Chen Qingwan paused here, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Liu An, observing the expression, immediately replied:

"Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to protect Shannan Prefecture."

"While the defenses of the capital are important, His Majesty will surely decide in his heart which is more important than the safety of the nation."

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Qingwan finally made up her mind.

"This matter is of great importance. I wonder, Prime Minister, who do you think should be sent to lead troops to reinforce the border?"

Liu An was secretly delighted; the fish had taken the bait!

He pretended to ponder for a moment and then said:

"I believe that Li Mu, the general of the Imperial Guard, is exceptionally brave and loyal, and is capable of undertaking this important task."

He deliberately recommended Li Mu because Li Mu was Chen Qingwan's confidant.

If Li Mu is transferred away from the capital, the capital's defenses will inevitably be weak.

Chen Qingwan narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

Liu An's memorial struck a chord with her, making her feel uneasy.

She naturally kept the safety of Shannan Prefecture in mind.

She believed in Lu Yan's abilities and also in the defensive capabilities of Shannan Prefecture.

However, Liu An's concerns were not without merit.

The Northern Xiang Kingdom is indeed eyeing the Great Tong Dynasty covetously. If Shannan Prefecture falls, the consequences will be unimaginable.

But she felt something was off; Liu An's urgency made her feel uneasy.

Could it be that he has ulterior motives?

She observed Liu An discreetly, trying to find a flaw in his expression.

After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said:

"Li Mu... I think it's best for him to stay in the capital."

"Send word to Li Zhun, ordering him to lead troops to reinforce the border."

She harbored some doubts about Liu An's suggestion.

He decided to replace his trusted confidant with Li Zhun.

Upon hearing this, Liu An cursed inwardly, "You little bitch, you're quite alert."

However, he remained outwardly calm and respectfully replied:

"I obey the order."

Chen Qingwan narrowed her phoenix eyes, staring at Liu An's departing figure, her mind filled with doubts.

What's that old fox up to?

Li Mu was a trusted confidant whom she had personally promoted, and his loyalty was beyond question.

Transferring him away from the capital would be like cutting off one's own arm.

Liu An's actions truly baffled her.

Liu An returned to the Prime Minister's residence, his face ashen, and kicked over the servant waiting at the door.

The servant cried out in pain, clutching his stomach and rolling twice on the ground.

But they dared not utter a single complaint and could only scramble to the side.

Liu An stormed into the study and slammed the memorial on the ground.

The memorial slid quite a distance on the smooth floor before coming to a stop.

"Damn bitch, how dare you ruin my good time!"

Liu An cursed through gritted teeth, slamming his hand on the table.

He smashed a fine rosewood table, creating a crack in it.

"That kid Li Mu is extremely loyal to her. If he were to lead the troops into battle..."

"The capital is vulnerable, which is the perfect time for me to start my rebellion! But now..."

He paced back and forth, his brow furrowed, restless and anxious like a trapped beast in his study.

"No, I've planned this for years, how can I give up now! Shannan Prefecture... Shannan Prefecture..."

He kept repeating those three words, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

"Someone come here!"

Liu An shouted loudly towards the door.

A moment later, a hunched-over man with a weasel-like face walked in.

He bowed and scraped as he asked:

"What are your orders, Your Excellency?"

"Go, spread rumors that the entire Northern Xiang Kingdom has come out in force this time."

"Shannan Prefecture is on the verge of collapse, and the Great Tong Dynasty is about to perish!"

Liu An gave the order with a sinister look on his face.

"Remember, the bigger the commotion, the better. Ideally, the entire capital should be in a state of panic!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!"

The man accepted the order and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.

Liu An stood by the window, looking at the myriad lights of the capital, a cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Chen Qingwan, do you think you're so smart?"

"I'd like to see how you deal with this overwhelming public resentment!"

In the following days, rumors spread throughout the capital, and people were filled with anxiety.

Teahouses, taverns, streets and alleys—everywhere people were talking about the invasion of the Northern Xiang Kingdom.

The people were filled with fear and dread, worried that the war would spread to the capital and cause their families to be destroyed.

"Have you heard? The Northern Xiang Kingdom has sent an army of 100,000 this time, and Shannan Prefecture is about to fall!"

"That's right! My cousin is a soldier in Shannan Prefecture. He said the army of Beixiang Kingdom is extremely fierce and kills anyone they see!"

"It's all over, the Great Tong Dynasty is doomed!"

Various rumors spread like wildfire, exaggerating the strength of the Northern Xiang Kingdom to the point of being like heavenly soldiers and generals.

This caused the people to be on edge, living in constant fear.

In the imperial court, several ministers jointly submitted a memorial.

They requested Chen Qingwan to reinforce Shannan Prefecture as a precaution.

Chen Qingwan looked at the memorial, feeling extremely annoyed.

She knew that Liu An had spread these rumors in order to force her to submit.

"Your Majesty, the war in Shannan Prefecture is critical. We urge Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible!"

A minister offered his heartfelt advice.

"I second that opinion! The Northern Xiang Kingdom harbors wolfish ambitions; we must be wary of them!"

Another minister chimed in.

Chen Qingwan rubbed her temples, feeling a sudden headache.

She knew perfectly well that Liu An was forcing her to transfer Li Mu so that he could take advantage of the situation.

However, the safety of Shannan Prefecture was equally important, and she could not stand idly by.

"Li Mu!"

Chen Qingwan eventually gave in.

"I hereby order you to lead the Imperial Guards to depart immediately and provide support to Shannan Prefecture!"

Li Mu knelt on one knee, accepted the order, and left.

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