Chapter 482: Chapter 466: Facing the Enemy
After the heavy snow in West State melted, preparations for spring farming had to begin immediately. In previous years, the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry would assist across twelve states, but now the burden fell entirely on the townsfolk. Mobilizing the citizens for unpaid farming was the only option, as all funds had to be spent with utmost precision. Fengyu could not offer compensation, merely promises of brighter days after the war subsided, with plans to provide subsidies then.
Despite the turmoil in Ningzhou, agricultural production could not be halted.
Fengyu joined Nangong Heng, Zhang Hu, Zhang Meng, and others to draft this year’s spring farming plan. Prioritizing food crops over cash crops, the citizens were tasked with cultivating both their own fields and the State Mansion’s farmland—lands originally farmed by the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry, now ceded to the populace. Settled and thriving in West State, the people understood the plight caused by the battles in Ningzhou, fostering a spirit of unity. Apart from minor disputes, progress went smoothly.
Feiying arrived from Ningzhou to retrieve the latest batch of armor and weaponry. He also brought news about a newly-emerged battle vehicle on the Ningzhou Battlefield. Xie Xun’s vanguard troops sacrificed six hundred men to seize one of these vehicles, and now Xie Jue and Fang Chuning were researching ways to dismantle and counter them. With Ningzhou hosting some of the finest craftsmen and the resources of Xuan Iron and explosive materials, they aimed not only to neutralize the threat but to turn the enemy’s tactics against them.
The emergence of these advanced vehicles had massively accelerated the wear and tear on armor and weaponry. West State had to intensify its forging efforts. Fengyu bore a heavy heart as blacksmiths in West State worked tirelessly day and night to meet the demands.
"Are the medicinal supplies sufficient?"
Feiying shook his head, "The Second Young Master has redirected medicine and physicians from Salt City and Pingzhou to Ningzhou. Injured soldiers are being sent to Yun City for phased treatments, but the supplies within the cities remain insufficient."
"I’ve already dispatched people to Jiangnan for procurement. The Su Family’s Trading House will utilize the Liangma Road waterways from Lanzhou to Salt City. They carry my customs clearance documents, and once they reach Salt City, the supplies will be transported directly to Ningzhou. I’m doing all I can to ensure the Prince need not worry about logistical support."
"West State is both the granary and weapons depot. Miss, you must remain vigilant," Feiying advised, exhaling lightly in relief. "Thankfully, the Beiman haven’t breached Ningzhou. They won’t be able to push past it, nor stage an attack on West State."
That was the greatest advantage of West State’s position as the key stronghold along the Liangma Road—it was relatively secure. The reserves from Huangzhou, West State, and Jinzhou had been consolidated here, now being dispatched in batches to Ningzhou.
"I’ve stationed sentinels along the route. If anything stirs, West State will receive word."
After resting for the night, Feiying’s escort troupe prepared to depart from West State. Nuanyang, deeply concerned, repeatedly urged him to stay cautious. Having grown up together, their bond remained intact despite no longer spending all their time together.
"Don’t worry. Stay by Miss Fengyu’s side and protect her well."
"I know!"
Ruyi’s birthday had passed just two days ago, and large-scale spring farming preparations were now underway. After three consecutive days of downpours in West State, the skies finally cleared. Fengyu and Nangong Heng led the townsfolk to inspect outer farmlands. During planting season, military and civilian efforts aligned; Fengyu even joined the farmers in sowing seeds. With manpower stretched thin, virtually all available labor within West State City had been mobilized for agricultural work.
The weather was gentle; the spring breeze flowed softly.
As several elder farmers shared their wisdom with Fengyu, a group of soldiers suddenly dropped to the ground while sowing seeds, their expressions severe. Fengyu’s chest tightened, "What’s wrong?"
"Miss, a large cavalry unit is heading toward West State," one soldier reported grimly. With Feiying’s escort troupe having departed only three days ago, Ningzhou, despite its extreme war losses, wouldn’t dispatch another group so quickly—it would take at least half a month. And if it wasn’t Ningzhou sending reinforcements, then who was it?
"Could it be someone from Jiaozhou? We sent a letter to Xue Yu asking for assistance with farming," Fengyu speculated. Perhaps Jiaozhou had responded. Surveying the elevated farmland, she soon spotted a squad of black-armored cavalry speeding toward West State City Gate. Black horses, black armor, no banners—their pace unnervingly swift.
A chill ran through Fengyu’s spine. "Quick, close the city gates! Prepare for battle!"
Whether the troops hailed from Ningzhou, West State, or Jinzhou, they’d always lead with flags. These riders, however, showed haste without caution as they approached West State City Gate, a clear indication they were enemies.
Nuanyang swiftly launched the signal. Zhang Meng, Zhang Hu, and Chen Jiangdong, stationed for defense, also noticed the threat. Their immediate concern was that Miss Fengyu was still outside the city. Then they spotted Nuanyang’s signal.
Chen Jiangdong reacted immediately, "Close the city gates! Fire arrows!"
"But Miss Fengyu is still outside!"
"Once the signal is raised, the gates must close—even if the Prince himself were outside, orders must be obeyed!" Chen Jiangdong barked. Fengyu, Nangong Heng, and Nuanyang happened to be on the highlands today, which connected to the mining regions with secret passages into the city.
West State was in the midst of its farming season, and with today’s clear weather, many citizens were working fields outside the city, making it impossible for them to return in time. Chen Jiangdong immediately sounded the alert, blaring the horns while closing the gates, as archers formed a line to rain arrows down on the enemy beneath the ramparts.
Nuanyang spoke in a low voice, "Miss, take the secret passage back to the city. Quickly!"
The enemy likely didn’t realize Fengyu was outside the city; they wouldn’t storm the mountains.