Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

The four countries formed an alliance successfully, which made Chu Ning feel pressured.

He thought that the Tang Emperor Li Shiming would hide behind and wait for him and the three dynasties to be defeated, and he could take the opportunity to take down the three dynasties first.

Unexpectedly, Du Ruhui's killing completely angered Li Shiming, causing the Tang Dynasty to send troops to intervene.

The combat effectiveness of the Tang Dynasty's troops is very strong and should not be underestimated. If he wants to defeat the other three dynasties, he must first fight with the Tang army.

However, he doesn't have much time left, and he can't wait until the eight legions are fully formed before taking action.

To strike first is his usual style.

Chu Ning locked himself in the house for the whole night, thinking about how to deal with the situation.

The next day, at three quarters past three in the morning.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the copper bells under the eaves of the corner tower in Kyoto City were trembling gently in the chilly spring breeze.

The ninety-nine white marble steps in front of the Wende Hall were soaked with dew. Officials in red and green robes walked up one after another. The patches of peacocks and pheasants were faintly visible in the mist. The clear sound of gold-woven leather belts hitting jade woke up the bronze cranes perched on the caisson ceiling.

Under the red steps, the ceremonial guards holding golden axes stood with bated breath, the gold threads on their court robes gleaming faintly in the dim light.

Suddenly, three whip sounds were heard, startling the birds roosting by the Taiye Lake. The black boots of all officials rolled over the golden brick floor, and the court tablets in their palms shone like cold jade.

Just at this moment, the spring sun climbed up the glazed roof ridges, casting the shadow of the Chiwen in the center of the imperial road, just like a winding dragon, dividing the ministers like geese into two groups, east and west.

The copper clock in the corner of the palace dripped the first locust flower of this spring. Amid the sound of eaves horse clanging, the shrill call from the Imperial Household Department penetrated the mist:

"His Royal Highness is here!"

All the ministers bowed and saluted, saying in unison: "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Chu Ning, who was wearing a black python robe, nodded slightly and said loudly: "My Lords, there is no need to be polite."

"Today's morning court will discuss the dispatch of troops!"

The first words he spoke shocked all the ministers.

As soon as these words came out, a minister immediately whispered, "Your Highness, our dynasty is still recruiting soldiers. Isn't it a bit hasty to send troops now?"

Someone took the lead, and others immediately echoed: "Yes, we have just started recruiting new soldiers, and our army is short of manpower."

"I wonder which dynasty His Royal Highness wants to attack?"

"The imperial court is currently dealing with the recruitment of soldiers and spring planting. If we send troops out at this moment, I'm afraid we won't have time to take care of other things."

The ministers were discussing, but Chu Ning remained calm: "My Lords~"

As soon as he opened his mouth, the whole audience fell silent.

"I have received news that the four countries have successfully formed an alliance and have signed the alliance document. In addition, the Tang Dynasty is ready to send troops to assist the Wei Kingdom!"

"If we don't act quickly, once we give the other side a chance to prepare, it will be difficult to act again in the future."

"We are not ready now, but the four countries are not ready either!"

The shocking words made everyone in the audience silent.

The successful alliance of the four countries was not a good thing for the State of Chu.

Even if they formed an alliance with the Zhou Dynasty, they could not exceed the four countries in terms of the number of troops.

And the prince was right. They were not ready now, but the four countries were not ready either.

The first to strike is the strongest, and you can kill the opponent by surprise.

Just as everyone was deep in thought, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the hall.

When he turned around, he saw that it was the Imperial Censor Jia Yu running towards him with a letter in his hands.

Everyone was surprised to find that Jia Yu did not go to court with him.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" Jia Yu came into the hall and bowed quickly, ignoring the cold sweat on his forehead.

Chu Ning nodded slightly: "Master Jia, there is no need to be polite. I think the Jinyiwei must have sent some news. Tell me, what is going on in the Tang Dynasty?"

