The ministers, upon hearing this, became curious and exchanged glances.
"A state letter, from which country?"
"Sending a state letter at this time, could it be from Yan or Zhao?"
"It's hard to say. Truly, it is an eventful autumn. Every country feels it, except for Empress Cheng, who believes in the words of the Daoist and is obsessed with pursuing immortality."
"Perhaps it's from Chu or Qi. Our Yunyue Kingdom has had a bountiful harvest again this year, so they must want to buy our grain."
"Impossible. Chu and Qi have abundant harvests every year. Even if we produce more grain, they wouldn't come to buy from us."
"Ultimately, we must listen to Her Majesty. It's pointless for us to speculate here."
After a brief discussion, everyone quieted down and looked towards the Empress.
The Empress smiled and said to them, "This state letter is from the Wei Kingdom. They say there are rumors of an immortal elixir and a celestial realm on Mount Hua."
Everyone was greatly astonished.
Immortal elixir, celestial realm – these terms were undoubtedly coveted by all the ministers present.
"An immortal elixir, a celestial realm, is it true or false? The Wei Kingdom must be spreading rumors. What do they intend to do?"
"Could it be that the Wei Kingdom wants to lure various countries to send people there? They must have ulterior motives. We cannot believe them easily."
"Perhaps they have indeed made some discovery on Mount Hua and wish to share it with us."
"How is that possible? If there's something good, would they be willing to share it? It must be fake."
The ministers discussed it at length, but no one could come to a definitive conclusion.
However, Chu Chen found it increasingly strange.
How could the Wei Kingdom be so benevolent as to discover an immortal elixir and a celestial realm and share it with Yunyue Kingdom?
The only possibility was that there was a trap.
Yet, Chu Chen couldn't quite pinpoint what was wrong.
The Empress continued, "The Wei Kingdom has discovered this immortal elixir and celestial realm this time, but they are unable to possess it alone."
"Therefore, they have sent out state letters, inviting the monarchs of various countries to attend, perhaps to obtain the immortal elixir."
"Moreover, within the celestial realm, there are various treasures that can aid in cultivation."
"If these treasures can be obtained, it would be of great help to powerful cultivators."
Upon hearing this, the ministers present became anxious.
Their eyes lit up as they looked at the Empress.
They absolutely could not miss such a good opportunity.
Although none of them had powerful experts under their command, they could cultivate them.
With the treasures brought from the celestial realm, even the most ordinary person could ascend to become a master.
"Your Majesty, this is a good thing. We should send people to go and retrieve the treasures within," said Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites.
"With these treasures, the strength of our Yunyue Kingdom will surely reach new heights, and we will have greater assurance in dealing with our enemies."
Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, stepped forward and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. If we can obtain those treasures, the strength of our people will undoubtedly improve."
"At that time, who among the other countries would dare to look down upon our Yunyue Kingdom?"
Xie An, the Minister of War, also stepped forward and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, this is a good thing. How can we miss it?"
"However, Your Majesty, who should be sent is a matter worth considering. They must be reliable."
"I believe Prime Minister Chu should remain in Shuangyue City to oversee things. This occasion is not suitable for him."
Chu Chen raised an eyebrow and looked at Xie An.
Was this Xie An looking for trouble? Why did he have to mention him?
Although he wasn't particularly interested in this so-called immortal elixir and celestial realm, it didn't mean he would tolerate Xie An dictating to him.
Chu Chen sized up Xie An and said, "Lord Xie speaks wisely. I indeed have no desire to go, especially since Yan and Zhao are currently in conflict."
"If I were to go to Mount Hua in Wei, and the country needed to mobilize troops, I would have to rush back, which would be troublesome."
Xie An opened his mouth, feeling as though he had brought this upon himself.
Wang Zhe, the Minister of Justice, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, may I know what Your Majesty's plans are? I would like to hear Your Majesty's thoughts."
The Empress smiled and said, "Since this is an expedition to find an immortal elixir and a celestial realm, and those with low cultivation would be of no use."
"I have decided to go in person."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was once again astonished.
Princess Li Xinyue stepped forward and said, "Mother Emperor, I believe this decision is too hasty and abrupt."
"Moreover, the Wei Kingdom's invitation this time might hold some conspiracy."
"Is it not too unsafe for you to go so rashly?"
Chu Chen couldn't help but speak up at this moment, "Your Majesty, I share the same opinion."
"The Wei Kingdom's invitation this time is indeed somewhat strange. Even if they didn't have enough experts, they wouldn't need to invite other countries."
"They could have strengthened themselves and monopolized the so-called immortal elixir and celestial realm. Why would they make themselves a target for everyone?"
Chu Chen's words echoed in everyone's minds, while Xie An and others secretly chuckled.
This young Chu Chen was being clever again. How desperate was His Majesty for immortality that he dared to go against His Majesty's wishes?
Did Chu Chen truly believe that as Prime Minister, he could contend with His Majesty?
This was clearly overestimating himself. His Majesty might even kill him for this.
Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Chu is alarmist."
"It is perfectly normal for the Wei Kingdom to share their discoveries on Mount Hua with others in order to obtain the immortal elixir and the treasures within the celestial realm."
"There is no need for us to be so alarmed. Moreover, our Empress is blessed with great fortune and possesses immense power."
"Nothing can stump Your Majesty, don't you agree?"
"Even if those petty individuals were to plot against Your Majesty, they lack the strength. Your Majesty could resolve them with a mere wave of a hand."
Wang Zhe, the Minister of Justice, also stepped forward.
The Empress, seated on the dragon throne, was initially angered by Chu Chen's words.
In the Empress's view, this matter was a sure success.
Even if there were risks, with her strength, she could surely retreat unscathed.
Chu Chen's words were solely aimed at curbing her power as Empress.
As an emperor, one wields supreme power, and who among them does not desire immortality?
Although the Empress was powerful, she was still human and mortal. Without immortality, she too would fade away when her time came.
As time passed, the terrifying unknown of the afterlife became increasingly apparent.
It was precisely because of this that her desire for immortality was so fervent, a sentiment similar to that of the Empress of the Chen Kingdom.
Their positions were the same, and their thoughts naturally aligned.