Hearing this, officials from the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, and even the Ministry of War began to anxiously pace.
"Your Majesty, this is no small sum of money. If it's not handled by us, I fear there might be problems."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Such a large amount of money requires dedicated supervisors and guards. The Old War God alone might be willing but unable."
"Your Majesty, this matter absolutely cannot be decided so lightly and hastily, or there will surely be endless troubles."
Upon hearing this, the Old War God became somewhat angry: "What do you mean by that? Do you think I would have any crooked thoughts about this money? Let me tell you, if I wanted money, I wouldn't have been drifting around like this for the past few years."
"I genuinely want to do something for the Yunyue Kingdom now. Don't judge me with your twisted minds, understand?"
The faces of those officials changed slightly upon hearing this, but ultimately, they said no more.
In their view, speaking more at this moment was useless; everything depended on the Emperor's decision.
The Empress thought for a moment and finally said with a wry smile, "My dear ministers, please don't make things difficult for me. The Old War God has already said that he rarely asks anything of me. This time, he has spoken, and how can I refuse him?"
Saying this, the Empress looked at the Old War God and said, "Old War God, since you have spoken this time, I will naturally agree to your request."
The Old War God, Huo Qing, immediately cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your fulfillment. This old subject will remember it."
The Empress waved her hand and said, "However, you must promise me that you will take good care of this silver, and absolutely no major mistakes will occur."
"If any major trouble arises, I cannot entrust this silver to your care."
The Old War God, hearing this, smiled broadly and said, "This old subject thanks Your Majesty. Please rest assured, this old subject will definitely not disappoint Your Majesty."
"From now on, as Prime Minister Chu faces external battles, this old subject will ensure he has no worries."
The Empress nodded and let out a long sigh, "Since that is the case, then I am relieved. Chu Chen, do you have any other thoughts?"
Chu Chen shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, this humble subject has nothing else to say."
The Empress nodded and then looked at the assembled officials: "My dear ministers, do any of you have anything to say?"
The officials exchanged glances and all shook their heads. The Empress then said, "Since no one has anything to say, then I have decided. Court is adjourned."
The officials dispersed, while Chu Chen left with the Old War God, both wearing smiles.
This time, they had gained an advantage by securing this large sum of silver, which would make many matters easier in the future.
"Prime Minister Chu, congratulations on this matter. With this sum of silver as a guarantee, many important tasks can be undertaken as desired."
The Old War God, Huo Qing, said with emotion.
Although he knew that this was not Chu Chen's original intention, it did not prevent the Old War God from recalling past battles.
As a general, who didn't understand how difficult it was to secure military pay?
In warfare, military pay was the most crucial matter. If this could not be guaranteed, then it was essentially wishful thinking to raise a strong army.
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Old War God, please don't joke. This sort of thing is a piece of cake for you. How did you win the title of War God back then?"
"I imagine your past deeds were even more spectacular? You must tell me about them when you have time. I love hearing such stories."
Huo Qing smiled and said, "A good man doesn't boast of past glories. By the way, didn't you see the faces of those ministry officials turn green when they heard I was taking that money?"
"They probably intended to skim some oil and water from it, but I intercepted it, so they must be unwilling."
Chu Chen chuckled, "By the way, Old War God, I will be leaving Shuangyue City soon. It's hard to guarantee that no one will cause trouble, so I will need your help to keep an eye on many things."
Upon hearing this, the Old War God immediately smiled and waved his hand, "Prime Minister Chu, you can rest assured. Besides me, those young generals who have just returned also have their own troops. If I summon them, they will surely gather around me and ensure that Shuangyue City is safe."
Hearing this, Chu Chen was immediately relieved and nodded, "The Old War God is right. With you all in Shuangyue City, I am at ease."
The Old War God smiled, looked around, and seeing that no one was looking in their direction, and that there were few people nearby, his expression became peculiar: "Prime Minister Chu, didn't I handle today's matter brilliantly?"
Chu Chen nodded and said, "Brilliantly, of course, brilliantly."
The Old War God extended a hand and made a grasping gesture: "Then, shouldn't we discuss what kind of reward there is?"
Hearing this, Chu Chen immediately stopped and looked at the Old War God: "Old War God, what reward do you want?"
The Old War God, Huo Qing, immediately blushed: "You brat, do I have to tell you what reward I want, an old man like me?"
Chu Chen smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Old War God, I understand your intentions. Let's discuss it further at home."
The Old War God immediately put his arm around Chu Chen's shoulder and smiled, "I knew you understood my meaning, you brat."
Upon returning to the Prime Minister's mansion, Chu Chen and the Old War God went to the backyard. It was even more elegant than before, and many fragrant flowers of unknown names had been planted.
The ones planting the flowers were the women who had previously been intimate with the Old War God.
Seeing them, the Old War God could barely walk, his heart itching as if small insects were crawling all over him.
"Prime Minister Chu, Old Master Huo."
Several women saw them and bowed.
Seeing the women respectfully but somewhat distantly towards him, the Old War God felt a pang of disappointment.
When Chu Chen did not give orders, these girls showed him no affection.
Of course, perhaps they were just hiding it well.
Chu Chen waved his hand and smiled, "Alright, hurry and attend to the Old War God's rest. The Old War God is also tired from attending court. You must serve him well."
Upon hearing this, the Old War God's eyes lit up with joy. He went to the women and put his arms around their waists.
The women's pretty faces turned red from the Old War God's teasing, but they did not refuse.
"Yes, Prime Minister."
The beautiful women led the Old War God to his room. Chu Chen waved his hand, and a Jin Yi Wei appeared before him.
"Keep an eye on the Old War God's situation. Make sure nothing unexpected happens."
"Report any matters to me immediately."
"Yes, my lord."
Chu Chen nodded and returned to his own bedroom with peace of mind.
Back in his bedroom, Chu Chen calmed down. Thinking about the debate in court regarding the army's direction, Chu Chen's mind stirred. Should he run a simulation?