Clearly, the Xia's Empress has also realized that the more time Xia Country gives to Yan Country, the more disadvantageous it is for Xia Country.
She wants to make a swift decision, cutting the Gordian knot.
But Yan Country is not to be trifixed with either.
Zhao Huai said gravely, "Prepare for war, focus on defense. After a year of development, although Yan Country's national strength has somewhat recovered, it's mainly in other areas. When it comes to military power, it's still rather weak."
A year's time doesn't produce much population.
Wars have always been a battle for population. Yan Country wanting to actively attack a fully armed Xia Country is still too difficult. They can only resort to passive defense.
Off to the side, when Princess Luo Ya of Shenluo saw the changing expressions on Zhao Huai's face, she guessed what was happening, and suggested: