33

The northern warfare was intensifying, with Chen Yufeng's forces struggling to resist hard. Yang Chen had already instructed one of his generals, Qi Yue, to secretly aid Chen Yufeng. Additionally, he directed Wang Lei to not only monitor activity from Wasoku islands but also to be prepared at all times for a vigorous counterattack should the Wasoku navy show signs of aggression. He also informed the Liao family in the south to keep watch over other islands where Wasoku forces might be present.

Currently Yang Chen spent most of his time stationed at the naval headquarter, constantly monitoring the situation in the north and at sea. Despite the short distance between the headquarters and Yucheng, two hours driving, he only met Zhou Di once a week, spending just one night before returning to headquarter early the next morning. However, within less than 48 hours, Yang Chen received a report from Wang Lei that Wasoku navy had set sail eastward.

Yang Chen ordered Wang Lei to block them at all costs and to mobilize various resources swiftly in preparation for war. At the same time, he also reported the situation to Yang Tianhu, who had enacted wartime production and resource allocation policies. Yang Tianhu also specifically ordered that all males over 16 years old in the Yang family must be ready to go to the front lines at any time. Finally, Yang Chen learned of the news that Chen Yutian's wife had suddenly passed away due to illness. Chen Shubing sent the obituary to all of the warlords and significant figures, specifying the time of the funeral. Yang Chen asked Yang Tianhu over the phone:

"Why is it Chen Shubing to send the obituary to all of you?"

"According to my private information, it is very suspicious for Mrs. Chen's death. She was fine the day before, but the next morning it was announced that she had passed away. What's even stranger was that Chen Yutian had remained silent on this matter until now, leaving everything controlled by Chen Shubing."

Yang Chen inquired further:

"Isn't Chen Shubing in Shengjing? Why did he return to Liaozhou at this time?"

"I don't know. What I know was that he returned to Liaozhou suddenly. How about on Chen Yufeng's side? Do you have any news about him?"

"I had spoken with him three days ago. He is still fighting tooth and nail. I have sent 5,000 soldiers to him secretly, hoping to assist him secretly. Dad, I have a bad feeling that the Chen family is in trouble."

"Yes, I share the same feeling. It is crucial for you to ensure the safety of your persons there. The top priority is self-preservation. Those who have been exposed there should retreat, while those who remain hidden should continue to conceal themselves. I got the news that one of our persons was killed there."

Yang Chen knew that his father had his own networks of informants across the country. Although Yang Chen also knew about these people, he lacked the authority and capability to give them orders. Their true allegiance lay solely with Yang Tianhu. Unless Yang Tianhu passed away, they would only obey the commands from the patriarch of the Yang family. These people were said to be deeply embedded across various positions in the country and would only be activated when absolutely necessary. 

"Don't worry. I have instructed them to prioritize caution and self-defense first. Fang Yu is in charge of everything in Liaozhou and Zhao Hai is the leader in the entire northern region. Where exactly was our person killed? And who killed him?"

"He was killed by Chen Yutian in Liaozhou but it occurred after Chen Shubing's arrival in Liaozhou and the raid on one of my covert location. This person was killed while trying to escape."

"Dad, we need to prepare for both scenarios. While you are in Qudu, you need to keep a close watch on the north. I'll handle things in the east. Let's make the necessary arrangements! Yang Jing should ramp up the production of rifles and expedite the replacement of our weaponry."

"Chen, I think you should understand. If the Chen family really turns agains us, I hope they'll at least remain neutral. As soon as it is only Wasoku, I can hold the line here. But if the Chen family allies with Wasoku and supports them, that would pose a significant threat for us, given Wasoku their knowledge of our strengths and weaknesses."

"I see. If it comes to that, Dad, I will stay in the east, and you should fortify the final defense line. In addition I am still concerned about the Feng family in the west. Despite our contract with each other, I have reservations about Feng Xiao. A leopard can't change its spots. The character of Feng Xiao is to exploit misfortunes for his own gain. If he acts on that impulse, we'll be in serious danger." 

"Let's hope for the best. I have just finished a phone call with Liao Feng, who assured me that the south is our stronghold."

"I don't believe in heresy. I refuse to believe that we, the people in our country, would tolerate the intrusion of Wasoku. There will definitely be many who will rise up to resist Wasoku. I will never give up."

