Chapter 52: Li Chen Is Strong, But I Have No Reason to Lose!

Of all those shocked by Feng Huai’s sudden death in court, none more so than Second Prince Li Xian.

Li Xian had just gained the Ministry of Justice as a major ally and was overjoyed, already imagining how he would wield it.

But before he could issue orders or make any moves, Li Chen swiftly eliminated it.

This made Li Xian begin to suspect whether Li Chen had already planted spies around him—how could Li Chen act so fast after he’d just received intelligence?

Added to this was the news from morning court about the northern campaign.

Li Xian was certain that Li Chen had placed moles in both his and the Third Prince’s circles.

This move, though seemingly chaotic, was actually Li Chen’s warning to him and the Third Prince.

“Interesting. I underestimated you before.”

From this moment on, Li Xian officially placed Li Chen on the same level as himself—as a worthy opponent.

Yet Li Xian was not in a hurry; as long as his master acted, he had no reason to lose!

In his view, this game was still a guaranteed win.

At the Grand General’s mansion, Guo Po was tending vegetables in his private courtyard.

He hadn’t worked the land in many years, yet the skill had not faded.

Every motion flowed effortlessly, seamless and complete.

Even after planting all morning, not a single drop of sweat had formed on his body—his physique was far stronger than his age suggested.

Having finished turning the soil, it was roughly time for court to end.

He sat on a chair in the reception hall, sipping tea as he listened to his subordinates’ reports.

“Feng Huai brought his own doom, but I never expected His Majesty would advance the northern campaign so soon.”

He felt a pang of regret—missing two major dramas while confined at home was unbearable.

As if having made up his mind, Guo Po urged his servant to bring his formal robes, preparing to go out.

At that moment, Guo Po’s son, Guo Zhenwei, walked over and asked, “Father, where are you going?”

Guo Po replied seriously, “His Majesty is launching a northern campaign—this expedition must include me. Even if I die on the battlefield, it’s better than dying in court.”

No general would miss such an opportunity—it was a honor for them!

That’s why so many generals in court are begging Li Chen to let them fight.

“But Father, you’re still under house arrest. Have you forgotten how Feng Huai died? He was executed for defying His Majesty’s orders.”

Guo Zhenwei’s words instantly cooled Guo Po’s temper.

To be honest, he still feared this new emperor, Li Chen.

Yes, His Majesty placing me under house arrest was already lenient.

And it’s only seven days—if I hadn’t been so reckless in the imperial study last time, I’d probably be back in court already.

If I leave without being summoned now, wouldn’t that also be defying His Majesty’s orders?

What does an emperor hate most? Disobedient ministers.

Isn’t Feng Huai’s example clear enough? I just mocked him—and nearly walked straight into the same trap.

Guo Po knew Li Chen’s temper; he’d only been too eager and nearly forgotten this.

But now the northern campaign commanders haven’t been decided—if others get there first, what then?

“What if I go to petition His Majesty and convey your intentions?”

Guo Zhenwei’s idea was sound, but Guo Po worried.

Li Chen’s mind is harder to fathom than the late emperor’s—if my son offends him, losing the chance to fight is minor; getting the whole family exterminated is catastrophic.

Previous emperors at least followed protocol and showed some mercy; this one doesn’t care—and doesn’t need to. Sensing his father’s thoughts, Guo Zhenwei added, “Don’t worry, Father. We’re subjects—we’re His Majesty’s dogs. All we need to show is loyalty.”

Though crude, Guo Po fully agreed.

Only by treating yourself as a dog, adopting that attitude toward His Majesty, can you avoid offending him.

With that settled, Guo Po told his son to hurry, before other generals beat him to it.

Guo Po changed into formal attire and rode to the palace at top speed.

But as soon as he reached the palace gates, he froze.

Hundreds of people were gathered there—Tian Ce Dynasty generals and their retinues.

Many generals wore full armor; their horses were also clad in military gear.

Without exception, all had come upon hearing of the northern campaign, eager to petition for command.

Alongside young officers like Guo Zhenwei were veteran generals from Guo Po’s own generation.

!

They hadn’t appeared publicly in the capital for decades—and now they couldn’t sit still.

Their thoughts were likely the same as Guo Po’s: better to die on the battlefield than in court.

If these were civil officials, they’d be exchanging pleasantries, greetings, and polite words.

But generals are different—they’re rivals, and they’d already started hurling insults.

“What level are you? How dare you apply for the northern campaign? Your consumptive frame won’t survive the northern cold.”

“Hah! I’ve fought in countless battles—more than you’ve even seen. What right do you have to compete with me?”

“Everyone, quiet down. I’ll speak fairly—I’ve served on the northern front, know the terrain best. This campaign should be mine.”

“You think you’re so important? Who here has served in the north? I heard you were recalled to the capital because you were incompetent—and your post was taken by a young officer. How dare you show your face?”

“What did you say!? Where did that rumor come from? You looking for a beating?”

“Come on then—who’s afraid? Whoever loses goes back home!”

The scene among these generals was wildly chaotic.

Had it not been for others pulling them apart, some generals with longstanding grudges might have started fighting right outside the palace gates.

More generals and high nobles were still arriving.

Guo Zhenwei, seeing this, broke into a sweat. He pushed forward and quietly slipped some silver notes to the eunuch Cui Gong. “Your Excellency, I’m the son of Grand General Guo Po.”

Before he could finish, Cui Gong pushed the money back and snapped impatiently, “Enough, General Guo. Without His Majesty’s summons, no one enters. Don’t make this harder for me.”

Today, Cui Gong had already turned away dozens of “important people.” Guo Zhenwei’s rank wasn’t even worth a decent look—only if his father, Grand General Guo Po, showed up might he get a better response.

Li Chen’s orders were divine edicts to Cui Gong. No amount of silver from you, Guo Zhenwei, would change that.

Besides, there are so many here—you’d need to find a private spot to bribe.

I truly don’t know whether you generals are stupid or blind to the situation.

Cui Gong didn’t know why, but as the new emperor grew stronger, he himself felt more empowered.

As the saying goes: even when beating a dog, you must respect its master. The stronger the master, the more arrogant the dog.

With a master like Li Chen, Cui Gong had no fear of offending anyone.

I’m just Li Chen’s dog—I’m doing his bidding. If you have the guts, take it up with him. See what he does to you.

(End of Chapter)