The Second World in Ancient Times

I stood in the empty Fengyi Palace, gazing at the flickering candlelight, my thoughts already drifting to the battlefield thousands of miles away. Ever since the king personally led the army, every inch of the air in this palace seemed filled with tension and worry.

"Jinshu, what do you think His Majesty is doing right now? Is he discussing battle strategies with the generals in the tent again?" I asked the female official beside me softly.

Jinshu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and will surely lead the soldiers to deal with any situation. Don't worry too much, and take care of your health."

I smiled wryly. "How can I not be worried? He's your Majesty, my husband, and the monarch of this country. He's fighting on the front lines, facing danger every moment."

In order to stabilize the harem, I would summon the concubines every day to give them a lecture.

"Sisters, His Majesty is now fighting outside, and we are in the harem. Although we cannot go into the battlefield to kill the enemy, we must also do our duties. We must not cause any trouble at this time, otherwise, I will not let you off easily." I glanced at everyone sternly.

One of the concubines said cautiously, "Your Majesty, we understand. But the worry in our hearts is hard to dispel."

I softened my tone, "So am I. But we must trust His Majesty and the soldiers of our dynasty. Everyone can pray for His Majesty and the soldiers more often, and ask God to bless them with a safe return."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The concubines responded in unison.

I was always looking forward to the battle reports from the front line. Every time I heard the footsteps of someone delivering the message, my heart would suddenly tighten.

That day, Wanqing came running over, holding the battle report in her hand: "Your Majesty, the battle report is here."

I hurriedly took it. It read, "Your Majesty personally led the army in fierce battles with the barbarians for several days. Our morale was high, but the barbarians, relying on the terrain, put up a tenacious resistance. The two sides reached a stalemate, and our soldiers suffered a few casualties."

I frowned. "What should we do? A stalemate will only make the soldiers more exhausted and increase casualties."

I immediately summoned several of the court's wives and said to them, "Sisters, the battle on the front lines has reached a stalemate. I want you to go back and inform your families, so they can quickly devise a strategy to defeat the enemy, and then come to the palace to discuss it with me. Every citizen has a share of responsibility for the fate of their nation, and now is the time for us all to work together."

The ministers' wives all nodded, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. We will definitely convey your message."

While awaiting the outcome of the ministers' deliberations, I went to the harem's Buddhist temple. Kneeling before the statue, I clasped my hands together and prayed devoutly, "Buddha, please bless Your Majesty with safety and protect our soldiers to victory. If you can bring an early end to this war and restore peace to the people, I will shorten my life in prayer."

Jinshu whispered softly, "Your Majesty, please don't be like this. His Majesty and the soldiers will surely be blessed."

I slowly stood up. "I hope so. I am truly distraught and wish I could fly to His Majesty's side right now to help him through this difficult time."

Not long after, several ministers, led by their female relatives, came into the palace to see me.

A minister said respectfully, "Your Majesty, after consultation, we believe we can attack the barbarians from behind and cut off their supply lines. This will cause great disarray in their army, giving us the opportunity to achieve victory."

I pondered for a moment: "Although this plan is good, the circuitous route is bound to be fraught with danger. Can our soldiers reach their destination safely?"

Another minister said, "Your Majesty, this is indeed a problem. But we can select a small group of elite troops, led by guides familiar with the terrain, and take the enemy by surprise."

I nodded. "This matter requires further consideration. I will inform His Majesty of this plan and let him make the final decision. My Lords, please return home. If you have any new ideas, please feel free to report back to the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty." After the ministers left, I immediately wrote a letter, informing the king in detail of the ministers' plan and expressing my thoughts and concerns in the letter.

"Jinshu, you must find a reliable messenger to deliver this letter to the front line as soon as possible and hand it to His Majesty." I instructed.

Jinshu took the order and left.

Days passed, and I was still busy in the harem. I organized the palace maids to sew cotton clothes for the soldiers on the front line and prepare medicine for their wounds.

"Sisters, these cotton clothes and medicines may save the lives of soldiers on the battlefield. Everyone, please be more attentive." I said to the palace maids.

A palace maid said, "Empress, we will definitely put our heart into it. But we don't know when these things can be delivered to the soldiers."

I consoled him, "I've already arranged for someone to be in charge of the delivery. I believe it will be delivered soon."

At this time, Wanqing came to report: "Your Majesty, a concubine in the harem suddenly fell ill and is bedridden."

My heart sank. "Have you asked the imperial physician to come and treat me?"

Wanqing replied, "I have already invited him. The imperial physician is currently making a diagnosis. However, the disease is very severe and I am afraid it will not be very good."

I immediately went to the concubine's quarters and saw her lying on the bed with a pale face.

I sat down beside the bed and held her hand. "Sister, you must be strong. Now that His Majesty is not in the palace, we must support each other even more."

The concubine said weakly: "Your Majesty, I am afraid that I can do nothing for Your Majesty and the country."

I consoled him, "Don't talk nonsense. If you take good care of yourself, that will be your greatest contribution to His Majesty and the country."

I also said to the imperial physician, "You must do your best to treat him. If you need anything, just let me know."

The imperial physician saluted and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will do my best."

