y.Li Chen's words sounded to the civilian officials more like a threat veiled as concession.They answered confidently, "Your Majesty's command will be obeyed."Looking calmly at Li Chen, whose expressi...Chapter 981: Stripping Zhao Wang of His Title

"Your Highness, shall we apprehend them"

Sān Bǎo proactively offered himself, saying: “If Your Highness doesn't want to cause too much commotion, this servant will go personally and bring Li Yinhǔ out of Zhao Residence. I'm confident I can do it.”

"No need."

Li Chen shook his head and refused Sanbao's proposal.

"Zhao Xuanji dares to accept him, he dares to go, it shows they have made thorough preparations. As for you, they have undoubtedly considered you as well, and chances are you will return empty-handed. This would only make us appear passive."

Li Chen narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Next, get ready to deal with Zhao Xuanji's military remonstrance."

Sānbǎo's expression turned grave. He bowed respectfully and responded, but inwardly, a storm of violence raged within him. Without uttering a word, he turned and left Xízhèng Diàn.

The conflict between the Eastern Palace and the Inner Cabinet, that is, the irreconcilable feud between Li Chen and Zhao Xuanji and Li Yinhu, could only be resolved by force.

And Zhao Xuanji and Li Yinhu were prepared for this, and Li Chen was also ready.

The next day, an imperial edict sealed with the Jade Seal of State, the Emperor's personal seal, and the Prince's seal was issued from the East Palace.

According to the original procedures, this imperial decree would be issued from the Eastern Palace, led by the Grand Secretariat, and then pass through the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Rites, the Imperial Clan's Office, and other major functional departments before being printed into scrolls and sent to all parts of the country.

But the current court situation is awkward, with the cabinet directly stalled. Therefore, the East Palace directly issued hundreds of copies, which were delivered by postal workers via official post stations. They carried the imperial decree and rushed to all provinces, prefectures, and counties within the borders of the Qin Empire.

The people in the Jinggi region saw this imperial edict first because it was the closest.

At the most prominent notice boards in each county government office, crowds of people gathered. Those who could read aloud proclaimed the imperial edict.

"By Heaven's mandate, the Emperor proclaims: Since the founding of the Great Qin by our illustrious ancestor, the Li Imperial Clan has inherited the throne and ruled for over three hundred and sixty years. Although members of the imperial family are born into nobility, they have never forgotten the teachings of their ancestors. All princes must uphold propriety, understand righteousness, be loyal and just."

“There was a king named Zhao of the Great Qin Empire, the eighth son of the great emperor. He was unfaithful to his father and elder brothers, cruel and disrespectful, and he dared to defy those above him.”

"Killing his own brothers, attempting to usurp the throne, poisoning the people, and betraying imperial officials, his crimes are numerous and unforgivable."

"The Qin Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety and taught all people with rituals. Its civilized culture has been passed down for thousands of years, and its incense should not be extinguished."

"King Zhao is unfaithful, unfilial, unjust, and merciless. Although he is a prince, he does not worry for his father the monarch above, nor does he benefit the people below. To not punish him severely would be an inability to account to our ancestors, the common people."

“He deposed King Zhao, stripped him of his royal title, abolished the Imperial Clan Office, removed their Li surname, and excluded them from the Temple of Ancestors and family register.”

"A prince who breaks the law is equal to a commoner, all officials and military personnel, along with common people and every living being, should take this as a lesson, and absolutely must not follow in his footsteps. Otherwise, heaven's justice will be clear, and the emperor and the spirits of the ancestors will jointly condemn him."

An imperial decree, with just a few hundred words, stripped the prince, who had been the top ranked official and was promoted to Duke, of all his titles and privileges. This also created a record for the shortest reign of any Duke in the history of the Qin Empire.

From being enfeoffed as a prince to having his title revoked, Li Yinhǔ had only served as a prince for half a year. Now, he has even been stripped of the surname Li, the royal family name, and can be said to be less than an ordinary commoner.

This imperial decree caused a huge stir.

The changes in Jing Shan from a few days ago are no longer a secret, so most people applauded and there were no dissatisfied voices.n Li Chen, who said calmly, “Very well, Your Royal Highness Zhao understands the situation.”After the meeting, the three departments, headed by the Ministry of Justice, immediately dispatched their el...