Chu Chen looked at the slightly angry princess before him and couldn't help but smile, saying, "Your Highness, I naturally wouldn't hide this matter from you. You already know about His Majesty's return."
Li Xinyue nodded and asked, "Then how does hiding this matter relate to the Empress?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Didn't you ask me to send some people to the Wei Kingdom to check the situation before?"
Li Xinyue frowned, "To check the situation, what's so special about that?"
Chu Chen said with confidence, "I want to send people to tell the two armies returning to Shuangyue City to delay their return."
"What, delay their return? What are you trying to do?"
At this point, Li Xinyue's eyes suddenly widened, "Could it be that those two soldiers who brought the news were actually people you arranged, and in reality, both armies lost?"
Chu Chen shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Princess, what are you talking about?"
Li Xinyue said somewhat impatiently, "If they didn't lose, why would you ask them to delay their return? Shouldn't they hurry back to prove your innocence?"
Chu Chen heard this and felt a bit amused, saying, "What innocence do I need to prove? I don't need to."
"In any case, the truth will eventually come out. Let everyone suspect. The more they suspect, the more likely some people will reveal their weaknesses. Driven by various interests and demands, they will make various moves. At that time, many things will not go as they planned."
Li Xinyue was stunned for a moment, then covered her mouth and said, "You mean, they will have rebellious intentions?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Whatever intentions they have, it doesn't matter, because the foundation for their actions is gone. No matter what they do, they will ultimately fail. My Imperial Guards will not give them any chance."
Li Xinyue pondered for a moment and nodded, "You're right. But won't they investigate themselves? Perhaps they will also send people to investigate, and only then make a move after they find out the truth."
Chu Chen nodded with a smile, "Princess, you are right. They will investigate. We just need to make our act more convincing, won't that do?"
"I will have someone tell them to pretend they were defeated. That way, even if those people send someone to investigate, there will be no danger."
Li Xinyue nodded and let out a long sigh, "Since you have planned so meticulously, I won't say anything more. By the way, when can I see the Empress?"
Chu Chen thought for a moment and said, "When the truth is revealed, you can. It won't be more than a month."
Li Xinyue sighed, "I didn't expect things within the country to be so chaotic. Chu Chen, take care of yourself. I'll go back to the warm pavilion to handle memorials."
Chu Chen, along with the Old God of War, said, "We escort the Princess."
After seeing off the princess, Chu Chen and the Old God of War left the main hall. The Old God of War's face was already beaming.
"Chu Chen, I heard everything you said to the princess. Have you told His Majesty about your plan to stir things up?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "I haven't told him yet, but since His Majesty has entrusted the court to me and Princess Xinyue, we can make decisions on these matters."
The Old God of War looked stunned and said, "But, you should at least tell His Majesty. Otherwise, if His Majesty blames you, it might be difficult to explain."
Chu Chen nodded in agreement, "Of course. Even if you don't say it, I will do it. Let's go back and tell His Majesty about this matter and see what His Majesty's opinion is."
They returned to the Prime Minister's mansion by carriage. As soon as the gate was closed, Chu Chen snapped his fingers, and an Imperial Guard appeared before him.
"Prime Minister."
The Imperial Guard had sharp features, and looked very capable at first glance.
Chu Chen nodded and said, "Send someone to ambush the two armies from Zhao and Wei. Tell their generals it's my order."
Chu Chen glanced around and said, "Tell them to postpone their return to Shuangyue City by half a month."
"Also, tell them to look as dejected as possible, as if they've been defeated, and make sure their subordinates have a unified story, saying they were defeated this time."
Hearing this, the Imperial Guard was immediately full of surprise, not understanding why Chu Chen would do this.
"Prime Minister, you?"
Chu Chen raised his hand to stop him, "Don't ask me why I'm doing this. Just know one thing: execute it."
"Yes, Prime Minister."
"Go quickly. The sooner this is done, the better."
After the Imperial Guard disappeared, the Old God of War pulled Chu Chen's hand and said tactfully, "Prime Minister Chu, have you forgotten something?"
Chu Chen was stunned and asked with a puzzled look, "What is it?"
The Old God of War stomped his foot, pointed to the backyard, and just looked at Chu Chen without saying a word.
Chu Chen couldn't help but feel amused, "Old God of War, don't you think you're overdoing it? You need moderation. Otherwise, no matter how strong your body is, there's a limit."
The Old God of War said with a wry smile, "Prime Minister Chu, stop mocking me. I don't know when I'll be leaving your Prime Minister's mansion, and then I'll have to be a pure and ascetic old man. While I'm staying in your mansion, just let me enjoy myself."
Chu Chen nodded, and said with a wry smile, "Old God of War, hearing you say that, if I don't agree, I'd be a sinner for all eternity. Fine, since you've put it that way, I can only respectfully obey. Let's go, I'll settle you first, and then I'll go see His Majesty."
Chu Chen took the Old God of War to the backyard and had the beauties attend to him. Then, he returned to outside his own bedroom and looked around behind him.
Afterward, Chu Chen entered the room and closed the door. He scanned the room and found that the Empress was reading a book, which made him slightly relieved.
"Your Majesty, Chu Chen is back."
Chu Chen took a deep breath and still came to the Empress's side.
The Empress did not turn around, and while reading, she asked, "Have the battles with Zhao and Wei concluded? Did they win or lose?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Your Majesty, of course, we won. And we won beautifully, a great victory."
Hearing this, the Empress threw the book in her hand onto the table and looked at Chu Chen with a smile, "Really? That's great."
The Empress stood up and suddenly realized a problem, "Does that mean the battle reports have already reached the court, and everyone knows?"
Chu Chen nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Empress glanced at Chu Chen, "Then your previous plan is all disrupted, isn't it? Knowing that they won, those people probably won't dare to act rashly and might lie low."
Chu Chen smiled and shook his head, "Quite the opposite."