Some officials began to discuss how to deal with Chu Chen.
Clearly, in their minds, Chu Chen had undeniably committed a crime and should be dealt with to appease public anger.
The Empress waved her hand at the heated discussion of the ministers, and they gradually quieted down.
The Empress rose and said, "What Lord Huo said, I have also heard. Since the army is about to return to the capital, shouldn't we go out to meet them?"
"They first won a victory, and then returned to the villages and towns around Shuangyue City to protect its peace. This is a great contribution to the Yunyue Kingdom."
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Your Majesty, some adults are not familiar with this rebellion, and it is also my fault that I have always kept the news secret and not told everyone."
"However, now that the chaos has been settled, I believe it is time to inform all the adults."
The Empress nodded, and Chu Chen then looked at the ministers.
"My lords, whether you wish for me to continue as prime minister or want to bring me down, I must tell you that we have won both battles."
"We have captured a large number of enemy soldiers and seized a large amount of supplies and provisions."
"Because their performance in battle was very good, I let them stay on the road for a few more days, considering it as both rest and travel."
"Unexpectedly, this led some people to dare to rebel amidst the chaos."
"Several Vice Ministers of departments gathered a group of people, wanting to take advantage of Your Majesty's absence to support the King of Liu to rebel again, intending to attack Shuangyue City."
"As a result, they miscalculated. Princess Xin Yue and I cooperated closely and thwarted their plot before dawn."
"That is why everyone still doesn't know what happened."
"After that, a large number of remaining Wei troops came into our Shuangyue City. However, it took them a full three days to enter completely. As soon as they were about to assemble, I wiped them out in one go. They are now imprisoned in a secret underground prison."
"The two armies were originally scheduled to return the day before yesterday. It was I who asked them to postpone their return to the city and first clear out the remaining Zhao troops and bandits in the villages and towns before returning."
Hearing this, all the ministers present were dumbfounded. They had not expected things to turn out this way.
However, many still remained skeptical.
After all, this explanation was too strange and felt abnormal.
Why should Chu Chen's claim of a triumphant return be true?
And the defeated remnant troops dared to harm the villages and towns ahead of them, and even dared to come into Shuangyue City?
This seemed strange, even impossible!
The Empress nodded and said, "Chu Chen, is what you say true?"
Chu Chen nodded and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, every word I say is true."
"Of course, there is no point in just talking about many things. When the army returns to the capital today, Your Majesty will see for yourself, and everything will be clear."
The Empress's expression became even more somber upon hearing this: "Chu Chen, are you saying that the Zhao and Wei armies came to cause trouble inside and outside our Shuangyue City?"
Chu Chen quickly said, "Your Majesty, I can guarantee this matter with my head."
The Empress snorted angrily, "These fellows are truly audacious. Do they think I am made of clay?"
"It seems that Zhao and Wei have become a serious threat to our Yunyue Kingdom. You wanted to fight abroad, didn't you? Let's deal with Zhao and Wei first."
Chu Chen immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I will immediately formulate a specific plan for foreign warfare upon my return and strive to send troops as soon as possible to vent Your Majesty's anger."
The Empress nodded with satisfaction, "Very good. Everyone has heard. Chu Chen said he will take action."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Wu Sheng then said, "Prime Minister Chu, if our army loses this battle, what will you do?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Lord Wu, if our army truly loses, I will naturally take responsibility, as the more than ten people leading the army were all recommended by me to Princess Xin Yue."
Princess Xin Yue, not far away, shook her head and said to the Empress, "Mother Empress, the responsibility for this matter ultimately lies with me. It was I who agreed to Chu Chen's suggestion."
Chu Chen waved his hand, "Your Highness, don't be too quick to take the blame. We clearly haven't lost this time."
"Lord Wu, if we have indeed won this time, what will you do?"
Wu Sheng pouted upon hearing this, "Prime Minister Chu, whatever you say goes. However, in my opinion, Prime Minister Chu will not give me this opportunity."
Chu Chen chuckled, "We have already agreed that if we win, you will be my carriage driver for a month."
"It seems you are not suited for this position."
"How about this, from now on, when I enter the main hall, you will be my footstool at the door for me to step on. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Sheng took a deep breath in anger.
However, Wu Sheng said righteously, "Then so be it. Anyway, you will never win."
Wu Sheng had already made up his mind.
Since Chu Chen's army was destined to lose, he would hold on for now. Didn't he say that the army would return the next day? Then he would let the army slap Chu Chen in the face!
"Report! Your Majesty, the two armies are returning together and are preparing to enter the city from the East Gate."
A Jin Yi Wei shouted loudly from outside the hall and ran towards it, his voice making all the ministers present tremble.
"Speak of the devil, they're back so soon?"
"Yes, this time there will be a good show. Let's see who wins and who loses."
"I think Prime Minister Chu is definitely going to lose this time. He has no chance of a comeback."
"If Wu Sheng loses, he will become Prime Minister Chu's footstool. It's funny just thinking about it."
The ministers' discussions were all about the same points: either Chu Chen loses or Wu Sheng loses.
The Empress looked at the Jin Yi Wei, "What is your official position? I feel somewhat familiar, but I can't recognize you. It's strange."
The Jin Yi Wei knelt and said, "Returning to Your Majesty, I am a Jin Yi Wei sent by Prime Minister Chu to investigate and assist the generals in gathering intelligence. This time, as the army returns, I was sent to report."
The Empress nodded with satisfaction, "It's good that they are back. It's good."
"You immediately go and tell the generals of the army that I will not greet them this time. Rest well upon your return."
"Our Yunyue Kingdom will have many wars with other countries in the future. Once the situation of sweeping across the nations is established, I will celebrate for you properly."
The Empress's voice echoed through the hall. All the ministers' hearts trembled. The Empress had decided to send troops to conquer the various countries!
"Your Majesty is wise."