Chapter 1183 Troubled Times

en disasters strike incessantly, the people are constantly plunged into dire straits. Just today's reports from four provinces alone reveal millions of victims. They forage for grass roots and tree ba...Chapter 1183 A Time of Troubles

Li Chen is really fed up with these feudal princes now.

They always put their own interests first.

Every action is guided by a single principle: to weaken the court and strengthen oneself.

When the balance of power between them is utterly broken, they will want to seize control of the imperial court and replace the existing regime.

But before they seized power, they would never consider the well-being of the country and its people.

Although intelligence told Li Chen that this was a contradiction that would naturally occur due to the different statuses of the two parties, if he were a prince himself, he might even be more ruthless than King Ning. However, Li Chen couldn't suppress this surge of anger.

"Get a pen and paper!"

Hearing Li Chen's words, Wan Jiaojiao hurriedly came over to serve him.

After Wan Jiaojiao finished grinding the ink, Li Chen picked up his brush and wrote with swift strokes, like a dragon flying and a phoenix dancing.

"Uncle Emperor, the King of Níng, with achievements that encompass the entire empire. He is your father's brother, an arm to support the nation's pillars and a vital bone in the court."

"The northwest is bitterly cold, and the Emperor entrusted a heavy responsibility to His Uncle. For over ten years, he single-handedly quelled disturbances in Gansu and Shaanxi. This shows the bravery of His Uncle."

"Although now the Moonlit Pass is in danger, even if your Majesty has a million difficulties, you should not prioritize personal gain over the safety of the country."

"My uncle is highly respected, enjoys great prosperity, and is beloved by the people. The court treats the King of Ning as a cherished gem every day. Now that they need him for just one day, how could the King of Ning possibly refuse"

If up to this point the tone of this letter had been one of earnest admonition, then the following sentences would make Li Chen's ruthlessness leap off the page.

“Since the founding of our dynasty by Emperor Taizu, the emperor has guarded the national gate, and the kings have died for their country, while vassal princes scattered along the borders of the realm, jointly safeguarding the Li imperial clan and nourishing this vast and ancient China.”

"The King of Ning is martial, with tens of thousands of troops. If he is not used by the court, why use him He uses them for his own private purposes!"

"The world is full of opinions, and the thoughts of civil and military officials are diverse. To avoid sullying Prince Ning's reputation, your Majesty should carefully consider before taking any action."

"Since the founding of our dynasty, there has never been a vassal king who would stand idly by while the imperial court was invaded by foreign forces. If there were any such kings, this palace's Great Liang Dragon Sparrow would first eliminate internal threats before exterminating external ones!"

After finishing the last word, Li Chen handed the letter to Su Zhen Ting and said, "Deliver it to King Ning as quickly as possible."

Su Zhen-ting bowed his hand, indicating understanding.

Hu Shifan began, "Your Highness, while the letter's rebuke was necessary, it likely holds little sway over King Ning."

Li Chen looked at Hu Shifan and said, "General Hu has been leading troops alone outside for many years. Although he is different from a vassal king in nature, many of his thoughts should be comparable. Why don't you tell me what good ideas you have"

Hu Shifan clasped his hands and said, "Your Highness is too kind. The old minister's words are merely some personal experience and cannot be taken as absolute truth. Your Highness should simply refer to them for a little guidance."

After a moment's pause, Hu Shifan said: "According to the imperial law of our dynasty, vassal kings enjoy the right to raise troops and collect taxes in their territories. Although the types and number of troops are regulated, these regulations have long been disregarded after more than three hundred years. Even if it is just an empty piece of paper, it is a law set by Taizu, Your Highness can use it as a basis."

For example, seizing the tax revenue rights over the Ning Wang territory first

Whether it's the Prince Ning or the Imperial Court, power ultimately rests on soldiers and finances. Without money, how can one maintain the vast expenses of a large army This move will leave Prince Ning short of funds.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Hu Shifan's words left his mouth, Su Zhen'ting interjected, "This move is not appropriate. It might arouse suspicion from the vassal kings. With so many pressing matters at hand, Your Highness should avoid creating any further complications."llegitimate levies have been abolished, he naturally deserves punishment. Everyone should be happy about this, so why are you all pleading for him instead”This old man spoke with righteous indignation...