"Even if we attack Zhao and might return without success, why wouldn't we consider these factors when attacking Wei?"
The Empress looked at Sun Mo, her gaze calm.
Sun Mo shook his head, "Your Majesty, Wei is, after all, a land of four-way contention. Their relations with surrounding countries are not very good."
"As long as we secretly contact the various nations, they will surely stand by and watch."
"After all, if we take down Wei, it would also benefit them."
"Moreover, in the last great war, Wei mobilized at least a hundred thousand troops. Although this defeat might not cripple Wei,"
"it was a huge blow to their morale."
"And their combat strength has also been somewhat weakened. At this time, if we attack Wei, we can gain an advantage."
"Furthermore, Wei's remnants have been causing trouble within our Twin Moon City. If we send troops to Wei, we will have a sufficient and just reason, and other countries will have nothing to say."
The Empress nodded, agreeing with Sun Mo's words.
"If that's the case, then it's decided. We will attack Wei. What do you all think?"
Minister of Personnel, Sun Mo, remained silent. Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this minister has no objections to attacking Wei."
"However, this minister still worries whether we truly won the last battle."
"And another question is, who will be the Grand General for this expedition?"
Minister of Justice, Wang Zhe, said, "Your Majesty, this minister believes that the position of Grand General can only be held by Prime Minister Chu."
"And with Prime Minister Chu's ability, he can fully command the three armies and serve as Grand Marshal."
Minister of Works, Meng Yuan, also stepped forward and cupped his hands, "Your Majesty, this minister thinks the same."
"Chu Chen can indeed be the Grand Marshal, but it remains to be seen if Prime Minister Chu is willing to accept the position."
Minister of War, Xie An, smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this minister believes that Prime Minister Chu will surely be willing."
"However, the number of troops to be deployed remains a major issue."
"Also, which army should be chosen for this expedition?"
"The two armies that returned from the last great war also need to rest and adjust."
"We cannot always use the same army. Even the strongest army will suffer losses after repeated battles."
The Empress nodded and looked at Chu Chen, "Chu Chen, it's your turn to speak. Don't pretend to be mute."
"What are your plans? You've heard what the esteemed ministers have said. Speak your mind."
Chu Chen stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, my thoughts are actually very simple."
"I can lead the expedition, and I will use the army that was under my command before."
"Those subordinates from before, such as An Yong, Wei Lixuan, and Zhu An, I wish to bring them along."
"After all, they are familiar people, and I am comfortable working with them."
"Moreover, I not only wish to serve the country myself, but I also want to cultivate a group of capable generals."
"Then, I can simply sit in Twin Moon City and guide a group of generals to fight for the country."
The Empress nodded upon hearing this.
"Chu Chen, very good. I support your ambition."
"By the way, how many men do you plan to take for this battle?"
The Empress paused, then remembered something.
"Right, have you already decided to attack Wei, or do you have other ideas?"
Chu Chen cleared his throat and said, "Your Majesty, I was thinking of attacking Zhao. However, I haven't finalized the strategy yet. If I were to tell Your Majesty how to fight now, it might be inappropriate."
"Furthermore, after hearing what the ministers said earlier, I feel that attacking Wei first has some merit, so I haven't made a final decision yet."
"Of course, if Your Majesty has already made up her mind to attack Wei, I am naturally willing to serve Your Majesty."
The Empress nodded, pleased with Chu Chen's attitude.
"You, my boy, you startled me. Alright, since you are willing to lead the expedition, that's fine. By the way, you mentioned wanting to bring those people you used before to join you on the campaign. That's no problem."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Besides them, I also want their respective subordinates. As for the soldiers, I need a hundred thousand. If their subordinate troops are insufficient, I implore Your Majesty to make up the difference."
"In addition, there will be personnel for transporting grain and supplies, as well as various logistical support, totaling about two hundred thousand."
The Empress nodded and said, "These numbers are not excessive. I can certainly grant them to you."
"With these troops, do you have a ten-tenths chance of winning?"
Chu Chen heard this. Although he felt that with a hundred thousand troops, there shouldn't be any major issues, to ensure absolute success, Chu Chen did not make any bold claims.
"Your Majesty, I am confident that I can win."
"However, this battle is too important. This will be the first expeditionary battle for our Yun Yue Kingdom to conquer the world. Its symbolic significance is immense, and it cannot afford to fail."
"I plan to return and deliberate carefully. I will give Your Majesty a definitive answer before nightfall."
The Empress thought for a moment and finally agreed, "Well said. This battle indeed requires careful preparation. Chu Chen, if you feel that these hundred thousand troops are not enough for a sure victory,"
"I can hand over the two armies that have just returned to the capital to you, to accompany you on the expedition."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen looked bewildered and then shook his head, "Your Majesty, even if you give me those two armies, they would be of no use."
"The larger the army, the more difficult it is to mobilize and maneuver flexibly."
"A hundred thousand troops, while still a large number, can be controlled like an extension of one's arm if managed properly."
"Your Majesty, an army is not just about the soldiers going on the expedition; the logistical personnel also constitute a significant proportion."
"Once a large army sets out, the daily consumption is enormous."
"It would be fine if we could obtain an equivalent amount of resources."
"But judging by the current situation, it seems unlikely."
"We are only going to attack Wei, not to obtain resources."
"Therefore, a hundred thousand soldiers, moving quickly and exiting quickly, is sufficient."
Hearing Chu Chen's words, the ministers in the court breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Although they were colleagues with Chu Chen, they feared him more than they admired him.
After all, ministers like Chu Chen, who were both learned and martial, were rare. Chu Chen's command of the army had already made those who opposed him sleepless.
If Chu Chen were to command another army, his power would swell unprecedentedly.
At that time, they, the ministers, would likely be even less in Chu Chen's eyes.
The Empress, hearing Chu Chen's words, couldn't help but shake her head helplessly and looked at the others.
"My esteemed ministers, please share your views on this matter. Do you support it or oppose it?"