Minister of Justice Wang Zhe stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, your humble servant strongly agrees with Prime Minister Chu's idea. Prime Minister Chu is naturally more adept at military strategy than us civil officials."
"Since he says quality is more important than quantity in warfare, he should not be given too many troops."
"Moreover, as Your Majesty has seen, these two armies currently need a good rest."
"Let them not participate in this battle. Let them rest well at home. We will have plenty of opportunities for external campaigns in the future, so there's no need to rush for this one."
After speaking, Wang Zhe glanced at Chu Chen somewhat guiltily. Although he didn't know why Chu Chen refused to take the two armies, he always felt there was something fishy about it.
Perhaps Chu Chen said the opposite of what he truly wanted, deliberately speaking in reverse.
Minister of War Xie An also stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, your humble servant believes that since Prime Minister Chu has not yet made up his mind, it would be best to let him think it over. This matter does not need to be decided immediately today."
"Furthermore, preparing an army for campaign is not something that can be decided casually."
"Provisions and fodder must be adequately prepared to ensure victory in this battle."
"We might as well prepare in advance, and then make adjustments accordingly after Prime Minister Chu makes his decision."
The Empress nodded and said, "Minister Xie's words are reasonable."
Minister of Works Meng Yuan said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant believes that Prime Minister Chu is a brilliant strategist, and ten thousand troops are already sufficient. There is no need to send him two more armies."
"Last time, Prime Minister Chu only sent a dozen people to serve as generals in the army, and they were still able to defeat the enemy."
"This time, with Prime Minister Chu leading personally, wouldn't winning this battle be effortless?"
Minister of Personnel Sun Mo also stepped forward at this time, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, our continuous troop movements have incurred enormous costs. I believe that mobilizing ten thousand troops this time is already the limit, and no further action should be taken."
After speaking, Sun Mo returned to the ranks of officials and said to Wu Sheng beside him, "Lord Wu, we absolutely cannot let Prime Minister Chu control another hundred thousand troops. Otherwise, nearly half of Yun Yue Kingdom's standing army will be in his hands."
Wu Sheng nodded, "Indeed. It is out of necessity that we allow him to lead another campaign. Zhao and Wei must be dealt with, or they will become a great threat. However, this does not mean we should allow Chu Chen to grow too powerful."
The other ministers shared the same sentiment as them. They were all afraid of Chu Chen's growing influence.
Chu Chen's prestige and power had already reached an apex. If he were to ascend further, would he become the emperor?
Anyone in their position would not be foolish enough to allow that.
The Empress nodded and said, "In that case, let it be decided for now. Prime Minister Chu, gather ten thousand troops within five days and set out. The generals chosen by Prime Minister Chu will be at his discretion."
"My esteemed ministers, are there any other matters?"
Minister of Justice Wang Zhe asked, "Your Majesty, the officials who participated in the second rebellion of Prince Liu have all been apprehended. How does Your Majesty wish to deal with them?"
The Empress's expression changed upon hearing this. She waved her hand and said, "These rebellious traitors, kill them all for me."
"I am not dead yet, and they are already eager to rebel. Do they think I am made of clay?"
Wang Zhe couldn't help but take a deep breath, "Your Majesty, however, many of these individuals were misled. Moreover, these individuals hold important positions."
"If they are all executed, it could have a very severe impact."
"At that time, some of the court's policies may not be implemented properly, which could cause considerable difficulty."
The Empress's expression changed, "What, does our Yun Yue Kingdom need these rebellious traitors to operate?"
Minister of Personnel Sun Mo stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the crimes committed by these disgraced officials vary in severity. If they are all executed, it might disturb the peace of mind of the people."
"Perhaps the Ministry of Justice could first conduct an investigation, and then a decision can be made. What does Your Majesty think?"
Chu Chen nodded and said, "Your Majesty, if suitable ministers cannot be found to replace them immediately, these disgraced officials could be allowed to work while wearing cangues, with one or two guards watching them."
"Once their crimes are determined, those who deserve execution will be executed, and those who deserve imprisonment will be imprisoned."
Upon hearing this, the ministers couldn't help but look at Chu Chen as if he were a devil.
"Good heavens, this is truly a reign of demons. Chu Chen treats ministers like livestock."
"Working while wearing a cangue, how could he even think of such a thing? If this were actually implemented, wouldn't those officials wearing cangues and shackles die of shame and anger?"
Wu Sheng was the first to object, "Your Majesty, your humble servant does not agree with this approach. Would this not be a great insult to these disgraced officials?"
Minister of Personnel Sun Mo said coldly, "Your Majesty, your humble servant agrees with Lord Wu's statement. A scholar can be killed but not insulted. Is this not the same as insulting these disgraced officials?"
There were many voices of agreement in the court, and they were all somewhat indignant.
The Empress nodded and looked at Chu Chen, saying, "Prime Minister Chu, what do you think should be done? It seems my esteemed ministers do not agree with your proposal."
Chu Chen smiled and waved his hand, "Your Majesty, my suggestion is merely a suggestion. Moreover, whether to kill or insult is their choice. I will not force these officials."
"Furthermore, allowing them to continue working while wearing cangues can be considered them contributing to Yun Yue Kingdom and atoning for their sins, thereby reducing their guilt."
"I believe these disgraced officials will make a rational choice. Your esteemed ministers need not decide for them. Perhaps many of them need this way out."
The ministers were left speechless by this.
This Chu Chen fellow was truly wicked. This was simply killing with a poisoned pen.
They had no reason to refute him. Were they supposed to say that they didn't want these disgraced officials to live?
If they did, the families of those disgraced officials would probably hate them, the ones who opposed the idea.
The Empress nodded and said, "Prime Minister Chu's words are indeed wise. In that case, I shall give these individuals an opportunity. Before their crimes are determined, they will be allowed to work while wearing cangues. After their guilt is established, if they demonstrate significant meritorious service, their death sentence may be commuted or their punishment reduced."
Upon hearing this, although the ministers were reluctant in their hearts, they ultimately said in unison, "Your Majesty is wise."
Chu Chen then said, "Your Majesty, how should the remaining troops from the two countries be handled? Their numbers combined are nearly thirty thousand, which is not an insignificant force."
The ministers were shocked and exchanged glances, full of disbelief.
"There are so many rebels. If they were allowed to cause trouble, the consequences would be unimaginable."