Chapter 776 - 40: Turbulent Hearts, Central Piece in the Game

Western Xia, Xingqing Prefecture.

The reports concerning market rumors and unusual activities by Song merchants quickly piled up on Prime Minister Meisang E Pang’s desk.

"Another psychological attack!"

Staring at those memorials, Meisang E Pang’s eyebrows were tightly knitted, and his expression became extremely grim.

The situation had escalated to this point, how could he not perceive the underlying issues?

This insidious and precise method, was there anyone else besides the Gu Clan, famed for such psychological warfare?

In response, he had already taken various measures, strictly prohibiting the spread of rumors and even dealing with a few petty officials who indulged in gossip.

But the saying went – no matter what he did, no matter how fiercely he emphasized in court his absolute enmity with the Gu Clan, claiming no collusion, it was all in vain in the end.

He was not of the Gu Clan; within the Western Xia, he relied on political maneuvers and family alliances, not the near-mythical prestige of the Gu Clan.

The trust from commoners and nobility toward him was conditional, its foundation far from solid!

Not to mention those from the Liao; they would only delight in seeing cracks within Western Xia.

He couldn’t control the thoughts of other nobles within Xingqing Prefecture, or even those of the royal family.

Especially those families that originally had close trade relations with the Song merchants, seemingly benefiting from the concessions this time, yet actually suffering losses due to possible disruptions in future trade.

Once the seeds of suspicion take root, they quietly grow in the fertile ground of power.

Days later, during a military council meeting, this suspicion manifested into tangible pressure.

A noble general, typically at odds with the Meisang Clan, spoke slyly during discussions about reinforcing Huanqing: "Prime Minister, the frontline soldiers are fighting for their lives, and General Renduo is shedding blood in battle."

"But... there are all sorts of rumors flying around the rear, inevitably shaking the army’s morale."

"If we don’t clarify the situation, the soldiers may not fight with peace of mind; and should the Liao misunderstand because of this, wouldn’t that be even worse?"

Though pretending concern, every word was an implication, tying possible failures at the frontline with the "rumors" at the rear, subtly placing Meisang E Pang in a position of potential misunderstanding.

Fury boiled inside Meisang E Pang, yet he was forced to suppress it.

He knew any extreme reaction at this moment would be seen as a guilty conscience.

After a moment of silence, he could only say in a deep voice: "Whether the Liao misunderstand depends on whether our frontline can attain victory!"

"As long as Ren Duo Baozhong can take Qingjian City, all rumors will dissolve!"

"Pass down the order, urge all divisions to intensify the offensive, and make sure to take Qingjian before the Liao can make a breakthrough!"

He had no choice but to do so.

Withdrawing now would not only render previous efforts futile, confirming the allegations of cowardice, but would also justify the attacks from his political enemies.

He could only hope for a swift and decisive victory to silence everyone and vindicate himself.

However, when this seemingly desperate order reached the hands of Ren Duo Baozhong at the frontline, it caused the seasoned commander to furrow his brow.

He did not feel inspired but sensed an invisible pressure and distrust from the rear.

The Prime Minister had... been cornered by rumors to such a state?

Such orders that disregard casualties and only seek quick victory pleased the younger generation, yet gave the commander, who deeply understood the resilience of the Song Army, a sense of foreboding.

But the military orders were like mountains; Ren Duo Baozhong could only suppress his doubts and throw more of the cavalry and infantry into vigorous attacks on Qingjian City and its surrounding fortresses.

Instantly, the assault by the Western Xia forces became even more ferocious.

Yet, it was still the same saying.

All of this was ultimately futile.

How could Western Xia’s military power compare to that of the Great Song?

Moreover, the system implemented by the Gu Clan now utilized every experienced soldier to the fullest!

Even if Western Xia launched a full-scale attack.

It was impossible to breach the Song Army’s defenses immediately.

Though the canal transportation issues were yet to be entirely resolved, under the military’s logistical system, the pressure on front-line supplies wasn’t as great as imagined.

And all this suddenly became sensitive in the eyes of those with an agenda.

– Human nature is capricious, and the wise overthink.

"Western Xia’s pretense here is merely to numb us, to have us believe that they truly haven’t allied with the Great Song!"

Countless people first came to this conclusion.

Liao, Central Capital.

When the report of Western Xia’s fierce assault being thwarted and the Song Army’s persistent resistance was received, discussions erupted in the court.

North Court Vice Director of the Secretariat Yelv Renxian stepped forward immediately, speaking passionately: "Your Majesty! The Western rebels’ failure to take Qingjian City clearly shows they’re not giving their all!"

"They must be in collusion with the Song, pretending to lull our forces!"

"I request Your Majesty to issue a decree, to sternly question Xingqing Prefecture and order Marshal Xiao Hui to adjust the deployment immediately to prevent any unforeseen events!"

Another minister was even more radical: "Your Majesty, the Western Xia are treacherous! Instead of waiting for their betrayal, we should strike first, at the very least tear up the alliance, and withdraw our troops to avoid fetching chestnuts from the fire for them!"

On the dragon throne, Yelv Zongzhen’s face was as calm as water, his fingers gently tapping the armrest.

He too was filled with suspicions about Western Xia.

But as the ruler of the country,

He had to maintain absolute rationality, as the current situation was already grim; he could not afford to be too impulsive.

Especially since the strategist this time was from the Gu Clan!

He recalled the means of past figures from the Gu Clan, especially their skill in psychological tactics, and their ability to hear thunder in silence.