Chapter 453: Making Plans

Outside Chufeng Prefecture, a cavalry unit galloped swiftly.

Dozens of riders formed a dragon-like formation, with bright banners and strict order. From afar, they resembled a black python sweeping forward.

As the cavalry drew closer, one could see each rider clad in armor, wielding long sabers at their waists, and exuding a fierce aura. Clearly, these were top-tier elite troops!

“Commander! We’ve arrived at Chufeng Prefecture!”

A rider dashed forward, pulled the reins hard before the formation, and halted abruptly, demonstrating perfect discipline, before bowing respectfully.

This rider radiated even greater strength than the elite guards, with a distinct aura of supernatural power about him. Clad in Kirin armor, he was clearly one of the Kirin Guard.

“I am no longer your commander…”

Of course, only Qi Lin, the Jiedushi of Pingshan Prefecture who commanded the Kirin Guard, could command such men.

Yet now, gazing at the distant commotion in Chufeng Prefecture, a wry smile flickered across his face. “Grand Marshal Meng Wuzhen has honored me with the position of Northern General. From now on, just address me as ‘General.'”

“Hail the General!” the troops roared in unison.

In truth, their fates were now inextricably linked with Qi Lin’s. A mere change in title meant nothing, yet it was still a necessary gesture.

Though Qi Lin had long served as a regional warlord, he understood his current position as a subordinate.

“…Recently, the Pantheon has issued few missions, but this is precisely the time for me to prove my worth. As a surrendered general, and with the concerns of being a reincarnated soul, I cannot remain in this position for long. I must achieve great feats before stepping down gracefully, giving the next generation a boost—that is the path to self-preservation…”

This strategy had been devised by his former strategist, and even Qi Lin had to admit it made perfect sense.

“Why is Chufeng Prefecture so lively today?”

As these thoughts passed through his mind, he spurred his horse forward to a high vantage point, where he saw the city adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, prompting his question.

“Reporting, General! I was just about to inform you!”

The Kirin Guard called out. “Today, joyful news came from the Jiedushi’s mansion: Lady Wu is with child. The curfew has been lifted, minor prisoners have been pardoned, taxes reduced, and wine and meat distributed to the people… Hence, the entire city is celebrating and lighting lanterns to pray for the newborn’s blessing!”

“Wu is pregnant?”

Qi Lin was taken aback, his expression turning complex.

He had no ulterior motives, of course. After all, even the terrifying immortal cultivator who had once saved him from the Nianxishou could not be easily dealt with by a mere regional warlord.

Yet precisely at this moment, just as Wu Zhi was on the verge of unifying the entire province, this unexpected pregnancy news could not help but make him feel as if it were decreed by Heaven.

Among the three forms of filial impiety, having no heir was the gravest, especially crucial in the struggle for supremacy.

Only with a legitimate and formal heir could subordinates find a focus for their loyalty, ensuring the continuation of future glory and prosperity across generations!

Although Wu Zhi’s status was somewhat unusual, if she bore a son and then ruled as Empress Dowager, the murmurs of the world could be silenced.

After all, throughout history, there had been many instances of Empress Dowagers ruling from behind a curtain, even producing several wise and capable dowagers who had saved the realm in its darkest hours. One more would hardly raise eyebrows.

“Prepare a grand gift immediately!”

As his thoughts returned, this was the first thing that came to mind.

Originally, he had brought gifts for paying homage to the supreme commander, but upon hearing this news, he needed to add something extra.

“Understood!”

His subordinates also went off joyfully to prepare. Wu Zhi’s rising fortunes meant they now had a figure to pledge loyalty to, or at least a chance to continue their careers without fear of retribution from enemies, hence their genuine delight.

Only Qi Lin himself, while happy, felt a faint bitterness beneath his smile.

With Wu Zhi needing to rest during her pregnancy, the entire domain would likely remain still for a year. Stability in Ding Prefecture meant he would have little opportunity to earn military glory on the battlefield.

…

“Congratulations, my Lord! Congratulations!”

Inside Wu Family Fortress.

Upon hearing of Wu Zhi’s pregnancy, not only Wu Tiehu but also Zeng Yu, Chen Jingzong, Chen Shuncheng, and others quickly rode over to offer their congratulations.

For these subordinates, who had borne the greatest pressure of the rumors about Wu Zhi’s rule, this news brought genuine relief.

Wu Ming watched quietly from the side, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Judging from the aura, Wu Zhi’s subordinates remain loyal, but their minds are shifting. Most are likely thinking about supporting the young master…”

Needless to say, Wu Zhi’s direct challenge to tradition was still immense.

Even though the people of the nineteen provinces could accept an Empress Dowager who wielded absolute power and ruled over emperor and officials alike, they could never accept a female emperor who governed with benevolence and compassion!

Sometimes, even a mere pretext was enough for many to continue pretending nothing was wrong. But Wu Zhi, openly and brazenly asserting her authority, had dragged them out of their comfortable denial, leaving them no choice but to face reality.

Yet Wu Ming knew clearly—Wu Zhi had no intention of stepping back!

Even if she intended to place her son on the throne, she had no qualms about sitting on the dragon throne herself first!

Thus, the secret hopes of those male chauvinist ministers could only remain dreams.

