n be done, even a weakened court is not something that a few local bigwigs and militia groups in Xishan province can oppose."So Long Tiande was scared, and the gentry and wealthy landowners of Xishan...Chapter 304 Advanced Techniques for Eye Drops

But, that's all well and good, but where is the money going to come from

Li Chen furrowed his brows, suddenly feeling a surge of wanting to pick fights with several high-ranking officials and raid some more homes.

But the thought passed quickly.

Stealing is certainly satisfying, and stealing continuously is also satisfying, but there should be a limit to it.

Since he assumed regency, he has killed numerous officials and seized their mansions. If he were to unleash another massacre now, it would drive everyone in the court to Zhao Xuanji.

This does not serve Li Chen's political interests.

"What day is it today" Li Chen asked.

"It's the 20th of December already," Xu Changqing replied.

"That's only five days"

Li Chen coldly snorted, "Five days' time Where am I supposed to conjure up seven or eighty thousand taels of silver for you"

Xu Changqing, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, took out a report from his bosom and said, "Your Highness, this is the construction budget for Zhao's Mansion. Please take a look."

Li Chen was taken aback and motioned to Wan Jiaojiao to bring up the report.

Upon receiving the report, Li Chen coldly smiled at Xu Changqing: “Xu Changqing, even with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, you dare to scheme against this palace”

First, they claimed the court was short on money, desperately so. Then, they immediately pulled out the construction budget for Zhao Wangfu. Wasn't this clearly intended to rub salt in Zhao Wang Li Yinhu's wounds

Li Chen saw through Xu Changqing's little thought with a glance.

Xu Changqing understood, knowing that the prince was not angry. Dealing with King Zhao was politically correct in front of him.

Chuckling, Xu Changqing said, "Your Highness, this budget is a bit high, and it's not really in line with the rules."

Li Chen didn't say a word, flipping open the report to take a glance.

He didn't look at the detailed projects, but only at the final amount.

"Oh, a prince's mansion, it would take a hundred and ten thousand taels of silver to build."

Li Chen sneered, "So, King Zhao wants to build a palace"

Of course, this is an exaggeration.

"It was still Zhao Tailai who connected with wealthy merchants in the capital to raise funds for its construction. This palace allowed him, Zhao Tailai, to go and collect money, but who allowed him to go to those merchants to raise funds"

Li Chen picked up his brush and changed the total amount in the budget from one hundred and ten thousand taels to thirty thousand taels. Then, he tossed the memorial to Xu Changqing.

"Ship by this number."

Xu Changqing took the report and glanced at it, his eyes widening in surprise.

Three, three hundred thousand taels

Xu Changqing swallowed hard, feeling that his Highness was even crueler than himself. With this single strike, I fear that the Zhao Wangfu would be left with nothing but its walls.

"Enough."

Li Chen said lightly, "Right now, there are refugees and disaster victims everywhere. They work for cheap; most of them will do anything for a full belly. Just on wages alone, we could save a lot of money. The court is short on funds right now. If we spend too much building a palace, how would the people view the court How would they view King Zhao This is all for King Zhao's benefit."

"Have Zhao Tai take the surplus silver directly to the treasury, and you personally oversee its inventory."

With a slight squint, Li Chen said, "You'd better handle this personally."

Xu Changqing asked subconsciously, "But what if Zhao Wang and Zhao Tai come over there..."

"If they have opinions, tell them to come to the East Palace and voice them."

Xu Changqing bowed deeply and said, "Your humble servant obeys your command..."r what a person does. What matters is knowing when to do what. If you choose wrong, even with lots of effort, it will be for nothing."This time, Jinjiang had learned his lesson and just listened witho...