ke two words to Zhao Rui, urging her to calm down. Only then did he set off for the Hall of Political Affairs.As Li Chen entered the Xizheng Hall through a side door, he was immediately met with the...Chapter 182 Restart the Investigation

"No gift is needed."

Li Chen looked at the clothes and pants soaked halfway, frost visible between his brows and hair. He looked quite embarrassed. He said to Duan Jinjiang in a calm voice: "There are many things to attend to, I made Duan sir wait for a long time."

Duan Jinjiang bowed his head and clasped his hands together, saying: "Your Highness has countless affairs to attend to, old minister can wait."

"With such wisdom, Lord Duan, this palace feels truly comforted."

Li Chen's smile gradually faded, and he looked at Duan Jinjiang and said, "Between you and me, there's no need to beat around the bush. You're here for your son, Duan Changmian"

When Duan Jiang heard this, he immediately knelt with both knees and trembled, "Your servant has failed to teach his son well. That rebellious child dared to offend your highness, and it is only right that he should die! However, I beg your Highness to show mercy on the Duan family, who have served for three generations, with only one son to carry on the lineage."

"As for bumping into me, it's nothing. He doesn't know my identity, and as they say, ignorance is bliss. I wouldn't punish him for this."

Li Chen's tone was flat as he said, "But he brazenly brought his servants and forced their way into the inn, such an act of lawlessness is unforgivable. To put it mildly, he disregards rules and regulations, to put it more seriously, he tramples upon the imperial majesty. The son of a high-ranking official from the Qin inner cabinet stormed a foreign inn, if this gets out, what will be left of the Qin Empire's might"

Duan Jinjiang heavily kowtowed to the ground, and he said mournfully: "The son's mistake is truly unforgivable, but Your Highness, please consider that for decades, this old minister has diligently served the country. While I haven't made great contributions, I have also put in some effort. Spare my son, so as to fulfill this old minister's wish as a father."

"In that case, if this palace doesn't release him, wouldn't it be hurting the heart of this old minister and the heart of a father" Li Chen said coldly.

"The old minister dares not."

Duan Jintang gritted his teeth and said, "Your old servant wishes to retire and return home, in hopes that Your Highness will show mercy."

Li Chen raised an eyebrow and looked at Duan Jinjiang, saying lightly, "Retiring to your hometown With the current difficult times, Mr. Duan is a pillar of the imperial court. Retiring now wouldn't be appropriate."

Du Jianjiang lowered his head and replied, "The old minister failed to educate his son properly. I am ashamed of Your Majesty and Your Highness. I beg Your Highness to grant the old minister permission to retire back home and spend my remaining years in peace. All I ask is for Your Highness's mercy, spare my son's life. The old minister will surely discipline him well so that he will no longer cause trouble."

“I believe that.”

Li Chen slowly rubbed the brazier in his hand and said calmly, "However, today's imperial palace plans to restart the investigation into the tragedy of the Yumen Pass Empire incident. Duan was then the Minister of War, one of the few remaining core figures. Without Duan's help, this case would be even harder to investigate. Therefore, Mr. Duan will still need to work hard for a while."

Li Chen's words made Duan Jinjiang's heart suddenly tighten.

"Your Highness, what do you mean by that" Duan Jiangjiang forced himself to remain calm. "The tragedy from all those years ago is over ten years past now. All the people involved have been dealt with, and those who committed the crimes have been punished accordingly. Your Highness, why bring up old matters suddenly"

Li Chen's face showed no emotion as he said, "Though the Emperor was enraged and executed a group of people back then, everyone in court should understand that those who were punished were merely insignificant pawns. In essence, they were scapegoats."

Those people, the highest-ranking among them was the former commander of Yumen Pass who had just completed his duty and been appointed as the Right Servant of the Ministry of War after returning to Beijing for a report. However, regardless of his rank or whether he could have anticipated it before being transferred, it was impossible to tell beforehand. Therefore, everyone with discerning eyes understood that the true mastermind was still lurking within the imperial court.

Li Chen's understated words, when heard by Duan Jinjiang, were like thunderclaps.ng as I am here, I can draw the attention of the vassal kings. If I and the Crown Prince are still fighting, the vassal kings will not dare to act rashly.”The Great Emperor smiled, "Prime Minister, yo...