Chapter 78: A Swift and Decisive Strike
"By Heaven's mandate, the Emperor decrees: The foundation of the Empire lies in both civil and military might. Literature governs the world, while martial prowess secures its borders. Neither can be neglected; they are the pillars of the nation.Following the exemplary virtues of loyalty and valor, General Wang Suzhenting, a distinguished champion, commands unwavering loyalty from his troops. He embodies the courage and martial spirit of our loyal gods. Therefore, we appoint Suzhenting as Grand Marshal of the Five Armies, entrusted with the command of all military forces throughout the land. We bestow upon him the authority over 300,000 elite soldiers guarding the capital. May his influence extend to every corner of the realm, from sunrise to sunset, and across all rivers. Let the power of Qin be felt across the four seas, wielded by Su's sharp blade. Thus we decree."
"This edict, after being sealed with the jade seal and then stamped with the Prince's Seal of Regency, shall be copied and submitted to the Cabinet for record. It shall be distributed nationwide to make it known to all, and there must be no error."
The imperial edict was set in stone, and there was no possibility of overturning it.
Su Zhen Ting was the first to speak, he bowed deeply three times and kowtowed nine times, and said in a loud voice, "This subordinate, Su Zhen Ting, takes your orders!"
Zhao Xuanji gritted his teeth, but in the face of overwhelming force, he was helpless.
"We, your humble servants, obey your command."
After Zhao Xuanji spoke, there was no opposition from the civil and military officials.
"The Crown Prince is wise."
In the midst of a chorus of cheers, Li Chen let out a breath.
His purpose, was accomplished.
However, before Li Chen could proceed further, a frantic cry suddenly came from outside Taihe Hall.
"Su Pingbei, Generalissimo of the Imperial Guard, sends his subordinate, Zhao Liao, newly appointed deputy commander, with an urgent dispatch to request an audience with His Royal Highness, the Prince!"
Li Chen raised an eyebrow and immediately said, "Bring in Zhao Liao, the military secretary outside the palace."
Immediately, a middle-aged soldier covered in dust and snow burst into the Taihe Hall.
He knelt before the hall with a thud and shouted, "Your Highness, tens of thousands of refugees have poured into the outskirts of the capital. Driven by hunger, they stormed the southern camp of the Imperial Guard. Zhao Jianye, commander of the Imperial Guard headquarters, ordered the massacre of the refugees, resulting in thousands of casualties. The scene was awash with blood. Zhao Jianye then ordered Su Pingbei, General of the Northern Army, to send eight thousand soldiers from his camp to support. However, Su Pingbei refused, citing that he hadn't received an order. Right now, a large number of refugees are gathered outside Tongxian City, less than twenty miles from the capital, and a peasant uprising could happen at any moment!"

As soon as this report was released, the court was in an uproar.
Refugees gathering, the army massacred refugees, rebellion!
Every keyword was a terrifying event capable of stirring up a storm in the already turbulent Qin political arena, but now they were all gathered together.
Li Chen was furious upon hearing this.
Tens of thousands of disaster victims gathered outside the capital, why is this palace unaware of it!? Where is the magistrate of the capital city! ?
At the end of the court, an official in a third-rank official's robe rushed out, his face pale and said: "Your Highness, I am Jiang Zhou, the magistrate of the capital city."
"This Palace asks you, how long have these tens of thousands of disaster victims been outside the capital city?!" Li Chen questioned.

Then he explained in a general way, "At first there weren't so many people, just hundreds. I didn't think much of it. Later on, however, more and more disaster refugees arrived. Now, I... I don't even know how many there are, tens of thousands perhaps."
Li Chen was furious upon hearing this.
He strode down, kicking the boat over with one foot and pointing at him as he roared, "You don't take this seriously?! A gathering of disaster refugees is a major event. Those starving and freezing refugees, once they gather in large numbers, can easily be stirred into chaos. What more could happen if they were to gather here on the outskirts of the capital? Do you only care about things when they reach the Ta'ihe Hall?!”
"Right now, there's been a conflict between the disaster victims and the Imperial Guard, resulting in thousands of casualties! Are you, Jiang Zhou, responsible for these thousands of lives?! Can you take responsibility for this?!"
"Come here!"
Enraged, Li Chen issued a direct order: "Drag this incompetent and corrupt official out to the midday gate and execute him!"

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