Chapter 21: The Emperor's Departure
Li Feng spent the next two days in a whirlwind of preparation. By Imperial Decree, war mobilization was swift and decisive.
Li Feng was granted direct command over 25,500 troops for the Northern Front. The Second Prince, Li Ren, was given command of 25,600 troops for the Western Front. The slight numerical difference was negligible, but the message was clear: they were equals in this crisis, sharing the burden of defense.
To oversee the Emperor's campaign, a highly respected military figure, Grand General Zhang Yun, a man whose service spanned nearly a century, was assigned as Li Feng's strategic advisor.
Li Feng did not trust the general completely, but his presence provided necessary legitimacy. Li Feng also took his core loyalist force—the 1,500 Imperial Guards under Commander Yu Shan—and designated them his personal vanguard, integrating them directly into the larger northern army for training on the march.
Equipment for both armies was supplied with top quality provisions from the Treasury, utilizing the best siege weapons and specialized armor. This was a war of reputation and, in the worst case, the survival of the throne.
A Gift of Empathy
Before the final departure, Li Feng had one last duty in the capital: to acknowledge the woman who was now holding the capital together in his absence.
He did not send for the Empress Dowager Liu Yan again. This was not a political maneuver; it was a human gesture.
Li Feng personally selected a gift: a heavy, white winter coat crafted from soft northern sable, and a delicate porcelain tea set designed for solo contemplation.
A trusted eunuch delivered the items to the Dowager's private residence.
The Dowager Regent received the eunuch formally. She expected a decree, perhaps further instructions. When the eunuch presented the packages, she was instantly suspicious. A pheromonal gift from the Emperor? Another trick? she thought bitterly.
She dismissed the eunuch and slowly opened the box. The warmth of the coat was immediate. She held it close to her chest. It was not gold, nor jewels—items of political exchange—but practical, personal warmth.
Empress Dowager Liu Yan (internal): This is different. Why?
She examined the coat. It was precisely her size. And the white sable—somehow, it was her favorite color, a detail few in court knew.
Empress Dowager Liu Yan (internal): How is he different? Can I really trust him after what all I went through? Should I trust him?
She thought of the Second Prince, who used false affection and wine to shatter her. Li Feng had been cold, politically ruthless, and had profited immensely from her downfall, but he had done so without the lie of love. He had preserved her dignity and given her a weapon—the Regency.
Empress Dowager Liu Yan (internal): At least this boy has sense. Not like someone I trusted before.
She slipped the heavy coat on. It fit perfectly, cocooning her in warmth. The anger and shame lessened, replaced by a strange, fragile sense of purpose.
The Ghost's Amusement
The Divine Emperor Xuan Tian, having been strangely absent during the Dowager's internal struggle, suddenly appeared, sitting cross-legged atop a nearby rooftop, observing the scene.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Well, I'll be. So the boy now plans to steal the heart of the broken Dowager. A winter coat and tea? That's utterly primitive. This boy is just a woman magnet at this point."
He sighed dramatically.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"And he wonders why his wife is jealous. What am I supposed to do with this child?"
He was happy, however, that the Empress was currently in a jealous rage.
Meanwhile, Li Feng was standing by the military gates, his patience wearing thin as the troops finalized formation.
Li Feng (mental): Where did the old ghost disappear at a crucial moment? I needed advice on General Zhang Yun!
The Heavenly Emperor suddenly materialized right beside Li Feng's ear, making him jump.
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Ya, ya. Just move on, you idiot. The troops are ready."
Li Feng (mental): How dare you call me idiot! I am the Emperor of Xia, the Son of Heaven!
Divine Emperor Xuan Tian:
"Then I am the Heavenly Emperor, who gave you that title. Shut up."
Li Feng (mental): Ya, ya, ya, just so you know the status. Fine. Let's go.
Li Feng mounted his horse, the Grand General and Commander Yu Shan falling into formation beside him.
With a unified roar from the 25,500 troops, the Emperor of Xia and his army marched toward the Northern Front, leaving the capital—and the newly empowered, conflicted Regent—to manage the political war within.