a catch!"Seeing Li Chen's anger rising, the aura he emitted sent shivers down San Bao's spine. He was even more grateful that he had brought Tao Rui back; it was an incredibly wise decision."Your Hig...Chapter 972 Help This Palace Come Up With a Plan

Li Chen did not insist on calling him Taishanggong, nor did he address his official position. Instead, he used a middle-ground term, "Lao Li."

Regarding the issue of address, Li Canglan smoothly took the teacup with both hands and sipped it gently.

Putting down his teacup, Li Canglan said, “It’s indeed a fine tea.”

Li Chen smiled and said, "If Old Li likes it, I'll bring some back later."

Li Canglan waved his hand and said, "A gentleman does not take what others cherish. Your Highness's treasured old tea, how could an old minister dare to ask for it."

"It's not really anything special. It was a gift Li Yinhu sent when I bestowed upon him the title of King."

Li Chen's single sentence froze Li Canglan, who had been about to raise her cup for a second drink.

There are no secrets in the capital.

What's more, Li Yinhu even went to Jingshan Mountain today to pray for good fortune by walking, resulting in a major incident where thousands of people died.

Now the whole capital is going to be turned upside down over this.

Although Li Canglan arrived in a hurry, he also knew that today the Crown Prince and Zhao Wang had completely torn their faces apart, making the scene very unpleasant.

So now, hearing Li Yinhu's name from Li Chen's mouth, Li Canglan felt as if dozens of steel knives were placed on his neck, making it difficult for him to breathe.

"Your Highness."

Putting down his teacup, Li Canglan rose to his feet and bowed to Li Chen, saying, "If you have something to say, Your Highness, please speak plainly."

Li Chen nodded, quite satisfied with the old man's straightforward performance.

"This palace will seize the throne from Li Yinhu, depose him to commoner status, and remove his name from the royal family tree."

A single, cutting sentence that strips Li Yinhou of all his power and glory.

This also gave Li Canglan a sense of "as expected," but at the same time, she felt helpless being swept up in the whirlpool of power struggles.

"Your Highness."

Li Canglan said to Li Chen, “Taking away Wang Ye’s title from Duchi, this matter is difficult but Your Highness has the power to act as Regent, forcefully pushing through it is not impossible. But removing Li Yinhǔ from the family tree, I fear will invite opposition from many elders.”

"After all, Your Highness knows the saying 'A hare's lip gone, a tiger's teeth grow cold'."

Li Canglan's words were veiled, but the meaning was clear.

Everyone was worried that Li Chen would strike at Li Yinhu today. As they were also relatives of the imperial family, with a much closer relationship to Li Chen than Li Yinhu, they couldn't help but consider what would happen to them if this precedent was set. They feared that once this line was crossed, their own standing would be jeopardized in the future.

That's how many things are, there's safety in knowing it's not a first time.

Once you open the door and have that first time, the second, third, and even more times just follow naturally.

Li Chen knew this very well, so he said to Li Canglan: "This matter is indeed difficult, which is why I first consulted with Elder Li. Elder Li enjoys high respect within the clan, and I ask him to inform all the other elders that Li Chen is by no means a heartless person. Whether they are imperial relatives or civil and military officials, this palace treats them equally."

"To my relatives, I will not target them without reason. But the things I need to do, they cannot stop. Thus, I am happy to see all of you relatives prosper and live a peaceful life."

Li Canglan smiled wryly.

Li Chen's words sounded soft, but the meaning was too clear.

For all our kin to prosper and live in peace, the prerequisite is that we do not hinder the Crown Prince from pursuing what he desires.

Otherwise, don't even think about branching out and living comfortably.

"Li Lao."

Li Chen suddenly said, "If I remember correctly, your grandson has been idle at home recently The Imperial Academy is about to open its classes. This palace has reserved a few spots. Li Lao, help this palace come up with some ideas on how to arrange these positions"dding, if you were to say who was the most steadfast supporter of the Eastern Palace faction in the entire world, it would undoubtedly be Su Zhen Ting leading the charge. However, as someone in a posi...