“Report! Northern General Qi Lin has arrived to pay homage!”

At this moment, a Fenghuo Guard rushed in hastily, kneeling to report.

“He’s finally here!”

Wu Zhi stood up joyfully. “I shall go out to greet him in person!”

“General Qi Lin pays homage to the Jiedushi!” Qi Lin, upon seeing Wu Zhi, lowered himself respectfully and performed a full bow. “May the Jiedushi be blessed with a healthy son!”

With a wave of his hand, his guards presented a list of valuable gifts. Several hastily added items were clearly meant to celebrate the pregnancy, showing great thoughtfulness.

“You were my senior once, please rise quickly!”

Seeing Qi Lin’s sincere submission, Wu Zhi was genuinely pleased and ordered, “From now on, Northern General need only bow halfway when meeting me!”

This was a gesture of goodwill. Hearing this, Qi Lin’s heart relaxed slightly, knowing that the Jiedushi at least had no immediate intention of stripping him of power or reducing his authority.

As Qi Lin stood up, he briefly glanced at Wu Ming beside Wu Zhi, hesitated for a moment, then ignored him as usual.

Wu Zhi first ordered a banquet to be prepared, then invited Qi Lin to the strategy hall: “I summoned the Northern General here today because I have an important task for you!”

“If the Lady commands, I shall obey with my life!” Qi Lin immediately pledged.

“Excellent!”

Wu Zhi spread out a map, her jade-like hand firmly pressing over the entire Ding Prefecture: “I intend to launch a campaign next month, capture the provincial capital, capture the Prefect, and unify Ding Prefecture. Northern General, will you assist me?”

At these words, except for Wu Ming, who had anticipated this, everyone else in the hall was stunned.

A campaign against Ding Prefecture was inevitable, and none feared it.

But none had expected Wu Zhi to be so resolute, even while pregnant, to initiate war.

“Could she be appointing me as Commander-in-Chief?”

Though he knew it was impossible, Qi Lin’s heart still raced. After all, having a war to fight was exactly what he desired. He immediately declared loudly, “I shall serve the Commander with unwavering loyalty!”

“Excellent! This time, I shall lead the army myself! We must achieve total victory in one fell swoop, annihilating the enemy before breakfast!”

Wu Zhi declared solemnly, further shocking her subordinates.

Qi Lin’s pupils constricted: “She even intends to lead the campaign herself. Truly, she is no less capable than any man!”

Wu Ming observed coldly, fully aware of Wu Zhi’s predicament. Within the Wu Domain, there were indeed capable generals, but men like Chen Jingzong and Wu Tiehu had only recently joined. Though they were勉强capable of commanding independently, they lacked the stature to lead the entire army.

Qi Lin, as a regional Jiedushi with a far-reaching reputation, might barely hold the troops together, but Wu Zhi could never fully trust him. Not due to distrust, but due to power dynamics!

If the army were placed in his hands, even if Qi Lin himself had no intention of rebelling, his subordinates might push him toward mutiny.

As for Wu Ming himself?

Though he could command respect as Wu Zhi’s husband, how many soldiers and mid-to-lower-ranking officers even recognized him?

Especially now, with the domain newly established, could Wu Zhi entrust the glory of unifying Ding Prefecture to anyone else?

Thus, aside from leading the campaign herself, there was no other viable path.

“My Lady… War is perilous. Even without being at the frontlines, you must work tirelessly. Please take care of your health… We can unify Ding Prefecture next year!”

Such concerns were too sensitive for outsiders like Zeng Yu and Chen Jingzong to voice, but an elderly general from the Wu clan finally spoke up.

“This is a gift from Heaven!”

Wu Zhi smiled lightly. “You think I will not wage war this year because I am pregnant. The Prefect and others likely share this belief, making this the perfect opportunity for a surprise attack!”

“As for my safety, the Fenghuo Guard is more than sufficient!”

As she spoke, she glanced meaningfully at Wu Ming, who inwardly rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Faced with Wu Zhi’s strategy of “holding the child hostage to control the father,” he could only accompany the army to ensure her safety and protect the pregnancy.

“Fortunately, while I lack other treasures, I have plenty of Force energy from the Pantheon. I can simply create a manifestation to accompany her while my true self remains in the Pantheon, selecting reincarnators and exploring the Great Zhou Western Regions world simultaneously…”

As he listened to the rest of the discussion—merely logistics and troop deployments—he let his mind wander, using the Pantheon to mentally travel to the Great Zhou.

At this point, Wu Zhi was concluding: “Of the seven prefectures in Ding Province, four are already under our control. Among the remaining three, many aristocratic families have already shown signs of switching sides. When we march upon the city, they may become our allies! Families like the Xies, Lins, Hua, and Miaos… we must first test their reactions…”

No one noticed Wu Ming’s distraction, unaware that the figure present was merely a manifestation: “The Lin family poses no issue, but the Xie family seems hesitant… After all, they were one of the original founding clans…”

“Founding clan?”

Wu Zhi smiled faintly. “At the dawn of a new dynasty, what value does a previous founding clan hold? Simply tell them—don’t say I didn’t warn them!”

“This woman truly harbors ambitions of unifying the world!!”

Qi Lin, hearing Wu Zhi’s aspirations for the first time, felt his spirit rise.