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

"First, notify all troops resting in and around Chang'an City, with the exception of the 10,000 troops I previously reserved for Li Bi to maintain order in the Han area and implement the new policies."

"All remaining troops, immediately enter combat readiness, carry ten days' worth of rations, and march out at dawn two days from now, following me personally to the eastern battlefield!"

"Second, send an urgent message back home, eight hundred miles away!"

His eyes grew dark. "Order Concubine Feng to immediately relocate all members of the 100,000-man Suzaku Legion under her command from their original defense zone and send them to the eastern front as quickly as possible! No mistakes are allowed!"

The Suzaku Legion is one of the most elite legions of the Chu State. It is commanded by Concubine Feng, whom he trusts very much. It is stationed in the core areas of the Chu mainland all year round and is not used unless there is a major battle.

Transferring him to the eastern front at this moment shows how much Chu Ning values ​​Li Jing and his determination to invest all his core forces in a strategic decisive battle with the Tang Dynasty!

"The general will obey the order!"

Shen Lian did not hesitate. After receiving the order, he immediately stood up and quickly left the imperial study like a nimble cheetah. He arranged for a messenger to deliver this urgent order that concerned the country's destiny.

Chu Ning was the only one left in the imperial study again.

He slowly walked to the window, pushed open the carved window frame, and looked at the blue sky outside.

The sun is shining, the clouds are rolling, and the peaceful scene forms a cruel contrast with the land in the east that is soaked in war and blood.

His face showed neither joy nor sorrow, neither the shock of having just experienced a defeat nor the nervousness of being on the front lines. Instead, there was only a bottomless calm.

Although the initial battle on the Eastern Front was a defeat, resulting in the loss of a general and 30,000 elite troops, it was indeed a heavy blow.

But he believed that as long as he personally arrived at the front line and concentrated all the elite forces that the Chu State could mobilize, relying on Jia Yu's wisdom, Ran Ming's bravery, and the upcoming 100,000-strong Suzaku Legion, he would be able to stabilize the situation and even turn the tide of the war!

"Li Jing..."

He whispered the name, a hint of fighting spirit flashing in his eyes.

"I want to see whether you, the military god of the Tang Dynasty, are more powerful, or whether my Chu Army cavalry is superior!"

Today, the six countries surrounding the Chu State have long been pacified, leaving only the last and strongest opponent - the Tang Dynasty!

He no longer needed to disperse his troops along the borders as he had done in the past.

We can rest assured and concentrate all our national strength on the eastern front to fight the final battle with the Tang Dynasty and the Scorpion Clan that has always been eyeing us in the northern grasslands!

The success or failure of unifying the Central Plains depends on this one move!

He clenched his fists and his eyes became more determined and sharp.

Two days passed in a flash.

In the past two days, Chang'an City has been like a war machine that has been forced to run at an unprecedented efficiency.

The troops selected to accompany the emperor in person quickly completed assembly, food and fodder allocation, and military equipment inspection.

The atmosphere in the city was solemn and tense. The sounds of horse hooves, wheels, and officers' orders were heard everywhere, replacing the hustle and bustle of the city in the past.

On this day, the sun rose in the east, and the rays of light dyed the tall Zhengyang Gate of Chang'an City with a layer of golden glow.

Outside the city gates, a massive army had already formed its battle array. Dark armor and banners formed a solemn sea, while swords and spears resembled a forest, gleaming coldly in the morning light.

The soldiers' faces were solemn, and their eyes showed both the solemnity of the war and a hint of excitement inspired by the emperor's personal expedition.

Chu Ning was dressed in military uniform, silver armor and purple robe, riding on a majestic black horse, standing at the forefront of the army.

Beside him was the bald and fierce general Ran Ming, who was also wearing helmet and armor and looked murderous.

Behind them were the most elite central imperial guards of the Chu State and some veterans who had experienced the war to destroy the Han Dynasty.

Led by Li Bi, all the civil and military officials who stayed in Chang'an were dressed in court robes and lined up neatly on one side of the city gate, ready to see off the emperor and the expeditionary army.

Li Bi stood in front of all the officials with just the right amount of respect and excitement on his face, but if you looked closely, you could see a subtle worry hidden deep in his eyes.

Chu Ning rode his horse slowly to the front of the farewell team, and his eyes first fell on Li Bi.

"Lord Li."

"I'm here!" Li Bi hurriedly stepped forward and bowed in response.

Chu Ning looked down at him, his tone serious and full of entrustment:

"I will hand over this newly annexed Han territory and the city of Chang'an to you."

"The daily operation of the court requires your utmost care and no mistakes can be made."

"I will work diligently and live up to your majesty's trust!" Li Bi promised solemnly.

Chu Ning nodded slightly and continued to instruct, his voice lowered a few notes, but with more weight:

"As for the equal distribution of land, this is the foundation for strengthening the foundation and is of long-term significance."

"I leave you with 10,000 men to ensure that this policy can be vigorously implemented without any obstruction."

"You must keep a close eye on me. Anyone who dares to disobey me or obstruct me will be charged with treason, regardless of who they are. They will be executed first and reported to me later!"

"Before I return triumphantly, I must let the people of Han see the real effects of my Great Chu's new policies!"

These words not only gave Li Bi great power, but also placed a heavy burden on his shoulders.

Li Bi could feel the trust in those words, and even more so the pressure and risks behind them.

He bowed deeply again, his voice filled with determination: "Your Majesty, rest assured! Regarding the land issue, I will overcome all difficulties and push forward with all my strength! If there is any mistake, I will bring my head to you!"

"Very good." Chu Ning seemed quite satisfied with his statement.

He said no more, turned his horse around and faced the tens of thousands of soldiers standing solemnly in front of him.

The sunlight shone on his black armor, reflecting a dazzling light.

He took a deep breath, gathering his strength. His voice was like a huge bell, clearly spreading throughout the entire army formation, even echoing between the towering city walls:

"Soldiers of the Great Chu!"

In an instant, all the soldiers' eyes were focused on him. Heaven and earth were silent, with only the battle flag fluttering in the wind.

"You are the fierce and powerful army that will destroy the mighty Han! You are the invincible warriors that strike fear into the hearts of the enemy!"

Chu Ning's voice was filled with powerful confidence and incitement: "Now, the Tang Dynasty, which is entrenched in the East, is the last obstacle for my Great Chu to unify the Central Plains!"

He pointed his arm towards the east, his eyes sharp as lightning: "Right up ahead, the so-called Great Tang Military God Li Jing is leading his troops to block the advance of our Great Chu!"

"They, seizing the fertile land, vainly attempt to continue that corrupt dynasty!"

"but!"

He changed the subject and his voice suddenly rose, filled with unquestionable dominance.

"I will personally lead you and crush all obstacles!"

"This battle is no ordinary conquest, but the final battle that will end centuries of chaos and usher in eternal peace!"

He looked around at the faces flushed with excitement and made the most shocking announcement:

"As long as we win this battle, all nine continents will belong to the Great Chu! The era of strife and division will end with your own hands!"

"An unprecedented, unified, and powerful empire will be born in your hands!"

"And you—"

His voice was like thunder, exploding in the ears of every soldier:

"Each of you will be the greatest contributor to this glorious era! Your achievements will be etched in history!"

"Your rewards will benefit your descendants! Your glory will coexist with this newborn empire, forever!"