em of Zhao Xuanji, this confidant troublemaker, sooner" Li Chen asked.Wu Qingcang calmly replied, "Heaven, earth, time and people are not all in the emperor's grasp. Even if the emperor has the power...Chapter 217: Your Highness, You're Amazing.

This morning's court session was definitely worth the price of admission.

Breaking news, the plot is one after another on fire.

The intensity of the situation even made these seasoned foxes, who had spent their lives playing mind games and scheming, cry out in frustration.

Rebellion!

No matter what dynasty, it's a word that makes people's hair stand on end just hearing it.

More than three hundred years ago, when the troubled times ended and the Qin Dynasty established its empire, these two words had long since disappeared from people's ears.

But in the Taihe Hall, they heard the true news of the rebellion, a massive one that involved tens of thousands at once and nearly threw an entire province into chaos!

The moment the news was made public, both civil and military officials in the imperial court were outraged.

For them, political rivals are just political rivals and political struggles belong to internal conflicts. But if there is a rebellion by traitors, that's when outsiders want to overturn their own table of food, which is absolutely intolerable.

"You audacious scoundrel, daring to rebel against authority! Your actions are unforgivable!"

"That's right, these rabble-rousers, they always said they were no good. The court worked so hard to provide them with relief, and they dared to rebel! In my opinion, they should all be wiped out!"

Amidst the excited shouts of the ministers, a few officials who were slightly more composed wore thoughtful expressions.

Theoretically speaking, a rebellion of this scale wouldn't be able to stay hidden. The Xishan Province should have immediately reported the military intelligence to the court. If they delayed, regardless of the reasons behind the rebellion, simply delaying military communications would be enough to sentence the entire family of the Xishan Province's Circuit Intendant and the commander of the Commandery of Military Commanders to death.

The rebel army’s size was now estimated to be as many as 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers. This news only recently reached the capital city. If there weren't any ulterior motives behind this information, it would be like talking to ghosts; even they wouldn't believe it.

On second thought, the faces of these officials turned pale with fear. A chilling realization dawned on them—the undercurrents of this situation likely ran much deeper, entangled in power struggles within the very heart of the court.

To everyone’s surprise, including Zhao Xuanji, Li Chen, who should have been furious, remained calm.

Looking at Li Chen's emotionless eyes, Zhao Xuanji suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.

"In this matter, the chief minister was wrong."

“The rebels are not fifty or sixty thousand, but nearly one hundred thousand.”

Li Chen's words made the noisy Taihe Palace instantly silent, as if one could hear a pin drop.

The rebels had already begun to grow on a large scale months ago, and they quickly captured the three counties of Taizhen, Yangqu, and Xiangding.

These rebels, after holding the only passage from Xishan Province into Shandong, have now turned south and are attacking. At this moment, they are probably already at Datong Prefecture.

To Zhao Xuanji's astonishment, Li Chen curled the corner of his mouth into a mocking arc and said, "You must be wondering why the Xishan Province didn't send word. Don't worry, you can ask him directly."

"Chen Tong, go and bring Tao Rui, the Circuit Intendant of Xishan Province, here!"

When Li Chen finished speaking, the ministers' faces twitched.

Now, even a fool can see that Zhao Xuanji is using the rebellion in Xishan Province as an excuse to force the Crown Prince to change his mind about sending troops to Xian Chao.

But unbeknownst to him, the Crown Prince already knew.

Not only did he already know, but the Crown Prince had even begun making arrangements.

Outside the Taihe Hall, the sound of chains dragging came from someone walking. Zhao Xuanji, however, kept staring at Li Chen.

"Your Highness, you are impressive."Deep down, she wasn't ready to get married.Li Chen did not look into her eyes, nor did he indulge in excessive romantic sentiment."Someone's here."Li Chen said faintly, "Protecting the Empress and the...