He had not expected that the message received yesterday would lead to the Prince standing before him today. He had originally thought it would take at least five or six more days.
He couldn't help but admire the Prince, truly remarkable!
He immediately rose and handed over the compiled list of supplies.
"These items have already been inventoried by my men and can be sent to the camp immediately. While the quantity is not vast, it should suffice for two months."
For a large-scale military campaign, provisions and medicine were paramount.
These were the first items Wen Zhonghe had organized. As for other supplies, he would expedite their processing in the next couple of days.
The Ding Wang Army had provided significant support to Shuzhou during its most difficult times. Moreover, with war looming, the Ding Wang Army was defending the common people and land behind them.
Wen Zhonghe naturally had to set an example, showing both officials and citizens that while the soldiers risked their lives on the front lines, they could not falter in their duties.
With the current supplies in the military camp, combined with these, the Ding Wang Army would be able to sustain itself for half a year. Furthermore, with the provisions Yang Zhao was responsible for transporting, they could engage in a prolonged war once those arrived.
However, the Prince did not intend to wait for the enemy to attack. The best course of action would be to incite internal conflict among them and watch the struggle from the riverbank.
If it truly came to a desperate fight, the battlefield would have to be shifted to enemy territory.
At that time, the transportation of provisions might become troublesome, hence his need for a rapid bridge-building method.
When he mentioned this, Wen Zhonghe frowned slightly.
The Xishui River was a natural barrier, and building a bridge across it would be extremely difficult.
The place where the Ding Wang Army had clashed with the Southern Yue army years ago was actually elsewhere; they had all chosen to bypass the Xishui River, which illustrated the immense challenge.
"Regarding this matter, go and consult Bai Shanwei and the people from the Chi family. Perhaps they might have a solution."
Wen Zhonghe nodded. After witnessing the capabilities of Chi Zimo and Bai Shanwei, it was difficult to believe they wouldn't come up with an idea, so it was worth a try.
Upon returning to the military camp, Yang Xu was already waiting in the main tent.
Seeing Xiao Tingyi return, he immediately called out, "Your Highness."
"Have you rested well?"
"Yes, Your Highness, your presence makes me sleep more soundly."
"Good. Then issue an order for the mess hall to slaughter cattle and chickens to reward the entire army. Everyone has been too tense these past days; it's time to relax."
Yang Xu did not understand the reason for this action, but he possessed an innate sense of obedience towards the Prince, so he immediately went to relay the order.
Upon receiving the news, the mess hall staff's spirits soared. Each of them was eager to showcase their skills, and as a result, an unusual aroma of cooking food spread through the camp.
The soldiers' appetites were whetted, and everyone wondered why the General had given such an order, even suspecting it might be a farewell feast before a major battle.
Alas, the strict military regulations of the Ding Wang Army prohibited alcohol. Otherwise, a feast of meat accompanied by strong liquor would have been truly satisfying!
In the main tent, Xu Lin silently observed Xiao Tingyi, while Xiao Tingyi was engrossed in the military map.
Even though he had studied this map for many years, he still seemed unable to get enough of it.
"Your Highness, Young Master Bai has arrived."
"Let him in."
Xiao Tingyi was not surprised by Bai Shanwei's arrival, but he hadn't expected him so soon.
As the man entered, Xiao Tingyi, without even raising his eyelids, asked, "Have you thought of a solution?"
"Your Highness's foresight is truly divine!"
"What is the method?"
"The Chi family has a type of curtain-ship. These vessels have retractable iron curtain doors on both sides, which can be interlocked. They are not only stable in the water but also allow carts to move with great ease. I've calculated that thirteen curtain-ships linked together would be needed to span the entire Xishui River. The Chi family head sent twenty of them last time, and they are docked in the lower reaches of the Luo River. If they operate at full capacity, they can reach the place where Your Highness wants to transport supplies in half a day!"
"Excellent. The Chi family truly possesses great skill. Learn from them diligently; these are all things that benefit the nation and its people."
With a gleam in his eyes, Bai Shanwei immediately understood.
"Your Highness, rest assured. I have already drawn up most of the blueprints for these ships. If they are modified, they might even be usable as fast submarine warships, thereby greatly enhancing the might of our dynasty's navy!"
Xiao Tingyi smiled with satisfaction. Dealing with intelligent people was always effortless.
Before he had even spoken, the other party had already taken the initiative.
If everyone possessed Bai Shanwei's foresight, then perhaps the eternal stability of the Great Jin dynasty would no longer be a mere wish.
"Indeed. Then this matter will be entrusted to you. If I require them, these provisions and medicinal herbs must be delivered to the other side within two days!"
Taking a list from the Prince, Bai Shanwei glanced at it and then nodded in agreement.
After arranging these matters, Bai Shanwei, understanding protocol, left the military camp. Yang Xu, who had been assisting with disaster relief in Shuzhou these past days, was aware of Bai Shanwei's reputation.
"The Bai family truly produces a wealth of talent. In time, his achievements will not be less than those of Prime Minister Bai."
He was not one to speak excessively, but when he encountered someone he genuinely admired, he would offer particular appreciation.
Outside, the air was filled with fragrant aromas, while inside the tent, several individuals began to discuss strategies to repel the enemy.
At this moment, Emperor Qi, far away in the Eastern Capital, whether he sensed the instability of his empire or not, the situation was showing signs of improvement.
He could now eat a small bowl of rice these past two days, though he remained gaunt.
When lucid, he could discuss the situation with the Crown Prince, but during his bouts of confusion, he appeared so weak as if he might breathe his last at any moment.
There had been plans to arrange a marriage between the Xu and Feng families to bring good fortune, but this had now been postponed due to the war.
In the face of national crisis, who could dare to hold a wedding banquet with peace of mind?
Thus, the Empress abandoned this idea and spent her days in the inner palace, alternating between praying for blessings and performing rituals.
The imperial consorts, to show their sincerity, also joined in, and the inner palace at this moment did not resemble a harem but rather a place of worship or a temple.
The Feng family, ever since Feng Jinxu returned, had been recuperating at home.
His leg had been deliberately injured, with the renowned physician Zhang personally attending to it and then making it appear as an old wound, thus causing him considerable suffering.
Madam Wen, seeing her long-awaited husband finally return, was too overjoyed to speak.
Upon discovering his leg injury, she supervised his medication and wound dressing daily, even changing his diet to one that was beneficial for wound recovery, rich in nutrients.
Fortunately, Feng Jinxu was not a person who indulged excessively in food, so he did not find his meals unpalatable.
After his promotion, he remained at home recuperating, enjoying a rare period of leisure.
At times, he would oversee Yunli's studies; at others, he would play with his beloved daughter, and he was very affectionate with Madam Wen.
Seeing the harmonious life of their eldest branch, Feng Er became extremely envious.
He ran to Feng Jinyao's courtyard to "pour out his grievances."
"I hope Your Highness will return victorious soon, and the people of the southwest will live in peace."
"Second Brother, you don't want to delay your wedding with Sister Xu, do you?"