that the people and soldiers of the Great Yin are of one mind and that the soldiers are risking their lives. He knows what's going on, so please rest assured, Your Majesty and the family."
As they talked about interesting things during the holidays and customs in Beijing, the atmosphere gradually became lively.
The Empress carefully inquired about Bai Ruolan's pregnancy symptoms and exchanged information with Huan Naxue about childcare. The warm atmosphere in the flower hall temporarily dispelled the war clouds in the distance.
As they parted, Yinji stood before the steps and solemnly addressed the three women who were seeing him off:
"I hereby promise you, and through you I promise the General: the court is his strongest support. He can act freely at the front, and I will share the burden of the nation with him."
In the carriage returning to the palace, Yinji closed his eyes for a long time, then suddenly whispered:
Seeing Yao'er trying to suppress her worry, I felt an even heavier weight on my shoulders. Master, oh Master, you must... return safely.
The Queen gently held his hand, offering silent comfort.
Outside the carriage, the sound of drums could be heard from afar.
Under almost the same starlight, Zhao Muyun, standing atop Dengzhou city, was examining the enemy markings densely packed on the sand table by the light of a torch.
The excitement of the victory at Lushan had long since settled into deeper reflections.
He traced the arrows representing Li Jingang's various armies with his finger, and whispered to Xiao Cheyun and Yang Chao beside him:
"His Majesty's kindness and the court's strong support leave us with no way out."
“If the enemy intends to encircle us, I will deliberately tear a gap in the heart of this encirclement. Let Dengzhou become their burial ground.”
......
The sixth day of the first lunar month, Dengzhou.
Inside the council chamber, the pungent honeycomb briquettes were burning brightly.
Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea were essential commodities in ancient times, with firewood being the most important resource.
We use it for cooking and boiling water regularly, and even more so for heating in winter.
The coal mine at Qiwu Mountain in Yanzhou completely solved this problem for the Great Yin Dynasty.
A steady stream of honeycomb briquettes was supplied to the army's front lines, as well as to Hedong, Longyou, and Guannei regions.
At the same time, it also brought substantial revenue to the finances of Dayin.
Fine salt, coal, and tobacco became the stable economic pillars of the Great Yin Dynasty, supporting an army of over 100,000, as well as heavy cavalry, Shenji Battalion, crossbow battalion, scout battalion, and Modao Battalion—troops that dominated the era.
Zhao Muyun sat in the main seat, flanked by generals such as Xiao Cheyun, Xiao Dayong, Zhang Tao, and Yang Chao, as well as Zhong Meng, the newly arrived commander of the reinforcements.
"General Zhong, you must have had a long journey." Zhao Muyun looked at Zhong Meng and asked, "How is the situation in Xijing?"
Zhong Meng cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to the General, His Majesty is well and the court is stable. His Majesty has instructed me to convey to the General that the battle of Dengzhou is entirely under your command. If reinforcements are needed, His Majesty is prepared to transfer Shi Yong from Longyou into the pass."
Upon hearing this, the generals were invigorated.
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