My System Is Three Thousand Years Early

If Cheng Guang knew of Wu Ling's thoughts at this time, he would probably be filled with admiration.

It has to be said.

Although Wu Ling had guessed the wrong direction, she had guessed the outcome correctly.

"General Qiu, the Duke of the State at this time, I fear, even if he issues commands, won't be able to return. I suggest that you, in the Ministry of War, transfer all the border troops over to deal with Great Yuan," she said.

"At the same time, we can strengthen our connections with the surrounding dynasties, so that while the vassal states under our control contribute their efforts, they don't have the military power to take advantage of us in this moment."

When Wu Ling spoke these words, Qiu Hao was clearly taken aback, not expecting Wu Ling to put forth her own suggestions.

He thought of Wu Ling as a Crown Prince who knew nothing and instinctively wanted to object, but after listening carefully to Wu Ling's words, other than not knowing why Wu Ling would know that the Duke of the State couldn't return, the rest of her deployment had no major issues.

Qiu Hao pondered and had not yet opened his mouth to speak.

Empress Wang by Wu Ling's side spoke out slowly, her voice neither salty nor mild.

"Wu Ling, just listen to Sir Qiu's words. In matters of war, Sir Qiu is trustworthy," she said.

The meaning behind Empress Wang's words was obvious: she did not want to hear Wu Ling's suggestions.

She did not wish for Wu Ling to exert any effort in this matter.
Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire

She herself felt that even if Wu Ling were to exert herself, Wu Ling wouldn't be able to contribute anything.

So, it was better to veto her at the decision-making phase outright.

This would save them from any unexpected incidents later on.

After Empress Wang spoke.

Several Noble Consorts by Empress Wang's side rather comforted Wu Ling with a few words, their faces smiling, a stark contrast to Empress Wang's indifferent demeanor.

When Wu Ling saw the attitudes of Empress Wang and the Noble Consorts, her eyelids drooped slightly.

Wu Ling knew that these Noble Consorts didn't like her much either, nor did they agree with her remarks; they simply didn't get along with Empress Wang.

When Emperor Zhou of Great Zhou was around, the harem could maintain stability, but with Emperor Zhou absent, various forces within the harem began to stir beneath the surface.

Wu Ling, alone and unsupported, did not get involved in these struggles.

Instead, she found herself in a period of respite.

Listening to the words of those around her, Wu Ling was already feeling a bit annoyed. Just when she was about to agree straightforwardly with Qiu Hao, she suddenly heard Qiu Hao's voice again.

"Crown Prince, what you've said largely makes sense. However, if the Duke of the State could join us, then even Great Yuan wouldn't merit a second glance," he said.

"How does Your Highness know the Duke of the State cannot make a move?"

Qiu Hao's gaze was fixed on Wu Ling's face; it was clear he wanted an answer from her.

Sir Qiu, promoted by Emperor Zhou himself from a humble background, was entangled neither by the interests of great families nor by having daughters, thus having little relation to the royal family.

Therefore, Sir Qiu was able to detach himself from the strife for royal power.

At this time, Sir Qiu was only concerned about how to repel the enemy.

Wu Ling met Sir Qiu's gaze without much panic or shifting her eyes away, her tone calm as she said:

"Must I explain to General Qiu how I know?"

"Sir Qiu only needs to know that if the Duke of the State could come to the capital, he would have already arrived. Since he cannot move at this time, it means he cannot come," she said.

When Qiu Hao heard Wu Ling's words, he pondered for a moment and did not say anything for a while, sinking into thought.

Afterward.

Just as Qiu Hao was about to speak.

Empress Wang waved her hand, interrupting their conversation.

"Enough, let's follow Sir Qiu's intentions. Wu Ling, you must immediately, in the name of the Crown Prince, draft an imperial edict to summon the Duke of the State to the capital to confront Great Yuan," she said.

After speaking, Empress Wang slowly stood up and walked towards the exit of the hall.

After Empress Wang left.

The Council Hall's assembly, even if they wanted to say something more, could no longer speak.

The crowd dispersed one after another.

Wu Ling also stood up. Just as she was leaving the Council Hall, a voice suddenly called out from behind her.

"Crown Prince, please wait," it said.

Wu Ling recognized the voice.

She slightly turned her head to look at the newcomer.

"Sir Qiu, what is the matter?" she asked.

Dressed in a black official's robe, Qiu Hao stood quietly behind Wu Ling, then said, "Crown Prince, I think there is merit in what you said. If the Duke of the State cannot come to the capital, the Crown Prince's plan could also serve as a contingency."

"However, I have one concern: by depleting the military forces from other borders, are you not afraid that the surrounding dynasties large and small may invade Great Zhou?"

"And, Your Highness, if you want the vassal dynasties of Great Zhou to exert their efforts, will they truly lend a hand?"

Wu Ling looked at Qiu Hao, observing his inquisitive face, pondered for a moment, then patiently explained:

"The dynasties around Great Zhou are mostly vassal states. By withdrawing troops from one border and mobilizing their armies, we can ensure a temporary peace on the frontier," she explained.

Qiu Hao watched Wu Ling, then slowly said, "Aren't you afraid that those dynasties will refuse to send troops to our Great Zhou and take advantage of the situation instead?"

Wu Ling calmly replied, "Afraid."

"But what use is fear? We can only choose the best method."

"We are gambling, and those in the other dynasties are gambling too."

"After all, once Great Zhou overcomes this difficulty, they will not even have the time to consider the consequences or their demise."

"Since we are all gambling, what is there to fear?"