f provisions and military pay was handled by the Yueya Pass commanders who would tally the figures themselves and report them to the imperial court. The court would then transport the supplies to Yuey...Chapter 1412: He, Will Be an Emperor for All Time

Zhou Ping'an said in a low voice, "Your Highness, you are acting impulsively."

"Peace be with you."

Li Chen said faintly, "What do you think this palace would do with power"

Zhou Ping'an frowned, he was thinking about Li Chen's question.

"Don't you think that it is my birthright to hold power That my status dictates I should ascend the dragon throne and rule over the land, wielding the divine mandate"

Zhou Ping'an nodded subconsciously.

"But if this palace can't even protect a woman by my side, and an old bald man can kill her, even kill this palace, then what is the point of this power"

Li Chen suddenly shouted, "You tell this palace, what do you want this power for!"

A roar of anger momentarily stilled the carriage's rhythm.

In an instant, the carriage continued its journey.

While Zhou Ping'an's face, however, was not looking good.

It wasn't because he was reprimanded, but because he had always gotten things wrong.

That is the prince before you. First and foremost, he is a man, and only secondarily is he the prince.

No man can bear to have the woman beside him hurt, let alone killed.

Nor can any ruler who wields great power tolerate the threat to their life at any moment.

The carriage swayed and creaked, but an eerie silence hung heavy within its confines.

At this moment, the one who broke the silence spoke.

Zhou Changshou bowed to Li Chen and said, "The commoner agrees with Your Highness."

This sentence broke the silence, and Zhou Ping'an looked at Zhou Changshou in astonishment.

On the contrary, Li Chen's eyes were full of relief. He said, "Ping An is considerate of this palace."

Zhou Ping'an spoke in a warm voice: "Your Highness, if you want to destroy Buddhism, you can do it, but you shouldn't say it out loud. Things are done, not said."

"My humble opinion, Your Highness, is that with the closure of both the North and South Shaolin temples by your decree, we now have the upper hand. We only need for those impatient monks to violate the ban, and then it will be the opportune moment for Your Highness to lead a mighty army to conquer Shaolin Mountain."

"Moreover, regarding Buddhism, one should analyze it piece by piece. The core of Buddhism lies in Shaolin, and the core of Shaolin is divided into north and south. Since Buddhism is difficult to eradicate completely, this presents an opportunity to achieve a lasting solution. We can leverage the existing differences between North and South Shaolin, exacerbate their conflicts, and ensure Your Lordship's absolute control."

With no hesitation, Zhou Changshou spoke candidly, continuing, “First, we eliminate Bei Shaolin. Then, we control Nan Shaolin through a puppet regime. With Shaolin under our command, half the Buddhist world will be destroyed. As for the remaining half, they are in Tian Zang Tubo. This involves both religious and political matters; any misstep could lead to war. We need to devise another plan carefully.”

Li Chen's eyes lit up.

Zhou Changshou's words filled in the rough outline of his plan, and transformed this destined-to-be-difficult task into manageable steps, akin to a master butcher dissecting an ox. As long as they proceeded step by step and executed each operation carefully, this monumental undertaking could be accomplished silently and without a trace.

"Could longevity help this palace" Li Chen asked directly.

Zhou Changshou didn't hesitate. He lifted his clothes and knelt before Li Chen in the carriage, respectfully saying, "If Your Highness doesn't mind, Changshou wishes to serve you."

Li Chen laughed out loud.

This was the first time he had truly laughed since being assassinated by Jiejie.

"Very well, I entrust this matter to you!"

After half an hour, Zhou Changshou and Zhou Ping'an left the carriage.

As soon as he came out, Zhou Ping'an immediately grabbed Zhou Changshou's sleeve and asked in a low voice, "You didn't agree to help the Lord just now. Why did you change your mind when he proposed such a crazy thing"

Zhou Changshou looked at Zhou Ping'an silently and said, "You only see his madness and cruelty in the two words 'destroy Buddha,' but I saw his rationality and lucidity in his words 'faith is not extinguished.' He will be an emperor for all ages." things done, making things happen is the most important thing.To babble on endlessly is a sign of impotent rage.After the laughter subsided, Emperor Jian suddenly asked Li Chen, "What if I refuse"Li...