Chapter 129: Old Dog, Shut Up

Chapter 129: Old Dog, Shut Your Mouth
Under Li Chen's icy gaze, which was laced with immense authority, Jiang Zhou felt his blood run cold and his breath catch in his throat.
As the son of the same great emperor, the ninth prince's performance can only be described as utterly disappointing.
The Crown Prince Li Chen already possessed the dignity and bearing of a true heir apparent.
Jiang Zhou knelt on the ground with a plop and kowtowed like pounding garlic.
"Everything is purchased through a proper process, but right now it's truly difficult to buy good quality grain. There's simply none available on the market, no matter how much money one has. Your humble servant, I truly have no other choice."
>Besides, something to eat is better than starving to death. Even if this rice isn't the best, it's still better than eating weeds and bark, wouldn't you say?
Jiang Zhou's words caused Li Chen to laugh angrily.
"Good, good, even rice that's bad is more palatable than tree bark. Good, there's money you can't buy rice!"
Li Chen released the Ninth Prince, who was frozen with fear. He walked to Jiang Zhou's side, finished speaking, and then kicked him.
This kick landed squarely on Jiang Zhou's face.
Suddenly, Jiang Zhou's scream echoed through the sky. Half of his tooth fell out, mixed with blood, shooting out. Jiang Zhou himself lost control and fell backwards to the ground. He felt dizzy and in excruciating pain, almost fainting from it.
"Your words are not even an explanation, nor a justification! You're treating me like a feeble child and trying to deceive me!"
Li Chen pointed at Jiang Zhou, his usually stern face now radiating murderous intent.
"A few days ago, I inspected the goods and property of the three major grain merchants. As grain merchants, what they lack most is not grain. The Ministry of Finance has recorded a mountain of grain in its accounts. In these days alone, a considerable amount has been sent to other regions for disaster relief. But the accounts are clear: there are still sixty thousand dan of grain in the warehouses of the Ministry of Finance!"
“This grain wouldn't even be enough to supply a single major battle, let alone feed over ten thousand disaster victims!?”

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At this time, Wang Tenghuan beside him saw that the situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable to their side. He finally couldn't help but speak: "Your Highness, please calm down."
He remained composed, and Wang Tenghuan still believed that this was just the prince regretting his actions. He couldn't bear for the Ninth Prince to gain fame by taking advantage of the situation, so he deliberately came looking for trouble.
He didn't think much of it.
Bowing slightly, Wang Tenghuan said: "Disaster relief is not just about grain; there are many other things to consider. With so many details, it's understandable that some mistakes could be made amidst the chaos. As the magistrate of Beijing City, Lord Jiang is extremely busy, and it's natural for him to have some slip-ups."
"If Your Highness is too demanding of your officials, not tolerating even the slightest mistake, then how will they ever be able to make any errors in the future? Remember, no one is a saint, and everyone makes mistakes..."
Wang Tenghuan's nonchalant expression and indifferent tone made Li Chen's veins bulge.
"Shut up, old dog!"
Li Chen let out a furious shout, causing Wang Tenghuan's expression to freeze.
He stared at Li Chen with wide eyes, as if confirming that Li Chen was indeed cursing at him.
After a long pause, Wang Tenghuan reacted, his face flushed red with excitement. He trembled with rage and roared: "Your Highness, how dare you insult an old minister like this!?"
"Insult? This palace hasn't gotten to you yet. When this palace gets to you, I'll pluck your dog head right off!"
Li Chen sneered: "Hearing you talk such nonsense, it's better than spraying dung. Don't put on airs in front of me, I hope this has nothing to do with you, otherwise today no matter who comes, I will clean up the entire court, those corrupt officials!"