The Prodigal Son

Qin Fumeng and Xue Chengdao were shocked by Zhao Luan's arrangement, but they had no major objections.

Having two grandmasters in charge is definitely a good thing!

Moreover, although Zhao Po lacked military talent, he had followed Emperor Xiaowu in his campaigns and must have learned a lot. He could be considered a veteran general.

With Zhao Po around, he could point out any mistakes Fang Junji made.

Guo Su was from a collateral branch of the Guo family and one of the few people in the Empress Dowager's faction who still held military power.

Guo Su was capable enough; he was more than qualified to be a Left Guard General.

However, Guo Su had been suppressed in the past due to the tense relationship between the Empress Dowager and Zhao Luan.

Now that the Empress Dowager and Zhao Luan have reconciled, Guo Su should be given a chance to make a contribution.

After a moment's thought, Xue Chengdao suggested, "Tang Chunlai has led his troops to guard Yunxiu for many years. Although he has not made any great achievements, he has still worked hard and made great contributions. Let him be the deputy commander, and Xue Lie can be the assistant commander."

"Okay, that works too!"

Zhao Luan cast an approving glance at Xue Chengdao.

Next came the troop deployment.

Because Min and Daning have always been on good terms, the imperial court only had 30,000 troops in Kaizhou, which borders the two countries, and was led by Tang Chunlai.

The imperial court will definitely have to draw troops from other places to assemble in Kaizhou.

"Let's draw troops from Dingzhou and Yinzhou!"

Qin Fumeng was the first to make the suggestion.

Since Fang Junji is to be the commander-in-chief, he must be given some men and generals that he is familiar with.

Since Da Ning and Yan are not going to fight for the time being, and Dingzhou is only separated from Kaizhou by a river, it would not be a big deal to transfer 10,000 troops from Dingzhou, and the troops could be put in place as quickly as possible.

"right!"

Xue Chengdao agreed, saying, "Let's first draw 10,000 troops from Dingzhou and Yinzhou respectively, and we can consider how to draw more reserve troops later."

Zhao Luan lowered her head and pondered for a moment before replying, "Let's also transfer the three thousand men under Yuan Dingguo's command! We'll put them under Qin Yu's leadership! We've already deployed fifty thousand troops, so three thousand more won't make a difference!"

Upon hearing Zhao Luan's words, Xue Chengdao immediately turned to look at Qin Yu, his eyes gleaming with gossip.

Anyone with eyes can see that Zhao Luan specifically transferred those three thousand Wudang Flying Cavalry to Qin Yu!

This would not only allow Qin Yu to gain more strength to achieve merit, but also provide him with an additional layer of security.

Moreover, the Wudang Flying Cavalry is also considered a direct force of the Qin family. They fought alongside Qin Yu in Luzhou before, so Qin Yu will definitely be more comfortable using them!

His Majesty is being a little too kind to Qin Yu!

Are you sure there's really nothing between them?

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Qin Yu readily accepted all offers of advice. "By the way, Your Majesty, do you not intend to inform Prime Minister Gao of the grand plan to destroy Yan?"

Zhao Luan gently shook her head, "Let's keep it a secret for now and see how things go!"

She is unsure whether Gao Yi harbors resentment towards her.

Although the possibility of Gao Yi betraying the country is relatively small, the matter is of great importance and it is still necessary to keep it a secret.

"Can this... really be kept secret?"

Qin Yu expressed his doubts.

Gao Yi was the prime minister and minister of the Ministry of Revenue!

The task of destroying Yan requires the mobilization of countless resources.

As long as Gao Yi isn't stupid, he should be able to notice the anomaly soon, right?

"What can't be hidden?"

Zhao Luan disagreed, "If we want to keep it a secret, we definitely can! If we really can't hide it anymore, then use your brain and think of a way to cover it up!"

"no……"

Qin Yu's face darkened. "How did this become my problem again?"

Zhao Luan glared at her with her phoenix eyes and said matter-of-factly, "The plan to destroy Yan was all your idea. If it's not your business, whose business is it?"

That bastard!

She wanted him to stay by her side and offer advice, but he insisted on running off to the battlefield!

They're being lenient by not punishing him!

"Your Majesty is right!"

