pressed forward relentlessly, his hands silently slipping into the gap between Zhao Qinglan's clothes at her waist.This taboo-breaking contact sent a jolt of electricity through Li Chen and Zhao Qing...Chapter 971: Prioritize Sovereign and Minister Over Father and Son

“The clan we uprooted back then, the Miao village, was just Zhou's main base. But over so many years, countless women from the Zhou family have married out, and many descendants now hold some power. So if Zhou Xingjia raises his voice, he can rally a large group of people in a very short time. At least rebuilding Zhou's village wouldn't be a problem.”

Listening intently to Sibaobao's explanation, Li Chen's expression remained unchanged.

After a long silence, Li Chen said: "The Miaojiang problem is of great importance and it's not easy to act rashly for the time being. However, Zhou Xingjia and Li Yinhu colluded to kill thousands of innocent people, and Li Yinhu also killed the Ninth Prince. These two things absolutely cannot be tolerated."

Li Chen said expressionlessly, "Send the order down. Issue a warrant for Li Yinhu and Zhou Xingjia. The Dongchang will pursue them with all its might. Anyone who finds their whereabouts and reports it will be handsomely rewarded."

"But what about Zhao Wang's identity..."

The imperial court issued a wanted notice for a prince, which is unprecedented news.

is also a scandal.

Li Chen said calmly, "Go and bring the Imperial Edict. This palace will take away Zhao Wang's title."

The throne of a king is not easy to accept.

As the Crown Prince acting as regent, Li Chen could bestow upon Li Yinhu the title of prince in the emperor's name.

But once Li Yinhǔ is formally conferred the title of king, his name and title will be recorded in the Ministry of Rites and then preserved in the Taimiao.

Whether it's Li Chen, the Crown Prince Regent, or even Emperor Daxing himself coming in person, anyone who wants to seize this throne must go through the Ministry of Rites.

The only difference is that the Zongrenfu would never dare to disobey the emperor's wishes, but they might not necessarily listen to Li Chen.

Half an hour later, Li Canglan, a member of the imperial clan who was now seventy years old and served as the Imperial Household Minister, arrived at the Hall of Studying Government.

For this imperial censor, who even addresses his own father as "uncle," Li Chen showed immense respect.

He personally went to the door of Xizheng Hall, waved away the eunuchs and maidservants on either side, helped the aged and frail Li Canglan into Xizheng Hall, and then ordered someone to bring a chair and help Li Canglan sit down.

This whole process gave Li Canglan face, and Li Canglan was very cooperative, proactively bowing and saying: "Your Highness is so kind to me, the old minister is deeply ashamed."

Waving his hand, Li Chen smiled warmly like jade, "According to seniority, this palace should call you Taishushu. As a junior, it is only right."

Uncle Taishou is a fact of seniority, but Li Canglan is not so foolish to actually sit in a chair and accept the title "Uncle Taishou" from him.

The Qin dynasty ruled with filial piety, but there's also the saying "ruler, minister, and father-son."

Firstly, the relationship between ruler and subject, and then that between father and son.

If his great-uncle acted like a high and mighty figure, treating himself as an elder of the royal family, he probably wouldn't have lived to such an old age.

"Your Highness is too kind. As the saying goes, loyalty between ruler and minister comes first, even before familial ties. Therefore, I implore Your Highness to continue treating me as your loyal subject, and do not put me in an awkward position."

Li Chen smiled faintly and turned to beckon.

Wan Jiaojiao immediately brought over two cups of tea.

Li Chen personally picked up one of the teacups and handed it to Li Canglan.

Li Canglan hurriedly got up and reached out with both hands to take it.

Li Lao tasted it, and the tea wasn't bad. Zheng Baorong's intentions, whether or not he has made the city of Weihai prosperous is irrelevant. From Li Chen's perspective, this kind of behavior absolutely cannot be allowed to continue.Because...