learning who had arrived and what had transpired at the city gate, they all obediently surrendered their weapons and were ordered out of the mansion by the Jinyiwei.In the meeting hall, Li Chen sat at...Chapter 61: The Prince Pays His Respects to the Empress

This silver mountain appeared before Li Chen, causing a relieved smile to appear on his face. “These silver coins, after all, have been found safely!”

"With calamities plaguing us year after year, this sum of money can indeed alleviate the pressing financial difficulties of the court for now." Su Zhending also said.

"Send someone to inform the Ministry of Revenue and have them send people to count this batch of silver into the treasury. Today, all of it must be deposited into the national treasury."

After Li Chen's order, people immediately became busy.

And Li Chen, after dealing with the matter at Beidaiying, also returned to the East Palace.

Li Chen had just left the North Big Camp, and immediately afterward, spies from all factions reported what had happened in North Big Camp to their respective masters.

Zhao Jianye, as the commander of the Imperial Guard, was among the first to receive the news.

The imposing Zhao Jianye, as sturdy as a steel tower, sprang up from his tent with wide eyes and exclaimed, "Liu Bin has died!"

The scout who came to report hurriedly said, "I saw it with my own eyes and would not dare to deceive you. The Crown Prince directly killed Liu Bin with one sword. Now his body is still hanging at the gate of the main camp. According to the new deputy commander Su Pingbei, he will be hung for seven days before being taken down."

Squinting his eyes, Zhao Jianye slowly said, "Such a ruthless prince, such a powerful prince. Liu Bincheng and I have been at odds for so many years, he's certainly no pushover. Yet, this prince actually killed him, he really dared to kill! He isn't afraid of a mutiny, throwing his own life into the mix"

After finishing his words, Zhao Jianye abruptly rose to his feet and said in a low voice, “Saddle the horse. This official needs to go to the capital immediately to meet the Chief Assistant Minister.”

Half an hour later, Zhao Jianye had arrived in front of Zhao Xuanji.

"Uncle."

Zhao Jianye bowed his hand, just about to speak, when Zhao Xuanji slowly said, "I already know your purpose."

Zhao Jianye wasn't surprised at all. For such a big event, his uncle couldn't possibly be unaware of it.

"Master, please advise me. How should I deal with this" Zhao Jianye asked.

"What do you think of Su Pingbei" Zhao Xuanji asked.

Zhao Jianye sneered and arrogantly said, "Although I am the grandson of the God of War, I have only a name but no actual power. I'm just a little kid who has never been on the stage. Naturally, I don't take him seriously."

Zhao Xuanji calmly said, "But he has Su Zhen'ting and the Crown Prince backing him."

Zhao Jianye immediately said, "Isn't my son also backed by you, Great Uncle"

Zhao Xuanji smiled and then said, "Your Highness's adventure this time is not so much for the four million taels of silver as it is to establish prestige and influence over military power. By appointing Su Pingbei as deputy commander, you haven't considered whether he can control things. After you return, you don't need to do anything. Liu Bin and his old subordinates will naturally have people come to your side. Then, step by step, you will erode Su Pingbei's power and bring the Northern Camp under your control."

In that case, as long as we play our cards right, the 8,000 Imperial Guards that the Crown Prince took such a huge risk to obtain will inevitably be made to serve us.

Zhao Jianye's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed: "Uncle, you strategize brilliantly. You didn't even need to show your face, yet you managed to outsmart the crown prince. This child is in awe."

"Don't flatter me."

Zhao Xuanji said: "After you return, immediately write an imperial edict to the court, stating that the military pay of the Imperial Guards is severely deficient and requesting a grant from the court. Before, the court also had no money, but now that the Crown Prince has ransacked his family and seized over two million taels of silver, this money, divided among six parts, some for military pay, there are very few left. If you want to relieve the disaster, the Crown Prince thinks government affairs too simply."

"Yes, Father!"

But at this moment, Li Chen had already arrived outside the Fengxi Palace.

"The humble prince misses the Empress deeply and comes to pay respects."ugh, his face shifting from gloom to brightness. "Your Highness is right," he said. "It was indeed an oversight on my part. I shall order her to be brought down immediately...""Oh."Li Chen still waved...