Chapter 1055: Prince, or Subject?

Chapter 1055: Prince, or Subject?
"It was raining heavily outside, and the lord was completely soaked. It was clear that his journey had not been easy."
Zhao Xuanji looked at Li Chen calmly, his tone was gentle, and his face seemed to have a kind and benevolent look.
"In such heavy rain and wind, who could walk with ease?"
Li Chen shut the palace gates with a sweep of his hand. The wind and rain were immediately blocked, and peace and warmth returned to the hall.
"If one were to simply live in seclusion, seeking only personal peace and quiet, closing the door on everything else, wouldn't that be a peaceful existence?"
Zhao Xuanji said, "Well said, Your Highness."
Entering the Taihe Hall with strides, standing beneath the imperial steps, Li Chen looked up at the dragon throne before him and said to Zhao Xuanji beside him: "This chair is very tempting, isn't it?"
Zhao Xuanji and Li Chen also looked together at the dragon chair.
He did not answer Li Chen's words, but said: "Your Highness, please withdraw."
Li Chen chuckled softly, his gaze unwavering, without a word.
“Your servant pledges his life to ensure your safety, Your Highness. You may trust in this vow.”
Li Chen nodded and said, "That sounds sincere."
"But would merely an unyielding promise be enough to make this Palace withdraw?"
Zhao Xuanji said with a stoic expression, "I already know about the matter at Yueya Pass."
But that's not a problem.
"Your Highness, the grain and military pay sent to Yuèyá Guan by order will probably never reach its destination."
Li Chen narrowed his eyes slightly.
He instructed the Wu brothers to pacify Yueya Pass, and logistical support would certainly be provided.
So he secretly sent a large supply of food, grass and military pay to help the Wu brothers quickly stabilize their troops. In addition, it cannot be ruled out that even if the Liao army did not receive internal assistance to open the gates, they would still go all out and forcibly break through. If such a situation occurred, Yueya Pass would inevitably be plunged into a bitter battle.

As is well known, war is about burning money.
Being penniless is absolutely unacceptable.
So Li Chen's support in this instance was a substantial sum.
Now, I've been interrupted.
“The political landscape in the Liao Kingdom is turbulent, and the aging emperor is likely to die before winter. Therefore, succession to the throne will be the most pressing concern for the upper echelons of the Liao. Yelu Shenxuan will not withdraw without a massive military victory, but time is not on his side. This army of 600,000 has been assembled for over two months. If he withdraws now, it would be devastating to his prestige.”
So.
Zhao Xuanji didn't care what Li Chen was thinking. Turning his head to look at him, he continued, "The Liao army will definitely attack Da Qin, definitely."

With a slight smile, Zhao Xuanji seemed like a teacher reviewing an exam with his students. He guided them patiently, unraveling the situation step by step. Then, changing the subject, he said: "Your Highness allowing Hu Shifan to come here, blocking the Liaodong army and preventing them from entering the Jingki region through Dongshan province is indeed a brilliant move."

"But, Your Highness, your foundation is too weak."
At most, you've been in charge for less than two years. Winter hasn't even arrived a second time, and yet, you've already gained a foothold of power at the heart of it all. But let me tell you, the vast empire of Qin is not just about the capital city.
"The Two Capitals, Thirteen Subordinate Provinces of the Censorate for Military Affairs, the Seven Guards of West Asia, the Marshal's Mansion of the Oros Tribe and the People, and the Wudan River Guard."
"Of these eighteen administrative divisions, Your Highness can command how many? It's only the area within the capital region, West Mountain, and South River, plus half of Liaodong."
"As for other territories, the old minister can control one-third, another third is in the hands of the various vassal kings, and the remaining third only answers to the imperial authority."
"Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, is naturally a high-ranking official. But to put it bluntly, Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, is still a subject. Only the Emperor is truly sovereign."