Late September.
Tianchuan City.
Although the news of the epidemic in the North has been blocked, after so long, it’s impossible for no whispers to get out. Coupled with the intentional spread by Jin Xia spies, this news naturally reached the Capital.
In the Fu Ze Restaurant, south of the Capital.
Scholars, poets, and nobles sat around square tables, whispering.
"Have you all heard? An epidemic broke out in Youzhou, killing many people. The Court has sent many Imperial Physicians there."
"Gasp! An epidemic? Is it true? Who told you?"
"That I can’t disclose, but I’ve heard this epidemic is quite ferocious and has spread to Cang and Gao States."
"There’s such a thing, quickly tell us more about it."
The people at the next table, hearing such "explosive news," immediately gathered around, urging the person to elaborate.
But this person wasn’t foolish. He knew that this information was blocked by the Court, so he only revealed it to his friends, trying to show off a bit, but wouldn’t dare tell outsiders for fear of bringing trouble upon himself.
Yet, seeing him unwilling to speak, someone at the next table provoked him with sarcasm.
"What nonsense! An epidemic, you dare say such a thing. If an epidemic truly broke out, how could I not know? My elder brother works in the Court, and he is unaware, yet you know. You’re really making things up. People like you should be arrested by the Government Office."
Upon hearing this, the one who mentioned the outbreak in Youzhou felt either angered or something else, his face flushed red. Being young and hot-headed, and fond of showing off in front of friends, he couldn’t tolerate such mockery and immediately stood up, exclaiming, "Are you calling me a liar?"
"Oh, dear grandson, tell grandpa who taught you to spout such nonsense."
"Haha."
The commotion grew louder, more people gathered, and some even encouraged the fuss.
The young man, already concerned with saving face, couldn’t withstand such provocation and excitement, and eventually shared everything he knew.
Seeing the young man speak with such detail and confidence, it didn’t seem false. Moreover, there had been rumors in the Capital about an epidemic recently, startling the audience who showed astonished expressions.
Noticing everyone’s shock, the young man, feeling somewhat flushed and possessing a great sense of "vanity," continued excitedly, "Do you know where this epidemic initially spread from?"
"It was from Fu Ze Restaurant in Youzhou. There was a problem with the beef and lamb there; almost everyone who ate it got infected, without exception."
"Ugh..."
As his words fell, some of the previously engrossed audience turned pale and immediately bent over, retching.
Some even put fingers down their throat, their faces turning white.
Who wouldn’t order beef and lamb while eating hotpot at Fu Ze Restaurant?
While everyone was panicking in the restaurant, suddenly there was a clamor from the street.
"Emperor of Da Wei’s decree: Bearing the mandate of the Celestial Heaven, ruling the people of the realm... In July, I learned an epidemic broke out in Youzhou, causing the death of over a thousand people, affecting Youzhou, Cang, and Gao States. After investigation, this epidemic originated from Jin Xia. It’s Jin Xia’s conspiracy against our Great Wei. To this day, nearly ten thousand citizens of Great Wei have perished due to the epidemic..."
On the street, a scholar read aloud a notice posted on a wall by the Government Office, surrounded by a large crowd. Hearing his words, their expressions changed.
"Jin Xia is a great threat to the nation, having invaded our Youzhou borders several times, infringing our territory. Now, they again act despicably, spreading an epidemic to Great Wei, harming our people. This is intolerable. I’ve decided to personally lead the expedition against Jin Xia, to announce to the world..."
The scholar finished reading the notice aloud.
The surrounding citizens, informed by the notice of the epidemic breakout in Youzhou and other places, and learning that many people died due to Jin Xia’s intentional spread of the epidemic, were filled with rage. Upon hearing the scholar say that Your Majesty would personally lead the campaign to wipe out Jin Xia for revenge, they all cheered uproariously.
Some men full of valor wished to join the battlefield, spill blood, and kill the enemy.
This news reached inside the restaurant, and upon hearing it, the nauseated customers turned even paler. Initially doubtful, now that the notice was posted, they knew for sure it was 100% true.
For a moment, they tried even harder to induce vomiting.
Fearful that the beef and lamb they consumed was the same as that in Youzhou which caused the epidemic.
In short, after the notice was posted, unveiling the incidents in the North throughout the city, there was a furor, followed by an outpouring of outrage. Everyone strongly supported Your Majesty’s decision to personally lead the invasion of Jin Xia.
Some citizens even went to the Ministry of Revenue, donating money and supplies to the army. The citizens across the city united as one, like a tightly twisted rope.
The Jin Xia spies hiding in the Capital suddenly turned pale and hurriedly sent messages back to Jin Xia.
...
Early October.
Nanyang, Qingzhou.
Under the warm autumn sun, on the training ground, the drums beat thunderously. Ten thousand elite troops of Great Wei, fully armored and equipped with compound bows, horizontal sabers, and round shields, stood in a neat and orderly formation, awaiting General Chang En’s inspection.
On the training ground, flags fluttered, the freshly polished Red Coat Cannons poked their barrels from beneath covered black cloth, lined up neatly on both sides of the army. Together with the solemn and dignified military demeanor, it seemed they could crush any barrier in the world.
Chang En rode a strong steed, with Cui Shuang and other generals standing on either side.
After scanning through the military lineup ahead, Chang En drew the sword from his waist and pointed northward, proclaiming loudly, "The entire army advances!"