ave achieved considerable internal strength can stay dry as a feather, walking through the rain without getting wet”"Indeed so," said the monk Jiwang, joining his palms in a gesture of respect and cha...Chapter 1194: Knocking

Li Chen's reprimand caused Xu Changqing to immediately lower his head, wishing he could dig a hole and bury his entire head in it.

Li Chen glanced at those other officials and said indifferently, “You all are here to plead for mercy”

Officials' faces were all twisted with discomfort and embarrassment.

Even Xu Changqing was scolded, and even this prince in front of them, they really didn't dare to confront him with their temperaments.

Seeing no one respond, Li Chen continued, "This palace sees that you are all dazed."

"What's with all this talk about the Donggong system going around now Didn't it all start from you guys"

"Well, you lot can't even handle simple tasks, yet you form cliques and factions like it's second nature. Is that what you want to do Give me a second cabinet"

Li Chen's words were extremely serious.

Several officials of high standing hurriedly kowtowed and said, "We dare not."

Li Chen frowned and scolded, "At least you know your place. This palace is putting it plainly: the court will not have any East Palace faction. There wasn't one before, there isn't one now, and there will never be one in the future!"

"It's normal for officials to have personal connections. After all, no one can work alone in this world. This is a society built on relationships, and I won't be overly harsh and expect you to have no friends or colleagues. However, if any of you dare to scheme against me in private, these people who were caught this time will serve as a warning!"

Li Chen's eyes were like lightning, his aura grew heavier and heavier, his voice thundered down from the heavens, penetrating to the deepest parts of everyone's hearts.

“This palace knows that some of you have thoughts in your hearts. You think that now that the cabinet has been dismantled and three ministries and three departments have been established, your opportunities have come. Think about how you supported this palace's policies before and feel like you have made contributions. This palace will turn a blind eye and let you do some things.”

But let me tell you all today, anyone who has such thoughts, better extinguish them right away because it's absolutely impossible!

In my eyes, there are only two kinds of officials: those who serve the people and work hard for the country, and those who line their own pockets, abuse their power for personal gain, and are corrupt officials.

Stand up, walk to the front of these officials, Li Chen's tone softened slightly, "The first kind of official, it's because he doesn't want to be promoted, doesn't want more power, this palace would stuff power, official positions, honor and wealth into their hands. The second kind of official, no matter how deep you hide, this palace has a way to find you out."

"Have you all heard clearly"

Xu Changqing responded first, "The minister has heard clearly."

Other officials looked at each other, but they didn't have the courage to retort. They could only shout along, "Your subordinates have heard you clearly."

"Just make sure you hear me clearly."

Li Chen glanced impatiently at them and said, "This palace is not someone who doesn't understand human desires. I know that for the vast majority of officials, it is better to avoid making mistakes than to achieve merit. I also know that the salary the court currently gives to officials is indeed low, which forces some well-intentioned officials to do some things for personal gain in order to make a living."

After all, first and foremost, you are all human beings. You have wives, children, and families to support and care for. Secondly, you hold official positions. This palace is not a saint, and I wouldn't expect every single one of you to be able to live on nothing and remain incorruptible, even if it means your own family cannot be sustained.

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!s is a society built on relationships, and I won't be overly harsh and expect you to have no friends or colleagues. However, if any of you dare to scheme against me in private, these people who were c...