We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

"Duke Zheng?!"

Du Fuchen and Huo Tao were stunned again.

Isn't Duke Chang Pan of Zheng the father-in-law of Prince Feng?

The two of them suddenly realized.

Tokiwa himself is also a military general and nobleman, and has a very high prestige in the army.

Regardless of his ability to lead troops, at least his status is noble enough and his political intentions are correct enough.

"As for food, wages, and weapons..." Emperor Qing continued, "Since this army is established to support Fengguo in defending the border, its daily food and fodder consumption can be supplied and allocated by Fengguo."

"However, the armor, equipment, settlement funds, and subsequent major supplements for the initial formation of the army were allocated from the imperial treasury and centrally raised by the Ministry of War. They were then transported via the Grand Canal directly to the territory of Feng State and handed over to the Prince of Feng for distribution and use."

"The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War must work with relevant officials of Feng State to formulate detailed regulations and submit them to me for your review."

This arrangement was also very clever. The bulk of the cost was borne by Feng State, which alleviated the financial pressure on the court and also determined the subordination of this army.

However, the key equipment and start-up funds were provided by the court to demonstrate the court's support.

Du Fuchen pondered and said, "Your Majesty has thought it through, but..."

He raised his final and most important concern: "Xue Zhen's 30,000 elite troops will be transferred to Feng State, and the four northern states will draw another 50,000 elite city defense troops... That's a total of 80,000 people!"

"Although it's necessary for border defense, such a large-scale mobilization of elite troops from their original defense areas, especially the large number of troops withdrawn from the northern hinterland, may leave the inland defenses vulnerable. If something unexpected happens..."

This is the core issue that Du Fuchen is most worried about as the prime minister - the internal security of the empire.

If so many elite troops are transferred to reinforce Feng Wang, the defense capacity of the central government's directly-administered areas will inevitably be weakened.

It’s not that Du Fuchen wants to go against Prince Feng, but what if... what if Prince Feng suddenly has rebellious thoughts, then he can march straight into the imperial capital.

A hint of smile flashed across Emperor Qing's cloudy eyes. He said slowly, "Lord Du, there's no need to test me anymore. I completely trust Old Six..."

Huo Tao's heart trembled when he heard this, and he immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I second the motion!"

He completely understood that His Majesty was playing a big game.

To support King Feng in consolidating the new frontier, while at the same time cracking down on restless people in the court to ensure authority and internal stability.

This level of support is unprecedented! It is to tell those restless families in the court:

You don't listen to my words, and secretly oppose me...

Okay, good then!

I am old and can't take care of you anymore, so let my son take care of you!

Aren't you dissatisfied? Aren't you secretly acting for your own benefit and trying to teach me how to do things?

I will open the central gate wide. If the noble families cause any trouble, the Fengtian Army's million-strong cavalry will be able to reach the imperial capital in half a month!

If you don't understand my advice, I know a little bit about fighting.

Du Fuchen also completely sorted out his thoughts, and most of his doubts were dispelled.

Prince Feng has made such great contributions and his power has expanded rapidly, but Your Majesty has chosen to support him wholeheartedly instead of being suspicious and suppressing him.

This breadth of mind and foresight alone made him sincerely admire him.

Your Majesty's thoughts are still as deep as the ocean.

In other words, what Your Majesty just did was a test.

If neither he nor Huo Tao expressed any opposition, this support would probably turn into suppression in an instant.

And now, King Feng’s trend is inevitable.

It all depends on how Prince Feng and His Majesty weigh the pros and cons, transfer power, and merge the two behemoths of Daqing and Feng into an even larger empire.

For these two prime ministers, this matter is a good thing no matter how you look at it. Who doesn't want to be the prime minister of an empire that is more powerful than ever in history?

Du Fuchen solemnly stated: "Your Majesty's wise thoughts are far-reaching. I cannot wait any longer. I also second the proposal!"

"Alright." Emperor Qing seemed a little tired and closed his eyes slightly. "Since there are no objections, the specific implementation should be discussed in detail with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue after you two return."

"Remember, every detail must be carefully considered and submitted to me as soon as possible. As for Duke Zheng... I will personally issue the decree."

"We obey your order!" Du Fuchen and Huo Tao responded in unison.

"Go. I'm tired."

Emperor Qing waved his hand, leaned back on the couch, closed his eyes, and had an expression of fatigue that was hard to conceal on his face.

"I'm waiting to retire."

Du Fuchen and Huo Tao bowed and carefully left the Yangxin Palace.

The palace door closed gently behind him.

The cool night breeze outside the hall blew on their faces, but Du Fuchen and Huo Tao both felt a little damp on their backs.

The two stood on the steps in front of the hall, looking at the outline of the palace wall in the distance, and remained silent for a long time.

Du Fuchen let out a long breath and broke the silence: "Your Majesty's move... is really... really..."

He seemed to be unable to find the right words to describe it for a moment.

Huo Tao's gaze remained deep as he looked towards the brightly lit Yangxin Palace and said slowly:

"Your Majesty's heart is beyond your comprehension. We... just need to do our job well."

He paused, then lowered his voice, "Everything discussed tonight must be kept strictly confidential until your Majesty issues an official decree."

Du Fuchen's expression froze, and he nodded heavily: "Of course!"

The two said no more, each with a complicated and shocked mood, and hurriedly disappeared into the night of the palace.

In the Yangxin Palace, Emperor Qing was still leaning on the couch with his eyes closed.

Huang Jin silently picked up the maps on the ground.

After a long time, Emperor Qing let out a very light sigh, almost inaudible.

The hands on his knees subconsciously clenched the "Memorial to Destroy Japan" stained with dark red spots.

. . . . . .

It's November now.

Li Che led his army to Ezo, now Hokkaido.

Now that Japan has been basically stabilized, Li Che is ready to set off back to Fengtian.

But Hokkaido was a tourist destination in my previous life, so since I’m here, I have to visit it.

The remaining Japanese troops in Hokkaido are not to be feared, except that the climate is a bit cold, but for the Fengtian Army living outside the Great Wall, it is just a small matter.

Especially the two little guys, Xiaosong and Xiaotuan, they were very happy, as if they had returned to their hometown.

When they arrived at the Fengtian Army camp in Hokkaido, Li Lin, looking tired, came to greet them.

Seeing Li Lin like this, Li Che couldn't help but laugh:

"Fourth brother, what happened? Why do you look so haggard?"

"Don't mention it." Li Lin gritted his teeth and said, "I've been in big trouble these days. I haven't slept for three days and three nights."

"Big trouble?" Li Che looked at Li Lin. "The Japanese? Not really. There are only remnants of the Japanese army and some natives left in Ezo. What kind of trouble can there be?"

"It's not the Japanese." Li Lin's face was solemn. "It's a bear, an extremely huge man-eating bear!"

After that, Li Lin looked at the little girl behind Li Che and said:

"That bear is a monster, even bigger than the small group. It has been attacking our army's food routes and nearby villages for days, causing great suffering to the soldiers."

Li Che was also shocked when he heard this: "Don't be ridiculous, bigger than Xiaotuan? I can tell you clearly that Xiaotuan's species of bear is the largest bear in the world!"

Xiaotuan is a polar bear, a three-year-old male polar bear, which is definitely the maximum size for land carnivores.

"Why would I lie to you?" Li Lin was getting anxious. "I've seen that bear from a distance once before. It was actually bigger than Xiaotuan, and it would even stand up and wave at people!"

Hearing this, Li Che's heart tightened.

Hiss... I seem to have heard in my previous life that there was a similar bear legend in Hokkaido, Japan.