Chapter 984: Chapter 944: Yan Country’s Ambition

Of course, when everyone was expressing their positions, only one person remained unmoved, and that was Leng Yu.

After all, Leng Yu at this moment did not need to declare his loyalty like the others.

Both of them understood in their hearts that no matter who betrayed Lin Yi, Leng Yu would never betray.

Among everyone present, only Leng Yu was truly Lin Yi’s confidant.

Everyone present was aware of this fact.

However, no one revealed or uncovered this point.

Just like now, after Lin Yi finished asking the question, he surveyed everyone present, naturally excluding Leng Yu.

Because he already knew Leng Yu’s thoughts and planned to ask Leng Yu last.

This also indicated that Lin Yi was aiding Leng Yu in establishing authority, enabling Leng Yu to quickly stand out in the imperial court.

The ministers, after hearing Lin Yi’s question, exchanged glances, silently inquiring about each other’s opinions.

However, sweeping over them, everyone was expressing one thing in their eyes: no one wanted to be the first to speak.

Given the current situation, none of them knew what Lin Yi truly thought, and they didn’t have any great strategies either.

Speaking rashly without a good plan would only leave a negative impression on Lin Yi, making him think they lacked capability.

Thus, everyone was waiting for someone to be the first to step forward and present an opinion.

If the opinion received Lin Yi’s approval, they would follow suit and develop the plan further.

If Lin Yi was dissatisfied with the plan, they could immediately terminate it and start contemplating other strategies.

After all, this is the way of politics, the rule of the officialdom.

The crowd preferred to follow the trend, but no one wanted to stand out.

This state was also within Lin Yi’s expectations; he understood their political strategies.

Therefore, he kept his gaze fixed on everyone present, waiting silently without saying anything further.

It seemed as though if they didn’t provide a satisfying response, he wouldn’t continue any discussions.

As a result, this left everyone present with a sense of tension.

Especially Wu Guang, given that others were merely assistants or heads of other departments, only Wu Guang was in charge of the Ministry of War.

Therefore, matters of warfare naturally fell on his shoulders.

Now, after the question was posed, he should be the first to respond.

Finally, in such an atmosphere, as everyone remained silent, Wu Guang braced himself and spoke first.

He bowed slightly to Lin Yi and said:

"Your Majesty, following General Leng’s analysis, I believe General Leng’s words make sense.

There must be Zhao Country’s soldiers among them; otherwise, it’s impossible to gather such a large force in a short time, and they are so dispersed.

However, one thing is certain: although they have attacked eleven of our cities, most of the assaults are feigned, meant to distract us.

Their main targets, as I sense it, are Luoyang City and Shangrao City, Zhongrao City, and Xiaruo City — four key cities.

Behind these four cities lies our granary; taking these lands would be a chokehold move against Dayou Country.

If the lands behind these cities fall, then other cities in Dayou Country may also be affected.

They, too, would be plunged into crisis.

Even our Capital City would not be easily spared."

As if he’d found his train of thought, Wu Guang spoke fluently, without any stammering.

Moreover, his reasoning garnered approval from the others, who nodded continuously while listening and echoed that Minister Wu was correct.

After gaining acceptance from everyone, Minister Wu became even more enthusiastic.

Indeed, not only the others but also Lin Yi and Leng Yu found some sense in his words.

Leng Yu, however, had a broader vision.

Thus, as Minister Wu spoke, Leng Yu showed no unusual reaction, nor did he express any disapproval; he quietly listened to the other’s words.

In this manner, Minister Wu continued on for nearly fifteen minutes without pause.

His main point was that Yan Country must target these four cities, for the power behind these cities represents a fatal blow to Dayou Country.

As time quietly ticked away, fifteen minutes passed swiftly, and Minister Wu finally stopped his lengthy speech, looking expectantly at Lin Yi.

At that moment, he felt he had brilliantly analyzed the situation accurately, certain his perspective was correct, convinced Yan Country’s objective was indeed those four cities.

Now, he only awaited Lin Yi’s praise.

The rest of the attendees also looked enviously at Minister Wu, regretting not having spoken more earlier.

If Minister Wu received praise, surely King You wouldn’t hesitate to praise the others, too.

Yet, as everyone’s eager eyes were fixed on Lin Yi, Lin Yi merely smiled, nodding slightly, and instead turned his gaze to Leng Yu:

"General Leng, share your analysis."

Upon hearing this, Leng Yu saluted Lin Yi, then surveyed everyone present and began his analysis in a firm voice:

"Very well, Your Majesty, I believe"

[To be continued...]