p the broken bowl and looked at the thin layer of water left inside, weeping loudly: "Oh Lord! Why are you doing this to me! I just wanted to make some porridge for my daughter-in-law and unborn grand...Chapter 33: A Lead

Chen Tong's eyes flashed, he licked his lips excitedly, and said: "The last general understands."

"Go run an errand."

Li Chen said coldly: "This palace doesn't look at the process, only the result. Sanbao is getting old, and besides, he is the father emperor's confidant, not this palace's confidant. Do you understand what this palace means"

A flicker of extreme excitement, something rarely seen on Chen Tong's perpetually impassive face, lit up his features as he whispered, "This subordinate understands."

Chen Tong left after that, Li Chen returned to the Xi Zheng Hall with a grave expression.

He wondered who had done this.

Transporting such a large sum of money, let alone managing it securely, is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Even if they had access to it, they wouldn't have the authority or capability to arrange such a flawless operation in a short timeframe.

You have to know, Tongxian had so much silver on hand that even Xu Changqing didn't know until after he counted it. Therefore, the person who started this must have known less than Xu Changqing. This person knew the news first and made arrangements in a short time. Without enough power, this would be impossible.

When it comes to power, Zhao Xuanji is undoubtedly the prime suspect.

But Li Chen didn't think it was very likely.

Zhao Xuanji's eyes were only on power. At his level, money had no effect on him. If it was to strike back at himself through this matter, it would conflict with Zhao Xuanji's actions today of coming to the palace and preparing to directly get rid of himself, so the possibility was very low.

"Bang."

A slap echoed across the room as Li Chen's eyes turned glacial. "No matter who you are, don't get caught. I promise to make your death a spectacular one."

With the Jin Yi Wei's deployment, the news that four million taels of silver from the treasury had been robbed could no longer be concealed.

Thus, the entire capital city was in an uproar.

Such a huge case could be said to be the biggest in Beijing in over a decade.

Countless forces secretly surged, some gloated over the misfortune, while others feared being implicated. Amidst the turmoil of public opinion, coupled with the Jinyiwei constantly taking people away from the Ministry of Revenue, shouts of condemnation and pleas of innocence echoed throughout the surroundings.

The entire capital city seemed shrouded in a heavy, oppressive gloom.

In the Dongchang, relentless pursuit was underway. Xu Changqing and Xu Jiuan were also driven to madness, starting to bite people indiscriminately. After all, if they couldn't find the culprit, they would be the ones who died. Finally, late at night, some clues emerged from the chaos.

"Chen Tong requests an audience with the Crown Prince."

When Li Chen received the message, he had not yet rested and immediately summoned Chen Tong to Xizheng Hall.

“After my investigation, I found that all the officials in charge of bookkeeping at the Ministry of Revenue were confidants of Zhao Zeyou, the Right Servant of the Ministry of Revenue. After searching Zhao Zeyou's residence, some undestroyed letters were found, including those related to contact with Tong County magistrate. However, the entire family in Tong County has vanished. It can be concluded that the magistrate is inextricably involved in this matter. As for Zhao Zeyou, he has been arrested and awaits your disposition, Your Highness.”

Li Chen's expression was frighteningly cold as he said, "Bring that dog thing to me."

Soon, Zhao Ze You, whose whole body was bound with five flowers and covered in wounds and bloodstains, was carried to the Xizheng Hall by the Jinyiwei.

Standing in the middle of the hall, Li Chen looked coldly at Zhao Ze You. Though over forty and slightly disheveled, one could still faintly see the charm that he possessed in his youth.

Unlike others, Zhao Ze you was brought to the Xizheng Hall and faced Li Chen without a word, nor did he beg for mercy.

"Your Highness, this Zhao Ze you is very tough. No matter how much we torture him, he won't say a word." Chen Tong whispered beside him.aid: "Before this, this palace ordered King Zhao to oversee the execution of these White Lotus Sect followers."Zhou Ping was quick-witted and immediately understood most of it."King Zhao is unwilling...