Chapter 69: Opening the Morning Court

heartland of our nation and the birthplace of our Han people, has a flourishing literary culture and abundant grain production. As for Dong Shan Province, situated by the sea, they haven't been signi...Chapter 69: Opening the Court

Half an hour later, Su Zhetong, with hair and shoulders covered in snowflakes and a layer of frost, rushed over.

"The last general, Su Zhenting, has met the Crown Prince."

Li Chen's expression improved considerably. He said, "General Su is a hereditary prince of our dynasty. You don't need to bow when you see me."

Su Zhen'ting solemnly said, “There is a distinction between ruler and subject, with clear order of rank. For the Su family, the hereditary title of King bestowed by the royal family is an immense gift of grace. But the descendants of the Su family are soldiers at heart. As soldiers, upon seeing their sovereign, they must show respect.”

"If all the scholars and officials in the court possessed even one-tenth of General Su's abilities, there would be no worries for the Qin Dynasty."

Li Chen let out a soft sigh and said to Su Zhen Ting, "General Su, this palace intends to attend the court early tomorrow."

Li Chen's words startled Su Zhen Ting.

He hastily dissuaded, "Your Highness, no!"

Although the Crown Prince is now acting as regent, according to propriety and law, he could preside over court meetings. However, since the Emperor fell ill and stopped holding court meetings, it has been over a year since the last one. All affairs are now managed by the cabinet, which power Zhao Xuanji controls exclusively.

"At this time, His Highness suddenly wanting to attend the morning court would inevitably provoke Zhao Xuanji's retaliation. As a result, the conflict between His Highness and the chief minister would inevitably intensify..."

Su Zhen Ting gritted his teeth, his tone becoming even more urgent. "Your Highness is a genius with unparalleled martial arts skills, but right now, your wings are not yet full grown. Zhao Xuanji has been deeply entrenched in the government for decades, and he knows every aspect of it inside and out. Every joint, department, and vital point is under his control."

Even if the Prince scattered some, he was far from seriously injured. Right now, confronting him would be unwise as the timing is unfavorable, the location unsuitable, and the people are not on our side.

After listening quietly to Su Zhen's words, Li Chen said calmly: "So in General Su's opinion, the best choice for this palace is to lie low, strengthen its own power, slowly erode Zhao Xuanji's power, cut off his wings, and then wait for an opportunity to make a move and decide the outcome of all under heaven"

Since things have come to this point, Su Zhetong has nothing more to hide and said seriously, "It's only right."

It should be so...

Li Chen's eyes gradually hardened with a murderous intent. He said, "You are right!"

"When disasters strike incessantly, the people are constantly plunged into dire straits. Just today's reports from four provinces alone reveal millions of victims. They forage for grass roots and tree bark, consuming even dirt, ultimately resorting to cannibalism. The most appalling situation is when fellow human beings starve to death, only for others to rush in and devour their remains. How can this be!"

"What is this!"

Every word Li Chen uttered reverberated, resounding like thunder. He exclaimed with emotion, "This is a regression of civilization, a tragedy for the nation's destiny, and a shame for the Great Qin Imperial Family, the Li clan!"

"For millennia, the Han civilization has thrived. Now, in my Li family's hands, the common people suffer greatly. How can I, with such shame, face our ancestors and my father Emperor"

"For the sake of power, this palace can wait, but the people cannot. A natural disaster will not wait."

Li Chen, who came from another time, was too clear. Once the people could not survive, they would rise up in rebellion. At that time, the disasters would be compounded by war, and the already riddled Qin court would probably be in imminent danger in an instant.

Thinking of this, Li Chen's killing intent almost boiled over in his heart. His aura grew stronger and stronger, like a blazing fire burning alcohol, making the already cold surroundings even more biting.

In the courtyard before the hall, the bricks and stones were hard and cold, yet there was an air of imperial dominance that swept through the area, eventually converging on Li Chen, solidifying into a tangible presence.

"Therefore, this morning assembly is something I must implement. Without attending the morning assembly, I cannot have the legitimacy to interfere in government affairs and directly provide disaster relief. Anyone who obstructs me... I will kill them."

Once this was said, there was no turning back.

Su Zhenning stared at Li Chen, then suddenly smiled.

He seemed to understand now why the Taishang Emperor, even in his death throes, had chosen Li Chen, the former puppet prince, as his heir.

With a fist raised, Su Zhen'ting spoke in a deep voice: "Su Zhen'ting... is willing to go through fire and water for Your Highness!"ouldn't be just a matter of restoring order to the capital; even basic operations would become unbearably difficult. That's why I know some individuals are involved in these activities. They collude a...