Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 838 This Journey to the Western Regions: Mountains High and Rivers Long

Once Emperor Jingtai got into the mood for acting, nothing could stop him. He summoned his secretary, Xiao Wang, who was traveling with him, and dictated an imperial edict, the gist of which was: I am deeply impressed by the rich culture and moving stories of this place, and hereby decree that the film "The Mountain Spirit" be listed as a "key royal cultural support project." He himself will "condescend" to play an important role, in order to share the joy with the people and participate in this grand event.

Secretary Wang scribbled furiously, his facial muscles twitching slightly, his mind racing. He secretly glanced at Xia Lin, hoping this powerful figure would step in and stop the emperor's actions. But Xia Lin simply crossed his arms, a look of "I knew this would happen" on his face, even seeming to enjoy the spectacle.

"Your Majesty," Xia Lin said slowly after Emperor Jingtai had finished bragged, "You want to participate? No problem. How about the payment?"

"Money?" Emperor Jingtai's eyes widened. "I'm putting on my own show, and I need money? I'm giving you face!"

“Even close brothers should keep clear accounts, Your Majesty,” Xia Lin said, not backing down an inch. “The production team is on a tight budget; even two million taels of silver has to be carefully calculated. With your participation, the expenses for the accompanying guards, entourage, and your laundry ladies—the personnel costs, venue usage, and time costs all have to be factored in. If you don’t pay, then we’ll have to take money from your own private treasury to subsidize the production team, or reduce your screen time.”

Upon hearing that his private treasury might be touched or his role in the story might be reduced, Emperor Jingtai immediately deflated and said with considerable dissatisfaction, "Then how much do you want?"

"Just a token amount, ten thousand taels," Xia Lin said, holding up one index finger. "Consider it His Majesty's contribution to cultural and artistic endeavors."

"Ten thousand taels?! You're not going to rob me?" Emperor Jingtai jumped up, but seeing Xia Lin's ambiguous smile and thinking of that novel and fun movie, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! Ten thousand taels it is! From my private savings! But I'm warning you, Xia Daosheng, your role can't be small, I want you to give it your all!"

"Deal." Xia Lin nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the dumbfounded Xu Shiji and said, "Third Brother, did you hear that? Hurry up and revise the script, add a heavyweight character for His Majesty, the stubborn old man who obstructs Liang Wenhan and Shanling's love. Change the original poor scholar into the son of the current prime minister. How about that? High position and great power, enough pressure."

What could Xu Shiji say? He could only agree with a wry smile. Thus, the already tense preparations were further complicated by the need to cater to this enthusiastic actor playing the emperor.

Meanwhile, the merchants' investigation entered a substantive phase. With the emperor's golden words and Xia Lin's grand vision of using film to boost tourism, coupled with the genuinely good quality of local products, the cooperation agreement was signed exceptionally smoothly. Large sums of deposits and initial investments began to pour in, and the previously somewhat dormant village suddenly burst into life. House repairs, road widening, and staff training—it was a scene of bustling activity.

Aji, the chosen "mountain spirit," also began intensive training. Xu Shiji personally taught her to understand the script, learn more standard Mandarin, and even some simple acting techniques. Aji was exceptionally intelligent and progressed rapidly. The look of longing and trepidation she occasionally revealed towards the outside world was perfectly in line with the character of the mountain spirit in the script.

Emperor Jingtai wasn't idle either. He spent all his time with Xu Shiji and several technicians from Fuliang in a makeshift "camera studio," which was actually just a cleared riverbank with majestic mountains in the background. He was full of curiosity about the bulky camera, asking about its workings one moment and wanting to crank the handle himself the next, which terrified the technicians, who were afraid that the emperor might shake this precious contraption apart if he used too much force.

"Daosheng, do you think everyone in the world will be envious of me when this movie is released?" Emperor Jingtai looked at his slightly shaky image being filmed on the white cloth and said to Xia Lin triumphantly, "It's their good fortune to see me make an appearance for them!"

Xia Lin rolled her eyes: "Your Majesty, you should think about how to memorize your lines first. There are hundreds of people waiting, and if you stumble, you'll be having too much luck."

"Nonsense! I have a photographic memory!" Emperor Jingtai said toughly, but secretly took out the crumpled script draft from his sleeve and glanced at it a few more times.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Xia Lin received an urgent secret letter from Fuliang. He opened it and saw it was in Douyazi's handwriting. The letter didn't say much, only informing him that the business crackdown on the Lu family was beginning to show results. Several projects Lu Dunxin had invested in after selling his ancestral property had been precisely targeted, leaving him severely weakened and reportedly drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Meanwhile, Douyazi's business in the sleepless city was booming, making a fortune every day. At the end of the letter, Douyazi casually mentioned, "Baozhu has been much more behaving lately, perhaps she's afraid. The Dugu family's caravans in the Western Regions have also sent back secret reports; the situation is complex. We hope you return soon."

Xia Lin put away the letter, gazing at the rolling mountains to the west, his eyes growing thoughtful. The path to Lingnan was cleared, and with Emperor Jingtai and Xu Shiji overseeing the film project, major problems were unlikely. It was time to turn his attention to that wider and more complex land.

