Chapter 67: A Severe Disaster
Chapter 213: The Emperor's SwordChapter 67: A Severe Disaster
"Master Xi, please follow me."
San Bao came to Xi Wanli's side, and spoke in a sinister voice.
"Shi Wanli ignored him and shouted to Li Chen: "The Crown Prince ignores right and wrong, doesn't ask the reason, just removes a humble official from his post. What have I done wrong Such tyranny, all the civil and military officials will surely disagree! This humble official is willing to die, but the Crown Prince loses the hearts of the people!"
Li Chen was too lazy to waste time talking with Xi Wanli. He barked at Sanbao, "Get to work!"
Sānbǎo saw that Lǐ Chén was angry and, fearing he would be implicated, reached out to drag Shì Wànlì away.
Three Treasure was short in stature, while Shi Wanli was a tall and burly man. Yet, in Three Treasure's hands, he was completely powerless, being dragged away like a chick.
"I refuse! I refuse!!!"
Xi Wanli's furious roar gradually faded away. Li Chen let out a cold snort, but in his heart, he had already begun to think about what would happen next.
Xi Wanli's misfortune stemmed not primarily from his unfortunate role as a pawn in Zhao Xuanji's game at this critical juncture. The most significant factor was his position as Minister of War.
This position has already been arranged by Li Chen.
If Xi Wanli doesn't stand up, how can his seat be vacated
With this position unvacated, Li Chen's plan to further consolidate imperial military power moves forward. How will he proceed
Having lost the power of Minister of War, Zhao Xuanji would certainly not give up. Therefore, Li Chen knew very well that he was likely to face Zhao Xuanji's revenge next.
This old fox has been in control of the government for so many years, his methods are ruthless and his scheming is deep. He is definitely someone we must be wary of.
Li Chen was also waiting, waiting for Zhao Xuanji to make a move. Once he made his move, Li Chen would have an opportunity to seize the position of Minister of War and arrange it for someone he wanted.
Then, suppressing the turmoil in his mind, Li Chen began to read through the imperial edicts sent from the Imperial Supervisor's Office today.
Although Li Chen doesn't have the power to review official documents yet, it doesn't stop him from learning about the basic situation of the Qin Empire through these documents.
During the feudal era, with its underdeveloped communication systems, emperors often remained in their capital cities for their entire lives. To manage such vast territories and understand the ever-changing needs of the people across the land, they relied on a single, direct method: imperial edicts.
These chapters have already been reviewed by the cabinet, and after Li Chen has read them, the Imperial Supervisor's Office will move them back. According to the content on the review notes, a red stamp will be made and sent back to the various places.
But today's scroll, Li Chen felt unusually heavy in his heart.
As night fell, the lamps in Xizheng Hall were still brightly lit.
"Three Treasures."
Upon hearing Li Chen's command, San Bao, the eunuch who had been stationed outside the door all along, immediately bowed and entered.
"My lord, I am here."
Looking at the three treasures lying in the middle of the hall, Li Chen put down the memorial in his hand and said in a deep voice: “Just now I read the memorials, and saw that Nanhe, Xi Jiang, Huguang, and Gansu reported that the flood had not yet subsided, and they encountered snowfall a few days ago. This snow disaster is more harmful than the previous floods, and it is preliminarily estimated that up to 800,000 people have been affected by the disaster. There have already been cases of cannibalism in various places…”
"Gazing at the three treasures before him, Li Chen asked, "You are in charge of the Dongchang, with informants all over the world. This palace wants to know, just how severe is the disaster situation"
Sān Bǎo stiffened at the words, not needing to raise his head he could feel Lǐ Chén’s grave gaze fixed upon him. The entire Xīzhèng Diàn was filled with an air of solemnity. Though he was in the East Palace of the Crown Prince, Sān Bǎo suddenly felt a sense of oppression and tension akin to when he had faced the Emperor at his peak in Wǔyīng Diàn.
Taking a deep breath, Sanzhao replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, what's written in the edict is probably already downplayed. The true extent of the disaster..." absolutely refused Su Jinpa's stunningly impressive performance.But now, it seems not out of the question.After a long silence, Li Chen said: “Draw up a list of those landlords and merchants for me....