Zhu Wen glanced at Zhu Yougui kneeling there, paused for a moment, and then agreed.
“My son is right. Capturing these family heads will prevent these powerful clans from feigning compliance. It is indeed a very good idea. Go and do it. I want to see results within a day…”
"Prince Jin, you mustn't... This would offend the local powerful clans and families, and could potentially provoke a backlash..."
Ding Hui immediately stood up to object, saying he couldn't stand by and watch Taiyuan Prefecture descend into chaos...
"A backlash? Could these people be plotting rebellion? If we encounter true rebels, we'll exterminate their entire clan!"
Zhu Wen slammed his hand on the throne and said cruelly!
Ding Hui opened his mouth, but really didn't know what to say. These powerful families were just watching from the sidelines; who won or lost was irrelevant...
But once you arrest their head of the family, they will definitely resist. They are completely forced into this situation...
"Your Majesty, this plan is far too wicked and will be detrimental to your future rule over the Jin region..."
The strategist Pang Shigu frowned and gave Zhu Yougui a deep look, his meaning unclear...
"If the Prince of Jin is no longer here, how can we talk about future rule? I think these powerful families will understand..."
Zhu Yougui couldn't help but retort that at times like this, it's crucial to seize the initiative, otherwise he wouldn't just be getting beaten up, he might be pushed out and beheaded...
"Your Highness, we must consider the bigger picture..."
Pang Shigu also said, quite unconvinced!
"Alright, my son is right. If the New Tang army breaks through the city, what will become of our future? Patriarch Li, what do you say?"
After Zhu Wen finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Li Tiande and asked, "This is the most powerful and influential family in Taiyuan Prefecture. They are the ones we'll definitely target first. If the Li family submits, the other powerful families will have no choice but to submit under the pressure of the situation..."
"The Prince of Jin has shown the Li family immense kindness, and in return, the Li family is fully committed to supporting him. All five hundred members of the Li family are willing to transfer all their servants to the Crown Prince to replenish his ranks..."
Li Tiande replied without hesitation, his meaning clear: I have no soldiers, but I support the Prince of Jin and the Crown Prince's plan, and I was the first to respond. You can't accuse me of rebellion, can you? Look, I've offered up all my household servants…
"Hmm, not bad. Patriarch Li is a man of great principle. Since the Prince of Jin's residence is hosting a banquet today, why don't you stay here and have some fun..."
Zhu Wen's words seemed reasonable at first glance, but keeping Li Tiande in the Prince's residence was tantamount to house arrest. This was forcing Li Tiande to hand over more power, otherwise Li Tiande would not be able to leave the Prince's residence easily...
Li Tiande remained calm and instead replied respectfully.
"Since the Prince of Jin has extended such a generous invitation, I naturally accept..."
Li Tiande's reaction left Zhu Wen somewhat unsure, and Zhu Yougui also subconsciously glanced at Li Tiande, feeling that the old man seemed a bit strange, as he didn't resist at all, which was completely out of character for the Li family...
"My son, go and invite all the heads of the families from Taiyuan Prefecture to a banquet at the Prince's residence. Remember, it's an invitation..."
"Yes, Father..."
Zhu Yougui accepted the order and left…
The Li residence!
Li Zimu was standing outside Li Zhu's door, knocking and requesting an audience...
Meanwhile, Li Zhu was studying how to break through the city. After all, Taiyuan was a large city and not easy to conquer. Moreover, there was Yangcheng blocking Taiyuan's way!
"My lord, Zimu requests an audience..."
Li Zimu shouted loudly from outside the door, which startled Li Zhu inside, who wondered what this guy wanted...
"My lord, could it be that he has guessed your identity?"
Seeing Li Zhu's confusion, Xiao Baga couldn't help but guess and say!
"Your Highness, did you kill him?"
The archer spirit, holding his bow and arrow, asked…
Li Zhu rolled his eyes at him. Was this a problem that killing someone could solve? After all, they were members of the Taiyuan Li clan; killing the entire Taiyuan would only create more chaos…
"Need not…"
Li Zhu replied with a dark face, then had Xiao Baga invite Li Zimu in…
"My lord, did you rest well?"
Faced with Li Zimu's enthusiasm, Li Zhu remained indifferent, calmly looking at the other party and saying...
"Young Master, please get to the point..."
Li Zimu was somewhat embarrassed, after all, many unpleasant things had indeed happened yesterday. However, being an old hand at this, he quickly masked his embarrassment. He took out a small box from his pocket and handed it to Li Zhu, saying...
"My lord, this is a luminous pearl that I obtained by chance. It's about the size of a baby's fist and extremely rare. Please accept it as a small item for your lighting..."
Li Zimu put the box down...
Li Zhu looked at the small box in front of him. To be honest, he was quite interested in what was inside. After all, even in his previous life, luminous pearls were very precious, and most importantly, he had never seen one before…
"Cough cough..."
Li Zhu coughed twice and slowly opened the box. The dazzling light made Li Zhu squint; even in daylight, the luminous pearl's glow could not be concealed…
This deeply shocked Li Zhu; he hadn't expected a real luminous pearl to be so beautiful…
"Young Master's hospitality is so kind; it's really hard for me to refuse..."
Li Zhu clicked his tongue and thought to himself that these powerful families were really rich, giving away such valuable items without even blinking an eye...
"My lord, you needn't be so polite. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you like it..."
Seeing Li Zhu's expression, Li Zimu knew this item wouldn't be given away for nothing. Compared to a treasure, the Li family's heritage was far more important. He was willing to give away even the dragon vein, so why would he care about a luminous pearl...
"Hmm, it feels warm and smooth to the touch, and its luster is as dazzling as the bright moon. Such a treasure is truly rare..."
Li Zhu played with the luminous pearls in his hands, praising them to the extreme...
"Young Master, I presume you've come here for more than just to bring me gifts?"
"Your Excellency is truly insightful. I've come here to ask you about your plans for the future."
Li Zimu first offered a small compliment before asking the question he wanted to know…
"The eldest son refers to..."
Upon hearing Li Zhu's words, Li Zimu pointed outside the city, his meaning quite clear. Li Zhu couldn't pretend not to know, so he first smiled, then said mysteriously.
"I have a special mission, and it's not convenient to reveal my whereabouts..."
"That's understandable, but with the army besieging the city, regardless of the outcome of the war, I think it will affect you, Divine Envoy, right?"
Li Zimu pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on Li Zhu, watching the changes in his facial expression...
"Would you believe me if I said it had no impact on me?"
Li Zhu did not avoid Li Zimu's gaze; instead, he met his eyes, and the two stared into each other's eyes...
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