Chapter 274: The Nail Must Go In

As long as we return to the Liao Kingdom, the Qin Dynasty wouldn't be able to do anything to me. As for that sociable someone named He, he wouldn't be able to touch me either.But he knew too well Yelu...Chapter 274: The Nail Must Be Driven In

Inside Xizheng Hall, twists and turns.

Jin Luyao, who had become invisible in the corner, watched with fear.

She's not a player in the game, but because of her detached position and perspective, she can see more clearly.

She could clearly see that the political struggles at the highest levels of the Qin Dynasty now, between the East Palace and the cabinet, had reached a boiling point.

Each other, not giving an inch.

Of the King's decree, she didn't know the ins and outs, but it was clear that Li Chen had been forced to agree. Even so, with Li Chen's political acumen, he still snuck in a nail, unwilling to accept the land grant – this was Li Chen's bottom line.

The cabinet is equally capable. Upon seeing that they couldn't be granted land, they immediately laid out their bottom line: they must have personal troops.

Otherwise, a king wouldn't be a king, and a prince wouldn't be a prince, causing people to laugh at us.

But, even Jin Luyao, an outsider, understood that within the capital city there were still three hundred soldiers belonging to a prince's personal guard. What did this mean

The cabinet wielded immense power, having accumulated influence over decades. They held firm control over government affairs and the hearts of most people. In contrast, despite this council taking place in the East Palace's practice hall, Li Chen appeared isolated and outnumbered.

Biting her lip, Jin Luyao pondered, If she were Li Chen, what would she do

She couldn't think of an answer.

"Okay."

Li Chen gave his own answer.

The enfeoffment is one's bottom line, so the personal troops are Zhao Xuanji's bottom line.

After both parties had a clear understanding of each other's bottom lines, Li Chen weighed his options and made a decision.

Since they were the personal guards of King Zhao, and King Zhao had grown up in the palace since childhood, the selection of guards was made by carefully choosing from among the palace guards.

Li Chen narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Prime Minister, are you satisfied now"

Zhao Xuanji bowed deeply and said, "Your Highness is wise and righteous, old minister admires you."

"Well then, that settles it."

Li Chen said lightly, "Where is the eunuch who holds a pen"

The eunuch, Bǐngbǐ, who had been lowering his head and hiding to the side, hurriedly came out, knelt down and said, "I'm here, Your Majesty."

"Take up the brush and write the imperial decree."

Li Chen's words echoed in the air. The court scribe, bowing respectfully, immediately brought out a roll of imperial yellow silk specially used for writing imperial edicts. After dipping his brush in ink and taking a deep breath, he braced himself to listen intently.

Li Chen paused for a moment, then said: "By Heaven's mandate, the Emperor decrees: The rivers and mountains stretch far and wide, with ten thousand people as the foundation. The Qin Dynasty was founded in hardship but ushered in an era of peace and prosperity, following the will of Heaven. The Li Dynasty's strength is not due to my efforts alone, but also to the contributions of the royal descendants. As heirs to the throne, they should enjoy the blessings and responsibilities that come with being princes, carrying on the mantle of a flourishing nation. Among the eight princes, Prince Yinhu, endowed with both virtue and talent, has reached adulthood. Upon consulting Heaven's will and responding to the wishes of the people, I hereby decree: Prince Yinhu, Li Yinhu, shall be granted the title of King of Zhao. He is awarded a golden book and a precious scroll, and shall enjoy the honors due to a king. This edict shall be proclaimed throughout the land, for the benefit of all ten thousand people. Thus it is decreed."

After the imperial decree was read, Li Chen said again: "After the imperial decree is issued, present it to the Taimiao Temple and inform the ancestors."

In the Xizheng Hall, besides Zhao Qinglan, everyone else knelt down, shouting "Ten thousand years to our Crown Prince, ten thousand years, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"

Yu Shan stood up in the commotion, and Li Chen said: "Alright, the matter is settled. Everyone, please return now."

Zhao Xuanji and the others immediately poured out, and there were no more twists and turns.

Zha Qinglan took one last deep look at Li Chen before leaving. Her gaze lingered for a moment on Zhao Rui, then she turned and walked away.

After they left, Jin Luyao immediately came over to say goodbye.

"Your Highness, Luyao takes her leave."

"Go."

Li Chen rubbed his temples wearily and said, "When the day you leave the capital arrives, this palace will see you off."

Jin Luyao didn't say anything, she bowed once and then turned and left.

As soon as she left, Li Chen suddenly opened his eyes and, ignoring that Zhao Rui was still there, said, "Go, summon Grand Internal Guard Commander Xu Wei."

Three hundred personal soldiers were given.

But the nail, it has to go in!Ting and Xu Chang Qing immediately followed. The other ministers, each with their own thoughts, also left the Taihe Hall.On his way back to the Xizheng Hall, Li Chen traveled in silence. He dismissed...