Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

Since Han Cao had already expressed his opinion, although the courtiers were puzzled, they all voiced their agreement.

He paused for a moment, then said:

"I recommend Yu Qi'an, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, to temporarily assume the position of Minister of War and be fully responsible for the defense of the capital region."

The outcome was positive; Yu Qi'an was appointed Minister of War, responsible for the defense of the capital region, which was the result Chen Shao desired.

But these words came from the mouth of this old fox.

He needs to think about it more.

Fortunately, he seemed to have a quick mind and immediately figured out the key point.

The old fox wants to gain fame without getting burned.

Now the Northern Barbarians are powerful, while the entire capital of the Great Yan has very few soldiers.

Summoning all the regional princes is also not very realistic.

First, there wasn't enough time. A few days wasn't enough for them to prepare supplies and mobilize troops, let alone make a long-distance raid.

Secondly, given the current situation, many ambitious vassal kings are likely to harbor rebellious intentions.

Heeding summons but ignoring proclamations, and offering only perfunctory excuses, could lead to a change of dynasty.

Therefore, Han Cao was certain of defeat in this battle.

That's why they made Yu Qi'an, that hothead, take the blame.

He won the battle because he overcame all opposition and disregarded past grievances to recommend a worthy candidate for the country.

He lost because he had given it his all, while Yu Qi'an was disappointing.

So it seems like he's the one who's comfortable no matter what.

Chen Shao nodded, "Then let us follow the Prime Minister's words. From this day forward, Lord Yu will temporarily assume the position of Minister of War and be fully responsible for the defense of the capital region."

"Lord Yu, what are your plans?"

Yu Qi'an's body trembled!

This honest man actually gave Han Cao a grateful look.

"Your Excellency, I have just offended you. Please forgive me, Your Excellency is very magnanimous."

Han Cao snorted.

Yu Qi'an straightened his expression and looked at the young emperor.

"Your Majesty, the vanguard of the Northern Barbarians, numbering five thousand, has already encamped thirty miles outside the city. Based on their pace, the main force should arrive in five days at the latest."

"We have five days to prepare. In my humble opinion, there are four key tasks for defending the city."

Chen Shao sat up straight.

He also wanted to see if Yu Qi'an, this hothead, was just a reckless fool or if he really had some ability.

"First, implement a scorched earth policy."

"All residents outside the city must move into the city within two days. All grain, livestock, and firewood that can be taken must be taken; anything that cannot be taken must be burned on the spot."

"The city's residents were resettled in a unified manner, and the young and strong were incorporated into the labor camps to assist in the defense of the city."

"Second, gather the defeated soldiers and expand the militia."

"Although the 500,000-strong army has been wiped out, the defeated soldiers are still there. The Northern Mang cavalry are pursuing them closely, and many of the defeated soldiers have scattered in various prefectures and counties along the way, leaving the group leaderless."

"Your Majesty, please issue an edict to set up collection points in all counties surrounding the capital. All defeated soldiers who return to their posts should be pardoned, paid, and incorporated into the city's defense force."

"Third, allocate resources and prepare for a desperate defense of the city."

"Although the city wall is high, it has not been repaired for many years. The battlements, arrow towers, and barbicans are all damaged. I request that all the craftsmen in the city be mobilized immediately to carry out repairs day and night."

"Prepare plenty of supplies for defending the city, such as logs, stones, and kerosene. Prepare as much as you can, and if you run out, dismantle houses outside the city to take wood and stones."

"Let three hundred large cauldrons be set up in the city to boil the golden broth day and night."

"Fourth, grain reserves: investigate all grain shops, rice stores, and private hoardings of large households in the city, register them in a unified manner, and allocate them under the unified control of the Ministry of Revenue. Anyone who dares to hoard grain for speculation will be punished as a traitor."

Upon hearing this, all the officials deeply agreed.

Chen Shao nodded frequently as he listened.

They're quite capable.

We must fortify our defenses, expand our manpower, ensure adequate defensive equipment, and maintain a long-term food supply.

Four strategies were employed, progressing step by step from outside the city to inside, from soldiers to civilians, from defending the city to enduring the winter.

Professional tasks should be left to professionals.

