Hidden in the court

Chapter 108 Ambition

At first, Luo Wei also had a look of anger on his face, until Li Yi told Luo Wei that she had locked Ji Mingshang in a standing cage for the whole night, and then Luo Wei's expression gradually became interesting.

"Then I will leave them to you with confidence. Thank you."

"Don't worry, Prime Minister."

Lowe glanced at his daughter again, and seeing her running forward with a determined look in her eyes, he nodded with satisfaction and left.

Northeastern Border

This place is remote and has a harsh climate. The snow never melts all year round. Even in this season, the snow on the ground has not completely melted. Not only are the natural conditions here harsh, but it is also the fief of the King of Jin, where 200,000 troops are stationed. The soldiers on the city wall hold sharp weapons and wear hard armor. Frost condenses on the armor, but they still stick to their posts and look firmly to the south, where they used to be.

In the Jin Palace, Prince Jin Ji Liancheng was holding a cup of hot tea, savoring the fragrance and enjoying a moment of tranquility. However, footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, interrupting his thoughts.

A figure appeared at the door and reported to Ji Liancheng nervously: "Your Majesty, there is news from the south! During the summer harvest, the court went crazy and dealt with a large number of corrupt officials. Almost all of our thirty-two villages were wiped out, and only a small number of people escaped. They are waiting outside the palace now."

Hearing this news, Ji Liancheng's face turned gloomy, and a trace of anger and worry flashed in his eyes. He put down the teacup in his hand, stood up, and prepared to face those who had escaped back to learn more about the situation.

He just stood up, thought about it, and sat back down steadily.

"Gather them all together, and give them good food and drink. I don't want them to show up in public again. By the way, who will be in charge of the summer harvest this time?"

The man was obviously stunned and looked flustered.

"I heard...it's the eldest son."

Unexpectedly, Ji Liancheng didn't think there was anything wrong at all.

Ji Liancheng was also stunned for a moment, and then continued to drink tea as if nothing had happened.

"Oh, he's doing pretty well. Send a message to the Zhou family, asking them to stay out of the spotlight and not send any more stuff over for the time being. Also, call everyone over, as there's something important to discuss."

"Yes."

After the man left, Ji Liancheng sneered.

"Good, very good. This son is really...untameable."

Soon, dozens of people came into the Prince of Jin's mansion one after another. These people had different identities, military, officials, businessmen...

Without exception, they were all powerful people. After they entered the palace, they all bowed to Ji Liancheng who was sitting on the main seat and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"I'll wait to see the prince."

......

It is not unreasonable to say that Ji Liancheng has a rebellious heart. Just looking at the scale and decoration of the Jinwang Mansion, you can see that this is not the standard that an ordinary king of a different surname can use. Moreover, the architectural style of the Jinwang Mansion is very similar to that of the imperial palace, and the interior decoration is extremely luxurious, comparable to the imperial palace.

At this moment, in the hall of Prince Jin's Mansion, dozens of officials stood at the foot of the steps, lined up neatly. Their expressions were different, but they all looked at Ji Liancheng on the steps at the same time. Such a scene made it hard not to remind people of the court in the imperial palace, as if this was a small court, and Ji Liancheng was the ruler of this court.

"Tell me what you think. There has been a big move in the south. Many officials have been involved, including many of our people. The court has been on guard against us all these years, and now there is a big move. It won't be long before the knife will cut me, and it will cut you too. You all need to understand that things should be dealt with sooner rather than later."

"Your Majesty, we can no longer do business in the north. The only connection has been broken. Moreover, since the opening of trade between the north and the south, prices have been falling, and our cost advantage is no longer there."

"Lower the price, exchange for food, exchange for money. If you can't exchange for something, then stockpile it for your own use."

"I also have a suggestion for you. Now is different from the past. It's not that I don't want you to make money, but things are urgent and we still need to work together. I can promise you that things will definitely be accomplished, but now it requires your sacrifice."

Ji Liancheng said this, but looking at his indifferent expression and condescending tone, it didn't sound like he was making any suggestions.

Except for a few people who knew the inside story, everyone else looked unhappy.

Why, why was he so sure that this could succeed? But after thinking about the 200,000 troops in Ji Liancheng's hands, he still agreed from the bottom of his heart.

Who can get off the boat at this time?

"This matter concerns the safety of all of you. If you fail to do it perfectly, it will lead to incalculable consequences. You are all smart people and should understand the interests involved. As long as everyone works together to accomplish this great cause, there will definitely be greater rewards in the future."

Ji Liancheng also understood these people's little thoughts, so he started to give them some sweet dates after slapping them, and continued: "I can tell you that when the first grain harvest comes next summer, we will start the rebellion immediately."

Just as everyone finished chatting, a child of five or six years old ran in from outside.

"father!"

As soon as the child arrived, he shouted Ji Liancheng loudly.

Ji Liancheng showed a hint of kindness and reached out to pick him up.

Someone immediately flattered him, "Young Master is really born smart and quick-witted."

When others heard this, they thought it was just pure bragging.

"Your Majesty is so lucky. The two young masters are not ordinary people!"

Indeed, Ji Liancheng was not yet forty years old at this time, and his nineteen-year-old eldest son was already the Marquis of Jiangning, who had made great military achievements. Seeing that his youngest son was also smart, how could he not be envious?

Ji Liancheng waved to them and everyone retreated respectfully.

As the person left and the door was closed, Ji Liancheng's face instantly turned cold. His eyes were no longer as kind as a father's, but full of indifference and disgust. He stared straight at the little boy in front of him, as if he was looking at a stranger.

The little boy was so frightened by the look in his eyes that he trembled all over, his hair stood on end, and he jumped off his father without hesitation.

"Boom-"

There was a dull sound, and Ji Liancheng kicked the little boy in the chest. Due to the excessive force, the little boy took several steps back, but in the end he was unable to stand firmly, fell to the ground and rolled over for a few rounds.

"Who allowed you to come in?" Ji Liancheng asked angrily.

The little boy didn't care about the pain in his heart. He quickly got up from the ground, knelt down quickly, bowed his head and admitted his fault: "Father, please forgive me. I know I was wrong. Please calm down!"

Ji Mingshang glanced at the little boy coldly, with disgust in his eyes undisguised.

"Get out now!"

The little boy nodded quickly, then turned and left the room.

Ji Liancheng looked at the furnishings around him, a hint of fanaticism flashed in his eyes, and he looked intoxicated.

"This world should have been mine..."