"Even if he needs to guard against an attack from Yunyue Kingdom, he doesn't need so many people."
"This scoundrel, he's playing me for a fool."
The Emperor of Zhao's gaze grew increasingly grim. Wei Kingdom dared not come to his aid this time; if Wei Kingdom faced trouble in the future, he would not lift a finger.
He was always one to repay every slight. Although such behavior might seem petty for an emperor, it brought him satisfaction, so why not indulge in it?
Moreover, it was the Emperor of Wei who had broken faith first.
The Prime Minister before him said nervously, "Your Majesty, most of our troops are engaged in defending against Yan Kingdom."
"Another portion is guarding the northern frontier against the Xiongnu."
"If the Xiongnu learn that Yunyue Kingdom might attack us, will they also seize this opportunity to strike?"
"If that happens, the situation we will face will be dire."
Both men calmed down, silently contemplating possible ways out.
"No, there must be a solution to this matter. That is, the Emperor of Wei must step forward to take charge of the situation."
Emperor Zhao's face was stern as he said, "Immediately send another plea for aid. No matter what, we must make the Emperor of Wei agree to our request."
The Prime Minister before him said with some difficulty, "But Your Majesty, Yunyue Kingdom is also eyeing us covetously. We cannot afford to let our guard down."
"If we cannot quickly repel Yunyue Kingdom, our hard times will be upon us."
"We are already struggling to resist Yan Kingdom and guard against the Xiongnu."
"Now that Yunyue Kingdom is coming, we should dispatch a contingent to deal with them, otherwise, we will truly be finished this time."
The Emperor of Zhao nodded and said, "We will halve the forces confronting Qi Kingdom."
"Qi Kingdom seems to be having friction with Yan Kingdom as well. If we withdraw our forces and secretly inform Qi Kingdom about this, do you think Qi Kingdom will reinforce Yan Kingdom?"
The Prime Minister frowned upon hearing this and said, "Your Majesty, what you say is possible. However, there is another possibility, which is that Qi Kingdom might march against us."
"If that happens, we will be in truly grave danger."
The Emperor slammed the table in anger, "Nonsense! I've always said the Great General cannot fall, at least not until a suitable replacement is found. Why do you always want to kill him, like a hopeless case?"
The Prime Minister before him trembled violently, appearing greatly alarmed.
As the Emperor had said, his killing of the Great General was a grave offense. Yet, he had been forced into it.
In that situation, if he hadn't dealt with the Great General, he feared the Great General would have dealt with him.
Moreover, wasn't it with the Emperor's support that he had considered killing him?
Now that trouble had arisen, the Emperor was trying to shift the blame onto him, truly adept at evading responsibility.
Emperor Zhao glanced at him and said, "Enough, I will not dwell on the past. Since the Great General is gone, you will send someone to guard the position for me."
"Oh, and before the candidate is decided, inform me. I will make the final decision. If there are any further mishaps in defending against Yunyue Kingdom, I will hold you accountable."
The Prime Minister quickly bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. This humble servant takes his leave."
"Right, summon the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works. I have matters to discuss with them."
The Prime Minister couldn't help but ask with some doubt, "Your Majesty, what do you need them for?"
Emperor Zhao said angrily, "Of course, I need to inquire about the preparations for grain and combat equipment. Do you think I'm asking you?"
The Prime Minister quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. This humble servant will fetch them immediately. This humble servant also needs to handle the matter of selecting a general for the expedition, so I will not accompany them."
Emperor Zhao waved his hand impatiently, signaling the Prime Minister to leave quickly. About half an hour later, several officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works arrived at the Hall of Governance and respectfully paid their respects to Emperor Zhao.
Emperor Zhao waved his hand and said, "You have all worked hard. There is a reason for this urgent summons. I presume you have heard of Yunyue Kingdom's movements?"
The ministers exchanged glances and nodded, "Your Majesty, we have heard. This is likely a significant threat. We must be vigilant."
"Although the Empress of Yunyue Kingdom was not our target before, you were present at the time, and perhaps Yunyue Kingdom harbors resentment towards you."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Most importantly, we are still locked in conflict with Yan Kingdom. It is not advisable to engage in direct conflict with Yunyue Kingdom at this time."
"But they are already poised to attack. If we do not react, we will likely suffer a far worse fate."
Emperor Zhao said with a cold expression.
"Now, I wish to ask all of you, how are the weapons you are forging progressing? If a large-scale war is to occur, will they be sufficient?"
"Also, can grain and military pay be supplied in a timely manner?"
After speaking, Emperor Zhao looked sharply at the people present.
Facing Emperor Zhao, they all avoided his gaze, their expressions quite awkward.
"Your Majesty, the weapons are being forged at an accelerated pace. However, we lost some during the previous conflict with Yan Kingdom. We can just barely fill the void on the Yan front. Supplying the army fighting Yunyue Kingdom will be very difficult."
The Vice Minister of Works frowned and said.
Emperor Zhao was furious upon hearing this, "Didn't I tell you before to forge more, to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances? Is this how you implemented my orders?"
Emperor Zhao was so enraged he almost fainted, swaying unsteadily.
The Vice Minister of Works cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please do not be angry. There is room for maneuver in this matter. At least Yunyue Kingdom has not attacked yet, and the conflict with Yan Kingdom has temporarily ceased."
"We can transfer the completed weapons to the Yunyue front, expand our workforce, and increase the production speed. The replenishment of weapons for the conflict with Yan Kingdom can be postponed."
"However, Your Majesty, doing so presents some difficulties."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhao's expression turned grim.
"What difficulties are there? Do not hesitate to speak."
Emperor Zhao took a deep breath and said.
The Vice Minister of Works showed a slight smile on his face and said, "Your Majesty, to achieve this, a large amount of silver is required. This needs the support of the Ministry of Revenue."
Emperor Zhao looked at the officials from the Ministry of Revenue and said sternly, "Does the Ministry of Revenue have enough silver to support the Ministry of Works in expanding its workforce? And the money for purchasing materials."
The Vice Minister of Revenue nodded and said, "Your Majesty, it is sufficient. However, there are many other matters that our court needs to attend to in the coming days, such as building the Changle Palace for you and constructing the wine pools and meat forests."
"Please halt these matters for now."