al, he would compromise with the cabinet.Anything can be compromised.This is also a delicate balance between the cabinet and the monarchy.But the Crown Prince was not a great emperor.His methods were...Chapter 820: A Good Seedling

“There are many princes throughout the land, but today the most powerful are undoubtedly King Wen of Jiangnan, who is wealthy and controls the best territory, and another is the lord of Gansu and Shaanxi, bordering Yueya Pass, with a full 26,000 strong Shenwu Guards. This invincible army has been built up since the previous emperor's reign.”

This Divine Martial Guard consumed the late emperor's lifeblood, and the imperial court spent a vast fortune on it. It can be said that in the past five decades, it is the most elite field army of my Great Qin.

“Back then, the Emperor exchanged control of the Divine Martial Guard for King Ning to go to the barren land within the Moon牙關. At the time, no one understood why the Emperor would be willing to give up the court's strongest Divine Martial Guard. But now it seems that every action has its consequence, King Ning, though powerful and independent, is now the court's greatest reliance in this situation, and he must do everything in his power to fight against the Liao army.”

Li Chen continued He Kun's words, saying: "This palace also remembers some things from that year. King Ning was brave and martial. Just after coming of age, he was sent to the military by the late emperor for training. He did a decent job over the years. At first, the late emperor intended to cultivate a war-capable vassal king for the court, and King Ning was the ultimate choice."

“After the late emperor’s death, my father ascended the throne. Where would the Duke of Ning's fiefdom go This was a major point of contention within the court at the time, with various theories circulating. My father, despite facing strong opposition, exchanged the Duke of Ning's fief for the Divine Martial Guards, sending him to the rear of Moonlit Pass. Some say that the Duke of Ning himself requested this posting.”

"However, no matter what, the emperor's decision has profound political considerations."

A prince who was raised from childhood with actual military power is much more difficult to deal with than other princes. One careless mistake could lead to a mutiny and the prince's rebellion. What happened back then is still a dangerous situation, fraught with peril even now.

Li Chen didn't intend to delve deeper into this topic. He said to He Kun, "Just tell me your plan."

He Kun immediately said, "If Your Highness wants Yelu Shenxuan dead, then immediately inform King Ning of all the intelligence. Of all the vassal kings in the world, King Ning is the one who least wants Yueya Pass to be breached, so he will definitely do everything in his power to get this done."

"If Your Highness does not intend to have Yelu Shenxuan killed, but needs someone to offend the guards at Yueya Pass and also be able to resist the Liao cavalry, then wait until after Yelu Shenxuan leaves the country before informing King Ning."

"So, having the King of Ning take charge is the best solution, but the difference lies in when to tell him."

After He Kun finished speaking, he stopped talking and lowered his head to wait for Li Chen's response.

A soft chuckle reached He Kun's ears.

"Not bad."

After giving a two-word evaluation, Li Chen didn't say good or bad.

"This palace understands, you may go now."

He Kun bowed respectfully and then withdrew.

After He Kun left, Li Chen tapped the table.

Sān bǎo quietly came to Lǐ Chén's side.

"What about He Kun What do you think" Li Chen asked with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

Samba smiled and refilled Li Chen's empty teacup, then said, "He's a good seedling."

He saw what the prince was thinking, but as a prince, to proactively propose a plan against the vassal kings would be risky. One wrong move could bring disaster upon the prince. So he spoke out the prince's thoughts with his own mouth. He was a smart man indeed. “Go and inform the Head of the Imperial Clan to come here. Also, have a eunuch with a good record accompany him, and then summon all the chief ministers in the capital to meet me at Xi Zheng Hall.”As...