the emperor's decision has profound political considerations."A prince who was raised from childhood with actual military power is much more difficult to deal with than other princes. One careless mis...Chapter 1771: His Highness Will Surely Be Grateful

Zhao Xuanji's eyebrows drooped, and he said in a heavy voice, "Once this happens, the three hundred years of foundation of the Qin Dynasty will be ruined."

"It will suffer heavy losses, even losing half of its territory, but it will not be destroyed."

Zhou Ping'an is actually like a rainbow, confident to the extreme. He jokingly said: “As long as the Crown Prince is still there, the Qin Dynasty Li clan will never perish, the inheritance of Qin will never perish, and the national destiny of Qin will never die.”

“So sometimes, I ponder, the mastermind behind this silver exchange crisis is rather foolish. Regardless of who they are or their motives, such actions will only hasten their demise. When things reach their worst, the common people will be outraged, blaming the court for swindling their lifelong savings. With people desperate and on the brink of rebellion, perhaps this individual hopes to emerge then, presenting himself as a savior, even using the chaos to depose the crown prince.”

"But the biggest variable in this matter is that the Crown Prince would absolutely not be so pedantic as to stay in Gansu and Shaanxi to fight the Liao army to the death. He would absolutely risk losing half of Qin's territory and immediately march south, sweeping away all the demons and monsters with a single sword. The reason It's quite suitable. There are treacherous officials who take advantage of the Crown Prince's absence from the capital to embezzle money from banks and the national treasury, which has angered both people and gods. When the Crown Prince rises up to quell the rebellion, whoever dares to resist will be labeled as the traitorous thief who usurped the throne and will be exterminated."

“So, while the Qin Dynasty has lost control of the north of the Yangtze River, at least it still holds the south. We could always move the capital to Suzhou or Nanjing. The south is the most prosperous region in the world, a land of rice and fish. Your Highness is still young, with plenty of time to gradually plan and retake the north. It will take no more than ten years, maybe even just a few.”

"Speaking of this, Zhou Ping'an’s tone softened. He looked at Zhao Xuanji and bowed deeply, saying sincerely, "Lord Zhao, the destiny of the entire world is now in your hands."

Zhao Xuanji's brows were furrowed together, he looked at Zhou Ping'an, silent for a long time.

Zhou Ping'an didn't urge him, but just kept his bowing gesture and waited silently for Zhao Xuanji.

Beside him, Zhou Changshou raised his teacup and took a delicate sip.

The tea had cooled a bit, but Zhou Zhangshou didn't find it undrinkable. Instead, he found that it had taken on a unique flavor.

The tea went down his throat, and Zhou Changshou let out a soft sigh in his heart. His third younger brother's talent for making things up... was getting better and better.

Those words, no one else knew. Zhou Changshou, however, was very clear that they were completely Zhou Ping'an's own speculation. Li Chen had not revealed a single word, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Though Zhou Ping'an speaks his own mind both explicitly and implicitly, the meticulous logic of his words, once spoken, unconsciously leads anyone who hears them to wonder if this might truly be the prince's genuine thoughts.

Once this thought arose, Zhou Ping'an's sophistry had already taken effect.

Looking at Zhao Xuanji's face, Zhou Changshou knew that Zhou Pingan had won.

After a long time, Zhao Xuanji spoke, "Zhou Da Ren, please stand up."

Zhou Changshou stood straight, looking directly at Zhao Xuanji.

"20 million taels, it's a large sum."

Zhao Xuanji said in a deep voice, "I need some time to prepare."

Zhou Changshou smiled faintly: "This is only natural, but the pressing matter at hand must be resolved."

"Five million."

Zhao Xuanji said solemnly, “Today I can get five million taels of silver to send to the Ministry of Revenue.”

Zhou Changshou let out a light chuckle and bowed, saying, "Lord Zhao is truly righteous, and His Highness the Crown Prince will surely express his deep gratitude." very curious. What exactly is contained in this imperial edict Why don't we open it and read it aloud"This statement drove Zhao Xuanji to the brink of a cliff.The imperial decree, unopened, remains a...