Jia Yu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said quickly: "The Tang Emperor Li Shiming has mobilized 50,000 troops to the Wei Kingdom!"

"The Han Dynasty is recruiting soldiers as quickly as possible. There is no other movement at the moment."

"The State of Jin is also recruiting infantry. It seems that they are preparing for the upcoming war."

"Wei's Sima Yi is ambitious. After purging the Xun family, he has been expanding his army. Now he has received 50,000 Tang troops to assist him. I'm sure they will make some moves next."

As soon as these words came out, Grand Tutor Dugu Xin's face changed slightly: "Lord Jia, do you think that the Kingdom of Wei will take the initiative to attack our army?"

Jia Yu said in a deep voice: "Yes, Sima Yi has always been cunning and likes to do this kind of thing the most. Our army must be on guard."

Xun Yu, who was hiding in the crowd, also stepped out of the line and nodded in agreement: "Yes, Sima Yi is a cunning man, so it's okay."

These two people were both from the State of Wei and were old acquaintances of Sima Yi. They knew Sima Yi's character very well.

When dealing with people like Sima Yi, you have to be on guard.

Of course, what they are most worried about is Maple Leaf City and Yanzhou.

The Thirteenth Prince Chu Kuang is guarding that place. Chu Kuang has a reckless personality. If he falls into Sima Yi's trap, the Chu army will suffer a great loss.

Chu Ning was not surprised by this and nodded slightly: "We really have to guard against Maple Leaf City and Yanzhou. How about this, Xun Yu, you go to Yanzhou in person."

But when Xun Yu heard this, his expression changed and a look of hesitation appeared on his face.

Of course he wanted to go back and fight Sima Yi, or even find a way to kill Sima Yi.

But if he surrendered to Chu Ning and went to Yanzhou like this, Chu Kuang might not believe him.

While deep in thought, Chu Ning noticed Xun Yu's worry, and suddenly reached out to take off the jade pendant from his waist, and motioned to the eunuch beside him to give it to Xun Yu.

"This item is something that I carry with me personally. When I see this, my Thirteenth Brother will definitely listen to your arrangements, Lord Xun!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Xun Yu took the jade pendant with a touched look on his face.

With this jade pendant, he no longer had to worry about Chu Kuang disobeying his orders, nor would he have to worry about Yanzhou and Maple Leaf City falling into Sima Yi's hands.

However, since he went to garrison Yanzhou, the main attack direction this time must not be Wei.

Otherwise, Chu Ning should go with him!

While thinking, Chu Ning spoke again: "Wei State has Thirteenth Brother and Lord Xun, so we can be sure that nothing will happen for the time being."

"This time, I have decided to take over Jin State first!"

"Master Jia, has Master Feng reported on the situation of the ship?"

This is the news he wanted most today.

Jia Yu nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "I received news this morning that after the arrangement made by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince last time, our military ships have been built."

"There are currently about 300 boats of all kinds. If you add in the boats of nearby fishermen, the number would be 800!"

"very good!"

Chu Ning's eyes flashed with determination: "With these ships, the so-called natural barrier of Cangjiang River is just a joke."

"When I sweep the Jin Kingdom, it will be the time to avenge Ji Yinghao!"

He doesn't have many friends in his life, and Ji Yinghao can definitely be considered his friend.

It’s a pity that Ji Yinghao was too kind, which led to him being schemed by Ji Yingjie and losing his life.

After conquering the State of Jin this time, he must go to pay tribute to Ji Yinghao in person.

Thinking of this, Chu Ning immediately ordered: "Domestic affairs should be handled by the cabinet!"

"Since I am bringing Lord Jia with me this time, Lu Xiuwen will be promoted to the cabinet to handle government affairs."

"Also, during this period when I am away, my father will help stabilize the court."

It’s good to have a cheap emperor. When he goes to war, the court will not be leaderless.

Of course, he still needs to discuss this matter with the emperor.

After all, he was taking advantage of others.