Chapter 227: Finishing Things Nicely
Zhang Biwu's words eased Zhao Xuanji's expression slightly.
He stated, "These have always been mere cheap tricks. What we truly need to do now is..."
Thinking of Duan Jinchang and Fu Yuzhi's betrayal, Zhao Xuanji's eyes flashed a cold and bone-chilling killing intent, saying: "We need to clean up the people who betrayed us first, otherwise, the hearts of the people in the court will waver."
Zhang Biwu immediately understood Zhao Xuanji's meaning. His face stiffened, and he gently clasped his hands together and said, "Everything is up to the chief minister to decide."
At this time, Li Chen had already returned to the Xizheng Hall.
As soon as I sat down, Zhao Rui rushed over.
"This concubine thanks Your Highness!"
Zhao Rui choked back tears, her voice trembling with emotion as she knelt before Li Chen, saying softly.
Li Chen let out a light chuckle. "You're well-informed, aren't you? I just left court and you already know about your father's appointment?"
Zhao Rui said, "Your Highness has just issued the decree, and people have come to congratulate you. The news has also been sent to my father. This concubine has thought long and hard about it, and still feels that she should personally come to thank Your Highness."
With a wave of his hand, Li Chen said: "As for your father's appointment, it's not entirely because of you. Primarily, he has the ability to shoulder this important task. If not so, perhaps he could find a more relaxed position in the capital to enjoy his retirement years. But governing a province is out of the question. This palace wouldn't take the well-being of an entire province's people as a personal favor."
Zhao Rui whispered, "This concubine knows and will also instruct her father to do his utmost for Your Highness."
Li Chen walked in front of Zhao Rui, pulled her up, and chuckled lightly: "Just to let your father do his best? What about you?"
Zhao Rui's face flushed red. After this period of experience, she understood Li Chen's meaning perfectly.

Your Highness, I wonder what brilliant idea you've come up with this time...
Thus thinking, Zhao Rui hadn't even had time to speak when someone outside reported.
"Your Highness, Zhao Heshan, Lord Zhao, requests an audience."
"Your father is here. Are you staying to see him, or wait a while?" Li Chen asked.
Although Zhao Rui wished to stay, she still understood the importance of knowing when to retreat. She said, "The Xizheng Hall is where His Highness handles government affairs. My father has come to see His Highness for official business. As a concubine, it would be inconvenient for me to remain here. It's best if I return first and visit my father again when I have free time."
Zhao Rui's sensible nature pleased Li Chen very much.
He is not stingy with giving the women around him some benefits, but on the condition that they must be grateful and know when to advance and retreat. If they become arrogant and take advantage of his kindness, the Crown Prince will not indulge them.
"Go ahead."
After Zhao Rui left, Zhao Heshan quickly came in from outside.
Standing outside the palace gate, Zhao Heshan shook off the wind and snow from his body before stepping inside. He knelt respectfully in the center of the Xizheng Hall.
"I, Zhao Heshan, bow to Your Highness, the Crown Prince."
Li Chen took the bronze hand warmer from Sanbao, who had served him since he entered. He leaned back in his chair and said slowly, “The position of magistrate of Xishan Province is not easy to hold. If you're not careful, you might lose your head. Are you afraid?”
Zhao Heshan's expression turned serious, and he said solemnly: "For the benefit of the country, we should be willing to sacrifice our lives. We should not shirk from danger or misfortune! Even if there are thousands of difficulties and dangers, as long as I can relieve worries and solve problems for Your Highness and the court, I am willing to die!"
"He spoke very eloquently."
Li Chen let out a light chuckle and said, "But this palace wants to see that you've done things beautifully for this palace as well."

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