Great Zhou Wensheng

Chapter 232 Jiang Xingzhou personally goes to Mizhou! The candidates of the Imperial Academy are in an uproar!
Saibei Circuit, Mizhou Prefecture.

The wind here is not as gentle and nourishing as it is in Jiangnan; instead, it's like a whip carrying sand and gravel, lashing your face with a savage and chilling aura.

The newly appointed prefect of Mizhou, Xue Chonghu, did not sit in the prefectural office reviewing the case files, but went straight up to the city wall.

He was tall and imposing, wearing an official robe with a dark cloak over it for warmth. Although his face had a touch of scholarly elegance, he had none of the pedantry of a civil official. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, scanning every crenellation on the city wall, every piece of defensive equipment, and the desolate wilderness outside the city, with withered grass lying on the ground.

The garrison commander of Mizhou, surnamed Zhao, who was accompanying him, had a scar on his face and was a veteran general who had fought many battles. He dared not show the slightest disrespect to his superior who had just been sent to this important border region.

The Duke of Xue is a hereditary title of founding meritorious official, whose ancestors rose to prominence through military achievements.

"General Zhao,"

Xue Chonghu stopped in front of a giant crossbow that required three people to encircle, his fingers tracing the cold crossbow arm—it was engraved with simple reinforcement runes, which looked crude and unsightly to him. "What is the range of this crossbow? After the runes were added, was its limit tested?"

General Zhao bowed and replied, "Your Excellency, the effective range is four hundred paces. The runes were written by scholars and students in the prefecture, and they can increase the penetrating power by about 10% to 20%. We have not yet conducted a test shot at its maximum range."

However... the border regions are harsh and cold, and conditions are difficult. Scholars are already rare, and those who pass the provincial examinations are even rarer.

Once they passed the imperial examinations, most of them moved to the Central Plains and Jiangnan regions. Nowadays, there are few capable scholars, and many talismans are written by students who studied in the military, inevitably resulting in a wide range of quality.

Xue Chonghu nodded slightly, said nothing more, and continued walking along the city wall.

He had long heard that there was a shortage of scholars in the border regions.

Most successful candidates in the imperial examinations were unwilling to live in harsh conditions for long, and those who passed the county-level examinations were too weak to play a significant role.

He walked to the edge of the city wall, touched the cold battlements, and gazed into the distance.

Below the city was a massive military camp, which was in the middle of its training exercises.

On the training ground, tens of thousands of black-armored cavalrymen stood in strict formation, sometimes scattering and advancing like a tide, and sometimes gathering and holding firm like a rock, as the command flags were waved.

The thunderous sound of horses' hooves echoed across the ground, the cold glint of weapons reflecting the thin sunlight of the northern frontier, and dust billowed into the sky.

What's even more chilling is that as these tens of thousands of cavalry moved, their blood and qi were subtly connected, condensing into a faint, pale red, chilling aura above the army formation.

If an ordinary person were to get close, their very soul would likely be shattered by the sheer aura and power of this military might.

"Elite troops!"

A hint of approval flashed in Xue Chonghu's eyes, but he then frowned slightly. "It seems that the army lacks people skilled in large-scale literary arts? With just the blood and qi of martial artists and the killing aura of military formations, they can deal with small groups of demons and barbarians. But if they encounter the Snow Wolf Demon Kingdom's army pressing in, there must be demon generals who have achieved great cultivation, or even demon kings accompanying them. I'm afraid it will be difficult to resist them."

General Zhao sighed, “My lord, you are wise! The border region is remote and resource-scarce, and most scholars are unwilling to stay for long. Even those who do come to gain experience do not last long. What the army needs most now are scholars of the rank of Juren or above who can communicate with heaven and earth through their literary skills and use their literary arts to fight against the demon race.”

Before the words were finished, a fast horse galloped in from the north. Reining in at the city walls, the scout fell to the ground, his voice hoarse:

"Report—General! Prefect! A large number of snow wolf demon soldiers, numbering about a thousand, have been discovered in Wolf Howling Valley to the north. They are being assembled by at least three demon generals! Beacon towers along the way show dust rising from the distant snowfields, indicating that a large wolf army may be following!"

