Chapter 333: The East Palace's Scheme <<<
"No gifts please."
Li Chen said indifferently.
His voice carried an inherent gravitas, making the already tense trio feel even more on edge.
Stiffening their bodies, the three stood up, heads bowed in silence, waiting for the Crown Prince to speak.
"The three of you, you must be the three biggest landowners in Xishan Province besides the Long Family. This palace had people investigate your backgrounds. They said you were worth millions and owned thousands of acres of good land, but that's a gross understatement. True big families, like yourselves, could walk across Xishan Province with their heads held high, even finding the roads too narrow for them. So how come you're all so meek now?"
Li Chen's words turned the faces of the three of them as white as sheets.
Lei Fuzhi, upon seeing this, immediately spoke: "Your Highness is insightful. Although our three families have some wealth, we dare not forget that everything comes from Heaven's grace. We also know that without the imperial court, there would be no good life for us. Over the years, we have never been short on donations of money and grain."
Li Chen said lightly, "I haven't done it less. But the funds and grain you donated are all directly given to those in power privately. The collusion between officials and businessmen is what you guys are talking about."
Lei Fuzhi and the other two were stunned speechless.
Isn't it that Your Highness is waiting for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
How come this situation, it looks like they're going to be chopped up?
Having established his authority sufficiently, Li Chen softened his tone and said, "That's enough. I didn't come here today to settle scores with you all. Otherwise, I would have had Zhao Heshan eliminate you all by now. What else could you possibly do?"
"Wealthy landowners naturally collude with officials. The officials sent by the imperial court who are in cahoots with you are a sign of the court's incompetence in selecting personnel. You are guilty, and this palace can also pardon you."
With a slight squint of his eyes, Li Chen said: "This palace can also allow you to replace the Long family that is pressing down on your heads."
As soon as these words were spoken, the three people's hearts were filled with excitement.

The three of them looked at each other, and immediately knelt down and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Hold your horses."
Li Chen said indifferently: "There are many wealthy families in Xishan Province, and although you three are the largest under the Long Family, there are more than a dozen others who are comparable to you. Why did this palace find you?"
"The first is that your strength is barely enough."
"Second, this palace has investigated your actions over the years, and there is still hope for you."
Third, and most importantly, you are more obedient than them.
"Since the Dragon family was granted the title of Marquis by their ancestors, they have been controlling Xishan Province. After so many years, it's time for them to move aside. This palace has a simple request: after you return, both Dongchang and Zhao He Shan will cooperate with you and bring down the Dragon family."
"When the Long family falls, your three families will jointly govern. This palace wants a West Mountain Province that obeys orders, understand?"
Lei Fuji and others immediately exclaimed excitedly, "We understand!"
"Understood, you may leave now. Zhao He Shan will find you when you return."
Waving his hand, Li Chen dismissed the three people. He then went to pick up that cup of tea, which was still hot.
"How long did it take me to speak with those three?" asked Li Chen.
Wàn Jiāojiāo hurriedly replied, “Half a cup of tea's time.”
"Just half a cup of tea... You see, settling an entire province is really that simple. Why bother with all the scheming and backstabbing against the Dragon Clan? They don't deserve it."
Li Chen curled his lips, lowered his head to drink his tea, and said nonchalantly, "Have those two seen my eighth brother?"
The Three Treasures bowed respectfully and said, "We met him and had a meal together. However, as for the specifics of our conversation, Your Highness, I am afraid my spies were unable to glean any details."
"The three of them ate and talked. Even the most skilled spies from the Dongchang couldn't possibly hide and move a stool to sit beside them, listening. No wonder you didn't suspect anything."

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