The old marshal smiled and nodded, then introduced Chu Chen and the others. Chu Chen noted down their names and positions one by one, feeling a little more at ease.
Chu Chen smiled at everyone and said, "Alright, now that you all know each other, I won't waste your time with pleasantries. Each of you will take up your respective posts. You have at most three days to operate."
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances, their eyes widening.
"Three days, Prime Minister Chu. If the time is this short, we won't even have time to get a grasp of the military personnel. How can we operate?"
Chu Chen chuckled and replied, "That will depend on yourselves. I believe that with your respective abilities, you will surely be able to accomplish it."
"You were all recommended by the old marshal. You must not tarnish his reputation."
Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but shake their heads with a wry smile. Some craned their necks and asked, "Prime Minister Chu, is something about to happen?"
Chu Chen shook his head and glanced at the old marshal beside him, hesitating slightly.
The old marshal smiled and waved his hand at Chu Chen, saying, "Prime Minister Chu, just tell them directly. What you say to me is as good as telling them."
"If they were untrustworthy, I would not have recommended them to you, wouldn't that be harming you, Prime Minister Chu?"
Chu Chen heard this, thought for a moment, and finally nodded. "Very well, I will tell you all. In a few days, the Empress might be in danger. Therefore, I am sending you to the various armies to quickly gain control of them. This way, we can eliminate potential threats as swiftly as possible."
"What?"
All the generals present were stunned and looked at the old marshal.
The old marshal shook his head and said, "What Prime Minister Chu says is true. You are truly taking on this mission in a time of crisis."
One general couldn't help but ask, "Old Marshal, Prime Minister Chu, isn't His Majesty seeking the elixir of immortality? How could he perish? This is too unbelievable."
Chu Chen nodded and said, "Everyone, the situation is now confirmed. The only concern is whether you can control your respective armies within three days."
Upon hearing this, the generals immediately replied, "Prime Minister Chu, rest assured. If we cannot control our assigned armies within three days, we will present our heads to you."
Chu Chen waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "There's no need for such drastic measures. Just do your best. Now, you will accompany the old marshal to the backyard to rest and await good news. I need to discuss matters with General Wei Zi and the Minister of War, Xie An."
"Once we have finalized our plans, you will take up your posts immediately."
Hearing this, everyone rose and cupped their hands, saying, "Yes, Prime Minister Chu."
The old marshal chuckled, "Let's go, follow me to the backyard. Prime Minister Chu is treating you well. However, remember, no slacking off. When Prime Minister Chu calls for you, you must immediately take up your positions."
The generals readily agreed, and Chu Chen then sent someone to summon Xie An.
Although Xie An was now the Minister of War, he dared not disobey Chu Chen's summons.
Not to mention that Chu Chen was already a Prime Minister, and now he was assisting Princess Li Xinyue in overseeing the country. Chu Chen's current actual power was such that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the uncrowned king of Yunyue Kingdom!
About half an hour later, Xie An arrived at the Prime Minister's mansion in his carriage.
Upon seeing Chu Chen, Xie An approached with a beaming smile.
"Prime Minister, you summoned this subordinate so urgently. What is the matter?"
Chu Chen smiled and gestured to the seat beside him. "Lord Xie, there's no need to be nervous. Please sit."
Xie An nodded and sat down, looking at Chu Chen.
"Lord Xie, what are your thoughts on His Majesty's journey to the Wei Kingdom?"
As he spoke, Chu Chen personally poured tea for Xie An, making Xie An feel somewhat flattered.
Xie An heard this and replied with a wry smile, "Prime Minister Chu, His Majesty seeks immortality. Can this subordinate stop him?"
Chu Chen sighed and said, "What if His Majesty does not return this time?"
Upon hearing this, Xie An almost dropped the teacup in his hand.
He tremblingly placed the teacup, which he had only taken a sip from, on the table, his face filled with astonishment.
"Prime Minister Chu, what do you mean by that? Is it true?"
Chu Chen nodded, looking somewhat helpless. "Of course. His Majesty is very likely to fall into an ambush this time. As for what kind of ambush, I'm not sure."
Xie An's eyes widened, and his mind raced as he processed the information Chu Chen had given him.
After a long while, Xie An finally calmed down.
"Why would this happen? This is too sudden. His Majesty is the backbone of our Yunyue Kingdom."
Xie An felt his mind go blank, unsure of what to do.
Chu Chen walked over to Xie An and gently patted his shoulder, smiling. "Lord Xie, are you at a loss? How about I show you a way forward?"
Xie An snapped back to attention and quickly said with a smile, "Prime Minister Chu, since you are aware of the situation and have summoned me, you must have already devised a plan. Please tell me, what are your orders? This subordinate will surely comply."
Chu Chen felt a sense of relief. Xie An's proactive attitude was a good sign; half the battle was already won.
"It's not really an order. I have reliable intelligence that the Wei Kingdom will certainly send troops to attack our territories this time, and the victor between the Yan and Zhao kingdoms, Zhao, will definitely not miss this opportunity and will also send troops."
Xie An was stunned. "If that's the case, won't our Yunyue Kingdom be finished?"
Chu Chen chuckled and said, "Lord Xie, there's no need to panic. We've seen through their intentions beforehand, haven't we?"
Xie An's expression turned from dismay to joy. He looked expectantly at Chu Chen and said, "Prime Minister Chu, what should we do then?"
Chu Chen thought for a moment and said, "I have a list here. They will be entering various armies today to gain control of them as quickly as possible."
"Only by doing this can we forge Yunyue Kingdom into an unbreakable entity and have the confidence to face the challenges ahead."
Xie An was surprised. "Prime Minister Chu, you intend to place your own people? This is..."
Chu Chen glanced at him. "These generals were recommended by the old marshal. They have nothing to do with me, Chu Chen. Do you want to investigate them thoroughly, Lord Xie?"
Xie An quickly waved his hand. "Prime Minister Chu, you misunderstand. This subordinate was merely asking casually. Prime Minister Chu is currently assisting Princess Xinyue, and this subordinate naturally would not dare to question you."
Chu Chen nodded. "Since that is the case, then later, I will have the generals leave with you, Lord Xie, so they can receive their official documents and seals and take up their posts immediately."
Xie An pondered for a moment and said, "Prime Minister, if we do this, I fear there will be criticism from the ministers in court tomorrow."