The wind and sand were like knives, cutting into the face and chilling.

Xue Chonghu's eyes suddenly narrowed.

The Snow Wolf Demon Kingdom, no longer content with small-scale raids, began to bare its fangs.

"Investigate again!" General Zhao ordered in a deep voice, then turned to Xue Chonghu, "Sir, what do you think..."

Xue Chonghu took a deep breath of the biting frontier air, turned to face the city, and spoke in a low voice, yet it resonated throughout the city walls like the sound of bells and chimes:

"Order: Mizhou Prefecture City shall immediately enter a state of war preparedness! All beacon towers and watchtowers shall be manned in shifts around the clock without interruption! Fortify the city defenses, prepare the weapons, and report any missing or damaged talismans to this official immediately!"

His gaze swept over the tense soldiers on the city wall, and his tone suddenly turned serious. A gentle yet powerful scholarly air emanated from his voice, calming the restlessness in everyone's hearts:

"Gentlemen, there is no need to worry. We will meet force with force and water with earth. Now that I am stationed in this city, I will stand with you all."

"Though the snow wolves are fierce, the mighty army of our Great Zhou is not to be underestimated! We must teach them a lesson—our human race possesses not only the sharpness of weapons, but also the power of literature!"

The last four words were like metal and stone thrown to the ground.

Before he finished speaking, he pointed his fingers as a pen and wrote swiftly in the air—

"The Book of Songs, Minor Odes, 'The Chariot Goes Forth': The Son of Heaven commands me to build a city in the northern region. The illustrious Southern Zhong, he subdues the Xiongnu at Xiang!"

The energy at his fingertips coalesced, forming a seal script in the air that shimmered with a pale golden light. Its structure was intricate and its aura was awe-inspiring.

"go with!"

Xue Chonghu flicked his finger, and the golden characters transformed into several streams of light, instantly disappearing into the wall.

In an instant, the city wall trembled slightly, and a layer of barely perceptible warm glow rose on the surface of the bricks and stones. The entire section of the city wall seemed to be infused with a profound force, becoming even more solid and immovable than a mountain.

"Literature! It is the protection of literature!"

One of the veterans cried out in a low voice.

General Zhao and the surrounding soldiers looked at Xue Chonghu with awe.

A prefect who passed the imperial examination—that's someone who can rival a demon general!
After Xue Chonghu used his literary skills, his face turned slightly pale, but his eyes became even brighter.

He said to General Zhao, "General Zhao, you are in charge of the overall arrangement of the city's defenses. Also, please compile a list of all the generals who are literate and skilled in writing, regardless of their rank, and report it to me."

"I intend to select and form a 'Literary Arts Battalion' to counter the demon army."

"Order!"

General Zhao solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

He looked up at the northern sky where snow was about to fall, his heart heavy.

Whether Mizhou City can withstand the claws of the Snow Wolf Demon Kingdom remains to be seen.

Although Mizhou City is located in the northern frontier, it is not the most forward pass, and the city still retains its bustling urban life.

However, beneath this prosperity, undercurrents are lurking, and the streets are filled with the solemn atmosphere unique to military towns.

Among the passersby, besides ordinary people and merchants, there were mostly soldiers in leather armor, walking briskly, and laborers escorting supplies, all hurrying along with solemn expressions.

A plain-looking carriage, drawn by four magnificent black horses, quietly entered the city and stopped at the side gate of the prefect's residence.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a young man in plain clothes stepped out first. He had clear features and sharp eyes; he was Jiang Xingzhou, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Subsequently, his wife, Xue Lingqi, also got out of the car with a smile. The young woman was dressed in new clothes, with a dignified appearance and a composed demeanor.

Immediately afterwards, the two girls landed gracefully.

One was Qingfei, dressed in green, with a gentle and warm aura like the first sprouts of spring, her eyes sparkling with the pure charm of grass and trees; the other was Xuannu, dressed in black, with a cold and aloof expression, her gaze exuding an air of dominance.