After dealing with the concubines' affairs, I received the battle report from the front line.

"Your Majesty, the battle report says that His Majesty has adopted a strategy of cutting off the supply line by making a roundabout move and has already dispatched elite troops. So far, progress is going smoothly and panic has appeared in the rear of the barbarians." Wanqing said excitedly.

I felt a little relieved. "Excellent! Your Majesty is truly wise. I hope this battle will turn the tide of the war."

I immediately gathered everyone in the harem and told them the good news: "Sisters, His Majesty has made progress on the front lines. Our prayers and efforts have not been in vain. Everyone continue to pray for His Majesty and the soldiers, and I believe victory will come soon."

When the concubines heard this, they all smiled with joy: "Great! Long live His Majesty."

However, my worries have not completely dissipated. War is a rapidly changing situation, and any small mistake could lead to a complete loss.

"Jinshu, please give orders to the imperial kitchen to prepare some nourishing meals. I will pray for the soldiers on the front line and then distribute them to everyone in the harem. I hope everyone can be healthy and contribute to the victory on the front line." I said.

Jinshu replied, "Yes, my lady."

During this long wait, I busied myself in the harem, strengthening management, preparing supplies, and providing various support to the front lines. Every night, I gazed at the starry sky, thinking of the king, silently praying for victory in the war, hoping that the king would return safely to this palace, and that the country would once again regain its former peace and prosperity.

As the war progressed, I realized that relying solely on the imperial court might not be enough. I said to Jinshu, "Jinshu, arrange for notices to be posted throughout the capital, calling on talented individuals from the public. Anyone who can offer advice on war strategies or possesses special skills is invited to come to the palace to see me."

Jinshu was a little confused: "Your Majesty, can ordinary people really help the war?"

I said firmly, "Don't underestimate the people of the community. Throughout history, there have been many extraordinary individuals who have helped the nation. Now that the country is in crisis, perhaps they can bring about an unexpected turn of events."

After the notice was posted, many people came to apply.

An old man entered the palace and said to me, "Empress, although I am old, I have some knowledge of military tactics. I believe our army can launch a surprise attack at night, using the cover of darkness to catch the barbarians off guard."

I asked, "Old man, although a night raid can provide a surprising advantage, our army is not familiar with the layout of the barbarian camp and its nighttime defenses. What should we do?"

The old man smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, I have traveled extensively to the frontiers and have a certain understanding of the barbarians' habits and camp arrangements. You can first send a small reconnaissance force to investigate, and then formulate a detailed raid plan."

I nodded. "You are quite right, old man. I will inform His Majesty of this plan. If it succeeds, you will take the primary credit."

Another young craftsman said, "Empress, I can make a powerful crossbow with a long range and great power. It can be used to attack cities and fight against barbarian cavalry."

My eyes lit up. "Is your crossbow really that powerful? If we can mass-produce it, it will be a great help to our army."

The young craftsman said confidently, "Your Majesty, I am willing to demonstrate it on the spot."

After the craftsman demonstrated the crossbow, I immediately arranged for people to assist him in mass production in the workshop in the capital and send it to the front line as soon as possible.

During this process, I also did not forget to pay attention to the emotions of the concubines in the harem.

"Sisters, although the war has shown a turn for the better, we still cannot relax. I know that everyone is worried, but we must encourage each other." I said to the concubines.

One of the concubines said, "Your Majesty, we will obey you. But life in this palace is truly unbearable. We are filled with fear every day."

I consoled him, "I understand. Once the war is over and His Majesty returns, everything will be fine. Everything we do now is for that day to come."

I constantly navigated the harem and the civilians who came to apply for the military service, striving to sift out useful strategies and skills to provide more support for the front lines. Every decision and every arrangement was imbued with my longing for the king and my desire for victory for the nation. From the rear of the palace, I silently contributed to the victory of the war, hoping only for the trumpet of victory to sound soon and the king to return safely.

After dealing with the civilians, I began to worry about the mental health of the soldiers on the front lines. I said to Wanqing, "Wanqing, go prepare some books, chess, and other recreational items, and send them to the front along with my letters. This will allow the soldiers to relax and relieve stress after fighting."

Wanqing asked, "Your Majesty, can these things really help the soldiers?"

I replied, "The soldiers have been fighting on the front lines for a long time, and they are exhausted both physically and mentally. These recreational items may be small, but they may help them temporarily forget the cruelty of war and maintain a good mental state, which is also beneficial to the battle."

Wanqing took the order and left.

I also organized some singing and dancing performances in the palace, recorded them into videos (similar to the ancient dance and music scores), and sent them to the front line.

"Your Majesty and the soldiers are working hard on the front line. These singing and dancing performances may help them feel a little warmth and care from the court, and let them know that we are always thinking about them in the rear." I said to the person in charge of recording.

While waiting for news from the front, I continued to go to the temple to pray every day. Each time I prayed, I became more devout and my faith grew stronger. I believe that as long as our ruler and ministers are united, the army and the people are united, and with the continuous support and care from the rear, victory will eventually be ours, the king will surely return safely, and the country will survive this disaster and usher in a new prosperity and peace.