"Good! Since Minister Yu has such a good plan, let's carry it out immediately."

Yu Qi'an's eyes welled up with tears of emotion.

"Your subject! I would gladly die a thousand deaths!"

Chen Shao waved his hand: "Court adjourned."

......

......

Kunning Palace.

The three giants met again for a meeting.

Holding meetings is the most efficient method of governance summarized by wise men throughout history.

Many things can be resolved directly through meetings.

This high-end private meeting was specifically for Chen Shao.

Han Cao spoke in a deep voice:

"Chen Shao cannot be allowed to live."

Unlike before, this time his tone was resolute, seemingly leaving no room for negotiation.

He looked up at the Empress Dowager and said, word by word:

"Your Majesty, Chen Shao must not be allowed to live!"

Yuwen Huagu subconsciously replied:

"Does Han Xiang know what he's saying? If we don't keep him alive, who will take the blame?"

There were no outsiders around, and everyone spoke frankly.

There's no need to hide it.

The matter of deposing or establishing an emperor is like deciding what to eat for lunch—it's just that.

"General, are you really not able to see it, or are you pretending to be confused?"

Seeing his utter seriousness, Yuwen Huagu subconsciously replied:

"I was just joking. Of course, I was just pretending to be confused."

"That's good. How long has this kid been on the throne? What has happened in all this time!"

Han Cao continued:

"First, Xie Yong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, fell from power, and a hothead took his place."

"Secondly, the national treasury has increased by five million taels of silver, and Chen Shao's private treasury also has one million taels!"

"Thirdly, the massive coup by officials—this would be an extremely difficult situation in any dynasty, but what was the result?"

Fourth, regarding his talk of war, regardless of the process, is he actually preparing for war?

"One incident is a coincidence, two incidents are accidental, but when three or four incidents come together, is it still a coincidence?"

He stared intently at the Empress Dowager and Yuwen Huagu.

"Could a puppet really accomplish all this in such a short time?"

"At this rate, within half a month, all three of us will be his prisoners!"

"He possesses such formidable strength, yet he has only now unleashed it. Empress Dowager, Grand General, what is the purpose of your forbearance?"

Yuwen Huagu understood.

My heart skipped a beat.

Yes, if someone like Chen Shao were to gain power, military generals like him who hold military power would be the first to be killed.

He immediately nodded and said:

"Indeed, Prime Minister Han and I have the same idea."

The two of them turned to look at the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was somewhat troubled.

For no other reason than that Chen Shao is a likable person, and he speaks very pleasantly...

I like to tell the truth.

It would be a shame to scrap it.

But Han Cao's words also make sense. If he were truly a man of great talent and ambition, how could he tolerate being ruled from behind the curtain?

She coughed lightly and said seriously:

"That's what I think too."

"But this matter is of utmost importance; we can't simply remove the dragon throne without a valid reason, can we?"

"Regarding the matter of deposing and installing emperors, Prime Minister Han, you have extensive experience. Could you suggest a plan?"

...What do you mean I have experience? It's as if I, Han, am some powerful and treacherous minister, hehehe.

"Throughout history, the process of abolishing and establishing new regimes has always involved four points."

"Prime Minister Han is indeed very experienced."

"..." Han Cao's face darkened.

"First, the celestial phenomena are a harbinger of guilt; second, a sudden death from a serious illness; third, a palace coup to seize the throne; fourth, using someone else to do the dirty work."

"But none of these four options are suitable right now, so we have to find another way."

"Chen Shaoxiu's skill is exceptional; he's practically a human monster. Assassination is absolutely impossible for him."

Han Cao stroked his beard, revealing a shrewd and calculating smile.

"As far as this old minister knows, Chen Shao may not be the Emperor Emeritus's biological son at all."

"How is that possible!" Yuwen Gu shook his head vigorously.

The Empress Dowager looked at Han Cao in disbelief.

"If he's not the retired emperor, how could he be yours?"

"???"

Han Cao cursed inwardly. Competing for power with the Yuwen family was an insult to his intelligence.

What kind of people are these?

It's mine, I'd be crazy not to spray it on the wall!

"Your Majesty, General, what I mean is, if we say he is, then he is; if we say he isn't, then he isn't either."

"What do you mean?"