The Empress and Chu Chen retired for the night, and the rest of the night passed without incident.
The next morning, Chu Chen attended the morning court as usual. Seeing Chu Chen's appearance, Li Xinyue was naturally a little anxious.
"Chu Chen, why are you here? Where is Mother Emperor?"
Chu Chen hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty does not wish to reveal her whereabouts at the moment, but I can assure Your Highness that she is safe."
Li Xinyue was slightly relieved to hear this. "By the way, was Mother Emperor injured?"
Chu Chen shook his head and smiled, "Don't worry, Your Highness, His Majesty is doing well and is not injured at all."
Li Xinyue nodded, slightly relieved.
"Then why isn't Mother Emperor back to preside over state affairs?"
Chu Chen chuckled awkwardly and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty wants you to handle some matters independently, so she will be away for a while. If Your Highness cannot control the situation, His Majesty will naturally intervene."
"Also, His Majesty asked Your Highness not to tell anyone about her return. Just pretend His Majesty is still in Wei, and see what changes everyone undergoes."
"Mother Emperor is doing this?"
Li Xinyue did not understand why her mother emperor would do this, but she had never opposed her mother emperor's decisions.
Seeing that Chu Chen had no further explanation, Li Xinyue returned to the high platform and sat in the newly added seat.
"My lords, do you have anything to report? If not, we shall adjourn."
The ministers exchanged glances and looked at Chu Chen, who had reappeared in the court.
Chu Chen had been missing for two days, and some people had already made guesses. After all, he was assigned to assist Princess Xinyue, and he ran off. What was that supposed to mean?
The Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, immediately stepped forward. "Your Highness, I have a question for Prime Minister Chu. His Majesty ordered him to assist the Princess in overseeing the state. Why did he disappear for three consecutive days and only come to court today?"
Upon hearing this, the ministers all showed a hint of a smile. They were all thinking along the same lines.
Chu Chen had always been very domineering in court, and now he was finally going to be embarrassed.
Normally, Chu Chen rarely made mistakes, but this time he had made a mistake that was too significant to be overlooked.
Princess Xinyue was about to speak when Chu Chen interjected.
"Minister Wu, since I have been entrusted by His Majesty to assist the Princess in overseeing the state, I should have the right to decide or at least have significant input on any matter in court, wouldn't you agree?"
Wu Sheng's expression turned displeased. "So what if that's the case? You are now overseeing the state, and this power was granted to you by His Majesty. You should cherish it, understand?"
Chu Chen chuckled. "Since Minister Wu acknowledges my role in assisting the state, then whatever I do is also a decision of the court. I can say that, can't I?"
Wu Sheng pouted, realizing he had fallen into Chu Chen's trap.
"Since it is a decision of the court, then my actions are permitted. Therefore, there is nothing improper about what I have done."
Wu Sheng thought for a moment and then said, "Even so, you should have informed the assembled ministers. Otherwise, wouldn't it be like child's play?"
Chu Chen's expression remained calm. "Minister Wu, your words are unreasonable. The reason I did not inform the ministers was precisely out of a sense of confidentiality and responsibility."
"We previously said that we didn't know who among the Xiongnu would attack. If the news were leaked, who would be responsible?"
Wu Sheng flicked his sleeve. "In that case, Prime Minister Chu, can you inform us of the news now? The ministers should be very interested in this matter."
"The matter has passed, and there is no need to keep it a secret. We also want to know what earth-shattering deeds Prime Minister Chu has accomplished, and we wish to witness them."
Chu Chen sneered. "Minister Wu, you are indeed very curious. Very well, since Minister Wu is so eager to know, I don't mind telling you."
The ministers all pricked up their ears to listen.
Chu Chen spoke eloquently. "My departure this time was to travel around and observe. We sent so many troops to the border last time. If I don't investigate further, what if we lose?"
Wu Sheng's interest was piqued. "Prime Minister Chu, you say that, it seems you are very confident about this expedition. Are you sure we can win this war?"
Chu Chen straightened his back. "Naturally. How about we make a bet? If I win, you will drive my horses for three days. If I lose, I will do the same for you."
Upon hearing this, Wu Sheng took a deep breath and sized up Chu Chen.
Chu Chen raised an eyebrow, as if in a challenge, and tilted his chin at him.
Wu Sheng was immediately annoyed. He thought to himself, how could these dozen or so generals he had hastily recruited defeat the armies of two countries that had been planning a sneak attack for a long time?
If the armies of these two countries were so easy to deal with, then those two countries would be too incompetent.
In the minds of Wu Sheng and the others, the first thing they did not believe was that the Wei and Zhao states would send troops to sneak attack.
Even if the Yunyue Kingdom was leaderless, this matter had not reached the ears of the two countries, so it should not have caused any trouble.
Moreover, this brat Chu Chen was arrogant and conceited. Even if the two countries really sent troops to sneak attack, these two hastily organized armies would have soldiers who did not know their commanders, and commanders who were not trusted by their soldiers.
A rash engagement would surely lead to defeat.
In their opinion, Chu Chen was merely trying to take this opportunity to place his own generals in the army. This time, he would surely fail and suffer losses.
Thinking of this, Wu Sheng had no more reservations.
"Alright, Prime Minister Chu. Since you have put it this way, wouldn't it be inhumane of me not to agree?"
"To tell you the truth, I really don't believe you can win this battle. We shall see."
"Whoever loses will drive the other's horses for three days."
The Minister of Personnel, Sun Mo, who was standing nearby, immediately understood Wu Sheng's intentions and his eyes lit up.
"Prime Minister Chu, why don't I join in? If our army wins this battle, I will drive your horses for you."
"If our army loses this battle, or if neither country makes a sneak attack, then Prime Minister Chu will drive my horses for me. What do you say?"
Chu Chen looked at the Minister of Personnel, Sun Mo, and seeing the unconcealed smile in his eyes, he couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Alright, Minister Sun, you are one of them."
Saying that, Chu Chen looked at the others and said, "My lords, if any of you have any thoughts, you can express them now."
"If you think I will be the one driving horses this time, stand with Wu Sheng."
"If you think Minister Wu will be driving horses, stand with me."
"Of course, if you want to watch the show, you can remain in your original positions."
Chu Chen's words immediately caused the assembled ministers to start discussing amongst themselves.
At this moment, Chu Chen's intention was clear: he wanted them to take sides.