Hearing this, Chu Yi didn't say much.
In fact, after so many years, he felt much calmer when he talked about this matter again.
"Don't look at him now, he's so fearless, but back then, he was bullied and was the most cowardly person. He didn't have the same thoughts as now."
Speaking of this, Chu Yi had a smile on his face.
"Although this boy has indeed grown up now, and the troops at his disposal are sufficient to help him accomplish his goals, I still believe that he will not disobey me because of this."
"If he is truly unwilling to give in, the first thing he should do is to persuade me."
After hearing these words, Xiao Ling finally had a better understanding of the two brothers.
Although she could not understand from just a few words how pure the feelings between the two brothers who depended on each other for life and death were, she seemed to believe that Chu Yan would not do anything to let his brother down.
"But according to you, how should I view your third brother's subordinates?"
Xiao Ling brought the topic back to this matter:
"They followed your Chu family, presumably hoping to become nobles or prime ministers. Although I despise rebellious villains, since you've chosen to give up the throne, I must appease them properly for your sake. Now... what about their future?"
"This problem is indeed a bit tricky at the moment..."
Chu Yi also admitted it openly. In fact, he had been struggling with this for a long time.
The safest and easiest way is for him to ascend the throne himself, and all problems will be solved.
However, Chu Yi has now given up his obsession with the throne, so he needs to seek other ways.
"Right now, my third brother's attitude is particularly important. I actually have a bold idea, but..."
Having said that, Chu Yi paused for a long time before sighing, "I'm afraid it's not the time yet."
"What bold idea? Can it solve these difficult problems?" Xiao Ling asked curiously.
Chu Yi shook his head and did not express his thoughts at this time.
"I will explain it to Your Majesty when the time comes."
Xiao Ling: “…”
You Chu thief, you are deliberately trying to arouse my curiosity halfway through your words, right?
Seeing that Chu Zei obviously didn't intend to tell her, she didn't want to ask anymore.
It was at this critical moment that Yuzhu hurried in from outside the hall.
"Your Majesty, General Xu Liang requests an audience!"
"Really?"
Xiao Ling was stunned for a moment, "Let him in."
Yuzhu responded and left, and soon Xu Liang walked in.
"I greet your majesty."
"Xu Qing, please stand up."
Xu Liang still bent over, glanced at Chu Yi, and then said:
"Your Majesty, I have important military intelligence to report!"
"Military intelligence?" Xiao Ling realized something as he looked at him, then waved his hand, "Just tell me straight, Chu Qing is not an outsider."
The emperor's completely unexpected decision made Xu Liang very confused. He was still wondering how the emperor's biggest enemy could become his own person overnight.
But since the emperor had said so, he couldn't refuse, so he said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I have received urgent news from General Liu of Yan. The Northern Qi army has been making unusual movements. They appear to be requisitioning large quantities of food and supplies to move south. General Liu believes that something unforeseen will happen in the northern border soon, and Qi may be sending troops south!"
Hearing this, Xiao Ling's heart sank.
The current national strength of Qi State is much stronger than that of Da'an, and the reigning Emperor Yangwu is ambitious and has always been eyeing Da'an State. She is very clear about these things.
"Qi has been patient for several years, and is it finally going to send troops to Da'an?"
Xiao Ling spoke to himself and glanced at Chu Yi.
She speculated that Northern Qi might have received some news and wanted to send troops to stab Anguo while it was in civil strife and reap the benefits.
According to Emperor Yangwu's idea, Da'an had just quelled the civil unrest in the south and was in the period of recuperation. In addition, because of the Chu family's usurpation of the throne, the Yan army withdrew part of its forces to the south.
This is the best time to send troops.
As for the changes in the capital these days, because Taining City is relatively far away from the imperial capital of Northern Qi, the news must not have been transmitted so quickly.
It has to be admitted that Emperor Yangwu's decision was timely, because at that time the Chu bandits had just decided to force the emperor to abdicate and usurp the throne.
If it weren't for the special relationship between Xiao Ling and Chu Zei, this incident would have definitely ended in a fight.
By then, with two fronts to fight and the country being poor, Da'an would be in great danger.
Fortunately, Chu Yi's attempt to usurp the throne did not happen, so the situation is much better.
Soon, Xu Liang reminded again:
"Your Majesty, according to General Liu's speculation, since Northern Qi has chosen to send troops this time, they should be preparing for a long-term battle to capture Yan territory in one fell swoop, so we must be extremely cautious..."
"Yes, I know that." Xiao Ling nodded. "Is Marshal Liu confident in dealing with the Northern Qi army advancing south?"
"If Northern Qi mobilizes a large army southward, it will be difficult for the border troops to completely resist the Qi army on their own..."
Based on Liu Chengce's letter, Xu Liang gave a very bad news.
"Your Majesty, the Yan army's current expenditure on food, wages, and military equipment cannot sustain a long-term war..."
It is generally acknowledged that the Yan Army is now the most elite force in Da'an.
But... Da'an is now poor and weak, and many wars have broken out, so it does not have sufficient financial resources to support this war.
Xiao Ling's expression was more serious than ever before.
"I understand. I will do my best to satisfy your request for food and fodder."
"General Xu, why don't you set off immediately and return to Great Yan? There should be no fighting in the capital now. The 6,000 Yan troops who came south should accompany General Xu back to the northern border this time."
Xu Liang was shocked again when he heard this decision.
He glanced at Chu Yi next to him again.
"...Your Majesty wants to withdraw these troops and march north. Then the capital..."
"It's okay. The capital is still safe for now. With a powerful enemy at hand, it's more important to resist the Qi army."
Xiao Ling made the decision with a wave of his hand.
Xu Liang didn't know what to say, so he could only say a few words and turn away.
If war breaks out again, he will not stay in the capital for long.
After seeing Xu Liang off, Xiao Ling also looked at Chu Yi.
After a moment of silence, he spoke in a somewhat embarrassed but resolute tone:
"Chu Yi, if a real war breaks out in the north, it will definitely require a large amount of food and military equipment. The national treasury is empty now, and I'm afraid I'll have to ask you for this money..."
Chu Yi: “?”
What does it mean to leave it to yourself?
As the Minister of Personnel, where could I find so much money to cover the expenses of the army?
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is putting me in a difficult position. Although I really want to help Your Majesty, where can I find so much silver?"
Chu Yi's tone was full of dissatisfaction, which came from his heart and he hadn't changed it yet.
According to him, the army might have to rely on the young empress to allocate money from the national treasury to fight the war.
If the treasury is not enough, then just levy taxes.
Conquer harshly.
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