No matter what, Chen Tong's statement still satisfied Li Chen.
"I heard from Sanbao yesterday that you went to Xishan Province to protect Zhao Heshan?"
Chen Tong hurriedly replied: "Yes, I just returned to the capital this morning."
"The situation in Xishan Province is much more complicated than we imagined. It can be said that the local government has basically lost its role. Those who serve as officials are used by the local powerful and are the prey of the common people."
"But officials and powerful people have formed a large force to support their servants, and the weapons and equipment of their servants are actually no weaker than the imperial army."
"The high-pressure policy adopted by Mr. Zhao after arriving in Xishan Province caused a series of backlashes from local gentry and officials."
"At first, those squires and officials were still patient and tried to bribe Mr. Zhao to join them. But after Mr. Zhao refused all inducements, he killed several officials who came to bribe him. Then the local squires and officials
Start forming gangs to fight against Mr. Zhao."
Chen Tong obviously came well-prepared for this trip. He had done enough homework and the report was conducted in an orderly manner.
"In the beginning, they just obeyed and disobeyed all Mr. Zhao's orders, obeying the instructions but not the announcement."
"But Mr. Zhao does have some skills. By supporting some officials who come from poor backgrounds and have been suppressed, he has gathered a group of people."
"Coupled with His Highness's support, Mr. Zhao has barely gained a foothold in Xishan Province, and some of the decrees issued can be implemented."
"However, some of the measures enacted by Mr. Zhao, such as resting fields to support the people, robbing the rich to provide disaster relief, and forcing local tycoons to release their fields and use granaries to save the people, completely touched the interests of the local powerful groups, and they began to assassinate Mr. Zhao continuously."
"At the most serious time, in just one day, there were three waves of killers trying to kill Mr. Zhao. Mr. Zhao is considered to be very lucky, and with the protection of the Jinyi Guards, there is no serious problem."
Having said this, Chen Tonggong raised his hands and said seriously: "Your Highness, I believe that if this continues, Xishan Province will end up with two consequences."
"tell me the story."
Li Chen remained calm and said calmly.
He did not evaluate whether Zhao Heshan's series of measures were good or bad, nor was he angry because of the bold actions of local powerful groups.
It can be said that Li Chen, who knows history and the power of the gentry and tycoon groups in the feudal era, is not surprised at all by this.
Even if they do bolder things, it's not surprising.
Chen Tong said solemnly: "Either Xishan Province is completely forced to rebel, and the local gentry and tyrants collude with the rebels to kill Mr. Zhao, which represents a formal confrontation with the imperial court."
"Either a more powerful figure appears, forcing them to compromise and keep on speaking terms with the court, but the court must guarantee their existing interests and promise not to settle scores later."
Li Chen laughed when he heard this.
He looked at Chen Tong playfully and said, "Chen Tong, your commander went to Xishan Province and gained a lot."
Chen Tong's expression changed and he hurriedly said: "Your Highness, I don't understand this humble position."
"Did you say this yourself, or did someone ask you to say it?" Li Chen's tone gradually became indifferent.
Chen Tong lowered his head at this moment. Although he did not look at Li Chen, he could clearly feel the majesty coming from Li Chen above his head getting stronger and stronger.
The surrounding air slowly solidified, as if it was frozen, making it difficult for Chen Tong to breathe.
On this very cold day, cold sweat was visibly oozing out from his forehead.
