riety, how can I, as your elder brother, possibly be kind to you""Brotherly love and respect, Your Majesty the Empress, please don't forget to show respect to your younger brother, so that I can be yo...Chapter 1303: Scolding

"But the most difficult thing is that this matter was exposed under everyone's watchful eyes. This not only pushed King Ning to the brink, but also forced the court into a corner with no way out."

"If the imperial court chooses to feign ignorance, how will the other feudal lords view this"

"Over the years, the princes have refrained from being too ostentatious precisely because this red line is a universally recognized boundary that cannot be crossed. However, once this precedent is set, there will be a second time, a third time, and even more times."

"Once an authority's legitimacy is challenged, no one will respect it anymore. Therefore, the court has nowhere to retreat and cannot afford to feign ignorance."

"The trouble is just here."

Speaking of this, Su Zhentig gritted his teeth and continued, "In my humble opinion, the court cannot remain indifferent to this matter, but must handle it severely!"

Zhao Xuanji frowned and retorted, "General Su makes it sound simple. To act severely, how exactly should we proceed King Ning's power is undeniable, and what's more, the Yueya Pass is in chaos right now. To punish King Ning at this time wouldn't that be pushing him to rebel With internal strife and external threats, our Great Qin empire would instantly be in peril."

Su Zhen'ting sneered and said, "In your opinion, shouldn't we pretend to be deaf and dumb"

Zhao Xuanji let out a cold snort and said, “This official never said he would feign ignorance. It's just that General Su’s insistence on strict punishment is too simplistic. He hasn’t considered the potentially devastating consequences if such a policy were implemented.”

Having been mocked twice by Zhao Xuanji, Su Zhen's anger flared. He retorted, "What about the provincial decree then"

"This matter should be handled with leniency, at the very least we must absolutely avoid being too harsh, lest we provoke King Ning." Zhao Xuanji said.

Su Zhen'ting laughed angrily and said, "Gentle treatment This clearly constitutes treason punishable by death. How can you speak of gentle treatment If you insist, perhaps Lord Provincial Governor could issue a proclamation praising King Ning – that would be the most lenient approach."

Zhao Xuanji glared at Su Zhenting, her voice laced with anger: "General Su, what do you mean by that"

"With that said, Zhao Xuanji waved his hand dismissively and remarked, 'Forget it. To someone like you, a coarse warrior, everything is straightforward and blunt, lacking any subtlety. This official has no interest in quarreling with you.'"

Su Zhen's face turned dark with rage. He roared, "Zhao Xuanji, you old geezer, speak properly! Why bring up martial prowess What's wrong with being a warrior If not for warriors defending our homes and country, you bureaucrats wouldn't even have warm meals to eat! You dare criticize us If all it took to defend the nation was waving pens, why aren't you bureaucrats at the front lines shaming the Liao army with your words"

Seeing the two arguing louder and louder, Li Chen suddenly slammed his hand on the table and reprimanded, "Enough! I called you both here because one of you is the chief minister and the other is the chief general. I asked you to come up with ideas for me, not to cause trouble. If you like to argue, go back and argue slowly. I won't stop you."

Seeing that Li Chen had spoken seriously, both Su Zhen and Zhao Xuanji simultaneously lowered their banners and rested their spears, and bowed to Li Chen together, saying: "We were out of line. Please forgive us, Your Highness."

Li Chen said expressionlessly, “You all talk about difficulties. This palace knows this matter is difficult, otherwise why would I be so serious What I want to hear are solutions, a workable plan! Not just empty talk and rambling. Tonight, the two of you stay here with this palace. If you can’t come up with a solution, no one sleeps.”Du Jianjiang waved his hand with great generosity and said, "Among all the vassal kings, King Wen is the one who lacks nothing in terms of silver. As long as the king speaks up, he can provide funds f...