There is no such thing as neutrality; one must either choose a side or become an enemy to both.
The old God of War, Huo Qing, directly stood behind Chu Chen, followed by some military generals. Although these individuals were not dispatched by Chu Chen to meet the enemy this time, they still stood by his side.
"Prime Minister Chu, I apologize, but I still feel Minister Wu's words hold merit, so I will stand with him." Minister of War Xie An said with a smile, standing with Wu Sheng, and even adding a sarcastic remark to Chu Chen.
Chu Chen nodded, unconcerned, and said, "It's nothing. It's everyone's choice. Whether you choose correctly or incorrectly, there's no need for regret."
Minister of Justice Wang Zhe frowned and moved to Wu Sheng's side. "Prime Minister Chu, you've been a bit too ambitious this time. Even if you predicted the enemy attack, an army assembled in such haste won't be able to perform effectively."
Chu Chen smiled and remained silent, watching as Minister of Works Meng Yuan stepped to his side. "I, on the other hand, believe Prime Minister Chu always surprises us with the unexpected. Therefore, this time, I wish to support Prime Minister Chu."
"However, I am curious, how did Prime Minister Chu know that the two countries would sneak attack our Yun Yue Kingdom, and how can you guarantee victory?"
Chu Chen smiled and did not elaborate on the matter. "When this matter is resolved, everything will become clear. What we need to do now is await the news."
Meng Yuan did not press further. Minister of Rites Wu Sheng stepped forward to continue his sarcastic remarks, "Prime Minister Chu, you don't actually believe that the hundreds of thousands of troops you dispatched can achieve a swift victory, do you? What kind of formidable general and elite soldiers would be needed for such a feat?"
Minister of Personnel Sun Mo said with a laugh, "Exactly, Prime Minister Chu. Why are we waiting? Since it's still early today, let's discuss who will hold your horse and drive your carriage."
"Yes, Prime Minister Chu, let's finish the queue for holding your horse and get some rest early." Minister of Justice Wang Zhe also stepped forward with a cold laugh.
"A report! A report! An urgent report from eight hundred li away!"
"Great Victory! Great Victory against Zhao!"
"Our army has defeated the Zhao invasion, successfully capturing ten thousand, killing ten thousand enemies, and two thousand have fled."
"Our army has captured a large amount of grain and fodder, horses, and treasures of gold and silver."
The urgent report from eight hundred li away, approaching from outside the court, directly reached the imperial court. The soldier delivering the report rushed all the way to the court to inform Princess Xin Yue.
"Your Highness Princess, our army has thoroughly defeated the Zhao army, slaying and capturing countless enemies, and obtaining countless treasures of gold, silver, and supplies. We have achieved a great victory and are escorting the prisoners back to the capital."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen showed no reaction; he had largely anticipated this outcome.
"Is this true or false? Defeated Zhao? We actually won?"
"Prime Minister Chu is truly a divine figure, not only skilled in governing but also adept at recognizing talent and, most importantly, decisive."
"Impossible. Zhao's cavalry is powerful. Our Yun Yue Kingdom has many shortcomings when facing Zhao. How could we possibly win in a single battle?"
"What's impossible about it? With Prime Minister Chu's strategic planning, even if we proceeded step by step, we would surely win. After all, Prime Minister Chu also holds the title of Grand Marshal!"
The officials immediately began to discuss heatedly. This battle had greatly shocked them. They had all believed that Chu Chen's arbitrary appointment of generals and then sending those armies out was a sure path to defeat. However, the outcome of this battle had exceeded everyone's expectations. The dispatched army had won with surprising ease!
Wu Sheng also found it hard to believe. After all, the enemy this time was Zhao, a great power that had fought evenly with the Xiongnu! If Zhao hadn't put significant pressure on the Xiongnu, the Xiongnu wouldn't have considered conquering Yun Yue first before plotting against Zhao.
"This is impossible. Zhao's military strength is immense. It is said that Prime Minister Chu only sent thirty thousand troops to the Zhao border. How could they possibly defeat Zhao?"
"You messenger, you audacious scoundrel! How dare you falsely report military intelligence! What crime deserves such punishment!"
"Your Highness Princess, this humble minister implores Your Highness to have this life-weary messenger dragged out of the court and executed as a warning to others."
Upon hearing this, a murmur arose from the crowd.
"Minister Wu, even if this messenger had the intention, he wouldn't have the courage."
"Indeed, Minister Wu. Although you are to hold Prime Minister Chu's horse because of this matter, it's not a big deal. There's no need to vent your anger on a mere soldier."
The messenger quickly tried to explain himself, "Your Highness Princess, esteemed ministers, this humble one is absolutely not speaking nonsense. Military orders are strict; how can they be trifled with?"
Wu Sheng, becoming even more agitated, kicked the messenger. "You're still speaking nonsense! Your Highness Princess, this soldier, instigated by someone, dares to frame this old official! This is absolutely not a minor matter. This humble minister believes he should be severely punished!"
Hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but sneer, "Minister Wu, aren't those words quite slanderous?"
"When this messenger arrived, he didn't know about our bet. Why would he want to harm you?"
"Minister Wu, you can't handle losing, can you? Very well, I, Chu, will pretend we never made that bet. Why are you making things difficult for a messenger?" Chu Chen said magnanimously.
The crowd exchanged glances, almost bursting into laughter. Chu Chen's demeanor made Wu Sheng appear like a clown who only knew how to torment a messenger, while he, Chu Chen, was being incredibly magnanimous towards Wu Sheng. Wu Sheng's face at this moment looked as if he had eaten a fly, extremely displeased.
"This old minister did not mean that. Please, Your Highness Princess, see the truth."
"This old minister merely doubts the authenticity of this victory report, which is why I spoke that way." Wu Sheng continued to argue.
The assembled crowd couldn't help but shake their heads. In fact, everyone could see that the messenger's words were likely true. Chu Chen had no motive or necessity to orchestrate anything of the sort. Matters on the battlefield, even if one wanted to conceal or falsify them, could not be hidden for long. Moreover, the Empress would not let Chu Chen off the hook. Everything Chu Chen did would surely be observed by the Empress, and if there were any irregularities, he would be directly eliminated. The ministers had no doubt about the Empress's methods.
Chu Chen chuckled and said, "In that case, if this victory report is true, will Minister Wu still honor the previous bet?"
Wu Sheng waved his sleeve and replied, "Of course. A true man's word is his bond, and a chariot cannot overtake it."
Chu Chen nodded, clapped his hands, and praised, "Good, well said. I hope Minister Wu will not go back on his word in the future."
Saying this, he turned and cupped his hands towards Li Xin Yue, clearing his throat.