A messenger ran from afar towards the grand hall, shouting news of victory all the way. Even before he entered, some people began to tremble.
Wu Sheng's forehead was covered in sweat. He looked at Chu Chen, who was smiling nearby, with disbelief.
Could it be true? Did the Wei forces also win, and a great victory at that?
How was this possible? It was merely a hastily assembled army, so how could they still win?
This must be fake. This messenger must also be arranged by Chu Chen!
The messenger ran directly to the grand hall and knelt, reporting to Li Xinyue, "Reporting to the Regent, our army has achieved a great victory, defeating the main force of the Wei army's surprise attack. Our casualties are few, and we have prevented the Wei from invading this time."
"Moreover, after this battle, the Wei army has suffered heavy losses. Even if they want to make a comeback, it will absolutely not be possible within a month. Our army will have ample time to prepare."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was overjoyed.
"Your Highness, this is truly great news. Our army has achieved successive victories. It seems we can secure peace for a while."
Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, said with a smile to Li Xinyue.
Li Xinyue also nodded, "Yes, being able to repel the enemy at our borders this time is all thanks to Prime Minister Chu's merit. We should acknowledge Prime Minister Chu's contribution, don't you agree?"
The crowd fell silent at this.
Sun Mo, the Minister of Personnel, hesitated and said, "Your Highness, earlier, Lord Wu Sheng said that the good news from the Zhao front was questionable. Is it not a bit too early to dismiss this doubt now?"
Hearing this, Wu Sheng's eyes flickered, and he said to the Princess, "Yes, Regent, the authenticity of these two reports of victory still needs to be verified. We cannot jump to conclusions."
Hearing this, the soldier who came from the Wei front wiped the bloodstains from his face and cursed, "Nonsense! We fought a battle, and you people still doubt us. It's truly laughable and pathetic."
"What are you doing, discussing this here? Do you think you can win battles with just your mouths?"
The officials in the imperial court's expressions changed slightly, and they glared at the young man.
"What are you saying, young man? What right do you have to speak here?"
Chu Chen said coldly, "What's wrong, esteemed sirs? Why won't you let this soldier speak? Let him speak, the sky won't fall."
Hearing this, the ministers angrily flicked their sleeves, saying nothing, but their gazes towards Chu Chen were very unfriendly.
Chu Chen looked at the young soldier and smiled, "Say whatever you want, I'll protect you."
Hearing this, the young soldier breathed a sigh of relief, knowing what he had to do.
Li Xinyue also nodded and smiled at the young soldier, "Yes, say whatever you need to say. As for whether it's true or false, someone will verify it."
The soldier nodded and continued, "Although our battle was difficult, it was the most worthwhile. The Wei were ambitious and sent over a hundred thousand troops to attack."
"Fortunately, we ambushed them in advance, which allowed us to take the initiative to meet the enemy. If we had rushed to fight, we don't know what the outcome would have been."
Hearing this, everyone turned their gaze towards Chu Chen, who was not far away.
It was Chu Chen who arranged for the ambush to meet the enemy, and it was also Chu Chen who wanted to place those dozen or so generals.
If it weren't for this young man, the outcome of this battle would have been uncertain.
The soldier continued, "The supplies and prisoners we captured this time will arrive at Shuangyue City in about three days. Everyone will understand then."
Chu Chen nodded, "Since that is the case, you two may go and rest first."
The two soldiers looked at Li Xinyue beside them.
The Princess saw this and waved her hand with a smile, "Since Prime Minister Chu has asked you to rest, then hurry and go. This time, Prime Minister Chu has done an excellent job. Everyone should take Prime Minister Chu as an example in the future and serve the court."
"This way, our Yunyue Kingdom will become stronger and stronger, and you will all have space to display your talents and abilities."
As the two soldiers were about to leave, Wu Sheng couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Your Highness, you cannot let these two go. They must be kept under guard. Otherwise, if these two disappear, who will we find?" Wu Sheng could not help but say.
Li Xinyue frowned. She felt that Wu Sheng was being unreasonable.
"Lord Wu, what do you mean by that? Are you worried that they can escape from our Shuangyue City? Are you worrying a little too much?"
Hearing this, Wu Sheng looked at Chu Chen and sneered, "Regent, are you being too biased towards Prime Minister Chu?"
"This humble subject is merely following the procedure. Moreover, this humble subject has not said anything, only that these two people's movements should be restricted to avoid having no witnesses."
Sun Mo coughed and said, "Regent, Lord Wu has a point. They are just two minor figures, so what if they are apprehended?"
"If the battle was indeed a great victory, then they can be released."
Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, stepped forward and said, "Regent, I disagree. Innocent until proven guilty. There is no conclusive evidence that these two soldiers have committed any crime, so why arrest them?"
"If there is suspicion, they can be monitored, but their movements cannot be restricted."
"Exactly, Minister Meng is right."
Chu Chen stepped forward at this critical moment.
"Your Highness, this humble subject believes that if Lord Wu truly suspects me, Chu Chen, he can have the soldiers monitored."
"It's only for three days anyway. These two messengers will need two or three days to rest after returning, right?"
"By the time they have rested enough, the main army should also have returned."
Li Xinyue nodded and smiled, "Alright, let's do that. Lord Wu, you should have no further objections, right?"
Wu Sheng pondered for a moment and finally nodded, "The Regent is wise."
The two messengers were dragged away by the imperial guards. Their eyes were filled with unwillingness, and their gazes were fixed on Wu Sheng.
Wu Sheng felt a chill down his spine under their gaze. Only after both of them were dragged away did he slightly relax.
Li Xinyue smiled and said to everyone, "Esteemed sirs, this matter has come to an end. Does anyone else have any other matters to report? You may all present them, and we can discuss them."
The ministers were silent again. Xie An, the Minister of War, stepped forward and said, "Regent, I believe that instead of discussing the victories and defeats of the two armies, we should send envoys to both countries to refute their territorial claims."
"Moreover, we must demand compensation from them."