Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 229 Returning to the Miao Territory

Lan Fenghuang's devotion and allegiance were like a boulder thrown into the deep waters of Yunwu Ridge, the ripples spreading at an astonishing speed throughout the entire southwestern Miao region. When Chen Xing and his group returned to the Flying Tiger Pass camp with Lan Fenghuang, the first wave of feedback from within the Miao region had already arrived through the Baiyue Sect's unique communication methods.

When Jia Wen, Chen Wei, and the others who stayed behind at the camp first heard that His Majesty the Emperor had not only returned safely but also brought back the mysterious Miao holy woman, who had led the Baiyue sect to submit, they were both surprised and delighted. They quickly adjusted their mindset to welcome this new "ally" and "subordinate" with a special identity.

Lan Fenghuang did not put on airs of a saint in the camp; instead, she maintained a strong curiosity and desire to learn about everything. She carefully inspected the camp layout and praised the military discipline of the Xingqi Army. She showed great interest in the pacification documents that Lin Wan'er was in charge of, and even offered to help identify some vague letters of intent from the southwest. She also looked with great interest at the logistics accounts that Su Xiaoxiao was in charge of. Although she was not very good with numbers, she keenly pointed out several medicinal herbs produced in Miao areas that could be used for detoxification or insect repellent. If they could be purchased steadily, they would be of great benefit to the army's operations in the south.

Her intelligence, agility, and pragmatism quickly won the favor of most of the civil and military officials in the camp. Of course, some people felt a little uncomfortable with the occasional sound of her silver bells, the harmless little insects that occasionally crawled out of her sleeves, and her overly clear eyes that seemed to see through people's hearts. However, seeing the naturalness and subtle closeness she showed when she was with His Majesty the Emperor, these small feelings of unease were quickly suppressed.

What truly demonstrated the power of "returning to the Miao region" were the concrete actions reported from the southwest in the following days.

First, Yang Zheng's trapped troops were completely relieved and restored. Elders of the Baiyue sect arrived promptly with a highly effective antidote, quickly curing most of the soldiers suffering from the miasma infestation. They also directed their followers to clear several key insect nests and natural mazes around Yunwu Ridge. Yang Zheng's troops were able to safely withdraw from the danger zone and, guided by the Baiyue sect members, chose a relatively safe new route that bypassed the sect's core "holy land" to continue their strategic deterrence mission in the Lingnan direction. The threat to their southwestern flank that had plagued them for days was completely eliminated in one fell swoop.

Immediately afterwards, in the name of Lan Fenghuang, several "Holy Maiden Edicts" bearing the special seal of the Baiyue Religion were sent by fast horse to major villages in Miao territory and tribes associated with the Baiyue Religion. In the edicts, Lan Fenghuang clearly and firmly stated her decision to submit to the Xingqi Empire and cooperate with the court for common development. She demanded that all tribes cease all hostile actions against the Xingqi Royal Army and instead provide convenience and assistance. She also promised that the court would respect Miao customs, protect the interests of all tribes, open trade routes, and impart advanced agricultural and medical techniques.

Initially, not all tribes immediately obeyed. Some remote villages or those less connected to the Baiyue religion adopted a wait-and-see attitude, while a few chieftains, either secretly instigated by the Southern Dynasty or with long-standing grudges against the Han government, expressed doubts. However, Lan Fenghuang held immense prestige in Miao territory, and the "Holy Maiden's" decree itself carried significant weight. Furthermore, Chen Xing, following Lan Fenghuang's advice, immediately sent the first batch of tangible "gifts" in the name of the imperial court to several of the largest villages that had initially pledged allegiance: salt, iron farm tools, high-quality cotton cloth, and grain seeds personally selected by Lan Fenghuang and suitable for local cultivation. Simultaneously, it was announced that the first official "border market" would be established on the edge of Miao territory, jointly managed by officials appointed by the imperial court and local chieftains, ensuring fair trade.

