ng Tenghuan of Jianjidian, Minister of Dali Temple Sun Berli, and Minister of Punishments Teng Huaoyi…and others, are requesting an audience with Your Highness in Xizheng Hall."Inside the hall, Zhao R...Chapter 1114: Military Issues

"A private armory, recruiting craftsmen to build weaponry forbidden by imperial decree, including red-clad cannons among other weapons."

“The establishment of the imperial examinations was ostensibly to recruit talented individuals. It sought out the best minds across the land, holding an annual examination. Those who passed were granted positions within the feudal domains. Though not official government officials or part of the imperial court's roster, they received salaries and authority dispensed by Prince Wen's household.”

"By creating false pretexts and using deception and fabrication, he arbitrarily altered tax categories for his domain's inhabitants. All taxes from the domain had to be approved by the Wenwang Mansion before being sent to the imperial court. Those within the domain knew Wenwang but not the imperial court."

These five, each and every one is a capital offense.

King Wen, however, has been doing this for many years.

Even with prior mental preparation, Li Chen still found the sight shocking.

In contrast to these five points, other things such as food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as the construction of the Prince's Mansion exceeding standards, are ridiculously extravagant. Many standards are far beyond those of a prince, even surpassing those of the Emperor in terms of luxury and grandeur. Compared to these five points, they are simply insignificant.

"Having set up a small court, privately increased the army, and even holding examinations for officials, changing tax brackets, these five points are none other than the core of a national government. Prince Wen's ambitions are known to all."

After reading all the content, Li Chen unexpectedly calmed down. He lightly tossed the confession onto the table, his tone flat and cold.

Actually, this is the right way to do it.

It would be unnatural if King Wen did nothing.

Chen Tong straightened his body and lowered his head, not daring to speak.

The matter at hand is of great importance, and the Crown Prince does not inquire. He has no right to speak.

“Who else has seen this” Li Chen asked.

"Besides the two Jinyiwei officers responsible for torturing Long Huaiyu, only I am here," Chen Tong immediately replied.

"The fewer who know, the better. Do you understand what I mean" Li Chen said indifferently.

Chen Tong answered impassively, "I understand."

He knew that the Jinyiwei's personnel were probably going to be reduced by two.

There's no way around it, this is politics, this is monarchy.

Life and death, it's really just a thought, a word from someone in authority.

"This thing, just pretend it doesn't exist."

Li Chen put the confession on the lowest layer of the imperial table and said, "It's not time to take it out yet."

Li Chen also wanted to immediately issue an edict to have Wen Wang executed.

But this is not realistic.

Once he issued this decree, he would face an immediate civil war and a country fractured into pieces.

Knowing that one cannot kill a person at the present time, one should endure and wait for a more opportune moment to strike. Otherwise, one will only diminish their own authority and destroy the court's prestige.

Impressive!

Broaden your horizons!

"Your Highness, there is one more thing."

Chen Tong hesitated, unsure whether to speak or not.

Li Chen frowned and said, "What are you mumbling about Just say it directly."

Chen Tong gritted his teeth and said, "Today I discovered that the Five Army Duhufu is carrying out a large-scale purge and reshuffle of military officers. Some of these adjustments to positions are actually questionable, and there is something fishy going on here."

Li Chen raised an eyebrow and said, "You, a commander of the Jinyi Guard, are really idle. You've even extended your hand to the military"

Before Chen Tong could explain, Li Chen said, "The military lost several Red Robe cannons some time ago. This matter was investigated by General Su at my behest. Some adjustments and changes are normal."

Chen Tong hastily said, “But Your Highness, some military officers have been questioned and imprisoned. That's understandable. However, the overall operation seems to be a deliberate attempt at revenge, eliminating dissidents, and forming cliques for personal gain.”matter which part of the budget you reduce, it will inevitably cause backlash."Xu Changqing gritted his teeth and said, "But the treasury is empty. This is a helpless measure. Some blame, I can only b...