However, before leaving, he needed to make sure things were truly on track. Especially that playful emperor—he needed to be kept on his toes.

That evening, Xia Lin hosted a banquet for Emperor Jingtai and Xu Shiji, as a preparation for their impending separation. After several rounds of drinks, Xia Lin said seriously to Emperor Jingtai, "Your Majesty, while it's fun and games, we mustn't forget important matters. After I leave, you'll need to help Brother Xu oversee the administration of Lingnan Province, especially the coordination with the merchant groups and the implementation of subsequent policies. He can't be so engrossed in filming."

After a few cups of wine, Emperor Jingtai's face flushed slightly. He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, don't worry, I know what I'm doing! It's just being a supervisor! I guarantee that when you return from the Western Regions, this place will be completely transformed! It might even be more bustling than your Fuliang!"

Xia Lin smiled, neither confirming nor denying, then raised his glass to Xu Shiji: "Third Brother, I'm leaving this to you. I've refined a lot of details in the script and put it on your desk. The filming period is long and challenging, so if you encounter any problems, discuss them with the technical team. If you really can't solve them, just write to me."

Xu Shiji nodded solemnly: "Daosheng, take care on your journey. When you return victorious, I'll treat you to some wine I brewed myself!"

The three raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp, taking the music playing in their ears as a prelude to their farewell.

After lingering in Lingnan for several more days, making proper arrangements, and giving repeated instructions to Emperor Jingtai, Xu Shiji, and others, Xia Lin finally embarked on his return journey.

The return journey was much faster, with no more inspections or social engagements; they traveled swiftly. The scenery along the way was different from the way there. New post roads and warehouses were under construction in many places, and there were noticeably more merchant flags. Clearly, the effects of the emperor's western tour and the business delegations were rapidly taking hold. Xia Lin felt a slight sense of relief; this land was finally making difficult progress in a positive direction.

When I arrived in Fuliang, it was early summer. The air was filled with the fragrance of gardenias, and the streets were even more bustling than when I left. Douyazi's city that never sleeps is brightly lit and bustling with people, forming a stark contrast to the somewhat deserted old Lu family mansion not far away.

Xia Lin didn't disturb too many people and went straight back to his small courtyard on the back street of the yamen. Douyazi seemed to have anticipated his return and was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, slowly peeling lotus seeds.

"You're back?" Bean Sprout didn't even look up, pushing the peeled lotus seeds in front of him. "Finished your troubles in Lingnan?"

"That's about it. Tuoba Jing and Lao Xu will keep an eye on the rest." Xia Lin sat down, picked up a lotus seed, and popped it into his mouth. It was sweet with a hint of bitterness. "You've made quite a stir here. Has the Lu family collapsed already?"

Bean Sprout sneered, "He brought this on himself, he can't blame anyone else. He sold his family property and invested the money in overseas spices and South Sea pearls, but the fleet encountered a storm and he lost everything. Then he tried to gamble it all away, and he was wiped out. Now he's drowning in debt and I heard he's planning to run away."

Xia Lin shook his head, not really taking this insignificant businessman seriously. The business world is like a battlefield; having chosen this path, one must be prepared to lose everything. He was more concerned about something else: "Where's Baozhu?"

"She's locked up in the princess's residence copying the 'Precepts for Women,' with the eldest princess personally overseeing her." Bean Sprout pouted. "At least things have calmed down. But your good emperor, is he having too much fun in Lingnan to remember home? I heard they're even making a movie about it?"

Xia Lin couldn't help but laugh when she recalled Emperor Jingtai's dramatic performance: "Let him be. At least he did something worthwhile."

As the two were talking, Secretary Xiao Wang strode in, his face grave: "Sir, Sun Jiuzhen requests an audience, saying she has urgent intelligence from the Western Regions."

Xia Lin's expression turned serious: "Let him in."

Sun Jiuzhen, looking travel-worn, had clearly just returned. After bowing, he immediately presented a thick scroll: "My lord, the messages from the brothers of the Six Ministries are all here. The situation in the Western Regions is more complicated than we anticipated." Xia Lin took the scroll and quickly began to peruse it. Douyazi also put down the lotus seeds in her hand and listened quietly.

"On the Li Tang side, the Li Tang emperor and Changsun Wuji and others did not relax their infiltration of the Western Regions. They used trade routes to win over many small countries in the Western Regions, especially the countries in the southern route, with an ambiguous attitude."

"The Liu family of the Northern Han Dynasty has directly deployed troops to the border. Their general Liu Min has led 50,000 elite troops and has already entered the former territory of Cheshi. It is clear that they want to take advantage of our situation or prevent us from unifying the Western Regions."

"And the former Protectorate of the Western Regions that we previously supported is not a monolithic entity. The new army faction, led by General Zhuo Heng, hopes that we will send troops as soon as possible to sweep across the land, but there is also a local faction that prefers a cautious approach and even worries that if our power becomes too great, we will turn the tables..."

