> "In terms of loyalty, no human can compare to it.""Return to the palace."With a hawk perched on his shoulder, Li Chen returned to the Eastern Palace with his attendants and Wan Jiaojiao.Having caref...Chapter 423: Listen to Feng

"As for King Ning, though the plan failed which is unfortunate, success lies in the heavens. If one fails once, there will be another opportunity. Without patience, he wouldn't have been able to endure until now; he can afford to wait."

Moreover, the most difficult thing to grasp in this world is human nature. Hearts are fickle, and if you want to guess what people are thinking, be prepared for your plans to fail.

Li Chen stared at Zhou Ping'an and said faintly, "What is he waiting for"

Zhou Ping'an lowered his eyebrows and said, "Wait for an opportunity to rule the world."

Li Chen said expressionlessly, “Prince Ning is a royal relative and also a powerful vassal king who governs the border. For decades, he has been loyal to the court, guarding the frontier flawlessly without any lapses or errors. He has kept the southwestern border of the empire safe from the harassment of tribal leaders. If your words were to spread, you would be beheaded.”

Zhou Ping'an bowed deeply to Li Chen and said, "If it is a crime punishable by death, Your Highness may take my head."

Li Chen stood up and walked to Zhou Ping'an, who was still bowing. He said expressionlessly: "You are very intelligent, arguably one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. But it is precisely because of this that I want to kill you."

"Because of your intelligence, mystery, and skills, this palace is troubled by sleep and food."

Zhou Ping'an remained motionless and said, "Peace resides in a single thought. That thought is to dedicate one's life's learning to the imperial family. Otherwise, all this skill would be wasted in desolate wilderness, among fishermen and woodcutters. It would be truly a pity."

"Throughout history, any powerful ruler has had brilliant advisors by their side, such as Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms, Xiao He of the Han Dynasty, and Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty. As for me, Ping An, in a hundred years, when the mighty Qin ruler ascends, having my name, Ping An, at his side will be enough."

"It is not surprising that Your Highness wants to kill Ping'an. Ping'an is not afraid, and even feels honored. If Ping'an didn't have the skills that caught Your Highness's eye, why would Your Highness mention him so often"

"Your Highness will kill Ping'an, but not now."

Upon hearing these words, Li Chen said calmly, "Stand up straight, lift your head, and look at this palace."

Zhou Ping'an stood at attention as instructed, straightening his back and looking at Li Chen.

"When do you think I'll kill you" Li Chen asked with interest.

"The cabinet has fallen, and the princes have been stripped of their power. The country is invincible within its borders, and peace reigns over all four seas." Zhou Ping replied briefly but powerfully.

"Aren't you afraid" Li Chen asked.

"Scared."

Zhou Anping's composure was as still as a dead pond. He said, "But Anping fears more, that all his abilities will rot away with him."

"If I were to kill you right now, wouldn't your plans come to nothing" Li Chen said.

Zhou Ping'an remained meek and humble, projecting an image of gentleness and deference. He said, "As I've said before, the hardest thing to grasp in this world is the human heart. If you want to guess someone's heart, be prepared for failure, let alone Your Highness's thoughts. If I'm wrong, it's just dying a few decades earlier—no harm done."

Li Chen smiled, he gave Zhou Ping'an a long look, and then turned to walk to his own desk.

"Peace be upon you."

Zhou Ping'an immediately lifted his long robe and knelt in the middle of Xi Zhengdian, bowing his head to the ground and saying: “Humble citizen Zhou Ping'an, respectfully awaits your command, Your Highness.”

"By Heaven's Mandate, the Emperor proclaims: The Crown Prince shall act as regent, governing in the Emperor's stead. He shall have the authority to elevate officials, dismiss them from office, bestow titles, and strip away ranks."

“There is an ordinary citizen named Zhou Ping’an. Though born in the countryside, he possesses extraordinary talent that astounds the heavens. His origins are humble, yet his abilities rival those of a great emperor. Looking throughout the empire, from princes and generals to ministers and officials, is there anyone like him Therefore, heaven's blessings are abundant, bestowing upon our mighty Qin dynasty such remarkable talents. They can accomplish extraordinary feats.”

Therefore, Zhou Ping'an was promoted to the official ranks, appointed as a third-rank official, and given the position of Minister of Justice.

"To make known throughout the land, in order to proclaim the imperial court's principle of cherishing talent, hereby decreed."s period of time, your humble servant has contacted twenty-three large landowners near the capital city who possess over one hundred mu of land. The total area exceeds four thousand mu. Now, 1,300 mu...