Chapter 214: The Nation's Foundation
Faced with Li Chen's domineering and unreasonable behavior, even threatening him directly without regard for basic political rules, Zhang Biwu opened his mouth wide, widening his eyes, feeling utterly incredulous.
He had considered countless ways the prince might react to strong opposition from the cabinet, but he never imagined the prince would be so radical.
If you can't beat the cabinet within the rules, then overturn the rules.
Is this the prince's way?!
At any point in the past, even if the reigning emperor himself stood on the Dragon's Throne right now, Zhang Biwu would have challenged him head-on.
Because he knew that the Emperor Da-Xing cherished his reputation and feared court upheaval, he would compromise with the cabinet.
Anything can be compromised.
This is also a delicate balance between the cabinet and the monarchy.
But the Crown Prince was not a great emperor.
His methods were far cruder than the Emperor's. While the Emperor was a master of strategy, political intrigue, and power manipulation, the Prince's actions were like those of a three-year-old child.
Yet, in the hands of this three-year-old child, was a knife capable of taking a life.
These politicians, foxes of the political arena accustomed to power plays, balancing acts, and compromise, are really out of their element.
Just because the one holding the Great Cool Dragon Sparrow on the Dragon Court at this moment was Crown Prince Li Chen, Zhang Bimu truly dared not fight head-on.
He knew that the Prince's Imperial Sword was not only a symbol of authority but also a real killing weapon, capable of taking lives.
Even if the court were to be overthrown for it, the Empire thrown into chaos, even if the best outcome saw the Prince forfeit his power, so what?
If you die, then there's nothing left.
Zhang Biwu's silence was both frustrating and helpless, but very realistic.
Li Chen saw the expressions of himself and all the ministers, and let out a cold snort.
All truth is within the range of guns, and political power comes out of the barrel of a gun. These two sentences, stripped down to their essence, clearly reveal the nature of power.
He wouldn't stand a chance against the cabinet that has been in power for over a decade by playing political balancing games.

How is the Great Emperor?
Neither should one compromise.
So from the very beginning, Li Chen never intended to play by their rules.
The Great Cold Dragon Sparrow in one's hand is like the sword of Damocles hanging over everyone's head. Anyone who wants to oppose him has to think carefully.
"Your Highness."
Zhao Xuance finally spoke.
He knew the current situation was on the verge of collapse for the cabinet, and if he didn't speak up soon, it would be too late.
"Well, Prime Minister, are you interested in asking this palace about the Heavenly Emperor's Sword?" Li Chen said indifferently.
Zhao Xuanji's expression was calm as he said, "If the old minister must ask?"
Li Chen raised his hand and grasped the hilt of his sword, walking down from the Dragon Court. He strode towards Zhao Xuanji, stopping three steps away.
Then, raising his hand, the big cold dragon sparrow gently landed on Zhao Xuanji's shoulder.
If unsheathed, the blade was now dangerously close to Zhao Xuanji's neck.
Everyone in the entire Taihe Palace dared not breathe.
Even Zhang Biwu, the instigator himself, widened his eyes, feeling a tingling sensation on his scalp and every hair on his body trembling.
No one knows what Li Chen is going to do.
But considering Li Chen's previous reckless and irresponsible actions, no one doubted that Li Chen would actually kill Zhao Xuanji.
Once that is done, the empire will crumble!
At this moment, it wasn't just the lives of every court official in the Tahe Hall that were at stake. The fate of the entire empire hung by a thread.

Zhao Xuanji's aged eyes remained calm. He silently watched Li Chen, who had his sword pointed at him, his body completely still.
"Your Highness, this old servant has served the court for decades, witnessing the rise and fall of tides. Now that I am nearing the end of my days, I do not care how many more years I have. But Your Highness, if you insist on going your own way, this old servant will not stand idly by. Please, Your Highness, put the stability of the nation above all else."

(Editor in charge：fifty shades novels)