The emperor faked his death? Never mind, I will ascend the throne directly!

Fang Zheng observed Li Chengfeng's expression and, seeing that he did not explicitly object, he became bolder and continued.

"I believe that although Prime Minister Zhou is old, he is still as ambitious as a horse in the stable. The court is in need of talents now. If we can invite Prime Minister Qi to return to the court to assist Your Majesty, it will surely be..."

Before he could finish his words, Qian Youliang's sharp voice interrupted him, "Lord Fang, be careful with your words! Prime Minister Zhou's retirement and return to his hometown was the order of the late emperor. To bring up the past again now, isn't that questioning the late emperor's decision?"

"Master Qian, this is wrong."

Fang Zheng retorted without hesitation, "The late emperor was merciful and sympathetic to Prime Minister Qi's age, so he allowed him to retire."

"Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, he needs the assistance of veteran ministers. Wouldn't it be a great thing if Prime Minister Qi could return to the court?"

The two of them argued back and forth, but Li Chengfeng remained silent and just watched this "good show" with interest.

He knew that this debate seemed to be about whether Qi Daokun would return to the court, but in fact it was a test among various forces.

Qian Youliang's attitude further confirmed Li Chengfeng's previous guess.

In the end, he ended the argument by saying, "Let's discuss this matter later."

Although Qi Daokun was willing, now was not the best time for him to return to the court.

He needs to wait until the time is right to maximize the use of this trump card.

After the morning court session ended, the ministers filed out and gathered in groups of three or four, whispering about the turmoil in the court today.

"It seems that this little emperor went to Xijing and was frightened by the Prince of Pingxi. He is so weak today."

"That's right. Before, they were so aggressive about investigating the grain prices in Xijing, but now they don't even dare to say a word."

"However, what exactly is Fang Zheng's intention in proposing that Prime Minister Qi return to the court today?"

"Prime Minister Qi? Humph, that old man should have died long ago..."

But the official suddenly stopped talking mid-sentence, looked around warily, and then lowered his voice and said, "Forget it, walls have ears."

On the other side, Li Chengfeng kept Song Zelin and He Sheng.

"Mr. Song, General He," Li Chengfeng said with a meaningful smile, "What are your opinions on today's events?"

Song Zelin bowed and replied, "Your Majesty is wise. Today's incident is just a bunch of clowns. There is no need to worry."

He Sheng was filled with indignation: "Your Majesty, that Liu Zhenshan is clearly..."

It's obvious that he wants to rebel!

Although Li Chengfeng didn't say the second half of the sentence, he understood it. However, he remained calm and waved his hand, signaling He Sheng to stay calm.

"General He."

Li Chengfeng interrupted him, "I know you are loyal, and I wish I could cut that traitor into pieces right now."

"But I ask you, if you lead your troops to Xijing, what are your chances of success?"

He Sheng was stunned and said hesitantly: "This... your Majesty..."

Although he is a military general, he is not a man of courage but no strategy.

If he were really asked to lead the troops to attack Xijing, he would not be sure.

Liu Zhenshan used the silver collected from his fiefdom every year to support his army. His army was strong and powerful, but his chances of winning in a head-on clash were indeed slim.

Seeing that he was speechless, Li Chengfeng stood up, walked over to him, patted his shoulder, and said meaningfully, "General He, some things can't be solved by simply attacking."

I promise you, I will make Liu Zhenshan pay the price! But not now, you have to be patient, everything is under my control."

After He Sheng left, Li Chengfeng's smile gradually faded, replaced by a solemn expression. He walked to the imperial desk, picked up a memorial, and handed it to Song Zelin.

"My dear, look at this."

This memorial was not about what was discussed at the morning court today, but a secret report from Xijing.

Before ascending the throne, Li Chengfeng secretly placed many spies in Xijing so that he could keep abreast of Liu Zhenshan's every move.

This secret report came from a close confidant he placed next to Liu Zhenshan.

The content of the secret report also stunned Song Zelin.

Liu Zhenshan suddenly requested to hand over his military power. The memorial is already on the way to the capital and is expected to arrive in about ten days!

