Dressed as the prince's substitute? I took the throne

"There are two paths before you. One is to become a farmer and work honestly on the land of the Wu Dynasty, but eventually be swallowed up by overseas countries in one fell swoop, leaving you powerless to fight back!"

"The second way is to open up the sea trade ban. On the one hand, it is to better promote the development of Wu Dynasty's trade. On the other hand, we also want to show the strength of Wu Dynasty and make other countries dare not act rashly!"

Zhou Chuxuan took a deep breath and said, "As for those talented people, they were just predicting the fate of the Wu Dynasty, and they were regarded as monsters and killed countless times!"

"A prosperous age is one where all religions and schools of thought coexist! Furthermore, according to reliable information I've received, the lineage of the former King of Jin now exists on a small island not far from Liang Country, and they're proficient in divination!"

"They sent countless people to infiltrate our Wu Dynasty, and now, they have caused considerable losses to the Wu Dynasty."

The officials looked at each other. They didn't know about this. "Your Highness, this... why didn't we know about this?"

Zhou Chuxuan chuckled: "The reason why you can sit comfortably in the capital and handle government affairs is because someone is carrying the burden for you!"

Nangong Yanling and others deeply agreed with this. If they were not helping to resist the external threats to the Wu Dynasty, the Wu Dynasty might be overthrown in a moment.

The officials looked at Zhou Chuxuan and the silent Nangong Yanling and the others. They were all young talents, not pedantic people. They quickly understood what was going on and bowed, "Your Highness, thank you for your protection!"

Zhou Chuxuan waved his hand: "Perhaps you have all heard from the ministers of the older generation that there are 600,000 troops in the Western Regions of our Wu Dynasty. They will not be deployed unless the survival of the Wu Dynasty is at stake!"

Everyone nodded.

"For the next period of time, the capital will be handed over to you all for protection! I will personally travel to the border of the Western Regions to deal with the matter of the 600,000-man army. If possible, I will also pacify the Western Regions!"

"Everyone, please don't forget that one of our ministers has already died in the Western Regions. A small country in the Western Regions murdered our Wu Dynasty envoy. This is a blatant provocation!"

Everyone's expressions immediately brightened up, especially Ma Sandao: "Your Highness, let me go with you! The swords and spears in my hands have long been tired of being lonely! Let me go with you, one by one, and chop off the heads of those Western Region children!"

Hu Yongwei and Wan Hao were also a little excited, but they knew that as the commanders of the Imperial Guards and the Royal Guards, they absolutely could not leave the capital to fight.

Zhou Chuxuan smiled and said, "This time, I will only go with Miss Nangong and General Murong. The rest of you must stay in the capital! Fuling Army, all retreat to the capital and defend the city together!"

"what?"

Everyone's faces changed drastically when they heard this. Han Bin advised, "Your Highness, the journey to the Western Regions is thousands of miles away. It's too dangerous for the three of you to go alone!"

"Yes, Your Highness, and there are 600,000 troops in the Western Regions. If you can't reach an agreement..."

Everyone was talking at once, and they were all worried about Zhou Chuxuan going.

Zhou Chuxuan smiled lightly and waved his hand nonchalantly, as if he had everything planned out. "Don't worry, everyone. I'll be leaving in a month. Within this month, the people I want to see will definitely come!"

"By the way, spread the news of the lifting of the maritime ban! Also, organize a team of at least 500 soldiers from each location to patrol the coast and prevent harassment from overseas bandits! If found, they will be killed without mercy!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

When everyone was about to leave, Zhou Chuxuan suddenly said, "Master Yan Song, please stay a moment!"

Upon hearing this, Minister of War Yan Song immediately turned around and saluted Zhou Chuxuan: "Yes, Your Highness!"

Looking at the young face in front of him, Zhou Chuxuan's eyes were full of satisfaction. This guy had a similar personality to his in his previous life.

He dared to think and act, and hated evil. Not many days after taking office, he sent all the corrupt officials in the Ministry of War in the capital to jail. Now the Ministry of War is extremely clear.

"Please sit down, Master Yan, there's no need to be restrained!"

Faced with Zhou Chuxuan's hospitality, Yan Song became even more restrained. You know, the person sitting in front of him is the one who now controls the entire Wu Dynasty. Although he is not the emperor, he holds the emperor's sword and exercises the emperor's power.

"Your Highness, I will just stand here!"

Zhou Chuxuan poured him a bowl of tea without any concern and pushed it over: "Master Yan, we are not in the Taiji Hall now, just treat me as your friend!"

After hearing this, Yan Song became even more panicked, and said with an overwhelmed look: "Your Highness, it is thanks to Your Highness's grace that I have been able to hold such a high position at such a young age. How could I forget my roots?"

Zhou Chuxuan smiled with satisfaction. If such a young talent could stay in the position of Minister of War for decades, he would definitely be a loyal old minister.

"Okay, then I order you to sit down!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Looking at the obedient Yan Song, Zhou Chuxuan couldn't help but think of Ma Sandao.

That guy also used to work in the Wu Dynasty army, but even when he came to his side, he was still careless in his daily life and even dared to snatch food from him.

"After I leave, I will hand over the Emperor's Sword to you. When necessary, command the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Guards. Remember, the capital must not be in chaos!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Song immediately knelt on the ground and saluted: "Your Highness, I will remember your words!"

"Okay, okay, sit down. Let's get along privately. There's no need for all this formality!"

Zhou Chuxuan took a sip of tea and said, "Also, when the Fuling Army retreats into the capital, I will arrange a separate camp for them. The Imperial Guards and the Imperial Guards are not allowed to disturb them! On weekdays, that place is a forbidden area, and no one is allowed to enter!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

"No matter what happens, you must defend the capital and wait for my return! You have the Emperor's Sword in your hand, which is enough to mobilize everyone, even the troops in the capital area. You can mobilize them at will!"

"Remember?"

"Remember, Your Highness!"

"So, what's the most important thing I just said?"

Yan Song pondered for a moment, then replied in a deep voice, "No matter what happens, you must defend the capital and are not allowed to leave the city without permission!"

"good very good!"

Zhou Chuxuan was very satisfied with Yan Song's answer. He chose Yan Song not only because he was obedient, but also because of Yan Song's ability to do things and his ability to understand.

"Your Highness, I have something to report!"

"But there's no harm in talking!"

Yan Song frowned slightly. "Your Highness, except for me, the officials from the six ministries don't seem to support you lifting the maritime ban. What if they slack off after you leave?"