20demayo Chapter 967 Closure of Border Trade
Chapter 967 Closure of Border Trade
He was fine with it, since it was something he had originally wanted to do, but after Green Eyes helped out and didn't get anything in return, he felt really bad for him.
Zhou Pu's arrangement essentially transferred the foundation and achievements laid by the two of them to Cui Ling.
This is also a disguised way of suppressing the two of them and supporting Cui Ling to rise to power.
Inviting Li Chong to witness this event was a warning, reminding them to stay within their bounds.
The emperor's power can be granted and taken back at any time; life and death are entirely at the emperor's will.
Sure enough, even if he wasn't as shrewd and capable as the late emperor, he still understood the basics of imperial rule.
He knew that Li Chong had always harbored some jealousy and resentment towards Cui Ling, but on this matter, he saw things more clearly than Li Chong. "His Majesty has his reasons for doing this, which is nothing more than to maintain a balance of power. However, I think your good fortune is just around the corner, Brother Li."
Li Chong was taken aback by his words: "Oh? What do you mean?"
Zhang Ping'an smiled and carefully analyzed the current situation. "You don't think His Majesty summoned you here today just to give you a warning, do you? I don't think there's any room for maneuver in Minister Fan's case. At the very least, he'll be exiled. Then the position of Minister of Revenue will inevitably become vacant. Since His Majesty chose to let Cui Ling handle this case, he won't directly promote him to Minister of Revenue."
His attitude towards me has always been lukewarm, and I, holding the position of Privy Councilor and wielding military power, cannot suddenly step forward to concurrently serve as Minister of Revenue. Considering everything, Brother Li, you are the most suitable. Your qualifications, age, and family background are all perfect, and you can also keep Cui Ling in check. Don't you think good things are on the horizon?"
Li Chong realized what he meant and thought it made sense, but he still didn't give a full answer. "That's true, but it's not necessarily true. As you've seen, His Majesty has always valued Cui Ling since he ascended the throne. He might just support him directly. Our current emperor isn't the type to listen to advice."
Zhang Ping'an knew the inside story, and Cui Ling knew so many of Zhou Pu's secrets; it was only a matter of time before they dealt with him, but they couldn't say it directly now.
Hearing this, he waved his hand and said, "How about we make a bet and see how it goes? If I lose, I don't want anything else from you, just give me your country estate in the suburbs. It's the same even if I lose."
Li Chong didn't care about such a small thing. On the contrary, he was pleased by Zhang Ping'an's confident attitude and nodded: "Okay, then it's a deal!"
Li Chong was in a good mood because he had teased Cui Ling behind her back, and he even promised to treat the two of them to dinner and drinks at Zuixianlou that evening.
"Let's drink until we drop, no holding back!"
Zhang Ping'an also wanted to build a good relationship with him, so he readily agreed.
With her beady eyes, she naturally wouldn't refuse.
After Li Chong left, the man with the beady eyes muttered a comment in a low voice, "Another ambitious man!"
“Come on, let’s go to my place for tea. It would be strange if someone in the court didn’t have ambition,” Zhang Ping’an said, shaking his head.
News from the palace can't be kept secret, and Zhou Pu had no intention of hiding it anyway.
The next day, all the civil and military officials in the court knew that the Hibiscus Cream was a harmful substance, not as miraculous as the people said, and that it was addictive and very harmful to the body.
This also involved the fourth prince and the northern barbarians, causing a great deal of discussion throughout the court and among the people.
Many of those present had witnessed the ferocity of foreign tribes. Peace had only lasted a few years, and their first reaction upon hearing about the Golden Crow Khanate was to frown, showing great sensitivity.
Among the many opinions, the most prominent was the demand to close border trade.