Finally, the maid Chun Tao leaped down, her movements nimble and her eyes alert as she scanned her surroundings, displaying a guard-like demeanor.

Prefect Xue Chonghu had already received the report and was waiting inside the side gate.

Upon seeing Jiang Xingzhou, his eyes immediately welled up with barely concealed excitement. He strode forward and greeted him in a booming voice: "My dear son-in-law!"

Upon seeing this, Jiang Xingzhou immediately prepared to perform a grand salute: "Your son-in-law greets your father-in-law!"

Xue Chonghu firmly grasped his arm, his tone warm and friendly: "We are father-in-law and son-in-law, no need for formalities! Please come in!" His gaze swept over Xue Lingqi behind him, and his expression softened with affection: "Lingqi is here too, good, very good!"

Xue Lingqi bowed gracefully and replied with a smile, "Daughter greets Father."

The group walked through the corridor and entered a heavily guarded study.

After the attendants withdrew, only the father-in-law, son-in-law, and Xue Lingqi remained in the room.

Qingfu, Xuan Nu, and Chun Tao stood quietly outside the door, waiting silently.

“Father-in-law, the northern frontier is bitterly cold, you must be suffering. I haven’t had time to discuss this matter with you in detail before transferring you from Jiangzhou Prefecture in Jiangnan to Mizhou in this northern region.”

Jiang Xingzhou personally poured tea for Xue Chonghu.

Xue Chonghu was transferred to Mizhou at his own request to the Empress.

No one knew beforehand.

Xue Chonghu took the teacup, but the warmth from his palm couldn't dispel the seriousness between his brows: "The northern frontier is bitterly cold, but it's nothing to worry about."

Defending the borders for the country is our duty.

The position of prefect, whether in the south or the north, is one of serving the imperial court.

He looked up at Jiang Xingzhou, his gaze sharp: "But son-in-law, I'm afraid your visit isn't just to see me, is it?"
The situation in the court is currently turbulent and unpredictable. As the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, you are at a crucial juncture in the auditing of accounts. Leaving the capital at this time would be quite risky.

Jiang Xingzhou's lips curled up slightly, his smile revealing a hint of ruthlessness: "Father-in-law, my purpose in coming here is ostensibly to inspect the allocation of funds and grain in the northern border, but in reality, I am here to lay out a grand strategy for you—and for the northern border of the Great Zhou."

He lowered his voice, but each word was clear: "Prefect Wei Guanlan of Jiangnan has already transferred all the remaining money and grain donated by the powerful families of Jiangnan to Mizhou at my request."

The provisions and military equipment gathered from Guanzhong, the Central Plains, and Sichuan are also en route. In total, they can support an army of 200,000 for a year.

"The Snow Wolf Kingdom has been making trouble recently, with frequent border provocations."

His Majesty was wary of this. Rather than passively waiting for the Snow Wolf Kingdom to attack!

Jiang Xingzhou tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. "It would be better if we set up a trap ourselves and fought the wolf clan in the northern frontier."

While Mizhou is not on the front line, it can serve as the logistics hub and troop assembly point for the great battle in the northern frontier!
This strategic location must be guarded by my father-in-law!

Xue Chonghu's eyes suddenly lit up, and he abruptly stood up from his seat, striding to the huge map of northern Xinjiang on the wall.

His finger struck heavily on the spot where Mizhou was located, the sound like iron and stone clashing:

"If the Snow Wolf Demon Kingdom really launches a large-scale southward invasion and attacks the northern border, the first to be hit will be the forward fortresses such as Iron Mountain City."

Meanwhile, our army's continuous supply of provisions and weapons was stockpiled in Mizhou in the rear—a place that could support the front lines and consolidate our base in case of retreat; this was the true lifeline!

He suddenly turned around, grabbed Jiang Xingzhou's shoulder, his palm burning hot:
“My dear son-in-law! If we have sufficient food and supplies, well-equipped armor and sharp weapons, and troops from all sides to be organized and deployed here, I am more than confident in defending Mizhou.”
Even a counterattack against the Snow Wolf Kingdom would not be an empty threat!

