eady prepared."I saw him take a deep breath and then lower his head to reply, "Your Highness, it is true that anyone with even a little bit of power these days wants to be corrupt, and I can say this:...Chapter 462: A General Is Worth a Thousand Soldiers

Li Chen's words made Su Zhen Ting stunned.

Su Zhen's life was dedicated to integrity. The only time he ever showed favoritism was when his distant relative Zheng Baorong knelt and begged him for a night, leading him to write a recommendation letter that helped Zheng Baorong buy an official position.

Therefore, Su Zhen Ting really couldn't understand the underlying meaning behind Prince Charming's laughter.

Seeing Su Zhen Ting didn't understand, Li Chen raised his hand and hooked his shoulder. In the latter's surprise, he chuckled and said, "Even ordinary people receive red envelopes for weddings, births, and deaths. As a prince getting married, marrying the daughter of General Su, the descendant of the War God, that is a proper East Palace Princess!"

"All the officials in the court, they don't even bring me a token of respect, not afraid that I will make things difficult for them"

Su ZhenTing's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Li Chen. He never expected the Crown Prince to set his sights on the civil and military officials, and even more so... This one strike seemed like no one could escape it.

"Prince, this isn't a small sum," Su Zhendong said in a low voice, completely taken aback by Li Chen's unorthodox approach. "And some officials truly only live on their salaries and wouldn't be able to contribute much..."

Li Chen waved his hand and said, "In the imperial court, which official has how much money, the Dongchang doesn't need to be mentioned, as it knows everything like the back of its hand, but estimating a rough figure is definitely no problem."

"Those officials who only live on their salaries, this palace wouldn't even bother to go after them if I were truly desperate for money."

"My target is those who appear upright and incorruptible on the surface, but secretly fatten themselves on the people's sweat and tears."

With a cold snort, Li Chen continued, "This palace will not kill officials simply because they are corrupt. This is true now, and it will always be true."

“Because this empire is vast, and the world is too large for me to watch over every corner, it's inevitable that most places will be beyond my constant attention. Thus, corrupt officials emerge endlessly, and there are simply too many to eliminate completely. So, I might as well leave a few capable corrupt officials. When I need money to get things done, they'll be far more diligent than those upright officials.”

To know the elegance of a tune, one only needs to hear its sound.

Su Zhen'ting is a person who truly possesses great wisdom, acting like a fool in the officialdom, a pivotal figure who stabilizes the political landscape.

He immediately understood Li Chen's meaning, bowed to Li Chen, and Su Zhen'ting sighed: "The emperor's art of the lord has reached its peak."

How many young emperors or princes, once they gained the greatest power in the world, immediately wished to demonstrate their governing ability and longed to execute all corrupt officials, leaving only those who were truly dedicated to the country

...but they don't know that a good official isn't necessarily a kind one, and a corrupt official isn't necessarily an evil one. ...

The world is too vast to be managed by just one emperor, let alone a crown prince. They always need the help of others. And those in power often have some things they can't do openly. That's when ambitious yet capable officials come in handy. This is called "Shang Ti Tian Xin".

Su Zhen Ting, inspired by a sudden thought, spoke: "Your Highness, allow this subordinate to handle this matter."

It's not appropriate for Li Chen to personally ask others for expensive gifts.

People in lower positions wouldn't dare to flaunt their wealth in the Eastern Palace, so someone needed to be sent to remind them.

Su Zhenning thought about it and felt that he was the most suitable person. He could only go and convey this meaning himself.

Li Chen laughed loudly and said with satisfaction: "General, you are worth a thousand troops."

Su Zhen Ting smiled wryly and bowed, but in his heart, he knew this trap was probably dug by Li Chen long ago, just waiting for him to jump in.ons.And today, Li Chen is going to use it to point out the top three in this year's civil service exam.After a moment of contemplation, Li Chen finally put pen to paper.Just after the top scholar was...