Thinking of this, Xiao Jingyun immediately ordered the city gates to be opened, allowing Prince Liu's personal guards to enter the city to rest. He then hurried back to his own Crown Prince's Palace. He was still regent, and some matters did not require consultation with his father; he could act directly.
After the civil and military officials arrived, Xiao Jingyun first asked Tian Wenhao, "Lord Tian, how are the military supplies being prepared? At least three months' worth for our 200,000-strong army needs to be ready."
Tian Wenhao bowed and replied, "Your Highness, please rest assured. Supplies from Jizhou are being transported continuously, and all the provisions will arrive at Wannian City within three to five days at the latest."
Xiao Jingyun, however, looked grave and shook his head slightly.
"We likely cannot wait three to five days. If Zhu Meng leads his forces on a detour to besiege Wannian City, they could arrive in two days at most."
Upon hearing this, Tian Wenhao grimaced. "Your Highness, transporting supplies is not the same as a forced march. It cannot be rushed. Even traveling day and night, it would still take three days."
Xiao Jingyun nodded at this, not blaming Tian Wenhao. He knew Tian Wenhao had done his best.
Therefore, Xiao Jingyun had to find a way to buy Tian Wenhao some time.
He lowered his head and studied the map for a long time, finally discovering a crucial point. If the Great Earth Kingdom bypassed Cross Slope, they would inevitably have to go south, traverse several mountains, and then cross the Great Qing River before reaching the main road. Thus, controlling the Great Qing River would give them the advantage.
His only hope now was that, in the harsh winter month, the Great Qing River would not be frozen too thick. If the ice on the river could not bear the weight of people, the enemy's crossing would be delayed, buying him a day or two, which would be enough for Tian Wenhao.
With this in mind, Xiao Jingyun took out his token and looked at his subordinate, Zhao Chun.
"Zhao Chun, listen."
Zhao Chun immediately stepped forward and knelt, saying, "Please instruct me, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"I order you to take 30,000 troops to the Great Qing River. Establish defenses along the route and be sure to hold back the Great Earth Kingdom's army for two days, to buy time for Tian Wenhao to transport the provisions."
Zhao Chun bowed, accepted the token, and turned to leave.
Then, Xiao Jingyun turned to another person, "Xue Feng, what is the progress of the various reinforcement troops?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, due to the deep winter season, the march is slow. The fastest reinforcements will take at least a month to arrive."
Xiao Jingyun was not surprised by this answer. He nodded lightly. "We were caught unprepared initially, and sudden reinforcements take time. Therefore, we must hold on for at least a month until the reinforcements arrive."
Xue Feng bowed and remained silent.
Xiao Jingyun surveyed everyone present, his tone becoming grave, "Everyone, our top priority is to transport as much provisions and supplies as possible into the city before the Great Head Kingdom arrives."
"Although the nearest reinforcements will arrive in a month, we need provisions for at least three months."
Everyone accepted the orders and went about their tasks. Xiao Jingyun changed his clothes and went to see his father.
Emperor Xiao An was strolling in the courtyard. He had been much more leisurely since handing over the affairs of state to his son.
Seeing Xiao Jingyun arrive, Xiao An waved his hand. The accompanying eunuchs and palace maids bowed and withdrew, leaving only Xiao Shunzi.
Xiao Jingyun stepped forward and paid his respects to his father. Xiao An smiled and beckoned him to sit, pointing to a nearby chair.
"Sit down. Xiao Shunzi, fetch some tea."
Xiao Shunzi also turned and left, leaving only the father and son.
Xiao An looked at Xiao Jingyun, his expression becoming serious. "You look troubled. I presume the battles on the front lines are not going well!"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Zhu Meng is a great problem for us. I left men to confront him at Cross Slope, but he led his forces around the Great Qing River."
"Based on the travel distance, the Great Earth Kingdom's army will likely be at our gates in a few days."
Xiao Jingyun's words were met with a nod from Xiao An. "Didn't you say that after the Four Spirits Eight Trigrams Formation was mastered, you could hold out for several months?"
"Your Majesty, what I meant was that holding out is one thing, but we must also have other options."
Xiao Jingyun's statement made Xiao An understand. As the saying goes, a cunning rabbit has three burrows; he was reminding himself that they could not solely rely on holding Wannian City and needed an alternative.
With this thought, Xiao An nodded slightly.
"Are you saying we need to find another place to stay?"
Xiao Jingyun nodded. "Your Majesty, although I am currently regent, you are the Emperor, and the heart of the people of Great Cang lies with you."
Xiao An remained silent at his son's words. His son's meaning was clear: Xiao Jingyun wanted to ensure his absolute safety, but he was already advanced in age.
"My son, I am old now. There are things I truly cannot do, even if asked. Perhaps it would be best if I take command of the city defense, and you lead the troops to withdraw."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun repeatedly waved his hands. "Your Majesty, you are the Emperor, and I am merely your Crown Prince. Furthermore, our younger sister will also be arriving soon."
At this, Xiao An frowned. "What? Jingfeng is also returning!"
Xiao Jingyun clasped his hands. "Your Majesty, please forgive me for relaying the message on your behalf. Jingfeng is expected to arrive today!"
Xiao An walked back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back.
"Even Jingfeng is rushing back. If I were to leave Wannian City alone, the common people would likely laugh at me."
After speaking, he waved his hand. Xiao Jingyun, helpless, could only bow and withdraw.
Since his father did not wish to leave, Xiao Jingyun felt he had done all he could. What happened next was beyond his control.
While Wannian City was bustling with activity, in Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei also finally began his day's work.
He had been too exhausted the previous night. Cui Hongyu had brought him breakfast in his room.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei in such a state, Cui Hongyu's heart ached. She went forward, helped him dress, and softly asked, "Brother Xiaobei, you must not overexert yourself like this again."
Chen Xiaobei grinned and looked at Cui Hongyu. Just as he was about to speak, Cui Hongyu's expression turned serious, devoid of any smile.
Chen Xiaobei then suddenly realized that Cui Hongyu was a doctor.
This was a conversation between a doctor and a patient.
He quickly suppressed his smile. "Alright, I understand. Don't worry, it won't happen again."
Hearing his words, Cui Hongyu nodded with satisfaction. "The food is on the table. Hurry up and eat after you wash up. I need to get to work."
With that, she turned and left. Watching Cui Hongyu depart, Chen Xiaobei shook his head helplessly. From Cui Hongyu's words, he had sensed a hint of jealousy.