Tangible benefits are far more persuasive than empty promises or threats of force. Soon, more and more villages sent envoys, carrying local gifts and documents of allegiance, to the Flying Tiger Pass camp or directly to Yang Zheng's temporary encampment. In the southwestern mountains, the hostility and obstruction against the Xingqi Army quickly dissipated, replaced by a cautious welcome and tentative cooperation.

To Chen Xing and Jia Wen's even greater surprise, Lan Fenghuang offered to select a group of warriors from the various Miao tribes that had submitted to her, skilled in climbing, infiltration, identifying poisonous creatures, driving away insects and snakes, and familiar with the mountains and forests of the southwest, to form a special "mountain elite force." This force would be directly incorporated into the Xingqi Army and trained by her personally or by a capable Baiyue instructor. They would specialize in mountain reconnaissance, combat in special terrains, and dealing with the poisonous tricks that the enemy might use.

"Your Majesty's ambition lies in conquering the world. Future battles will not necessarily be fought on plains and rivers. The southwest, Lingnan, and even further south are densely forested and plagued by miasma, making it difficult for ordinary northern soldiers to adapt. My Miao people were born and raised here, and are naturally suited to this path. If we can train such an army for Your Majesty, it will surely become a sharp and unexpected weapon in Your Majesty's hands." When Lan Fenghuang proposed this to Chen Xing, her eyes shone with confidence and expectation.

Chen Xing readily agreed. This not only meant acquiring a highly distinctive auxiliary force, but more importantly, it represented a crucial step in promoting ethnic integration and strengthening the imperial court's control over the southwest by incorporating the Miao warriors into the imperial military system. He immediately appointed Lan Fenghuang to take full charge of the matter and instructed Chen Wei to select experienced officers from the army to assist in the training.

In just over ten days, the situation in Miao territory has drastically changed. What was once a hostile and treacherous place has become a rear base that can support the empire's southern campaign. The Cloud Mist Ridge, which had troubled Yang Zheng for days, has now become one of the channels through which the Xingqi Army can infiltrate Lingnan; the medicine and poison techniques of the Baiyue sect are being transformed into effective means for the army to prevent and control epidemics in the south; and the Miao mountain warriors who are about to form an army will be an important supplement to future campaigns.

That evening, Chen Xing and Lan Fenghuang stood side by side on the fortress wall of Feihu Pass, gazing at the vast mountains to the west. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky into a magnificent brocade, and also reflected on Lan Fenghuang's exquisite and mysterious profile.

"Phoenix, you deserve immense credit for the Miao people's smooth return to the country this time," Chen Xing said sincerely. "I never expected you to have such courage and decisiveness."

Lan Fenghuang turned to look at Chen Xing, her eyes gleaming in the setting sun: "If Your Majesty hadn't first won me over with your strength, wisdom, and heart, showing me a truly bright path, how could I have dared to act on my own and entrust the future of countless people to you? Your Majesty is the true 'cause,' and I was merely going with the flow." She paused, her voice softening, "Moreover... I also want Your Majesty to see that my Baiyue sect, my Miao people, are not just good at playing tricks and obstructing others' paths. We can also contribute to Your Majesty's peaceful reign."

Chen Xing felt a warmth in his heart and gently patted her shoulder: "I saw it. Your strength is unique and very important. After pacifying Jiangnan, I will definitely record a significant chapter in the history books for the Baiyue Sect and for you, Lan Fenghuang."

Two faint blushes rose on Lan Fenghuang's face, not because of her achievements, but because of Chen Xing's natural and intimate gestures and words. She lowered her head, casually fiddling with the silver bell on her wrist, and said softly, "History records and such... Fenghuang doesn't care. As long as Your Majesty remembers that in these Cloud Mist Mountains, there is a woman named Lan Fenghuang who truly believed that Your Majesty could realize that dream and was willing to do her best for it, that's enough."

A gentle evening breeze carried the unique moisture and fresh scent of grass and trees characteristic of the South. On the fortress walls, the emperor's expectations and the saintess's admiration quietly intertwined in the afterglow of the setting sun. The heart of Miao territory had already submitted; and unknowingly, a young girl's heart was bound to the emperor who held the world in his heart.