Chapter 183 Are you blaming me?
Li Yuanzhao looked up and stared directly at him, his eyes sharp.
"But Father, how can I not care?"
“When I was in Weizhou providing disaster relief, I saw with my own eyes the disaster victims who were displaced and had to eat tree bark and mud to survive. However, Cui Xiang, as the head of the Cui family, allowed his family members to seize farmland and oppress the people. Not only were such people not punished, but they were also reinstated to their original positions simply because they donated grain.”
"Even if I don't care, what about the people of the world? How can they not care when they see the court handling things this way?"
As the last sentence fell, the entire hall fell into a deathly silence.
Li Ye's face instantly darkened, his eyes filled with anger.
He was incredulous to find that his usually filial and respectful daughter was now so aggressive towards him, her father.
He slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne and said in a deep voice, "Are you complaining about me?"
But Li Yuanzhao showed no sign of backing down. He stood tall and met Li Ye's anger with calm eyes, saying, "Father, this is not a complaint from your son, but a sign of worry."
"During this trip to Hebei, I personally witnessed the local officials imposing exorbitant taxes and levies, and the powerful clans exploiting and plundering the people, leaving them displaced and destitute."
Her voice echoed in the hall, each word resounding, "Father, the Great Qi of today is no longer the peaceful and prosperous country we thought we were sitting in the deep palace."
"Your Majesty is worried that if this continues, the Great Qi will be beset by internal and external troubles. When public resentment boils over and the people can no longer endure it, I fear that unforeseen events may occur..."
The more Li Ye listened, the more his brows furrowed.
Although he had lived in the inner palace for a long time, he was not entirely unaware of the various problems that had accumulated in the local areas.
He never imagined that the situation would have reached this point.
Moreover, he prided himself on being a wise ruler, so it was impossible for him to punish those who spoke frankly and offered advice simply because of his criticism of current affairs.
After a long while, Li Ye finally let out a slow sigh of relief. The anger in his voice gradually subsided, leaving only exhaustion and heaviness. "You... I understand what you've said. Tomorrow morning at court, I will summon all my ministers to discuss this matter."
Li Yuanzhao then bowed deeply, his voice softening, "In my haste, I may have spoken inappropriately. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
This can be considered as giving each other a way out.
Li Ye glanced at her with a complex expression. "You are also wholeheartedly devoted to the Great Qi Dynasty and the people of the world. What crime have you committed? How could I blame you?"
After speaking, he looked at Li Yuanzhao's bandaged right arm, his tone showing more concern.
"I heard you encountered assassins on your way back to the capital. How are your injuries? Are you alright?"
Li Yuanzhao's tone returned to its respectful manner.
"Thank you for your concern, Father. Although my bones and muscles are injured, fortunately no vital organs are damaged. I will recover after resting for a while."
"That's good." Li Ye said gently, "You've just returned from Weizhou, and you must be exhausted from the journey and injured. Go back to Xihe Palace to rest first. I've ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare some nourishing medicinal meals to help you recover."
Li Yuanzhao bowed again and said, "Thank you, Father Emperor. Your son takes his leave."
Li Ye watched his daughter's departing figure, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Although it had only been a little over two months since he last saw her, he felt that his daughter had changed a lot.
Like a tiger lying in wait, it finally revealed its sharp claws.
But now, she has gained increasing power in the imperial court and is renowned among the people.
With such power and prestige, she was no longer the daughter he had imagined, someone he could manipulate at will and dispose of at his whim.
A sense of unease crept into his heart. What would she do if she knew his true intentions?
Can he still suppress her with his imperial power and fatherly affection?
Li Yuanshu went to the palace to see his mother.
Although Cao Dongyang repeatedly assured that the assassination had left no trace and would not be discovered by Li Yuanzhao.
But she was always uneasy inside.
What if there's even a one in ten thousand chance that she'll find out?
She didn't want to gamble, so she wanted to find a way to deal with it in advance.
Although her uncle and mother had been keeping it from her these days, she vaguely sensed that they seemed to be secretly plotting something to deal with Li Yuanzhao.
If my actions are exposed, it will likely disrupt their plans.
Moreover, informing them in advance might allow them to make plans earlier and protect themselves.
Cui Yunyi was so angry that her fingertips trembled after hearing what Li Yuanshu said.
"You're completely out of your mind! Why did you get involved in all this?!"
"Mother, I'm doing this for my brother..." Li Yuanshu's eyes reddened, and she pleaded urgently, "As long as she dies, my brother can return to the capital, right?"
Cui Yunyi rubbed her aching temples. "If she were really that easy to kill, do you think your uncle and I would have needed to be so careful in dealing with her all these years?"
Li Yuanshu lowered her head and said in a low voice, "Mother, I know I was wrong this time..."
“I was afraid that Li Yuanzhao would notice something was amiss and trace it back to me. If he then complained to Father Emperor, not only would I be in trouble, but it would also ruin your and Uncle’s grand plan. That’s why I came to tell you in time so that we can make preparations as soon as possible…”
As she finished speaking, a genuine fear crept into her voice, "And I'm really scared. If she finds out I did it, she definitely won't let me off the hook..."
Seeing her daughter's anxious expression, Cui Yunyi softened her tone, "Alright, don't be afraid. Since your subordinates said they didn't leave any evidence, she probably won't be able to find anything about you for the time being."
She paused meaningfully, then lowered her voice and said, "Besides, she won't be smug for long. In a few days, it will be her death day."
Li Yuanshu became even more suspicious after hearing his mother's confident words.
What exactly are they planning to do?
Why are you so sure you can get rid of Li Yuanzhao, whom even your father, the emperor, fears?
Li Yuanshu was full of doubts and couldn't help but ask, "Mother, I don't understand, what are you and my uncle planning to do?"
Cui Yunyi was unwilling to say more, but simply patted the back of her hand.
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. Just remember to stay in the Princess's residence these days and don't cause any more trouble. Once everything settles down, not only will your brother be able to return to the capital, but he will also be able to inherit the throne. At that time, my daughter and I will no longer have to be at anyone's mercy."
"Yes, daughter understands." Li Yuanshu's doubts deepened, but she dared not ask any more questions and could only take her leave as instructed.
Cui Yunyi nodded in satisfaction, then gave her a few more words of advice to "be careful with your words and actions" before letting her leave Jinxiu Palace.
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