Chapter 142: ChoiceChapter 70: Shockwaves in the Capital
Relieved, Li Chen let out a breath when he saw Su Zhen's statement.
Without Su Zheting's support, Li Chen, who was already outnumbered and outmatched, could hardly force this matter forward.
Otherwise, when the time comes for him to attend court, he will be met with resistance from all the officials and scholars, leaving him humiliated and his authority diminished.
But things are different now.
"With General Su's support, this palace has no more worries." Li Chen said gratefully.
Su Zhen'ting said solemnly, "Your Highness, just my support isn't enough. I can contact some friends and colleagues. Although most of them are low-key and don't participate in struggles, they are all loyal and righteous. They just disdain to associate with Zhao Xuanji. Now that Your Highness is a dragon among men, if I speak up for you, I'm sure I can rally a group of supporters."
Li Chen's eyes lit up, and he said, "All the better. Then, I'll leave these matters to General Su."
"As it should be."
Su Zhen Ting cupped his hands and asked again, "What if the news spreads and some of Zhao Xuanji's die-hard followers resolutely resist and refuse to go to court"
Li Chen smiled coldly and said, "Three Treasures."
“You go and take the Jinyiwei, to every household of officials ranked three or above in the capital who are eligible to attend court, notify them, and then leave some manpower behind. Tomorrow morning, bind all these people and bring them to this palace. As for those who defy orders, this palace grants you the power to execute first and report later.”
The Three Treasures immediately knelt down and respectfully said, "Your servant obeys your command."
Hearing Li Chen's arrangement, Su Zhen knew that Li Chen had already thought it through. It was a done deal and there was no changing it.
"Your Highness has already made all the arrangements, I have nothing more to worry about. May Your Highness achieve victory with flying colors and secure dominion over all!"
Li Chen chuckled lightly and said to Su Zhen Ting: “Everything, still depends on General Su’s hard work.”
"Having conveyed my meaning... this subordinate shall take his leave first. There are still many matters that need attending to."
After Su Zhetong left, Li Chen looked up at the dark night sky. The heavy snow continued to fall relentlessly. He stood with his hands behind his back, clenching his fists slightly, his eyes burning with ambition and a thirst for power.
On this day, too many major events happened in the capital.
First, Lieutenant Commander of the Imperial Guards Liu Bin was executed. Then, Su Pingbei, who was known as "God of War," was rapidly promoted by the Crown Prince and replaced Liu Bin's position. This means that the Prince faction now controls one-third of the military power of the Imperial Guards.
What's even more terrifying is that this signifies that after the Imperial God of War, the Su family has completely pledged allegiance to the prince.
Next, the Minister of War, Xi Wanli, was summoned by the crown prince for a reprimand. In a fit of rage, he was stripped of his position and exiled three thousand miles away.
The news sent ripples of shock through the capital.
The Six Ministries represented the highest administrative institutions of the imperial court, with the Ministry of Officials (吏部) taking the lead. The Ministry of War (兵部) controlled the power of national military and political affairs, being considered second only to the Ministry of Revenue (戶部). In times of war, the Ministry of War takes precedence; in times of peace, the Ministry of Revenue is more important. The position of Minister of War (兵部尚書) was a pinnacle that most officials who had spent their entire lives navigating the treacherous waters of imperial service could never reach.
This spot, if it's said to be picked, will be picked.
When this message reached Zhao Xuanji, news also came that the prince intended to attend court early tomorrow.
Zhao Xuanji was already resting when he heard the news. He put on a robe and returned to his study.
Wang Tenghuan, who had been waiting in the study, bowed and said, "Chief Minister, the Crown Prince's ambition has been exposed. He wants to interfere in government affairs. This matter requires careful consideration."
Zhao Xuanji nodded and said, "The old man knows this is a serious matter. What do you think"
"The Jinyiwei have been deployed throughout the city. All officials ranked three or above who can attend the Taihe Hall to discuss state affairs have been visited one by one, indicating that the crown prince has made up his mind. In my opinion, this is a good opportunity to strike a blow against the crown prince's arrogance and reduce his prestige, causing him to become alienated from the court and lose his loyalty."it difficult to resist, let alone someone as insignificant as Hou Yushu.When Li Chen scolded her like that, Hou Yushu's heart nearly jumped out of her throat.There was no more shock, no more hesitatio...
