"The emperor values martial prowess, and the destruction of the Jin dynasty is only the beginning. Duke Chong, haven't you seen it clearly yet? If you want to be the crown prince, there are two paths: either civil or military! As for civil, the court is rife with intrigue and power struggles. The old ministers of the new administration are gaining more and more power, while the new faction harbors treacherous intentions. Zhou Chao, Chen Yang, Yu Yunwen, and Prince Kang—which of them is an ordinary person? There are also highly respected figures like Shi Xun and Zhang Shuye. After ten years of new policies, Minister Xu was demoted, and there was a riot in Guangzhou. The court is in a period of great change. I have a premonition that a major upheaval is coming!"
"Duke Chongguo should temporarily distance himself from the central government and lest he be drawn into this power struggle and become a drifting duckweed!"
"I am a prince, the eldest son of the Emperor!"
"Emperors are ruthless; Duke Chongguo should abandon such thoughts!"
Zhao Chen suddenly slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "How dare you! Zhao Shen, you are becoming more and more outrageous. How dare you speak ill of the Emperor behind his back? This is a capital offense!"
Zhao Shen quickly said, "It was my fault, Duke Chong, please calm your anger!"
Zhao Chen took a few breaths to calm his anger, then sat down and asked, "How about Wudang?"
Zhao Shen sighed inwardly: "Alas, Duke Chong, no wonder the emperor has not yet named you as the crown prince."
Zhao Shen cautiously said, "The Great Song Dynasty currently has five major war zones: the Northwest War Zone, the Yan-Yun War Zone, the Southwest War Zone, the Southeast War Zone, and the Central War Zone. The Northwest has Yue Fei, Wu Jie, and others, and Yan-Yun is full of excellent generals. The Southwest War Zone has Zhang Jun and Li Bao, the Southeast War Zone is controlled by Prince Kang, and the Central War Zone is personally commanded by His Majesty. If Duke Chongguo wants to have his own territory, Liaodong is the best choice!"
Zhao Chen thought for a moment and said, "As for the South China Sea, Li Bao has a promising future, so I can stay in the South China Sea too!"
Zhao Chen preferred to stay here rather than in Liaodong.
"It seems that the Duke of Chongguo is still unaware of this."
"What is it?"
"His Majesty intends to betroth Princess Roujia to Li Bao."
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