"Please surrender your military power? Your Majesty... I really didn't expect the Prince of Pingxi to take this step."

Li Chengfeng didn't expect this either.

This was completely different from what he expected!

According to the course of history, Liu Zhenshan should have gathered his own troops in Xijing and eventually rebelled. He Sheng was ordered to assassinate Liu Zhenshan, but unfortunately died.

Now Liu Zhenshan has taken the initiative to hand over his military power.

Could it be that my rebirth has changed the course of history?

Li Chengfeng thought to himself, "Or maybe this is just Liu Zhenshan's delaying tactic?"

Song Zelin took the memorial. After his initial shock, a look of ecstasy appeared on his face. "Your Majesty! This... this is truly great news! The Prince of Pingxi has volunteered to hand over his military power. This way, without a single soldier being used, the crisis in Xijing can be resolved!"

Li Chengfeng simply smiled faintly and shook his head: "Song Qing, you think things are too simple. Military power is not Liu Zhenshan's weak point."

The latter was stunned and looked at Li Chengfeng in confusion.

In his opinion, what military generals value most is military power. Without military power, it is like a tiger without claws and fangs. What is there to be afraid of?

"Your Majesty, what do you mean by this? Liu Zhenshan commands a hundred thousand soldiers in Xijing. Now that he has voluntarily surrendered his military power, isn't this a sign of weakness and a plea for peace?"

Li Chengfeng walked to the window, gazing at the towering palace in the distance. He spoke in a low voice, "The soldiers of Xijing have followed Liu Zhenshan in his campaigns for decades and are already deeply loyal to him. Even if he hands over his military power, at a single command, those soldiers will still risk their lives for him. What difference does it make whether he hands over his military power or not?"

Song Zelin finally came to his senses, and felt a wave of fear, with a layer of fine beads of sweat oozing out of his forehead.

He was so overwhelmed by this sudden "good news" that he didn't think about the mystery behind it.

"Your Majesty, do you mean that the Prince of Pingxi has long harbored rebellious intentions?"

Li Chengfeng suddenly turned around: "I have already figured out Liu Zhenshan's attitude."

"When the late emperor was alive, he was loyal and devoted, because the late emperor wanted Li Chenghao to be the crown prince.

“Now that I have ascended the throne, he, the former Crown Prince’s grandfather, naturally has to stand up for his grandson.

"He handed over the military power only to put on a show for me, to paralyze me so that he could secretly accumulate strength and wait for the right opportunity to act."

Song Zelin's face suddenly changed. He took a step back involuntarily, clenching his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

What a good move of retreating to advance!

Although he had suspected Liu Zhenshan of having rebellious intentions before, he never thought that he would go to such lengths to do so.

If it weren't for Li Chengfeng's analysis today, he would probably have fallen into the trap of the old fox Liu Zhenshan.

What surprised him even more was that Li Chengfeng, at such a young age, could have such foresight and see Liu Zhenshan's intentions so clearly.

"His Majesty…"

Song Zelin didn't know how to express the shock in his heart for a moment.

He was worried that Liu Zhenshan's move was just a test, and he was also worried that Li Chengfeng was young and impetuous and would really agree to Liu Zhenshan's request.

Now there is no such concern at all!

"Your Majesty... I am an old and foolish minister. I have never thought of this..."

He paused, then sighed, "Your Majesty is so young, yet so farsighted. It is truly a blessing for us all!"

Li Chengfeng waved his hand, signaling him to stop saying such flattering words.

"Song Qing, do you think Liu Zhenshan did this just to test me?"

Song Zelin pondered for a moment and shook his head: "I, an old minister, dare not speak nonsense."

"But I am indeed worried that Your Majesty will get carried away and agree to his request."

"He was gambling, gambling that I would agree." A cold glint flashed in Li Chengfeng's eyes. "Unfortunately, he made a wrong bet."

"Your Majesty is wise." Song Zelin breathed a sigh of relief.

"Song Qing, don't worry,"

Li Chengfeng seemed to see through his thoughts and spoke calmly.

"He thought I was young and easily deceived.

"He is wrong. I understand him better than he thinks."