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

Chapter 61 The Northern Barbarians Retreat, the Retired Emperor Zhangjing

"Staying here won't do any good. If things get out of hand, we'll be attacked from both sides."

The generals in the tent all changed color at the same time, and some of them stood up abruptly:

"Your Majesty! No! We have suffered over ten thousand casualties, and we were on the verge of conquering this magnificent land. How can we let it all fall apart at the last moment!"

Wu Xingyun and Helian Yunni were of one mind. Seeing the other's uncertain expression, they understood that His Majesty had also had this idea for a long time.

Her gaze swept over the generals.

"We can no longer say that we have failed at the last minute. If we continue to drag this out, we may be completely wiped out."

"Food supplies and morale are both problems."

"The fortified city at the front is difficult to conquer, and rumors are spreading all over the rear."

"A forced siege is doomed to failure."

"If we want to completely take down the Great Yan, we must clean up the rear."

"We will plan to head south again."

The soldiers were speechless; they knew in their hearts that continuing the attack would not be a good thing.

It's just that I'm reluctant to let such an incredible achievement slip away before my eyes.

Having captured the Emperor of Great Yan and besieged their capital, if they could then seize control of the entire country, they could at least possess half of the empire.

This is an unprecedented honor!

Helian Yunni sighed deeply:

"That's all we can do. We'll break camp and head north tomorrow."

"The three armies retreated slowly and in good order. We cannot allow Chen Shao to take advantage of the situation to launch a sneak attack, nor can we allow the world to underestimate our Northern Barbarian Iron Cavalry."

Although the soldiers were unwilling, they could only kneel on one knee:

"This subordinate obeys."

Wu Xingyun continued:

"Your Majesty, there is a second matter that can help you conquer the Great Yan without bloodshed."

"Um?"

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"Wu Xingyun, can you stop talking like a girl? It's really making me feel down."

"Stop keeping me in suspense, just tell me already."

Wu Xingyun slightly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Majesty, this matter is confidential. Please dismiss those around you."

The generals were immediately enraged.

Helian Xiong was still recovering from his injuries, while everyone present was a powerful figure who could shake the grasslands with a stomp of his foot. They couldn't bear being cleared out in front of everyone.

"Wu Xingyun! What do you mean? We follow His Majesty in his campaigns across the land; what military secrets are we forbidden from hearing?"

"Don't you trust us?"

"Your Majesty, this woman is acting suspiciously; she's definitely up to no good."

Helian Yunni waved her hand, her tone leaving no room for argument:

"Get out, all of you."

The generals looked at each other, and seeing the Empress's serious expression, they dared not argue any further.

One by one, they left the tent with dark faces.

In the blink of an eye, only these two best friends and loyal minister remained in the tent.

"Tell me, what plan have you come up with?" The Empress raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Your Majesty, please release Chen Yuan and let him return."

The Empress frowned and said:

"Chen Yuan is of great significance to us. With him in our hands, we can make great strides in the future. Whether it is peace talks or an offensive, we will have the advantage."

"Has Your Majesty still not figured out that brat Chen Shao?"

"He has no regard for the bond between father and son, and he will surely send countless assassins to deal with Chen Yuan."

"Chen Yuan died here, adding to the national hatred of the Great Yan, making it even more difficult to conquer in the future."

"If we let Chen Yuan go back, it will be like boiling a frog in lukewarm water."

"Then Chen Shao would certainly not dare to openly kill Chen Yuan."

"Given Chen Yuan's personality, a coup will inevitably occur within a few months."

"That will be the best time for us to take down the Great Yan in one fell swoop."

"Are you sure Chen Yuan can beat that kid?" Helian Yunni asked rhetorically.

"Chen Shao is far more capable than Chen Yuan."

"Chen Yuan is no good at fighting, but he is a master at playing power games."

Wu Xingyun had clearly already come up with a plan, and began to speak eloquently.

"The Great Yan Dynasty values etiquette and law."