The information in the case file was complex and varied, painting a picture of intertwined and turbulent power struggles in the Western Regions. Xia Lin's brows gradually furrowed.

"Where is Zhuo Heng now?" he asked, putting down the file.

"General Wang is currently stationed in Shanshan City, near the former Loulan territory, and has about 30,000 troops under his direct command. He is our most reliable foothold in the Western Regions. However, he is surrounded by enemies and is under great pressure. He has written to the court many times urging them to send troops."

Xia Lin stood up and paced around the courtyard for a few steps, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a long shadow over him.

"It seems this trip to the Western Regions is destined to be anything but peaceful," he murmured.

Bean Sprout looked at him: "When are you planning to leave?"

"After the two children have passed their 100-day celebration," Xia Lin said firmly. "This time, I will be by their side no matter what."

Douya nodded and said nothing more. She knew Xia Lin well; he usually seemed easygoing, but when it came to important matters, no one could change his mind.

"What can I do for you?" she asked.

"Help me transport food and weapons." Xia Lin stopped and looked at her. "Especially those new types of rockets and their accompanying ammunition, the more the better. The Western Regions are vast and sparsely populated with long supply lines. We need to have an absolute firepower advantage in order to solve the problem as quickly as possible and at the lowest cost."

"Understood." Bean Sprout said succinctly, "The caravans of the Dugu and Tang families will fully cooperate with the new army to ensure the supply of materials."

The following days were exceptionally busy for Xia Lin. He not only had to deal with the backlog of government affairs, but also make comprehensive preparations for the expedition to the Western Regions. He mobilized troops, raised funds and supplies, studied maps and intelligence of the Western Regions, and dealt with disputes with officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue. He was busy until late at night almost every day.

Fuliang's military industrial system was operating at full capacity, with the sounds of forging and testing echoing day and night from the workshops. Wagons loaded with military equipment and supplies were continuously heading west along the newly built highway.

Amidst this tense atmosphere of preparation, Tang Bao'er and the Princess finally went into labor. Their births were close in time and went smoothly, each giving birth to a healthy baby boy. It seems that Miss Tingyun will be due soon, probably in the next few days. However, the only drawback is that Tingyun is now Dugu Dayun's concubine, so it's not appropriate for her to flaunt Dugu Dayun's child in public.

With Emperor Jingtai absent, the important task of naming the child unexpectedly fell to Old Zhang, who had rushed back. Old Zhang looked at Xia Lin, then at the child, and after hesitating for a long time, he said, "This child has a heroic spirit between his brows. He may be able to carry on his father's will in the future. Let's name him Xia Chengzhi."

Xia Lin: "You should go back to writing your brothel trilogy."

Ultimately, the matter of the name was temporarily put on hold until Xia Lin returned from the Western Regions.

On the day of the child's 100-day celebration, Fuliang City was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Xia Lin sent out invitations widely, inviting everyone from court officials and military generals to business tycoons, academy teachers and students, and even ordinary people to come and enjoy a drink. The banquet was held in the open space in front of the government office, with hundreds of tables set up in a continuous stream, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Xia Lin, holding one of his two little rascals in each arm, accepted the blessings of the crowd. Looking at the prosperous scene he had created with his own hands, and at the faces brimming with hope and vitality, his determination to travel west grew even stronger.

That's all he wants to protect.

Three days after the 100-day celebration, everything was ready. Xia Lin bid farewell to his family and his infant son, then turned and mounted his horse, taking command and setting off.

Outside Fuliang City, 30,000 elite new troops were lined up, banners fluttering, and swords and spears standing like a forest. In addition to regular troops, there was also the Shenji Battalion equipped with a large number of various types of artillery, as well as a logistics and technical team composed of skilled craftsmen.

"I called you here because you know what I mean. You'd better make good arrangements for things in the court. There can't be any problems in Jiangnan."

“Since I’m here, it’s because everything is arranged. Prince Teng has come out of seclusion for the third time, and with him in charge, there’s definitely no problem. It’s just a pity that Commander Guo’s health isn’t very good, so we really can’t form a perfect combination of literary and martial arts.” Old Zhang sighed as he said this: “When I was leaving, Commander Guo mentioned you and asked if you would return to the capital. I said that the Western Regions cannot be delayed at the moment, and if there is any slight mishap, it will be time for the white blizzard to blow in September again.”

Xia Lin sighed, "I didn't expect the situation in the Northwest to change so much. Oh well, I'll wait for you to come back."

"His health probably won't allow him to wait until you return." Old Zhang turned his head and gave a helpless, bitter smile: "Old friends eventually pass away one by one."

Xia Lin didn't say anything more. Now he was ready to act, so he silently changed into a light military uniform, glanced back at Fuliang, which was faintly visible in the morning mist, and then suddenly pulled the reins and turned his horse around.

"set off!"

At a single command, the army set off, its iron torrent rolling westward toward that land full of unknowns and challenges.

The journey to the Western Regions is long and arduous, and he will find that many of his old friends are no longer around. But he knows that some things are beyond his control, and that loyalty to one's country and filial piety cannot be reconciled, a dilemma even he cannot escape.

(End of this chapter)