Chapter 1710: Twice Rejected
The Donggong faction has all sorts of people.
Those who are intelligent, resourceful, brave and skilled in battle, adept at diplomacy, and capable of strategizing on a grand scale—it is these individuals with their diverse strengths who have enabled the Donggong faction to rise so rapidly.
And among these people, Zhou Ping'an is recognized as the most ruthless.
Before this, Chen Tong had relatively little contact with Zhou Ping'an and felt that this evaluation was somewhat biased.
Zhou Ping'an, despite seeming like someone who likes to take risks, is actually quite easy to talk to in private. He just prefers to keep to himself and doesn't socialize much, almost like a lone wolf. However, he's not vicious by any means.
Now Chen Tong understood why so many exceptionally talented people from different fields in the Eastern Palace were wary of Zhou Ping'an.
It's no use keeping this information now, so it's fine to hand it over. At least Chen Tong will be wary of this person from now on.
Because Chen Tong also couldn't be sure if he would become someone like Zhou Ping'an said, 'with no use value', in the future.
"No."
Li Chen responded with two words, rejecting Zhou Ping'an's proposal.
"Nangong Shouzhongh is not worth this price."
This is not a matter of ten million taels of silver. The imperial court is in a difficult position, which is exactly what Duke Wen wants to see. How could he possibly aid the enemy? As long as the letter is passed on, Duke Wen will inevitably make excuses and refuse. This is one reason.
"Secondly... it mustn't chill people's hearts."
Li Chen's perspective differs from Zhou Ping'an's.
Zhou Ping'an is a cunning strategist. To achieve his goals, he will stop at nothing. The only thing that matters to him is whether his methods and strategies can ultimately be successful.
But Li Chen is the ruler, he has more things to consider.
The betrayal of Nan Gong Shouzhong, was to defect to his side. If he just threw Nan Gong Shouzhong away so easily, it's feared that it would be difficult to win people over in the future.

The word "heart" is simple to say and easy to write, but truly understanding it is as difficult as climbing to heaven.
Seeing that Li Chen had rejected his proposal, Zhou Ping'an was not displeased. He said again: "Then come up with another condition that King Wen cannot refuse."
“During the previous emperor’s reign, the capital status of Jinling was revoked, downgraded to the chief city of Jiangnan. Although it remained prestigious, losing the title of ‘co-capital’ significantly restricted its specifications and administrative structure. Your Highness might consider restoring Jinling’s co-capital status. After all, it's merely a matter of imperial decree. In return for millions of taels of silver, it would be a highly profitable deal.”
"No."
Li Chen's second refusal left Zhou Ping'an somewhat confused.
In his view, Li Chen was definitely not someone who was reluctant to give benefits. As long as the price was right, Li Chen would be willing to give anything and everything.
The promise of half of Gansu and Shaanxi to King Ning clearly demonstrates this.
But now, it is merely a nominal designation of an auxiliary capital, and Li Chen is unwilling to give it to Wen Wang, which leaves Zhou Ping'an somewhat perplexed.
At this point, Zhou Changshou burst into laughter and said to Zhou Ping'an, "Ping'an, there's no need to waste your breath. The prince doesn't intend to make any deals with King Wen at all."
"Does Your Highness suspect that this squeeze might be connected to Wenwang?"
At the same time Zhou Ping'an suddenly realized, Li Chen nodded.
According to the confidential message, the run on banks began in the Jing-Ji region. When the news reached the capital, the Ministry of Revenue immediately began gathering information. Under normal circumstances, the Ministry of Revenue required money houses nationwide to summarize their accounts once every five days for remote areas and every day for prosperous areas, by county unit.

(Editor in charge：)