Meanwhile, the implementation of the "Three New Laws" in Yunyue Kingdom for over a month had already reached the surrounding nations.
The six bordering countries – Yan, Zhao, Qi, Qin, Chu, and Chen – each reacted differently.
In the imperial study of the Yan capital, Jicheng, the Emperor of Yan summoned the ministers of the six ministries. He asked, "My esteemed ministers, have you heard about the reforms and strengthening occurring in Yunyue Kingdom?"
"Your Majesty, this minister has indeed heard, but we are unsure of Your Majesty's intentions?" the Minister of Rites cautiously inquired.
The Yan Emperor waved his hand and smiled, saying, "Rest assured, my ministers. Yan's national strength is flourishing, and I have no need for reforms. I have summoned you merely to ask for your opinions on this matter."
It was a relief that there was no intention of reform, especially given the astonishing nature of Yunyue Kingdom's proposed changes.
The six ministries breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Minister of Rites then spoke, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, Yunyue Kingdom's current reforms are a path to self-destruction!"
"I second that!"
"I concur as well!"
"Oh? Why do you all believe so?" the Yan Emperor asked curiously.
The Minister of Rites replied indignantly, "Your Majesty, Yunyue Kingdom's reforms completely disregard propriety and the teachings of the sages. Competing with the common people for profit is surely a path to ruin!"
The Minister of Revenue added, "Yunyue Kingdom's reforms are too hasty. While the intentions may be good, they have offended too many people. I believe that the noble families and powerful officials within their country will not support such laws that significantly harm their interests, and they will certainly not willingly see their profits diminished."
"It is likely that Yunyue Kingdom is on the verge of internal strife right now," the Minister of Personnel added with a smile.
The Yan Emperor nodded and chuckled, "When I first heard of Yunyue Kingdom's reforms, I was startled. But upon deeper consideration, my thoughts align with yours, my ministers."
Afterward, the Yan Emperor provided them with general intelligence about Yunyue Kingdom for their perusal.
Upon reading it, the emperor and his ministers exchanged knowing smiles.
"I wonder if we can launch a large-scale invasion next spring, taking advantage of Yunyue Kingdom's internal chaos?"
At this point, the Yan Emperor slowly revealed the true purpose of summoning them.
The Minister of War frowned and instinctively advised, "Your Majesty, I believe this is not advisable. Our country is not invincible. The barbarians to the north are also watching us covetously. If we dispatch a large army, we may be ambushed by Zhao and the northern barbarians. If we do not send a large force, it may be difficult to defeat Yunyue Kingdom's Prime Minister, Chu Chen."
"This Chu Chen, judging by his record, has shown exceptional talent in military affairs within just two years, and he is also a formidable martial artist. It will be difficult to defeat him without exerting our full strength. I believe it is not advisable."
The Minister of Revenue quickly seconded, "I am of the same opinion."
The Yan Emperor's brow furrowed, but seeing that all other ministers held the same view, he reluctantly relented.
Zhao and Yan are neighboring countries, and the concerns of Yan were also the concerns of Zhao.
The Zhao Emperor, after discussing the matter with his officials, also regretfully abandoned the idea of an invasion next spring.
Both countries are powerful nations in the northern part of the Qingzhou Continent, currently in their prime. However, their lands are largely frozen and not suitable for extensive agriculture. A significant portion of their national finances is allocated to military expenditure. Although their armies are strong, they are primarily for defense against other nations. An invasion would make them vulnerable to opportunistic attacks from other countries.
When Chen Kingdom received the news, the court officials had not even seen the Chen Empress.
Currently, the Chen Empress, Chen Xinmei, is engrossed in alchemy and cultivation, completely neglecting state affairs. Without the Empress's decree, such a significant matter could not be coordinated across the various ministries for an expedition.
As for the previously prepared supplies for the conquest of Yunyue Kingdom, they had long been sold off by the Chen Empress, and even the army had been sent back to their respective regions.
In Linzi, the capital of Qi, the Qi Empress received the news and, after a brief discussion with her ministers, showed no interest.
The vast and prosperous Qi Kingdom, enjoying peace and prosperity, had no interest in invading other nations. Especially after invading Yunyue Kingdom, they would border multiple powerful states, offering no benefit.
In Xianyang, the capital of Qin, the sixth-generation Qin Emperor, Zhao Yan, was discussing the matter in court.
"My esteemed ministers, what are your views on the events unfolding in Yunyue Kingdom?"
"Your Majesty, this minister believes it is an excellent opportunity. However, our Qin Kingdom currently cannot spare troops to attack Yunyue Kingdom simultaneously. This is due to that Chu Chen. Although his country is weak, he can still command tens of thousands of troops to resist us. If this leads to a multi-front war, it may result in disaster," replied Yongwu Jun Bai Da, stepping forward.
"Your Majesty, this minister also believes that attacking Yunyue Kingdom is not advisable. Although the timing is good, the long-planned matter of Shu Kingdom cannot be abandoned halfway. Otherwise, it would be a waste of effort and resources."
"I second that!"
Zhao Yan said regretfully, "The opportunity we have waited for for over a decade has arrived at an inopportune time! What a pity for my imperial brother; he is utterly useless. If he had caused a stir years ago, why would we have to watch such a great opportunity slip through our fingers?"
"Alas, what is fated will be!"
Qin had been preparing for two years to launch a war and annex its neighboring country, Shu. Before that, they had been recuperating for at least five years in preparation for the war.
Now, a large quantity of grain and supplies had been mobilized to the Shu border, and the army was amassed, yet they could not spare the effort to attack Yunyue Kingdom.
If Yunyue Kingdom had not had a military genius like Chu Chen, they might have been able to spare tens of thousands of troops to probe. But now, the entire court had no such intentions.
The Qin Empress, Zhao Yan, also abandoned the plan for a two-front war.
On the other hand, the entire court of Chu, including the Chu Emperor, was bewildered.
"Great Priest, what exactly is going on? Why has my divination regarding the success of our expedition turned into such a mess?" the Chu Emperor asked, frowning at the jumbled copper coins on the table in the center of the hall.
The Great Priest was also very confused and did not know what was happening.
The bewildered Great Priest uncertainly said, "Perhaps the tools I am using are faulty? Allow me to replace them and perform another divination."
The Chu Emperor nodded and waited patiently.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, new tortoise shells and copper coins were brought.
The Great Priest, holding the new equipment, began to divine again.
Soon, the results were out. All five copper coins were scattered chaotically, not only not close together but some even falling on the ground.
This scene once again baffled the Chu court officials.
The Great Priest was now at a loss and could only cup his hands and reply, "Your Majesty, perhaps invading Yunyue Kingdom is not advisable?"
"...Very well, Great Priest, return and study this matter. Let us see what is truly happening. This situation is quite peculiar, and until we understand it, I will not consider invading Yunyue Kingdom."
While the Chu Emperor felt weary, he was also somewhat shocked.
The practice of divination was prevalent in Chu, not out of superstition, but as an alternative cultivation method developed by their ancestors when they could not break through to the Lingtai realm.
After more than ten generations and hundreds of years of development, although it remained a niche school of thought, it was highly valued. Divinations were performed before every expedition and festival to guide their decisions.
Now that the divination was unclear, rashly invading would be ill-advised, a lesson learned from history.