Chapter 1323: Mission <<<
So Li Chen knew he had to do this, but the first prerequisite was that he needed to have absolute authority and prestige in the court and throughout the land.
This battle in the northwest dealt a heavy blow to the Liao state, securing at least five years of peace on the border. This was Li Chen's first step in establishing his authority.
... is also the most important step. ...
Before Zhao Xuanji was put down, his prestige had been initially established. Coupled with the implementation of new policies, these two things are matters of civil governance.
While the northwest campaign was about martial prowess.
As long as Li Chen excels in both civil and military affairs, he will have the foundation to push for tax reform.
However, all of this presupposes that this battle must be won.
...and win convincingly. ...
Meanwhile, in the capital city, things were not peaceful.
On the second-floor balcony of a street-facing restaurant, Zhao Xuanji in plain clothes stood by the railing sipping tea.
On the opposite side, Zhang Biwu and Fu Yuzhi were shelling peanuts.
Three people were chatting idly.
After a while, someone rushed upstairs, leaned into Zhao Xuanji's ear and whispered something before quietly slipping away.
Zhao Xuanji lowered his head and took a sip of tea, saying lightly, "I'm leaving."
Zhang Biwu and Fu Yuzhi, who were seemingly chatting but actually had their minds on Zhao Xuanji, immediately stopped talking and looked at him.
"Half an hour ago he left Xizhi Men, and by now he must be nearly out of the city."
Zhao Xuanji added.
Zhang Biwu and Fu Yuzhi looked at each other, both simultaneously letting out a sigh of relief.
Zhao Xuanji chuckled lightly: "Why, does he put so much pressure on you? Just because he left the capital city, do you feel like a knife has been removed from your neck?"

Fu Yuzhi smiled wryly: "It's not that exaggerated, but his leaving is at least a good thing for us instead of a bad thing."
"Not necessarily."
Zhang Biwu shook his head, his gray eyebrows furrowed slightly as he said, "With his temperament, it's impossible that there are no arrangements. So we still have to be careful."
"Be careful is for sure."
Zhao Xuanji said calmly, “The people in the East Palace are mainly pushing for national debt right now. What do you think?”
Fu Yuzhi spoke, "The national debt plan concerns the very root of the Northwest War. It seems the East Palace intends to fight a major battle. However, the specifics remain unknown to us. All we know is that he's personally going to the front lines and making a grand show of raising funds through national debt. His ambition and goals are clearly not small."
Zhao Xuanji listened without saying a word and looked at Zhang Biwu.
Zhang Biwu said impassively, "War is not about governing the country. It's not something that can be done just by having money and confidence. In my opinion, he may have other motives for this trip."
Both of them had finished expressing their opinions, Zhao Xuanji had a plan in mind, but instead of following the current topic, he picked up on a previous one.
"Over this period, our most important task is still to rally the hearts of those who have been dispersed before. I will be in charge of the Ministry of Officials for this. As for the Secretariat, let's put it aside for now. The progress on the Department of Personnel Affairs is too slow besides the two of you. You need to speed up."
"A few days ago, my command was rejected by the Ministry of Civil Appointments. Although Fu Yuzhi you forcibly signed your approval to pass it, this is undoubtedly a challenge from the disobedient people under your command to you, to me, and to all of us."