Chapter 300: Only Those Eating Melon Know
Li Chen, however, had no idea what Su Jinpa was thinking.
He said calmly: “Before realizing my ambition, the first thing I need to do is strengthen my own power. Now that I am acting regent, there are some things you already know. The power of government, I don't have much. Not to mention being restrained by the cabinet, those words are just polite. If Zhao Xuanji doesn't agree with my edicts, I can't do anything about it.”
A flash of ruthlessness crossed Li Chen's eyes as he said, "Therefore, this palace desires power, greater power. In this world, the greatest power is the only way to realize my ambition."
"Politics is best served through alliances. My palace and your father were allies, but such an alliance was too fragile. Your father also worried that I might abandon him once my purpose was served. Therefore, marrying you off to the East Palace as a Crown Princess was the best choice."
“The Su family, if they were to marry into our family, could enjoy a lifetime of wealth and glory. Once I ascend the throne, you would become Empress, your father the father-in-law of the state, and your brother the uncle of the emperor. You could be assured of at least fifty years of being the most honored people in the world.”
"As for myself, I truly need the Su family's influence and power within the army to support my stand against the cabinet."
Li Chen's hand gently brushed past Su Jinpa, and he suddenly smiled, saying: "During this process, this palace indeed appreciates and likes you. A beauty and benefits both, naturally a good thing."

It started with a profound tone, but the last sentence turned lighthearted.

Li Chen's perfect switching between two emotions made Su Jinpa a little uncomfortable.
She turned her head away from Li Chen's hand and said, "What if I absolutely disagree? A forced melon is not sweet!"
Whether a twisted melon is sweet or not, only those who eat it know.
Li Chen said indifferently: “Therefore, whether it’s sweet or not, this palace has the final say.”
Faced with such a rogue statement, Su Jinping gritted her teeth in anger.

The mood that had been stirred by Li Chen's wish earlier was now long gone.
"Just go on being such a scoundrel then! After all, you're the prince, no one can touch you!" Su Jinpa retorted defiantly.
"Well, quite good. You're starting to learn how to be a proper Crown Princess, the first rule is that the Crown Prince is always right," Li Chen laughed heartily.
Su Jinpa gritted her teeth in anger, turning her head and refusing to look at Li Chen.
......
Xīshān Province, Lóngfǔ.
Wen Shan, covered in blood and looking disheveled, fainted at the city gate. He was taken to Longfu by people who knew him.
Wen Shan's appearance at this moment startled the people of Longfu.
When Wen Shan woke up, the first thing he saw was Long Tiande, the current head of the Long Family.
Beside him stood a dashing young man, as refined as jade. He was none other than Lord Long Huaiyu, renowned throughout the four provinces for his talent and virtue.
"Master, young master!"
Seeing the two people, Wenshan's pent-up grievances and fear finally had an outlet. His face was pale, his voice trembled, and he spoke in a choked sob: "They're dead, they're all dead! Only I came back!"
Long Tiande is over half a century old, but he is still strong and has bright eyes, obviously in good health.
He spoke calmly, "Wenshan, don't panic. You are now safe within the Dragon Mansion; no one can harm you here. Take your time and tell me what happened."
"Didn't you and Chen Tong return to the capital to see the crown prince together? Why are you the only one back, and in such a disheveled state? How did they die? Did you encounter rebel soldiers or bandits?"
Wenshan mumbled and told everything that had happened, one after another.

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