CHAPTER 276: CHAPTER 273: DISCUSSION_1

Half a month later, the army returned triumphantly.

Upon returning to the Imperial Capital, Qin Wudao immediately convened a court meeting to discuss post-war affairs and devise plans for retribution.

In the solemn imperial hall, the clean-shaven ministers stood on either side, dressed in new court clothes. However, a faint murderous aura still lingered on everyone, making the temperature in the hall chillingly cold.

"Your Majesty, during the recovery of lost territories, I discovered that the Langya Sect and the Ancient Court of the Blue Sea had secretly colluded, supplying plenty of rations—enough for ten million troops to use for a month!" Zhao Yun stepped forward, offering the first report.

"Langya Sect again?" Qin Wudao frowned slightly, noticing that the Langya Sect was involved in anything detrimental to the Qin Dynasty. It seemed he had to deal with this sect soon!

"Your Majesty, the war has just ended, and our priority should be to recoup and rejuvenate!" Xiao He stepped forward and said with a bow. He was worried that Qin Wudao would order an attack on the Langya Sect. Although they could win, it would impact high-quality economic development. After a rough calculation, the treasury of the Qin Dynasty was just enough for post-war reconstruction. The Ancient Court of the Blue Sea had inflicted immense damage upon the Qin Divine Court. The Enlightened Realm had been breached, hundreds of cities were destroyed, countless spiritual fields were ruined, and innumerable civilians had died or been injured, all necessitating government funding for rebuilding.

As per tradition, the Qin Dynasty paid three times the compensation to the soldiers, making the compensation for over nine million people a headache for the court. Additionally, rewarding the soldiers who had distinguished themselves in battle would require another large sum of money! In fact, this money was not a significant amount for the Qin Divine Court, which occupied a vast territory. However, the treasury was almost emptied due to the prior construction of academies and post-war reconstruction.

"When can we go to war then?" Qin Wudao asked in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, after the autumn harvest this year!" Xiao He immediately reported without thinking. After the autumn harvest, the court would have money, and the rations would be plentiful, sufficient to support a large-scale battle.

"Good, then I will wait until autumn!" Qin Wudao pondered for a moment. To act for immediate satisfaction at the expense of the Qin Dynasty’s development speed truly wasn’t worth it.

Besides, it was late spring now; autumn was only about four months away. He could afford to wait.

"Your enlightened Majesty!" Xiao He breathed a sigh of relief and returned to his position.

"By the way, how is the training of the new army coming along?" Qin Wudao continued to ask.

"Your Majesty, we have been in seclusion and are now in the preparatory stage!" Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong, and Ma Chao stepped forward, their voices tainted with a hint of embarrassment.

"Seize the opportunity. This autumn, I want to examine the combat effectiveness of the new army!" Qin Wudao nodded, issuing a commanding order with an imposing voice.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will definitely train an ironclad army!" Guan Yu loudly promised. Although four months was not a long time, with the help of the Military Drill Ground, they could still train a robust force. The other three also solemnly nodded. As famed generals, if they lacked this ability, how could their fame spread across Huaxia and be immortal for a thousand years?

"Your Majesty, I received news yesterday that our Hidden Guard’s intelligence network in the East Border was devastatingly destroyed. It is likely the handiwork of the Kylin Holy Land!" Jia Xu stepped forward and solemnly reported. After years of development and countless resources thrown in, the Hidden Guard had undergone a complete transformation, boasting more than 90,000 bases spreading over half of the East Border. However, just the day before, he found that more than 50,000 bases had been uprooted, almost leaving them blind.

"Temporarily disband the Hidden Guard, and recall its members back to the Qin Dynasty!" Qin Wudao ordered reluctantly. This was the only option. The Kylin Holy Land had managed the East Border for several eras; unearthing the Hidden Guard was all too easy for them. All they could do now was minimize their losses.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Jia Xu said with a bitter expression. Years of effort had gone to waste again.

"Your Majesty, would the Kylin Holy Land deploy powerful warriors to attack the Qin Divine Court?" a minister asked worriedly.

The faces of most court officials changed dramatically at this mention. The reputation of the Kylin Holy Land was far too formidable. Like a towering mountain, it pressed down on billions of factions, leaving them gasping for breath.

"No, the Kylin Holy Land has always believed that the Qin Dynasty is supported by other forces. They will not rashly act without a clear understanding!" Zhuge Liang analyzed, his insightful gaze saw through the heart of the matter. "Furthermore, while we have made some achievements, they are merely minor skirmishes in the eyes of the Kylin Holy Land. They will not send troops to suppress us as long as we have not encroached upon their interests! In the short term, we are still safe, but to be completely safe, we must strengthen our power!"

"That’s correct. If we have a few Great Emperors presiding, we wouldn’t need to fear the Kylin Holy Land!" All the ministers nodded, their eyes full of anticipation.

Great Emperor Martial Artists! When would the Qin Dynasty have its very own Great Emperor Martial Artists?

「Ancient Court of the Blue Sea!」

In the palace hall, all ministers were assembled.

"The Sea Prince has been defeated. Let’s discuss how we should proceed from now on!" The Ancient Emperor of the Blue Sea sat on the throne, wearing a blue imperial robe. His majestic gaze scanned over his gathered officials as he asked solemnly.

The hall fell silent, with no one speaking up. The fall of the Sea Prince and the annihilation of six million elite troops were a testament to the Qin Divine Court’s strength. Considering that the Qin Divine Court had caused a commotion in the Kylin Holy Land yet still escaped unscathed, a strong sense of crisis emerged among them.

"What, you all are the elites of the Ancient Court. You usually have a lot to say, so why are you all playing dumb now?" After waiting for a while with no one offering any solutions, the Ancient Emperor of the Blue Sea’s expression darkened. He turned his discontented gaze towards the civil officials and said, "Prime Minister, you can go ahead!"

The corners of Prime Minister Huang Zongyuan’s mouth twitched. Don’t look at me, I also have no solutions!

However, he could not remain silent. After contemplating for a while, he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Qin Divine Court is far away from us, and most of the forces around us are our vassals. From a strategic point of view, we are still quite safe and there is no need for excessive concern!"

The Ancient Emperor of the Blue Sea frowned deeply. What is this nonsense? I asked you to solve the problem, but you are comforting yourself. Is this what I want to hear? For a moment, he even had the urge to replace the Prime Minister! Fortunately, he calmed down. After all, this issue was indeed not something Huang Zongyuan was capable of solving.

"Your Majesty, we can ask for assistance. The enemy of the Qin Divine Court is the Kylin Holy Land, and our attack on the Qin Divine Court was also incited by the Kylin Holy Land!" It seemed Huang Zongyuan sensed the dissatisfaction of the Ancient Emperor of the Blue Sea, and after thinking for a while, he finally came up with a solution.

"How shall we form an alliance?" The Ancient Emperor of the Blue Sea asked sternly.

"We can speak up for the Kylin Holy Land!" Huang Zongyuan explained, "Currently, the Kylin Holy Land’s reputation is not good. If we can step forward and restore its name, in exchange for its protection, it shouldn’t be an issue!"

The Ancient Emperor of the Blue Sea contemplated for a moment, then looked at his ministers. Seeing no one else had any opinions to offer, he unwillingly said, "I’ll leave this task to you!"

"As you command!" Huang Zongyuan replied with a bow.

Unfortunately, they all seemed to have forgotten one important thing. Would a holy land that killed even its own vassals for its reputation really offer them protection?