allonlinenovel Chapter 876 Prelude to War
Chapter 876 Prelude to War
In the fourth year of the Qianyuan era of the Great Zhou Dynasty, in autumn.
In Luoyang, the air was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, yet a subtle tension lingered. Empress Liu Qian stood atop the steps of the Zichen Palace, her eyes flashing with a sharp glint as she gazed at the solemn-faced Censor Xiao Mingyue below.
"Mingyue, have you read all the reports from various places?" Liu Qian's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
Xiao Mingyue bowed and said, “Your Majesty, the powerful clans in various regions are making frequent moves. The Wang and Xie families in Jiangnan are secretly colluding to hoard grain and fodder and privately recruit local militias; the Cui, Lu, and Li families in Hebei are tightening their control over salt and iron, and there are even rumors that they are trying to acquire… new weapons through maritime smuggling routes.”
“New weapons?” Liu Qian’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Do they think that my ‘treasure trove’ is so easy to pry into?” The “treasure trove” she was referring to was the mysterious channel connecting to the modern world, which was also the foundation for the Great Zhou’s ability to quickly equip itself with modern firearms.
“Your Majesty is wise,” Xiao Mingyue said. “However, the reforms implemented by Generals Lin Ping and others in various places have touched their fundamental interests. Land surveys, reform of officialdom, and water conservancy projects—each of these measures has weakened the control of powerful clans over local areas. Their counterattack was to be expected.”
Liu Qian nodded slightly, her gaze drifting to the window, as if she could see, a thousand miles away, those young female generals honing their skills in their respective posts. "Lin Ping did an excellent job as the acting governor of Qingzhou. She mastered civil administration, adjudicating cases, and managing infrastructure. She and her sisters, along with other female generals from other regions, are no longer merely military figures. They are my sharpest blades, and also my foundation."
"Your Majesty, the economic blockade imposed by the powerful clans has begun to take effect. In some regions that rely on supplies from these clans, prices are starting to fluctuate," Xiao Mingyue said worriedly.
"It's alright." A resolute glint flashed in Liu Qian's eyes. "Their growth is precisely for dealing with today. Pass down the order to have Lin Ping and the others prepare. Since the aristocratic families have torn off all pretense, I don't mind showing them the power of the new era."
Meanwhile, at the Qingzhou Prefectural Governor's Office.
Lin Ping, dressed in military uniform, looked dashing and spirited. She had just finished processing a case file concerning the local powerful Cui clan's hoarding and price gouging of grain. On her desk were not only military maps but also detailed household registration and tax records. Her experience as acting governor had given her a profound understanding of the meaning of "all-rounder"—not only must one be able to lead troops into battle, but also govern a region and pacify the people.
"General, a secret order from the capital." A guard handed over an encrypted letter.
Lin Ping quickly opened the document, her brows furrowing slightly before hardening into a resolute expression. "They've come after all." She rose and summoned her generals and civil officials. "Pass on my orders: First, strengthen city defenses, especially the granaries and armories; second, immediately open the granaries to release grain, stabilize prices, and calm the people. The necessary grain will be drawn from our previously stored official lands; third, closely monitor the movements of the Cui and Li families in the area. If any unusual activity is detected, do not request permission; immediately take them into custody!"
Orders were issued methodically. Lin Ping knew this was not just a military struggle, but also a battle for the economy, people's livelihoods, and public sentiment. She and her sisters were ready.
Lin Ping's eyes were firm. She quickly made a decision and dispatched Lin Xiaoyan and Bai Jie to transform into "Yanzi" and "Bailing" once again.
Lin Xiaoyan and Bai Jie, once again disguised as "Yanzi" and "Bailing," arrived at the largest brothel in Zhaozhou City. Their beauty and skills quickly made them the most famous courtesans there, attracting countless eyes.
"Swallow" moves with a graceful and lithe figure, like a fairy dancing lightly; every movement is full of charm and allure. Her singing voice is melodious and captivating, like a heavenly melody that enchants the listener.
"Bai Ling" is like a blooming flower, delicate and beautiful. Her dance is graceful and moving, like a beautiful painting, pleasing to the eye.
Lin Xiaoyan was agile, like a nimble swallow, her eyes revealing intelligence and decisiveness. Bai Jie, on the other hand, was like a noble lily, beautiful and strong.
Knowing the importance of this mission, they didn't hesitate and quickly threw themselves into the operation. Lin Xiaoyan, with her alluring appearance and promiscuous personality, moved among various high-ranking officials and generals, constantly acquiring and transmitting crucial information through in-depth interactions with them.
Bai Jie, with her wisdom and strategy, skillfully maneuvered against the enemy, providing strong support for Lin Xiaoyan's actions.
They displayed their charm and allure in the brothels, attracting the attention of numerous customers. However, beneath this glamorous facade, they remained constantly vigilant, waiting for an opportunity to carry out their mission.
At a banquet, "Swallow" and "Bai Ling" successfully approached an important general and, through skillful conversation and performance, obtained crucial intelligence. Their beauty and skills became their weapons in completing their mission, luring the enemy into their trap without their knowledge.
In the end, "Swallow" and "Bai Ling" successfully completed their mission, making outstanding contributions to Lin Ping's troops. Their beauty and skills not only made them the most famous courtesans in the brothels, but also made them invincible warriors on the battlefield.
Lin Ping closely followed their progress, silently cheering them on. She knew this was a life-or-death struggle, and only by uniting as one could they achieve final victory.