Seeing Chu Chen's confused expression, the old God of War smiled and said, "Prime Minister Chu, this is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your abilities. If you can persuade the Empress not to leave the country, that would be ideal. If she insists on leaving, it's also fine. You just need to do what you should, ensuring that Yunyue Kingdom remains stable."
"Should any changes occur, you only need to support the new Emperor's ascension and stabilize the court. It won't matter whether the Empress is present or not."
"Even if there is an invasion from another land, with Prime Minister Chu's capabilities, repelling them shouldn't be a difficult task, right?"
Chu Chen nodded with a smile upon hearing this. "The old God of War's words are wise. In that case, I am relieved. I will arrange for my servants to attend to the old God of War's needs."
Huo Qing, the old God of War, waved his hand and smiled, "No need for you to arrange anything. I'm familiar with your servants. I'll return to my room. Remember to find time to play chess with me; playing against myself with both hands is a bit dull."
Chu Chen smiled, "Certainly."
After seeing the old God of War off, Chu Chen sat back in his chair, contemplating everything that had happened in the court, feeling a pang of unease.
The Empress's sudden decision had disrupted his plans and rhythm.
If the Empress were to go to Mount Hua, regardless of whether anything happened to her personally, it would be used to stir up trouble.
He hoped the Empress could truly find some immortal pills or realms. However, if there were truly good things, would anyone be willing to share them with others?
Chu Chen felt as if the path ahead was dim. He decided to activate the system and run a simulation.
[Simulation loading complete. Protagonist: Empress of Yunyue Kingdom!]
[The Empress of Yunyue Kingdom is invited by the State of Wei to Mount Hua to jointly search for immortal pills and realms.]
[En route to the immortal realm, the Empress is ambushed. Coincidentally, her inner demons flare up. Under the combined assault, the Empress tragically perishes.]
[After successfully ambushing the Empress, the Wei army, long prepared, launches a fierce assault on Yunyue Kingdom from Xiaoliang Town on the border between Wei and Yunyue, capturing several towns consecutively.]
[Coincidentally, a major war erupts between the States of Yan and Zhao. The dominant Zhao, also stationing troops on the border, ties down a large portion of Yunyue Kingdom's forces, forcing them to maintain the status quo.]
Exiting the simulation, Chu Chen broke out in a cold sweat.
Although he had anticipated potential accidents, he never expected the situation to change so rapidly.
With the Empress's death, the situation had drastically shifted.
Chu Chen had previously estimated the Empress's importance in his heart.
However, he never imagined that neighboring countries would be so audacious as to plot against Yunyue Kingdom in such a manner.
First, they lured the Empress with the promise of immortal pills and realms, using the opportunity to eliminate her.
Then, they dispatched troops to invade. This was a clear attempt to strike while the iron was hot and seize their opportunity.
Although Chu Chen knew that if he were in their position and had the chance, he would do the same, these countries seemed to be in league with each other. Wei and Zhao's actions were so synchronized.
Chu Chen could hardly imagine the vast net that must be cast over Yunyue Kingdom, unseen, and now closing in.
Fortunately, he had simulated this in advance. Otherwise, if things had proceeded along this path, Yunyue Kingdom would have certainly suffered a silent loss.
However, the Empress's misfortune was no small matter. If it could be avoided, it was best to avoid it.
But how could this be avoided when it involved the Empress? Should he try to persuade her?
Given the Empress's temperament, if he could persuade her, he wouldn't be in such a passive position.
Moreover, Chu Chen harbored a slight selfish motive. If the Empress died, at least he wouldn't have to worry about being eliminated by her in the near future.
Although he knew the Empress would die and chose not to save her, which felt like disregarding the nation's interests, he was clear about the weight of his personal interests versus the interests of a country controlled by an Empress who could potentially kill him at any moment.
Since the Empress insisted on venturing into dangerous territory, let her go. At least he wouldn't have to clash with her, and his relationships with Princess Xin Yue and Meng Die would still have a fallback.
Chu Chen returned to his room, preparing to recover his strength.
The battle the previous day had significantly depleted his combat power.
Even after a day, he still felt that his spiritual energy had not fully recovered; something was missing.
"This Ascending Dragon Pill is truly potent, with such a strong aftereffect."
Chu Chen sighed with emotion. Fortunately, the old God of War was by his side; otherwise, he might not have returned from yesterday's battle.
To recover, it would take at least two more days. For him, this meant he was constantly in danger.
If he didn't take advantage of the relative safety of the Prime Minister's mansion to recover as soon as possible, he would surely be finished if he encountered that old fellow again!
Chu Chen could still recall the seemingly inexhaustible spiritual energy emanating from his opponent when he fought with that Golden Wheel. That was truly the most formidable opponent he had ever faced.
He never wanted to relive that memory. After all, he possessed a simulation system and was now the Prime Minister of Yunyue Kingdom. To be assassinated would be too much of a loss.
As Chu Chen cultivated, a large amount of spiritual energy surged into his body, helping him cleanse the meridians that had been burned by the medicinal properties of the Ascending Dragon Pill.
A small portion of the Ascending Dragon Pill's potency still lingered in his meridians. It was no longer enough to elevate his strength, but it could help him recover.
The vast spiritual energy absorbed by Chu Chen's meridians quickly washed away the residual medicinal properties. When this spiritual energy touched the medicinal properties, it seemed to ignite, expanding rapidly.
For a full fifteen minutes, Chu Chen continuously used his spiritual energy to impact these residual properties, aiming to completely dissipate them.
As the expanding spiritual energy gradually cooled, Chu Chen could feel a slight increase in his strength. The feeling of weakness and exhaustion after taking the pill had also lessened considerably.
Chu Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief. He felt as if his combat power had returned.
To be safe, Chu Chen continued to absorb spiritual energy to recover his strength. However, at this point, recovering his strength seemed to be an uphill battle.
After cultivating forcefully for an hour, he had only managed to recover to the level he was at before taking the Ascending Dragon Pill, but Chu Chen was already satisfied.
With another day of cultivation, he might even see some improvement.
"Chu Chen, Chu Chen, where are you?"
Just as he exited his cultivation, Chu Chen suddenly heard a voice calling out. He quickly opened his eyes and saw the door being pushed open as Xin Yue entered.
Chu Chen smiled as he gathered his spiritual energy and said, "Princess, why have you come?"
"It's not safe outside right now. The remnants of the Xiongnu haven't been apprehended yet. Princess, you must be careful."
Li Xin Yue sat down beside Chu Chen with a hint of dejection.