iningCould it be that you are truly wearing a hemp robe and plain clothesLord Liu's complaints drew a lot of agreement. Apparently, these usually pampered gentlemen had suffered quite a bit on the roa...Chapter 1159 Court Pests

In the eastern palace's practice hall annex, Li Chen took a sip of steaming tea and said to Chen Tong, who was bowing before him: "Don't pay attention to the rumors in the capital. Such a big event can't be kept secret. As long as we control it and avoid causing panic among the people, that's enough."

Chen Tong respectfully said, “This subordinate understands.”

Li Chen thought for a moment, and suddenly remembered the wartime propaganda concepts from his past life. He said: "Let the people under the Dongchang find some storytellers or similar figures in the folk, and ask them to tell more stories about Liao's invasion and bullying of our Chinese civilization. They can modify based on historical facts, or completely fabricate them, in short, we have to raise the hatred of the whole nation towards Liao."

Chen Tong was also a smart person. As soon as Li Chen said this, he immediately understood.

His eyes lit up, and Chen Tong sincerely said, "Your Highness is brilliant."

"I had no choice."

Li Chen sighed, "The Ministry of Revenue has submitted a memorial. Most of it is complaining. It's indeed difficult for them to raise so much grain and fodder in such a short time. This palace understands that they inevitably oppress the people to complete the tasks assigned by this palace. If we stir up anti-war sentiment among the people at this time, things will become complicated."

To those in power, public opinion can be nothing, but sometimes, it can be everything.

Even an emperor cannot stand against the true will of the people.

So an important part of every emperor's statecraft throughout history has been how to guide public opinion for their own use.

The Mandate of Heaven, the emperor is appointed by heaven, this is the greatest manipulation of public opinion.

There are many other things that need not be mentioned in detail, but Li Chen knew very well that he must treat the people kindly.

After finishing his words, Li Chen looked up and saw Chen Tong's expression of hesitation.

"What are you trying to say all day long, like you have constipation Just spit it out if you have something to say!" Li Chen said impatiently.

Chen Tong hastily said, "Your Highness, in fact, the Dongchang recently discovered that the price of grain among the people has risen sharply...almost catching up to the time when a natural disaster broke out last year."

Li Chen was taken aback. He put down the teacup in his hand and asked expressionlessly, "Is it just the Jing'gi region like this, or is the whole world like this"

Chen Tong lowered his head, afraid to look at Li Chen's face, and said, "There have been increases across the country, but the Jingjin region has the most."

Li Chen asked indifferently, "Why didn't you report it sooner"

Chen Tong cautiously said, "This matter involves a wide range of···"

Before he could finish his words, Chen Tong felt Li Chen's gaze like two daggers piercing him. He plopped to his knees with a thud and stammered, "Your Highness, it wasn't that I didn't do my job, but this matter involves a whole line of officials from the court. Many of them are even heroes from our East Palace... so, so..."

"So you're playing it safe, afraid to offend anyone So you just turn a blind eye So you pretend not to see"

Li Chen's three consecutive questions left Chen Tong with a pale face.

"Your accounts, I shall settle with you later!"

Li Chen glared fiercely at Chen Tong, then got up and left.

"Where are you going, Master" Wan Jiaojiao, who had been serving Li Chen diligently behind him, quickly hurried after him, her skirt held up.

"Go and see, these officials of the Imperial Court, for their own selfish interests, have let the people of the capital live such wretched lives!"

Li Chen's words drifted over.

Wan Jiaojiao ran past Chen Tong, seeing him still kneeling there foolishly. She was so angry that she stamped her feet, "Commander Chen, get up and chase after him quickly! Are you going to let His Highness go alone"t once.""This time, I'm here to discuss with you all. It's just to let everyone know in advance and speak freely. You can say whatever is on your mind."Seeing Nangong Shuzhong hanging his head and ke...