Year 30 of the Great Martial Calendar, November 15.
Half a month was left until the twelfth lunar month. Although the weather had not yet reached the point of freezing water into ice, it was already very cold. A heavy snow had fallen recently and had not yet fully melted.
However, within the Imperial City, the atmosphere was fiery. A lot had happened recently.
First, the previous emperor had passed away, shaking the court and officials. Then the new emperor ascended to the throne. When everyone thought that Great Martial would begin to decline from its peak, the new emperor stabilized the court using firm means, and finally killed King Wei Wu and exterminated the eighteen feudal lords.
The court now was completely renewed.
Inside the Imperial Study.
Behind the imperial throne, there was a huge mural that clearly outlined the territory of Great Martial, which was vividly depicted as if it was the real map of the territory.
"Your Majesty, originally the four borders were under attack from four different nations. However, after Great Martial quelled the rebellion, all four nations unanimously ceased their attacks and stationed their troops at the borders, so far they have not made any moves."
At this time, many people had gathered in the Imperial Study.
Included among them were the Chief of Staffs of the Six Ministries, the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, the eight commanders of the Forbidden Army and several high-ranking ministers in the court.
After handing over his report, the newly appointed Minister of War, Huang Yong, gave an honest report.
"All four countries have stopped their attacks, have they?"
Chu Yuan sat on the throne, his aura like an abyss, "They've got some news that the current Great Martial is no longer showing signs of decline, but rather exuding thriving vigor."
"Your Majesty, the people of the Southwestern Province, numbering nearly a billion, have all submitted to Great Martial. Ministers have been dispatched to each department and according to your orders, conscription has begun. There are still remnants of various sects out there, but once the conscription starts, they can be completely eliminated."
Lu Qianfu reported on the situation in the Southwestern Province.
"The Southwestern Province is still missing a governor, Marquis of Loyalty and Courage, you will temporarily hold the governor's position." Chu Yuan nodded his approval.
Upon hearing Chu Yuan's appointment of Lu Qianfu as governor, others inside the Imperial Study showed envy.
Although the Southwestern Province had just submitted to Great Martial, it was extremely vast with a population of over a billion. The position of governor was certainly significant. However, they also knew that the emperor trusted Lu Qianfu the most.
"Now that domestic affairs have been taken care of, it's time to deal with other matters."
Chu Yuan's hand rested on the armrest of the dragon throne as he slowly spoke to everyone, "Next, it's time for the personal conquest."
Everyone felt a thrill run through their hearts at hearing this.
To march south meant a conquest against the Great Qian Dynasty. So, his majesty could no longer bear it and wants to make his move against the Great Qian Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, the Great Qian Dynasty has been established for over 500 years and they are solid in power. To be honest, our country was able to suppress the Great Qian Dynasty through the previous emperor's military prowess and not its national power. Therefore, if you want to personally conquer the Great Qian Dynasty, you must be well-prepared."
The one who said this was an elderly man, who had cultivated to the ninth level of Divine Abilities. He was mature and prudent and served as the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Ceremonies, Chi Dang.
"I have also heard that the four nations, Great Lu, Great Sheng, Great Zhi, and Great Qian, have formed some kind of alliance with the intention of resisting Great Martial. If we mobilize our forces this time, we could possibly be facing an army from the four nations. The court is currently in the phase of reformation and recovery.
I believe that it is necessary to march south, but all preparations should be made beforehand, especially in the township of Linhai. After all, it has only recently submitted to Great Martial and the people's hearts may still be unsettled."
The Minister of Revenue spoke.
[Option One: Declare war immediately, personally leading an invasion against the four nations of Great Qian and earning one hundred Destiny Points and a Dragon Roar Horn x1.]
[Option Two: Develop gradually, strengthen the national power to its peak, invade the four nations after two years and earn one hundred Destiny Points and a Defensive War Formation x1.]
Upon viewing the two options, Chu Yuan had already made up his mind.
Two years is too long.
While his primary task was to annihilate the four nations of Great Qian within three years, two years was far too long. He couldn't wait that long.
