t taxes affects the livelihood of an entire city. If it were merely local officials enriching themselves for personal gain, that would be one thing. But what if there are other secrets involved What t...Chapter 170: Everyone Wants Money

Du Jianjiang's analysis instantly filled the steward with terror.

"Master, are you saying...that the Crown Prince is going to attack us!"

Duan Jinchang's expression was grim. "It's not certain yet, just a guess of mine, but this guess is very likely to come true..."

"Go prepare the carriage first. I'll go to Zhao Mansion right away... Then, you must rush to investigate. First, find out exactly what happened at the inn today. Second, see if the Crown Prince left the East Palace today. Report any news you find as soon as I return."

"This old slave will do it right away."

Go now!

......

East Palace, Xizheng Hall.

"Your Highness, just received word that Duan Jinjiang went to Zhao Manor."

Chen Tong stood respectfully in the center of the hall and reported.

Li Chen was looking at today's memorials. Hearing this, he picked up the tea by his hand and took a sip, without raising his eyelids, he said: "I know."

Looking at the document in his hand, Li Chen said with a smile that wasn't quite a smile: "This memorial was submitted by Guan Yantao, the Chief Secretary of the Jiangzhe Province. He claims that the coastal defenses of Jiangzhe urgently need to be strengthened, and some equipment and warships are outdated due to years of disrepair. He requests the court allocate 100,000 taels of silver for repairs."

Chen Tong was taken aback and said, "This isn't reasonable."

“As for the coastal defenses of our great Qin, they have always focused on defending against the Japanese pirates from the East. Right now, the Japanese are invading the Xian Dynasty and are completely incapable of harassing the empire's coastlines. Furthermore, if their warships and equipment are in disrepair and require funding for repairs, according to procedure, the local commander should submit a formal report to the Ministry of War. Only after the Ministry of War approves it would they issue an imperial decree. When would it ever come to this local administrative official, the Administrator of Finance, to request military funds”

Li Chen sneered, "Even the deputy commander of the Jinyiwei understands this principle, yet some people remain oblivious."

As he spoke, Li Chen casually tossed the imperial decree aside.

At first glance, Chen Tong saw that the red silk decoration on the imperial edict belonged to Duan Jinjiang.

He took a deep breath; this stretch of the Jinjiang River truly was a place where one could die with dignity. The prince had been worried about finding an excuse to get rid of him, and now he was practically handing himself over on a silver platter.

"Tell the Supervisor of Ceremonies to hold this petition and not send it back to Jiangzhe," Li Chen said indifferently.

Chen Tong bowed and said, "I understand."

"Sān Bǎo has been in Xī Shān province for quite some time now. Have there been any updates" asked Lǐ Chén.

Chen Tong replied eagerly, "There's no news yet, but a few days ago, the factory manager brought back some information, saying that they had found some clues and were intensifying their investigation. I believe it won't be long before we have results."

Li Chen picked up the next imperial edict and glanced at it, nonchalantly saying: "This palace plans to separate the powers of the Dongchang Factory Director and the Jinyiwei. What do you think"

A short sentence, not long at all, but the amount of information it contained made Chen Tong's heart suddenly leap into his throat.

Before he could respond, Li Chen continued, "Actually, this idea has been on my mind for a long time. The Dongchang is too powerful now. Both the prosecutorial and military powers are concentrated in San Bao's hands. For both public and private reasons, this can only be a temporary measure for emergencies. Now that we have such an opportunity, when San Bao returns, I will begin to take action."

Li Chen glanced at Chen Tong, whose face was flushed red. "With your understanding of San Bao, what do you think he would do"

Under Li Chen's indifferent gaze, Chen Tong's face tightened.

He told himself that he must not show too much excitement at this moment, otherwise, in the prince's eyes, it would be greed for power.

But it absolutely cannot be taken lightly, otherwise it would be overacting and even worse.

After some deliberation, Chen Tong cautiously replied, "The factory director has been dedicated to serving the Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince for many years, putting his heart and soul into it, and always thinking about the country. Therefore, I believe the factory director will understand Your Highness's intentions."ople will suffer.Just after the natural disaster, society hasn't had time to recover. At this time, the Qin Dynasty absolutely couldn't withstand another surge in prices, or the people would truly rev...