The ministers nodded one after another upon hearing this.
Sun Mo, the Minister of Personnel, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, it is indeed so."
"It is best for our Yunyue Kingdom to continue developing peacefully."
"This will ensure long-term stability and allow the people to live and work in peace."
"If we are drawn into天下纷争 (world disputes), it will not only lead to widespread suffering and hardship for the people, but our Yunyue Kingdom will also be thrown into turmoil."
Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites, also said, "Yes, Your Majesty, our Yunyue Kingdom has indeed developed very well these past two years."
"But this does not mean we can afford to contend with other nations."
"War means death. Unless their homes are threatened, no one is willing to risk their lives to fight others."
Chu Chen, hearing this, wore a look of mockery.
On the side, the old God of War, Huo Qing, stepped forward and said to the Empress.
"Your Majesty, this old minister believes that since our Yunyue Kingdom is now strong and prosperous, we should conquer the world."
"If we do not act, when other countries become powerful, they will come to conquer us."
"At that time, not only will our land be occupied by others, but our homes will be trampled upon."
"Only true unification of the world can ensure that such a thing will not happen again."
"At that time, the world will be one family, with no hatred, no disputes, and no conflicts."
The old God of War's words stirred the Empress.
Originally, the Empress was inclined to accept Chu Chen's suggestion.
Upon hearing the old God of War's words, her face showed a hint of satisfaction.
"The old God of War's words have some truth, but if we initiate world disputes first, we may become the target of universal condemnation."
"This is not a wise move. Although other countries are not engaged in much warfare, they may also be preparing."
"They are just waiting for a 'leading bird' to strike first and destroy a nation, and then they will all pounce and divide that country."
"As the battles escalate, they will no longer hold back."
The old God of War smiled upon hearing this and said, "Your Majesty speaks wisely. We indeed cannot be the first to provoke conflict, but we can use this to our advantage."
"It is said that the Xiongnu were going to attack Minister Qian before. We can also collect some evidence, evidence of other countries targeting our Shuangyue City."
"Although we have not obtained this evidence yet, it does not mean those countries have not done these things."
"As long as we have evidence, we will have a legitimate reason to act, and other countries will not dare to say much, as they know what they have done themselves."
The Empress nodded upon hearing this.
"This is indeed correct. We must first grasp the moral high ground, so as not to be controlled by others."
Xie An, the Minister of War, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this humble minister also believes that conquering the world is necessary, but have we developed enough?"
"Only by possessing the strength to unify the world can we truly implement this. The greatest effort should be put into preparation."
Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, nodded.
"Your Majesty, this humble minister agrees with Minister Xie's proposal."
"To conquer other nations, we must make thorough preparations. Our Ministry of Works implores Your Majesty to approve the relevant funds to prepare for the upcoming conquest of the world."
Upon hearing this, everyone present looked at Meng Yuan.
They did not expect that this young Meng Yuan would immediately think of money.
The Empress's expression immediately became somewhat displeased.
"Minister Meng, why are you so eager for money? Our national treasury is not abundant, and even if we were to go to war, it would not happen overnight."
"As Minister Xie just said, we need to prepare thoroughly and act after careful consideration."
Meng Yuan was stunned for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, our national treasury is not tight at all now. With Prime Minister Chu's strategies and methods over the past two years, our national treasury is quite abundant."
The Empress then came to her senses and said, patting her forehead.
"You see, I am not yet accustomed to a time of abundant national treasury. However, Minister Meng, as Minister Xie also said, we do need to prepare, but there is no rush."
"Regarding the matter of conquering the world, everyone needs to discuss it further."
All the ministers present agreed.
Chu Chen stepped forward and said, "The reason why Your Excellencies disagree with going to war is perhaps because you fear it might affect your interests?"
Everyone present shook their heads, looking at Chu Chen with disdain.
"Prime Minister, what do you take us for? We are all pillars of the nation."
"Indeed, we are the cornerstones of the country, and the future prosperity and development of Yunyue Kingdom depend on us. How could we let our own interests influence state affairs?"
"Prime Minister, you jest. We are all thinking for Yunyue Kingdom, not like what Prime Minister said, seeking benefits for ourselves?"
"Prime Minister, this is truly judging others by one's own standards, thinking a gentleman's heart is as base as a villain's."
Upon hearing Chu Chen's words, many ministers in the court were indignant.
They were all furious, but to Chu Chen, they seemed like cats with their tails stepped on.
"Your Excellencies, please do not be angry. I was merely speaking casually."
"Your current display of anger is understandable, as your interests have just been harmed because of me."
"Now that war is about to break out, you civil officials will not gain much, so you are anxious. Am I right?"
Chu Chen showed them no mercy and did not care much for these hypocritical individuals.
If these individuals were sensible, perhaps they could continue to lord over others.
But if they dared to utter any ill words during the foreign campaign, Chu Chen would see how he dealt with them.
"Prime Minister, you are truly slandering this official."
"Yes, Prime Minister. Between personal interests and national interests, which is more important? We officials can discern that."
"Prime Minister, we simply have a different opinion from you. You do not need to slander us because of this."
Seeing these officials looking indignant, Chu Chen almost burst out laughing.
The Empress, not far away, could not help but frown.
"My dear Chu, the esteemed ministers merely have a different opinion from you; it does not mean they are solely pursuing personal gain."
Chu Chen cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this humble minister does not care whether they have selfish motives or not. I have already made it clear."
"If war breaks out, and we conquer land, they will have priority in purchasing it."
"Of course, the newly purchased land will also be taxed according to the new law."
"Although, for the same piece of land, the tax has increased after the change in law."