Yang Tianhu pondered for a moment before saying:

"My son, you are my pride but be careful not just for your parents but also for the people of the entire country. Don't worry. As long as I am here, I will always be your rear."

"Dad, what are your plans for Mrs Chen's funeral?"

Yang Tianhu chuckled over the phone and replied:

"If the obituary had been announced by Chen Yutian, maybe I would have considered it more. But since it was announced by Chen Shubing, it is easier for me to handle. I will send someone to Liaozhou to offer condolences and also to gauge Chen Yutian's intention."

"I understand. Dad, please tell mom I am fine and not to worry about me. Also Suqiao. Please tell Zichun that I love him."

Yang Tianhu reassured Yang Chen:

"Don't worry, my child. Take care of yourself."

In addition to strengthening the navy, Yang Chen also fortified defenses on land, especially along the coastline, to prevent Wasoku frogmen from landing and causing disruption. He issued various orders to all the commanders. Amidst the hustle and bustle of deploying tactics based on constantly received various information, two more days passed, and Yang Chen could only find time to catch a nap. Usually, Yang Zaihua would try not to disturb him during his rest. But on this particular day, someone's arrival compelled Yang Zaihua to wake Yang Chen. Upon seeing that it was Fang Yu, who appeared dishevelled and exhausted, looking like a beggar with tattered clothes. He asked Fang Fu immediately:

"Fang Yu, how are you? Are you alright?"

Fang Yu said wearily:

"Young Marshal, please, give me something to eat first. I don't have eaten and slept in two days."

Yang Chen instructed:

"No problem. Zaihua, prepare some food for him. Fang Yu, take a rest first then let's talk more."

Fang Yu insisted:

"Don't need, Young Marshal. Just give me some food first, can I report to you while I eat, alright?"

"Do as you wish."

As Fang Yu ate, he began to report:

"It happened half a month ago. Chen Shubing suddenly returned to Liaozhou from Shengjing without any explanation. Of course, there was nothing strange about this, after all, it was his home. Apart from this, it was odd that Chen Yutian didn't have shown in public for a long time. But just two days after Chen Shubing's arrival in Liaozhou, Mrs. Chen passed away due to illness. However, I saw this lady just the day before at Dexiang Teahouse, looking perfectly healthy despite her age. Yet, the next day, the news of her death spread. Rumors on the street suggested she may have been poisoned, but there was no concrete evidence. Chen Shubing quickly issued the obituary. I found it strange that it was announced by Chen Shubing, not Chen Yutian. So, a few of us investigated separately. Unfortunately, one of our men was discovered and shot dead while fleeing. However, we did manage to get news about Chen Yutian. He suffered a stroke, but Chen Shubing kept this news under wraps. What's even more surprising is that Chen Shuzhang, the third son of Chen Yutian's, had gone missing."

Yang Chen inquired:

"When did he go missing?"

Fang Yu explained:

"On the same day Mrs. Chen passed away. Chen Shubing used the pretext of searching for spies to look for his younger brother both inside and outside the city. Now no one knows whether Chen Shuzhang has been captured or not. We only learned about this later."

Yang Chen inquired:

"What about the eldest son of the Chen family, Chen Shuyu? His mother passed away, yet there is no word from him?"

Fang Yu replied:

"He is on his way to Liaozhou."

After absorbing all of this information, Yang Chen fell into contemplation and said:

"It seems like the Chen family is about to undergo changes. Chen Shuyu is in danger. Is there any other news?"

"Chen Shubing is going mad. He's begun hunting for spies in Liaozhou, and I believe it won't be long before his search extends to the entire northern region. I've informed Zhao Hai. Hopefully, he could alert those who have been exposed to escape from there as quickly as possible and those who don't have been exposed should cease all activities and go into hiding. Avoid contact with anyone unless absolutely necessary."

"Good job! Is there any news from Chen Yufeng?"

"No. I don't have heard any news about him. I assume he's too focused on the war to concern himself with Liaozhou's affairs."

"Anything else?"

"That's all I know for now. I saw many soldiers rushing towards our secret location so I had no choice but to flee over the wall. I hid myself until nightfall and escaped Liaozhou by climbing onto a coal truck. It took me five days to get here."

"Get some rest. Zaihua has arranged everything for you."

"Thank you, Young Marshal."

Alone in the room, Yang Chen fell into deep thought. After a while, He muttered to himself:

"Uncle Chen, you must hold on. I am relying on you to deploy my troops."