Southern Prefecture City, inside a secret chamber of the Prince's residence, Shang Chaozong, Meng Shanming, and Lan Ruoting once again met with Niu Youdao.
A great war seemed unavoidable. Beyond deploying the troops and supplies, the commander-in-chief himself needed to personally take his position and hold the line.
That was also why Shang Chaozong had come. He and Meng Shanming intended to personally head to the front and take command.
There was considerable resistance within the Yan Kingdom Imperial Court over this. Whether out of good intentions or a desire to demonstrate loyalty, the ministers all felt it was inappropriate for Shang Chaozong, in his capacity as Regent Prince, to personally go to the battlefield. Should anything happen to Shang Chaozong, it would throw the entire Yan Kingdom into turmoil.
The ministers believed that having Meng Shanming go as commander-in-chief would be enough.
As Niu Youdao had said, unless necessary, he would not interfere in such matters. He would let Shang Chaozong take free rein and handle them himself. But this was no small matter. Shang Chaozong's move carried the implication of seeking instructions, and he also wanted to know whether Niu Youdao had any other objections.
After hearing him out, Niu Youdao fell briefly silent. "The ministers' opinion does seem to make some sense. Such a vast Yan Kingdom truly needs someone to hold the fort. Would it not do for Marshal Meng to go as commander-in-chief?"
He did not believe Meng Shanming's ability to command in battle would be inferior to Shang Chaozong's. It would only be stronger, never weaker.
Meng Shanming spoke, his voice tinged with a sigh. "Daoist Master, Meng Shanming is old. My energy no longer suffices, and I often grow drowsy. Once war begins, we may go night after night without sleep. I fear