Jiang Xingzhou nodded and said, "Father-in-law is wise. Although Mizhou is not directly in the midst of battle, it is the central hub of the war in the northern frontier."

With provisions stored here and cavalry resting here, the soldiers at the front could concentrate wholeheartedly on fighting the enemy.

His tone grew somber, as if an undercurrent was surging: "Furthermore, this move is also a strategic move by my son-in-law."

Not everyone in the court is happy to see us achieve success in the northern frontier.

The army's provisions were gathered in Mizhou, under the control of my father-in-law, both to support the front lines and to guard against attacks from behind. This was to prevent them from running out of supplies!

Xue Chonghu interrupted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

How could he not understand?
Only by personally overseeing the situation and managing the finances, supplies, and troops could Jiang Xingzhou feel at ease and act decisively.

Otherwise, the slightest mishap could lead to defeat before the battle against the Snow Wolf Kingdom even begins.

"Rest assured, my dear son-in-law,"

Xue Chonghu's voice was as firm as a rock: "As long as I am alive, not a single grain of rice or arrow will be wasted on the front lines; and I will not allow anyone to disturb a single blade of grass or tree in my northern border!"

The two looked at each other without speaking, their smiles revealing a tacit understanding.

At this moment, they are not only father-in-law and son-in-law, but also allies, pillars supporting the crisis in the northern frontier.

In the following days, accompanied by Xue Chonghu, Jiang Xingzhou, "by imperial decree," inspected the granaries and armories of Mizhou and reviewed the various reinforcements.

The grain stacks were piled high like mountains, the armor of soldiers gleamed in the sun, and the roar of galloping cavalry echoed across the fields.

The entire city of Mizhou is like a fully drawn bow, with the arrow ready to be released.

Meanwhile, Qingfei and Xuan Nu were not idle either.

Qingfu and Xuan Nu have both advanced to the level of Demon General and are now displaying their unique abilities.

Qingfu can sense the earth's veins and the plants; nothing can escape its spiritual perception except the rustling of grass or the movement of wind.

The Mysterious Maiden can spread her wings and soar into the sky, using the eyes of the Mysterious Bird to overlook the vast northern frontier, taking in all the enemy's movements within a thousand miles of Mizhou.

The two men, one familiar with the earth and its vegetation, the other observing the sky, served as each other's eyes and ears, allowing Jiang Xingzhou to have a clear understanding of the situation in the northern frontier, as if reading the lines on his palm, and to have a thorough grasp of the enemy's and his own strengths.

Luoyang, the Imperial College.

The library is filled with the rich aroma of ink, and the sounds of reading aloud and debating intertwine, creating a solemn atmosphere of flourishing culture.

Here, it seems that every wisp of wind carries a subtle literary atmosphere, making this place a sacred land that all scholars and intellectuals of the Great Zhou Dynasty yearn for.

However, beneath this peaceful academy, undercurrents are quietly brewing.

Inside the school dormitory area, a young man dressed in a blue scholar's robe was deftly packing books, a few changes of clothes, and several shimmering talismans and pills into his bag.

He wore a piece of fine, warm jade at his waist, and his movements were decisive.

This commotion broke the silence of the room, drawing the attention of several other students in the same dormitory.

"Brother Zhao, what's going on...?"

A chubby scholar put down his copy of "The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons" with a surprised look on his face. "Judging from this, are you about to embark on a long journey? Could there be an emergency at home?"

The scholar surnamed Zhao, named Zhao Ming, didn't even raise his head, his lips slightly curled in a disdainful manner: "It's true I'm going on a long journey, but there's nothing going on at home."

Where are you going?

Another person chimed in, "Instead of focusing on your studies at the Imperial Academy, have you perhaps found a secluded place where literature flourishes and wish to travel there for further studies?"

Zhao Ming tied the last knot in his bag, then straightened up, clapped his hands, looked around at his classmates who were full of curiosity, and lowered his voice, but couldn't hide his smugness: "Study abroad? That's too slow! I'm going to the North—Mizhou!"

"Northern Frontier? Mizhou?"

Everyone was startled.

