g the dark and damp prison. The screams, groans, and pungent smell inside made Li Chen frown.A prison is not a pleasant place.Not to mention the prison of the Ministry of Justice, which houses nothing...Chapter 180 Let Him Wait a Bit Longer

These days are difficult, with natural disasters happening year after year. The common people struggle to survive, let alone farm and contribute taxes. Without tax revenue, the imperial court's treasury is empty and they still have to spend money on disaster relief. As a result, both local officials and the imperial court are facing severe financial hardship.

The Imperial Court was impoverished, and the salaries of civil and military officials were even smaller.

Zhang Hezhi was previously just a sixth-rank physician, his rank wasn't high, and his monthly salary was only around five or six taels of silver. This amount could barely support his family, let alone afford to buy a house in the capital city.

Prior to this, Li Chen had given a reward of one hundred taels of silver. This amount was enough for the family to save and use for several years. Coupled with this house, it was an extremely generous gift that others would envy.

Li Chen smiled faintly.

The benefits one person gives to another should naturally be given openly and in a way that shows gratitude, otherwise, how can it demonstrate the benefit of doing good for oneself

After Zhang Hezhi left, Li Chen got up and walked towards the Hundred Flowers Palace.

He didn't think there was anything wrong with his suspicion of Zhao Rui.

Zhao Rui's background is obvious. If I blindly trust her without thinking, that would be foolish.

Your own life is the most precious thing, more than anything else.

This suspicion and probing would have to continue at least until Zhao Xuanji was completely overthrown.

Pushing open the doors to Baihua Hall, a wave of misty steam enveloped me.

Li Chen saw Zhao Rui in the bath tub, exposing a fragrant shoulder as she bathed with her back to him. He chuckled softly and waved his hand, signaling the maids to leave. Then, he tiptoed behind Zhao Rui and scooped up water from a dipper before being splashed by Zhao Rui herself.

Zhao Rui initially didn't notice. When she felt something was wrong, she turned her head and saw Li Chen. She immediately exclaimed, "Your Highness, how did you get in here"

Li Chen's hand rested on Zhao Rui's shoulder, and he chuckled softly, "I shall bathe you."

Zhao Rui's body stiffened, and she trembled as she said, "Your Highness, this...this how is it possible I will get up right away... please excuse me for a moment, Your Highness. After I change, I will attend to you while you bathe."

Li Chen took off his clothes and said, "Why bother making things complicated, let's just wash them together."

Between the sheets, there's no need for distinctions of rank.

Upon seeing Li Chen, he stripped off his clothes in two or three moves and jumped into the wooden tub. Zhao Rui was too ashamed to contain herself.

If you say that there is no distinction between rank and status in bed, then why have you repeatedly forced me to do those humiliating things using your position as Prince

While Zhao Rui was thinking this, Li Chen had already pulled her whole body into his arms in the bathtub.

That familiar masculine scent hit Zhao Rui, she felt as if every inch of her skin was pressed against Li Chen. She let out a soft moan, closed her eyes and turned her head, not daring to look any further.

The next day, Li Chen emerged from the Hundred Flowers Palace feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Strangely enough, after being treated by Zhang Hezhi's medicine for a few days, Li Chen only felt comfortable all over his body, as if he had inexhaustible energy.

Last time at Jin Xueyuan's, it was like this, and last night at Zhao Rui's, it was even more so.

As soon as Li Chen arrived at Xizheng Hall, he received a report from Chen Tong.

"Your Highness, Duan Jinjiang has been waiting outside the East Palace for half an hour now."

Li Chen remained impassive upon hearing this and asked, "Was it just him"

Chen Dao: "Yes, just him."

"Have you said anything"

< He said nothing, only that he wished to see the Prince. >

Li Chen chuckled lightly and said, "Then let him wait a while longer."d after a moment of deliberation, she nodded in agreement. "He's retreating behind the scenes," she said. "Only by being here can he observe your every move, seeing if there's anything suspicious betw...