"You may return now. I will also rest after a while."
Li Xinyue quickly took her leave.
As she walked out of the warm chamber, recalling the events that had transpired, Li Xinyue felt a knot in her heart, an urge to unravel it.
She took a leisurely carriage ride to the Prime Minister Chu's mansion and disembarked. As soon as she entered, she saw a familiar figure emerging from the back courtyard into the front.
Through the courtyard gate, Li Xinyue could clearly see several women with alluring figures and exquisite beauty swaying gracefully in the back courtyard.
The one walking from the back to the front was the Old God of War. He had had a bit to drink and was enjoying himself with some beautiful women. He hadn't expected to run into the princess when returning to the front courtyard.
By the time he wanted to avoid her, it was too late, so he walked over with an awkward expression.
"Uh, Your Highness the Princess, long time no see, what a coincidence."
As the Old God of War spoke, he let out a burp and then smiled to cover his embarrassment.
"Old God of War, what were those beautiful women just now?"
The Old God of War was taken aback, then laughed heartily and said, "You mean them? They are my confidantes, hehe. Prime Minister Chu has truly found my weakness. I never expected that after guarding my chastity for over a decade, this young man would discover my vulnerability."
Li Xinyue couldn't help but express her surprise, "Old God of War, are you saying these women were found for you by Prime Minister Chu?"
The Old God of War nodded, looking somewhat warily towards Chu Chen's bedroom, "Your Highness the Princess, please do not say I told you this."
Li Xinyue gave a wry smile and nodded, "Alright, I absolutely won't reveal you. You can rest assured."
The Old God of War breathed a sigh of relief. Li Xinyue pointed towards Chu Chen's bedroom and said, "Old God of War, please make yourself at home. I need to discuss some matters with Chu Chen."
The Old God of War gave a fawning smile and nod, then quickly retreated to his own room.
Li Xinyue's gaze fell upon Chu Chen's bedroom. After a long moment, she knocked on the door.
When Chu Chen saw the princess standing at his door, his heart skipped a beat, "Your Highness the Princess, why didn't you announce your arrival?"
Chu Chen felt guilty, which made him feel powerless when facing the princess.
The princess sneered, "What? Have you done something to betray me that you're so afraid of my visit?"
Chu Chen's heart became even more tense. Did the princess really know about his affair with the Empress? That was impossible.
"Uh, Your Highness the Princess, what are you saying? Of course, I wouldn't betray you. Your Highness the Princess, don't you want to be with me anymore?"
Chu Chen clasped his hands behind his back, his expression solemn, "If you wish to part ways, I won't force you."
"Although I have feelings for you, it's alright if you don't want me anymore. It's just that I'll be campaigning everywhere in the future and won't be able to accompany you often."
Upon hearing this, Li Xinyue became anxious, "Chu Chen, what are you saying? Is this how you take responsibility? We are already engaged, and we agreed to marry once the army returned. The army has returned, so why aren't you mentioning the marriage?"
Chu Chen felt a bit embarrassed, "Your Highness the Princess, it's not that I don't want to marry. Aren't we about to go to war? Marrying now might affect the upcoming campaign. Of course, Your Highness, rest assured, as long as you are still willing to marry me, I will never abandon you."
Li Xinyue let out a soft hum and walked into his bedroom.
Thinking about what had happened earlier, Li Xinyue hesitated and then asked, "By the way, why did you go to the Empress's warm chamber today?"
Chu Chen shook his head, "Nothing much. His Majesty asked me about my thoughts on the upcoming campaign. His Majesty attaches great importance to this war."
Li Xinyue breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Have you decided which country to attack first?"
Chu Chen didn't think much of it and nodded, "I've tentatively decided to attack the State of Zhao first, but it's not finalized yet. I'll reconsider it after returning. Most ministers in the court support attacking the State of Wei first, and His Majesty also thinks so."
Upon hearing this, Li Xinyue's eyes narrowed. Attack the State of Zhao first? This was different from what the Empress had said. The Empress had clearly stated that Chu Chen would attack the State of Wei first, but why was Chu Chen now planning to attack the State of Zhao?
"Why attack the State of Zhao first?" Li Xinyue asked abruptly.
Chu Chen was surprised. Didn't the Empress say that Princess Xinyue didn't care much about state affairs? From her demeanor, Princess Xinyue seemed to care a great deal about state affairs.
Chu Chen thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness the Princess, this is our first expedition outside the borders. Naturally, we should start with the easier targets before moving to the harder ones. The State of Zhao has the Xiongnu and the State of Yan, so attacking it would be relatively easier. Similarly, attacking the State of Zhao would benefit the Xiongnu and the State of Yan, which is why I am hesitant."
Li Xinyue was now certain that Chu Chen had not misspoke; he genuinely intended to attack the State of Zhao. Could it be that the Empress had misremembered, or was she intentionally concealing something? Li Xinyue felt her mind reeling.
Suddenly, Li Xinyue remembered the matter of the Empress and Chu Chen having each other's scent. She thought for a moment and then asked, "By the way, when you met the Empress today, how did you find her health?"
Chu Chen was taken aback. His thoughts raced. "His Majesty's health is naturally excellent. Seeing His Majesty return from the State of Wei this time, although no immortal elixir was obtained, his comprehension of cultivation has improved significantly."
Upon hearing this, Li Xinyue's heart turned cold. It seemed there was no need to ask if Chu Chen had massaged the Empress's back. Any answer was no longer important.
After a while, Li Xinyue recovered. She took a deep breath and said, "Chu Chen, you are right. In that case, you should rest well. Aren't you going to war soon? Rest well and defeat all your enemies."
Chu Chen breathed a sigh of relief but also felt a bit strange, "Your Highness the Princess, didn't you come to discuss our marriage? Why aren't we talking about it anymore?"
A smile appeared on Li Xinyue's face, a smile filled with helplessness. "Marriage? Aren't you busy now? We can talk about it when you have time. That's all for now, I'm leaving."
Chu Chen was somewhat bewildered but nodded, "I bid you farewell, Your Highness."
After seeing Li Xinyue off, Chu Chen looked perplexed. He felt that Li Xinyue was acting strangely, wondering if it was just his imagination. Had Li Xinyue said something to the Empress, and that's why the princess seemed a bit odd when she arrived? It shouldn't be a big deal; he could discuss it with His Majesty privately tomorrow. For now, the most important thing was to simulate and decide who to attack first.