ence him. Instead, he wants to exchange benefits.Once Yelü Guzanqi returned to the Liao kingdom, after the truth came to light, Zhao Xuanji knew very well that the Liao kingdom would not let things go...Chapter 1719: The Final Showdown

Isn't the domestic situation precarious right now

Wu Qingcang could even imagine that once those commoners discovered their life savings had vanished, the angry mob would immediately spark a rebellion.

Uprisings are not mutinies.

The former is a thousand times more terrifying than the latter.

Once a civil uprising occurs, it will lead to widespread chaos. The imperial court's credibility and deterrence will collapse, marking the beginning of regional warlords vying for power. At that time, uprisings will erupt everywhere, with individuals establishing their own territories. If mishandled, it could result in a repeat of the catastrophic fragmentation witnessed during the late Han Dynasty and even the Warring States period.

Wu Qingcang was worried about civil unrest, while Li Chen was truly concerned about a rebellion.

Rebels, that's what posterity called it. To those in power, they were all scoundrels and traitors.

Although throughout Chinese history, there has never been a truly successful peasant uprising in the true sense, it is undeniable that any major change of dynasty, the complete collapse of the old regime, began with repeated uprisings.

Therefore, any signs of uprising must be crushed in the cradle and absolutely prevented from happening.

These words, I can't say them to Wu Qingcang.

Not just Wu Qingcang, but no one can reveal a single word.

Li Chen's job, what he can do, is to suppress all rebellious forces with an iron fist.

"The situation is precarious, but not hopeless."

Li Chen said indifferently: "You don't have to worry about the things in the rear, this palace will handle them. You only need to win this battle. This place is the foundation of everything. If you win this battle, then when this palace returns, everything will be settled. Those clowns can't jump around for a few days. But if we lose here, this palace will truly be defeated."

Li Chen looked at Wu Qingcang seriously and said, "In other words, this palace, as well as the court, the entire country and the future of the Li royal family, all depend on General Wu."

Wu Qingcang suddenly felt immense pressure bearing down on him.

He rose to his feet, his expression grave, and said: “Your Highness, please rest assured. I, along with all the soldiers under my command, are willing to lay down our lives for you.”

"That's all that needs to be said."

Li Chen nodded and said, "For letters like the one from King Ning, we just send one back. For everyone else, we tell them to fend for themselves. Let them figure out their own grain and grass situation. If they want the imperial court to help, they can surrender the tax collection rights of their fiefdoms. They'll keep the money they collect and only ask the imperial court for funds when they need it. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."

If the Prince Ning arrives, let him come to see this Palace.

"The last general will obey."

With Li Chen's endorsement, Wu Qingscang felt much more relaxed.

Although he knew Li Chen would most likely make that decision, he had to ask the question. It wasn't redundant, but a show of respect for authority. If he acted on his own accord, it would be seen as overstepping his boundaries.

"That's not enough to solve the problem at its root."

Wu Qingcang hesitated and said: "Right now, the shortage of supplies is a foregone conclusion. If there's no magical solution like conjuring food and supplies out of thin air, then there's only one way to solve it."

"Shorten the time and launch the decisive battle as soon as possible."

Li Chen took a deep breath and said, "As for this matter...Wu Shuai, do you have a plan"

"Yes."

"Wu Qingcang said earnestly: “Eighty miles south from here, at Wolong Mountain, is where this general has chosen to have the final battle.”

Li Chen stood up upon hearing this and said, "Let's go and look at the map. Gather all the generals. Also, notify King Ning and Emperor Huangji to come here. Today, I will finalize the final battle strategy!"

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!Now that the prince has made a move, he just needs to follow.Li Chen did not vent his anger, nor did he shout and threaten. He simply descended the steps one by one, his eyes as deep and unfathomable...