Xue Chengdao kept nodding in agreement, making Qin Yu want to burst out laughing.

"Alright! That's settled then!"

Zhao Luan didn't give Qin Yu a chance to shirk responsibility, and stood up, saying, "Let's go to the side hall and see! I wonder if they're still arguing there."

After saying that, Zhao Luan went to the side hall.

Qin Yu glared at Zhao Luan with displeasure and followed listlessly.

Xue Chengdao quickly approached Qin Yu and asked in a low voice with a smile, "Tell me honestly, do you have something going on with His Majesty?"

"His Majesty!"

Qin Yu called out to Zhao Luan, and when Zhao Luan turned around, Qin Yu immediately said, "Lord Xue asked me if there was anything between me and His Majesty."

Xue Chengdao's face turned green, and he almost reached out and snapped Qin Yu's neck.

Qin Fumeng's face twitched violently, and he glared fiercely at Qin Yu.

That bastard!

They really dare to say anything!

Zhao Luan's pretty face twitched slightly, and she swept her gaze over Xue Chengdao with an unfriendly expression. "Lord Xue, what do you think is going on between me and Qin Yu?"

"Your Majesty, this boy didn't explain himself clearly!"

Xue Chengdao forced a smile onto his old face and made up a story, "I'm asking if he has done something to anger Your Majesty again."

"Hasn't he angered me enough already?"

Zhao Luan glared at them irritably and quickened her pace.

Xue Chengdao breathed a sigh of relief, glared fiercely at Qin Yu, as if to say: You just wait!

Qin Yu curled his lip indifferently.

I told you not to sell me!

Anyway, I now have both the imperial edict of immunity from death and the privilege of paying money to avoid trouble, so the blame won't fall on me!

Inside a side hall, a group of ministers were still arguing about whether or not to send troops.

Without Qin Fumeng and Xue Chengdao, the two main forces, the faction advocating against sending troops was at a disadvantage in terms of morale.

"Stop arguing!"

Zhao Luan led Qin Yu and the others in. "I just listened to Qin Yu's idea and discussed it carefully with the Duke of Wei and the others. We have decided to send 50,000 troops to assist Yu Jing in suppressing the rebellion!"

As Zhao Luan finished speaking, the assembled officials fell silent.

All eyes were on Qin Yu.

What's going on?

So many ministers couldn't get Zhao Luan to make up her mind, yet Qin Yu persuaded her with just a few words?

What exactly did Qin Yu say to His Majesty?

Could they really have some kind of ambiguous relationship?

This immediately ignited the gossip-loving spirit within the court officials.

They strongly suspected that Qin Yu, that bastard, had taken advantage of his position as a court attendant to climb into the emperor's bed!

Otherwise, how could Qin Yu's words be more effective than the words of so many people?

Once they came to their senses, Gao Yi was the first to shout, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

The ministers who had previously advocated for war suddenly joined in the cheers, as if they were generals who had won a battle.

Su Yu, Lü Chunqiu, and several other insiders frowned secretly and cast questioning glances at Qin Fumeng and Xue Chengdao.

The two men gave them a wink, indicating that they would talk about it later.

"Alright, that's settled then!"

Zhao Luan raised his eyes and surveyed his assembled officials. "This battle is of paramount importance; victory is the only option, defeat is not an option! I hope that you will all work together with me to ensure the peace and security of the eastern border of Da Ning!"

"Your Majesty, we obey!"

The officials all bowed.

"Prime Minister Gao!"

Zhao Luan's gaze fell on Gao Yi again.

"Your subject is here."

Gao Yi came out.

Zhao Luan said decisively, "The Ministry of Revenue needs to immediately coordinate with the Ministry of War to manage the grain and provisions. Before the banquet begins, you should speak with the Duke of Wei and Lord Xue. I want to see the specific arrangements at tomorrow's court assembly!"

"yes!"

Gao Yi didn't waste any words and immediately accepted the order.

Although he had just returned to the capital, Gao Yi was very confident in his abilities.

During the later stages of Emperor Xiaowu's campaigns, he oversaw the allocation of provisions for hundreds of thousands of troops!

The overall planning and dispatch of food supplies for a mere tens of thousands of troops is a piece of cake.