The fat scholar exclaimed, "Brother Zhao, have you gone mad?! That's a harsh, desolate frontier, where literature is scarce and demonic energy permeates the air. It's harmful and offers no benefit to us scholars! Moreover, it takes several years to get there, and it's both dangerous and arduous. How could it be a place for scholars to go?"

"Defending the border?"

Zhao Ming scoffed, as if he had heard some absurd joke. "Who said I wanted to go to the frontier to suffer that kind of hardship? Five or ten years, guarding the border day after day, drinking the northwest wind, and there's no big battle to fight—whoever wants to do such a stupid thing can go!"

He paused slightly, a shrewd calculation flashing in his eyes: "But things are different now. In Mizhou, a great battle is about to break out—a real, bloody war!"
The Snow Wolf Demon Kingdom's army has already advanced to our borders!
I'll be gone for two or three months. With the power of my new poetry collection, if I'm lucky, I might even be able to steal the credit of a demon general.

Such military exploits are worth more than five or ten years of guarding the border! Trading two or three months of danger for a shortcut to future fame—tell me, isn't that a worthwhile deal?

"A major war? Is it really going to start?"

Upon hearing this, the crowd immediately gathered around, their expressions varying—some surprised, some doubtful, and some intrigued.

The students of the Imperial College did not only know how to study behind closed doors; they understood that "fame and fortune" could be achieved not only through the imperial examinations but also through military exploits.

Using poetry and prose to slay demons and vanquish barbarians is an excellent opportunity for literary cultivators to make a name for themselves and temper their minds.

"Brother Zhao, is the news accurate?"

A composed student asked a question cautiously.

Seeing that everyone was already captivated, Zhao Ming's expression became even more smug.

He glanced around mysteriously, his voice lowering further: "You're all unaware, aren't you?... Minister Jiang Xingzhou, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has personally gone to Mizhou!"

"What? Vice Minister Jiang went to Mizhou?"

"How could that be? He's a favorite of the Emperor, why would he need to venture into such a dangerous place?"

The room erupted in uproar, everyone displaying expressions of disbelief.

"Hmph, think about it carefully,"

Zhao Ming, with an air of knowing everything, asked, "Has Lord Jiang not appeared at court for many days?"
Has anyone in Luojing seen him recently?

If it weren't for matters concerning the war situation in the northern frontier, or even the fate of the Great Zhou Dynasty, why would someone of his status need to personally come to Mizhou?
This is clearly a trip to oversee operations, coordinate supplies and military affairs, or even... to take charge of the overall situation!

His tone shifted, and his words became increasingly inflammatory: "What kind of person is Lord Jiang?"
He deeply won the Emperor's favor and his strategies were flawless.

He personally oversaw the battle; how could he fight a battle he couldn't win?

How could we, the "pillars of the nation" of the Imperial Academy, be sent to our deaths in vain?

Going with him now would be like taking advantage of the situation and seizing the initiative!
Setting off now is to get ahead of everyone else and go get—no, to earn a tremendous military achievement!

When we return victorious and our merits are recognized, with these achievements, why should we worry about not being able to secure a good position in the central government or at the local level?
Isn't that better than enduring years of hardship at the Imperial Academy?

His words were like cold water poured into boiling oil, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the room.

The students who were initially hesitant now had a burning passion in their eyes.

Jiang Xingzhou was a highly respected figure among young scholars, and in the past, he was a man who could command a large following in Jiangnan. His outstanding military achievements were the envy of many.

"Brother Zhao is absolutely right!"

"If it is indeed Vice Minister Jiang in charge, we will surely win this battle! If we don't seize this opportunity to achieve such a victory, when will we ever get another chance?"

"Let's go together! I'll inform the Chief Priest immediately and request permission to travel north for training!"

"Count me in too! My newly composed battle poem needs demonic blood to ignite it!"

For a moment, the atmosphere in the school was electric, as if fame and fortune were within reach.

Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, Zhao Ming smiled with satisfaction.

A single tree cannot make a forest.

Having more people not only gives them an advantage, but also allows them to support each other during a major battle, further demonstrating Zhao Ming's foresight.

(End of this chapter)