Chu Chen, however, chuckled and said, "Let them gossip. These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures. Lord Xie, you just need to follow my instructions and don't overthink it."
Xie An nodded. Chu Chen immediately sent people to bring out those individuals to meet Xie An. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chu Chen instructed them to follow Xie An to receive their seals of office and take command of their respective armies as soon as possible.
Once everyone had left, Chu Chen and the Old God of War proceeded to the Princess's residence, intending to have a thorough discussion with Princess Xin Yue.
Many official documents from the palace required Li Xin Yue's approval. Any matters requiring her decision from officials at various levels also had to be brought to her.
For convenience, Li Xin Yue had temporarily moved into the warm chamber where the Empress Mother used to review memorials. Upon hearing this, Chu Chen immediately headed there.
Upon seeing Chu Chen, the palace guards and maids bowed in greeting. Chu Chen waved his hand, dismissing them. Even the Old God of War retreated to another hall.
"Princess, are you adapting well to handling so many official duties?" Chu Chen asked, sitting down beside Li Xin Yue with a smile.
Li Xin Yue's brow unfurrowed. She massaged her shoulders and said, "How could I adapt? I'm almost exhausted after just half a day." She then looked at Chu Chen, "Why are you here? Is something the matter?"
Chu Chen nodded. "Princess, as we discussed, you handle the official duties, and I'll arrange the next steps. Everything is set now, and I've come to report to you."
Li Xin Yue's interest was piqued. "Really? Tell me, how did you do it? Can everything be resolved so quickly?"
Chu Chen replied with a wry smile, "Of course, it can't be that quick, Princess. For now, we can only deal with things as they come. I've asked the Old God of War to find trustworthy people, and we're using the Ministry of War's expedited process for them to take office swiftly." He added, "I hope they can control the armies and deal with the forces of Zhao and Wei."
Li Xin Yue's eyes widened. "The Ministry of War, Xie An? Will he listen to you? Doesn't this feel like a division of power?"
Chu Chen smiled. "Your Highness, you don't need to worry. These matters have been settled. We just need to wait and see their performance." He hesitated for a moment, then continued, "If all else fails, we can still call upon the Grand Protector, Wei Zi. However, doing so might affect Shuang Yue City. Therefore, unless it's absolutely necessary, I won't mobilize the Grand Protector."
Li Xin Yue nodded. "In that case, let them proceed for now."
Chu Chen stood up. "Princess, I came to ask you to be firm tomorrow when facing the ministers. Only then will they not be able to consolidate their opposition. At least on the surface, they will still have to obey you as the Regent."
Li Xin Yue nodded. "Don't worry, I understand. I will definitely support you resolutely on this matter."
"Report to the Regent, a memorial from the Ministry of Personnel has arrived. Please review it," a slightly sharp voice called from outside, drawing Li Xin Yue's attention.
"Send it in," she replied. A group of eunuchs and palace maids then entered the warm chamber, placing the memorial before Li Xin Yue. After bowing to them, they retreated.
Chu Chen smiled. "Princess, please attend to your work. I'll take my leave now. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
After a brief farewell, Chu Chen departed immediately. The next morning, Li Xin Yue arrived at the imperial court early, recalling the procedures of her mother's court sessions. It wasn't until half an hour later that the ministers began to arrive. Chu Chen also arrived punctually, as expected.
When it was time for the morning court, Li Xin Yue immediately began. "Ministers, this Princess is presiding over the morning court for the first time as Regent. If you have any matters to report, please do so. If not, we shall adjourn."
The ministers exchanged glances, looking somewhat bewildered. Xie An then stepped forward. "Your Highness, I have a matter to report."
Li Xin Yue nodded and smiled at Xie An. "Lord Xie, please state your business."
Xie An glanced at Chu Chen and said, "Your Highness, I have a list here. Prime Minister Chu recommended these individuals to me, stating that they are needed for important military arrangements."
The assembled ministers were shocked. The Minister of Justice, Wang Zhe, immediately stepped forward. "Your Highness, this seems to be against protocol. Appointing a large number of generals must first be deliberated in court." He continued, "Otherwise, if anyone can simply approach the Minister of War and request to appoint generals, wouldn't that lead to chaos?"
The Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, also nodded. "Indeed, Your Highness, how can this be allowed?" He added, "Lord Xie, may I ask how many people Prime Minister Chu has arranged for, and what is the total number of troops they will command?"
Everyone listened intently. Xie An looked at Wu Sheng, hesitated, and then said with some difficulty, "Prime Minister Chu has arranged for over a dozen people, who will command a total of 130,000 troops."
The ministers in court were stunned. "They are to command so many troops? Is Prime Minister Chu attempting rebellion?" "This is outrageous! His Majesty has only been gone for a day, and Prime Minister Chu is so brazenly trying to control the army." "Does he truly believe we ministers are not paying attention?" "Those individuals must be removed. We absolutely cannot allow Prime Minister Chu's actions to succeed." "Furthermore, Prime Minister Chu's responsibility must be investigated. He should no longer assist the Regent, or great trouble will surely ensue." "But that might be difficult to achieve, as Prime Minister Chu's authority to assist the Princess Regent was granted by His Majesty." "Still, we cannot let Prime Minister Chu act so recklessly. If we don't resist now, Prime Minister Chu might truly have the last laugh." "Even if we want to resist, what can we do?" "Prime Minister Chu holds immense power, and their relationship with the Princess is something we cannot break apart."
Even Li Xin Yue hadn't expected Chu Chen to attempt to control so many troops at once. Although she was somewhat surprised, she didn't harbor any doubts, as she knew that the people Chu Chen was appointing were subordinates of the Old God of War. Others might betray Yun Yue Kingdom, but Chu Chen certainly wouldn't.
"Alright, everyone, please quiet down. If anyone wishes to speak or ask questions, raise your hand," Li Xin Yue frowned and instructed the female official beside her.
Upon hearing the female official's relayed words, everyone finally quieted down. The Minister of Rites, Wu Sheng, said, "Your Highness, Chu Chen's appointment of generals is not in accordance with protocol. I implore the Regent to revoke the appointments made by Prime Minister Chu." The Minister of Justice, Wang Zhe, also nodded. "I second that motion."