The Empress appraised Chu Chen with a smile. "Chu Chen, what are your thoughts? Tell me."
Chu Chen paused, recalling the ministers' earlier words. "Your Majesty, my thoughts differ from those of the esteemed officials."
The Empress's eyes lit up. "Oh? Then tell me, how do they differ?"
Chu Chen continued, "Your Majesty, I believe that currently, there are only frictions between Yan and Zhao. While we all know the Xiongnu are instigating this, there is no concrete evidence."
"Therefore, what we must do now is observe the situation and let it unfold."
"If Yan and Zhao engage in war, and the Xiongnu intervene, we can dispatch troops to intercept them en route, preventing any change in the tripartite balance of power in the north."
"By neutralizing the Xiongnu's influence, neither Yan nor Zhao, no matter how fiercely they fight, will be annihilated."
"This way, Yan and Zhao can continue to serve as a buffer against the Xiongnu."
"If we intervene before the Xiongnu, we will be at a disadvantage, and it is possible the Xiongnu might even gain significant territory from us three nations."
"At that point, curbing the Xiongnu will become exceedingly difficult."
The Empress frowned, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Sun Mo, the Minister of Personnel, stepped forward to refute. "Prime Minister Chu, that is incorrect. This is an issue between Yan and Zhao; why must the Xiongnu be dragged into it?"
Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites, concurred. "The reason the Xiongnu are instigating this conflict is to reap the benefits. They are unlikely to send troops; at most, they will threaten both nations or be courted by each to maximize their own gains."
Xie An, the Minister of War, also nodded. "Prime Minister Chu, I must say, you are mistaken this time. The Xiongnu will not intervene. They themselves are not yet unified; why would they involve themselves in a war and invite trouble?"
Chu Chen knew Xie An was referring to the discord between the Xiongnu Chanyu and his brothers. He smiled. "Minister Xie knows a great deal. But have you not heard the saying, 'When brothers unite, they can break metal'?"
Xie An's expression shifted slightly, and he sneered. "I have heard it. So what? The Xiongnu Chanyu and his brothers are engaged in a power struggle; where is brotherhood in that?"
The Empress's expression gradually darkened, but she remained silent. Although Xie An spoke of the Xiongnu Chanyu and his brothers, it was also a reflection of the Empress's own imperial family. While the Empress treated her five daughters well, they had not all followed the paths she envisioned. Especially Princess Liu, who dared to rebel.
Thinking of Princess Liu, a flicker of sadness crossed the Empress's eyes. She wondered where Princess Liu was now and wished she could ask her face-to-face if the throne was truly so important that she had to rebel for it.
Chu Chen chuckled. "Since Minister Xie knows their actions are driven by self-interest, that is even better."
"The Xiongnu's current point of contention is the struggle for leadership of the grasslands, which is, in essence, an internal struggle for resources within the steppes."
"This infighting will only lead to internal depletion. Whoever wins will ultimately control a weakened Xiongnu."
"However, if they can march south, it would be different. They could gain more territory, more subjects, and possess more resources." Chu Chen spoke with conviction.
"They know that the southern lands are prosperous. Who would choose to remain in the harsh steppes if they could rule in the Central Plains?"
"I estimate that the Xiongnu will reach a consensus internally to unite against the south, directing their forces towards the southern nations, and then share the newly acquired benefits."
"If the Xiongnu succeed in conquering the Central Plains, they will have ample benefits to distribute. Why would they continue to fight amongst themselves?"
Hearing this, the assembled officials were greatly alarmed. They had not considered such a possibility, merely believing the Xiongnu might not intervene due to their internal conflicts, which could easily backfire. But now, it seemed their thinking was too simplistic!
Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I believe Prime Minister Chu is fear-mongering. How easy would it be for the Xiongnu to conquer the Central Plains?"
"Let alone the fact that Yan and Zhao are great nations. Even if the Xiongnu were to conquer them, our Yun Yue Kingdom is not to be trifled with. We would surely deliver a crushing blow."
Chu Chen almost burst out laughing. "Minister Meng, a crushing blow? That sounds easy enough. Specifically, how would you achieve it?"
Meng Yuan's eyes widened, and he stammered for a long time without offering a coherent explanation.
Chu Chen snorted and said to the Empress, "Your Majesty, I have made myself clear. What we need to do is prepare for war, but without deploying troops."
"We can secretly communicate with Yan and Zhao, expressing our stance. If the Xiongnu intervene, we will use the official roads of both nations to intercept their forces."
"I believe the weaker or stronger party will agree. They certainly would not want their victory to be stolen by the Xiongnu."
"Furthermore, they will likely believe they are the victors and will readily agree."
The Empress fell silent. Chu Chen's words held merit; this was indeed the optimal solution. If either Yan or Zhao were to annex the other, they would face the Xiongnu directly, losing the ability to march south, and might even be divided between Yun Yue and the Xiongnu. Of course, these were obvious consequences, but Yan and Zhao would still fight for their own interests.
With this thought, the Empress looked at Chu Chen and smiled, nodding. "Prime Minister Chu, your words are noted. In that case, we shall observe with a cold eye and actively prepare for war."
"This matter will be entrusted to the Ministry of War. As for contacting Yan and Zhao, it will be handled by the Ministry of Rites. Ensure it is done well, as it concerns the future prosperity of Yun Yue. Otherwise, I will not forgive any negligence."
Hearing this, Xie An, the Minister of War, and Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward to accept the decree. "Your Majesty, your servants receive your decree."
The Empress looked at her ministers, her smile easing considerably. "My esteemed ministers have all worked hard. Today, let us discuss something lighter."
The assembled officials looked curious, wondering what the Empress meant by something lighter. Sun Mo, the Minister of Personnel, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I am most curious. What lighter matter do you have?"
The Empress glanced at Sun Mo and smiled. "Before the morning court today, I received a state letter from the Wei Kingdom."