Chapter 1092: What Does the Grand Advisor Think?
"Last night there was a strong wind and heavy rain, this kind of weather is most likely to cause illness. Lord Minister, please take care of your health."
Right from the start, Li Chen sent a friendly signal.
Zhao Xuanji bowed and said, "The old minister is in good health, thank you for your concern, Your Highness. However, I heard that your voice has a heavy nasal tone, have you caught a cold?"
Li Chen glanced at the empty teacup and said, "I caught a bit of a cold from the rain last night, but I've already seen the imperial physician. It's nothing serious, just need to drink a few doses of medicine and I'll be fine."
Zhao Xuanji got up and personally poured tea for Li Chen, saying, "Your Highness now controls the state's secrets. All major national affairs need your Highness to manage them. Therefore, whether it is for the country, the common people, or for your Highness yourself, you must take good care of your health."

Mastering state secrets, everything regarding national affairs requires your management, Your Highness.

Catching the implication in his words, Li Chen accepted the steaming teacup and, lowering his head, blew away the floating tea leaves. With a light smile, he said, “With Elder Ge here, the court affairs are well taken care of. We still need an experienced and reliable minister like Elder Ge to support us.”
"Loyal servant, old man."
Zhaoxuanji said calmly, “As I grow older, my energy is not what it used to be. That’s why I want to take a break from serving you, Your Highness. There are many things that I can no longer handle. Luckily, you are young and energetic, so I think you should be able to manage.”
What appears to be ordinary casual conversation is, in fact, a carefully orchestrated exchange between the Crown Prince and the Chief Minister. Every word they utter is a calculated move.
The core of this conversation boils down to two words: power.
They were each stating their positions, yet carefully measuring their words, wanting to see if the other was sincere or just testing the waters.
Li Chen smiled, put down his teacup, and said to Zhao Xuanji: "Although the emperor woke up for a while last night and left some words, he fell back into a coma afterwards. Now that the court affairs are still heavy, it's not very kind for Lord Ge Lao to take leave at this time."

Zhao Xuanji gazed into Li Chen's eyes, a smile playing on her lips, and asked, "So, in your opinion, Your Highness, how should the old minister proceed?"

Li Chen tapped the table with his finger and replied evasively, "Last night, this palace had the Jinyiwei arrest a large number of people."

Zhao Xuanji said expressionlessly, "Since Your Highness thinks they should be arrested, then they must have a reason to be arrested."
"So, Lord Lao agrees then?" Li Chen asked.
Zhao Xuanji countered, “Are there any individuals among them that you are acquainted with? Perhaps there is some misunderstanding. If I know them, I can inform Your Highness of their character and whether there are any points open to further consideration.”
None.
Li Chen said calmly, “They are just some lower-ranking officials. There are many of them, but they don't affect the overall situation, and none of them are known to Ge Lao. This palace believes that those who can enter Ge Lao's eyes are all people of excellent character and will certainly not be corrupt or act unjustly.”
Zhao Xuanji's question was to determine whether Li Chen intended to limit the scope of the reckoning.
After obtaining Li Chen's commitment that "he has no acquaintances among the senior officials," Zhao Xuanji knew that Zhang Biwu and Fu Yuzhi in the cabinet were most likely not to be included in the purge.
He nodded and said, "That's very good. Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding."
"Your Highness, Zhao Xuanji is like a starving dog. But if this dog can't even eat poisoned bones, it will lose its reason and become a mad dog."
The words of Sanbao's dying advice echoed in Li Chen's mind. His eyes were as calm as an abyss, and he said, "Lord Fu is both virtuous and talented. This palace intends to let him also serve as the vacant position of Minister of Rites. What do you think, Elder?"

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