"What all of you have said makes sense, but I believe it is the best opportunity now. Currently, the morale of our Great Martial soldiers is high while the four nations are also unprepared. Moreover, the Minister of Revenue, I hope they join together. What I'm conquering is not one nation, but four!"
Chu Yuan slowly said this with an unquestionable tone.
Everyone present felt a chill run through their hearts. Everyone knew that the current emperor was the most powerful individual in Great Martial and that all power was in his hands.
Once he made up his mind on something, it couldn't be changed. What they needed to do was to prepare thoroughly.
"Your Majesty, when will you head out? I will prepare the Divine Martial Army to be ready for battle at any time." Lu Qianfu said.
"Now, it's November 15 of the Great Martial Calendar, which leaves half a month until the twelfth month." Chu Yuan stood up and declared, "I will set out on the first day of the twelfth month, which leaves you half a month to prepare."
The Emperor made his decree and it was not to be contradicted.
In half a month, it would be the time to personally go on a conquest against the Great Qian Dynasty!
"Ding! Host has chosen Option One, earning 100 Destiny Points and a Dragon Roar Horn x1.
The Dragon Roar Horn: A war signal horn made from a heavenly dragon's horn. All friendly soldiers who hear the horn's sound will awaken their war spirits, boosting their morale by 10%.
"We eagerly await your command, Your Majesty. We are willing to ask for a battle and be the vanguard!"
The first to speak was Hong Yun, the captain of the Chaos Battalion, who was eager to gain merits.
"For this personal conquest, 5 million sinners from the Death Penalty Battalion will serve as the vanguard. Water and Fire elders need to be prepared."
Chu Yuan was aware that his primary task was to annihilate a country, not just a personal conquest. Therefore, he should be fully prepared for such nation-destroying wars, with no room for errors.
"Decree to the Death Penalty Battalion: those who make significant contributions in the war can be freed from the status of being in the Death Penalty Battalion."
Chu Yuan issued one decree after another, "There are also 2 million border soldiers stationed at the border of Nan County. They will also follow me and act simultaneously. Man-Beast Battalion's four captains should prepare.
500,000 Forbidden Army soldiers and border soldiers will form the right-wing, the Divine Martial Battalion will form the center army, and I will personally sit in the center army."
"By Your Command." The four captains of the Man-Beast Battalion were thrilled.
"Your Majesty, what about our Four Divine Beast Battalions?"
Zhang Cheng looked expectantly. They all knew this personal conquest presented an opportunity.
"The Imperial City cannot be left unguarded. Captain Zhang, you and the Four Divine Beast Battalions will be in charge of defending the Imperial City. I'll hand over the control of the National Defence Array to you. As for the merits, they will not be less than those of the other battalions."
Chu Yuan valued Zhang Cheng's loyalty and his stability.
"Your Majesty, I also want to join the battle." Zhu Fengfeng suddenly said in a cold voice.
Chu Yuan thought for a moment and agreed to let Zhu Fengfeng join the army for the personal conquest, adding, "Then, Zhu Que Battalion and Bai Hu Battalion will be incorporated into the left-wing army. Lu Qianfu, all above the Original Spirit Realm in the Southwestern Province will join the Divine Martial Battalion.
In addition, I'll organize another army of a million with them as the left-wing, and they will act together with the two battalions of the Divine Beasts."
"Understood, Your Majesty!", Lu Qianfu replied.
"Dragon Power King, I'll also mobilize 8 million beasts from you for the Beast Army. The others not included in the Beast Army will still guard the Imperial City in the Man-Beast Mountain Range."
Chu Yuan issued the order, "Six Ministries, this time the army to be dispatched is massive and much supply will be needed. You all should prepare for one month's supply for the army, any delays are not allowed."
"I have a lot of elixirs here, they will be distributed to all armies and their captains. You are to enhance your strength during this half month."
Chu Yuan's finger thumped once on the map of Great Qian, penetrating right through, "In half a month, I will personally go on a conquest."