"What Lord Wang said makes sense."
Cao Mao nodded, then added, "You will need to pay more attention to garrisoning the Shu lands..."
Chen Qian immediately said, "Your Majesty, please do not worry. Although the matter of Deng Ai caused some confusion among the Shu enemy, the Ministry of War will certainly not disappoint Your Majesty's high expectations."
Cao Mao paused, then smiled again. "Now that you mention Deng Ai, that reminds me of something."
"Is it about how to deal with Deng Ai?"
"Yes, about his placement. He has spent some time reflecting at home. I feel that garrisoning the Shu lands is not something a handful of people can accomplish. Why not have him serve as Duke Chen's deputy..."
Chen Qian was immediately at a loss for words.
He had taken two successive jabs at Deng Ai precisely because he did not want to hear these words from the emperor.
From the emperor's unusual behavior at the outset, Chen Qian had realized that the matter might have something to do with Deng Ai, so he had made several moves. Who would have thought that the emperor would remain utterly unmoved, countering every move and insisting on bringing the matter up?
At this point, Chen Qian was rather powerless.
He could only say, "Your Majesty, I know General Deng's abilities, but Your Majesty also knows his temperament..."
Cao Mao waved his hand. "I also know Duke Chen's intelligence. Others might fear him, but how could Duke Chen possibly be worried about him? Even if he has radical, inappropriate ideas, Duke Chen will certainly be able to judge them clearly!"
Since Cao Mao had taken his words this far, Chen Qian had no grounds left to object.
He could only steel himself and agree.
*Hopefully that beast would not lead