"The rules of etiquette are worthless in normal times, but once there are two emperors, they turn into knives."

"As soon as Chen Yuan returns, those in the court who are dissatisfied with Chen Shao will immediately band together and revolve around him."

"This is the ultimate act of sowing discord, igniting civil war within the royal court, and creating a dual-core regime."

"If Chen Yuan succeeds in seizing the throne, as long as our army marches south, the wounds inflicted on him by the Battle of Shuangmu City will surely force him to immediately lead his troops south."

"In this way, we can easily obtain half of the country without losing a single soldier in the future."

"Even if he fails to seize power, the Great Yan will never have peace again."

Helian Yunni remained silent for a moment, without immediately expressing her opinion.

"Go on."

"Of course, this isn't entirely foolproof, so we need to take a two-pronged approach."

"Chen Yuan entered the city alone, spreading rumors and creating conflict."

"Let's add fuel to the fire for this father and son."

Helian Yunni immediately shook her head.

"No, this is too dangerous. You are my trusted confidant, and I cannot allow you to fall."

"You can send someone else to do this."

Wu Xingyun smiled slightly, "A strategist should personally participate in the game."

"Your Majesty, others may not be able to grasp its essence."

"With my abilities, there's no need to worry about your safety."

"Of course, if things cannot be done, I can still use the beauty trap to seduce them."

"Um?"

Helian Yunni's gaze lingered on Wu Xingyun's chest.

Judging by the scale, using a honey trap would certainly work.

But... she was still a little worried.

"Does Your Majesty have other candidates?"

Wu Xingyun's last sentence killed all her worries.

What is the most precious thing in the Northern Wilderness? Talented people!

The place is full of crude brutes, and few of them use their brains.

Helian Xiong is the best example.

Damn, they managed to lose a battle after swallowing so much gold juice, no one else can do that.

Helian Yunni gets a headache just thinking about him.

"Then we'll do as you say. Remember, your own safety is the most important thing."

......

The Northern Barbarians withdrew their troops, and the capital celebrated for three whole days.

In stark contrast to the city's celebrations, the atmosphere inside the Imperial Study was extremely oppressive.

After the Northern Barbarians withdrew hundreds of miles and confirmed their safety, they sent a message to the imperial court.

Chen Yuan was already on his way back.

Chen Shao's face was gloomy as he stood before his core team.

Yu Qi'an, Bai Bingbing, Shen Qingci, and Wei Gonggong.

"This scheme to sow discord is far too vicious! It's trying to plunge our Great Yan into internal strife."

Yu Qi'an was so angry that he blew his beard and glared at her.

This is an open conspiracy!

But it just can't be cracked.

Answer or not?

This would be tantamount to two emperors ruling simultaneously, inevitably leading to internal strife sooner or later.

Refuse to accept? Does Your Majesty have no shame?

From then on, he was nailed to the pillar of shame.

"Take it, we must take it!"

Shen Qingci is a typical straightforward person; everything is written on her face.

She was now absolutely furious.

"Not only should we welcome him, but we should welcome him back in a grand and spectacular manner, with drums and gongs."

"Your Majesty should stand atop the city wall and look out, so that all the people of the land may see."

Eunuch Wei hurriedly said:

"No, no! The Emperor Emeritus must hate Your Majesty deeply. If we bring him back, do you think he will let Your Majesty go? All the civil and military officials have followed him for decades. Who will support Your Majesty?"

"His Majesty is like a peasant now, he can't withstand the wind and rain."

Although it's harsh to hear, it makes sense.

But Chen Shao couldn't help but roll his eyes at him:

We're not good with words, so can we at least say less?

Bai Bingbing stood coolly to the side the whole time.

Speak less, do more, and wait for orders.

Shen Qingci continued:

"Your Majesty, perform your filial piety well, and leave the rest to me."

"What are you planning to do?"

Shen Qingci stared intently at Chen Shao.

After a moment, he warned, "You'd better do me a favor!"

"???"