The next morning, sunlight streamed through the palace windows onto the court, illuminating every corner. Whether it was the empress, seated high above on the dragon throne, or the civil and military officials standing below, all appeared exceptionally majestic and solemn.
The allied forces had a massive army of nearly 500,000 soldiers, while the entire Shangjin Kingdom had only about 400,000 soldiers.
However, the Shangjin Kingdom's treasury was full and its supplies were abundant, which was undoubtedly a huge advantage. In contrast, the coalition army lacked a unified leader and its cohesion was obviously insufficient.
The Shangjin Kingdom was founded by the empress Jin Linlin. Her four founding generals, Mo Ren, Jin Yue, Jin Nian and Jin Ri, were all her capable assistants.
Among them, Mo Ren was originally Jin Linlin's secret guard, and the other three were puppets, absolutely loyal to her. Therefore, Jin Linlin had absolute say in the court.
She knew that time was running out and she couldn't delay any longer, otherwise the Allied forces would likely take advantage and move in. So, she gave the order without hesitation, demonstrating her decisive decision-making ability.
Her eyes were like torches as she scanned the civil and military officials in the court, then she spoke:
"Xinan, I grant you General Mo Ren. Lead an army of 50,000 and reach the allied army camp first. You will negotiate with them and do your best to dismantle their unity. If that is truly impossible, try to delay them by any means possible."
When Xinan heard the Empress's order, his heart tightened, and he immediately knelt down and kowtowed, loudly responding:
"I will definitely fulfill my mission and live up to your Majesty's trust!"
Xinan knew that time was running out and no time was lost. He quickly glanced at Mo Ren in the team of generals. The two of them understood what he meant. After bowing together, they turned around and left without hesitation, heading straight for the border like an arrow from a bow.
"Jia Liu, I grant you the Golden Year. Lead an army of 50,000 to encircle the allied forces from the east. Scouts report that their food and fodder are stored in caves to the east. It's well-hidden and difficult to burn. You must find a way to cut off their food supply, whether by destroying it or taking it for yourself."
Upon hearing the order, Jialiu and Jinnian walked out quickly and knelt down to receive the order:
"Your Majesty, I obey your orders!"
The two men stood up, not daring to delay for even a moment, and hurried to count the troops, and then rushed to the border without stopping.
"Xia Heng, I grant you the Golden Moon. Lead an army of 50,000 men, bypass the enemy's rear, and act accordingly."
"As you command, I will take my leave."
Xia Heng and Jin Yue also did not hesitate. They stood up and took their leave, then left quickly to carry out their mission.
In this way, the civil and military officials of the three armies were fully equipped.
Jin Linlin touched the ring on her thumb as if nothing had happened, but her eyes inadvertently glanced at Jiang Zhixu who was sitting next to her.
"Jiang Zhixu, I now place the remaining 250,000 troops under your command. All other officers and generals will also obey your command. You must face the 500,000-strong coalition army head-on. You must give it your all and not retreat in the slightest."
The ministers looked at each other in astonishment. The Queen's status was extremely high, and the wedding had only just taken place a month ago. According to palace rules, His Majesty should have stayed in the Queen's palace for six months.
Only then can you go to the palaces of other concubines. However, now that time has not yet passed, His Majesty has actually sent the Queen to the front line. This is really a bit inappropriate!
Jiang Zhixu was also very surprised. He had originally thought that Jin Linlin had brought him to the court because she must have something important to tell him. But he never expected that such an imperial edict would be waiting for him.
However, Jiang Zhixu had experienced many ups and downs, and he quickly recovered. Although he was full of doubts, he knelt down without hesitation to receive the order:
"I will obey your majesty's orders and live up to your expectations."
Jin Linlin stared at Jiang Zhixu, a look of determination in her eyes, and slowly encouraged him:
"I believe you."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhixu stood up and looked at Jin Ri who was standing beside him. The two of them understood each other and immediately turned around and prepared to leave the court.
At this moment, a minister suddenly stood up and said with a folded hand:
"Your Majesty, the King and Queen are newlyweds, and it would be inappropriate to send them to the front lines at this moment."
Upon hearing this, Jin Linlin frowned slightly, and said sternly with an unhappy look on her face:
"With a formidable enemy at our doorstep, how can we hesitate or look back? Your Majesty and Empress have fought on the battlefield for many years. Their military prowess and combat experience are evident to all. They are undoubtedly qualified for this task!"
After she finished speaking, her gaze fell on Jiang Zhixu again, as if she was conveying trust and encouragement to him.
Jiang Zhixu felt a mixture of emotions; he understood that Jin Linlin was testing him. He bowed deeply to Jin Linlin, then strode out of the court with Jin Ri.
After everyone left, Jin Linlin leaned back on the dragon throne, gently stroked her finger ring and murmured:
"Jiang Zhixu, this battle is a test between you and me."
She looked into the distance, as if she saw the direction of the war, and her eyes revealed a hint of expectation and worry.
The empress arranged the 400,000 troops in a clear and urgent manner, and several generals set out immediately.
Ningzhou Yan State
Emperor Yanning Cao Jiao and Jiang Shuyan had a fierce quarrel.
Jiang Shuyan also didn't understand why Cao Jiao had become like this? When she heard that the allied forces of 500,000 troops were pressing towards the Shangjin Kingdom, not only did she not think about helping her second brother and his wife, she also wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and capture Cangwu City.
"Shangjin State has both civil and military strengths, with an army of 400,000 men and horses. They can sustain the war for several more years in terms of financial resources and logistics. Victory is a matter of time. Why are you joining in the fun?"
Cao Jiao crossed her arms and snorted coldly:
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