Chapter 266: The Empress Has ArrivedChapter 228: He's an ambitious person.

"Xishan Province has been hit the hardest in the past two years, with widespread famine and starvation. In some areas, it can be said that only one out of ten villages remains inhabited. The registered population of the province has decreased by more than half. This is just one example."

“The entire Xishan Province's officialdom can be said to be rotten to the core. When you go there, this palace won't be able to give you much help. Even the Dongchang branch has been destroyed and needs time to rebuild. So you can say you are completely alone, facing obstacles everywhere. That is the second reason.”

“Now, within the Xi Shan province, there are not only issues in the officialdom and among the common people, but also severe rebellions. The rebels are even stronger than the imperial troops. Although this palace can arrange for personnel to deal with them separately, as the newly appointed magistrate, you will inevitably face immense pressure, and they might even try to get rid of you first. You might not survive. This is the third point.”

Apart from myself, almost no one in the court hopes for your success. Therefore, the pressure you'll face from all sides will be immense. Once there's any slip-up, it'll be magnified infinitely. They also hope you die because your failure means paying a price, and your price is your head. My price is a tarnished reputation. This is the fourth point to consider.

With a slight glimmer in his eyes, Li Chen said: "Such four conditions, anyone with a bit of intelligence would find a way to refuse this appointment. This palace can also promise you, if you refuse, this palace will not make things difficult for you, but can find a leisurely job for you in the capital city. You still have one last chance to consider."

Li Chen's words, every word and phrase reaching Zhao He Shan's ears, but his face did not change in the slightest.

After Li Chen finished speaking, he spoke seriously: "My lord, I have made up my mind. I will still go, but I have a request."

"Speak," said Li Chen.

"I hope Your Highness will grant me the authority to act first and report later, as well as the right to appoint officials throughout Xishan Prefecture."

As a provincial judge commissioner, Zhao Heshan's power limit usually extended to recommending and appointing officials at the level of county magistrates within his jurisdiction, as well as some staff members around him.

Once an official reaches the prefectural level, they must be assessed, dispatched, and appointed by the imperial court. Zhao He shan has no authority to intervene in this process.

Therefore, Zhao He Shan wanted this power to be very great, almost as if he had taken all the personnel powers of the entire Xishan Province.

In most cases, such power cannot be granted to a person.

But now, it is a very important time.

Li Chen pondered for a moment, then said, "Are you sure Giving up such power isn't something to be taken lightly. I can give it to you, but if you can't manage Xishan Province..."

"The humble minister wishes to present his head!" Zhao He Shan said with a resolute voice.

Nodding, Li Chen said, "You may go now. Prepare for your new position. We will depart in a few days."

Zhaohéshān respectfully knocked his head on the ground and said, "Your humble servant takes his leave."

Then, Zhao He Shan stood up, maintaining a bowed posture, and slowly retreated from the Xi Zheng Hall facing Li Chen.

After Zhao Heshan left, Li Chen slowly rubbed the warm stove in his hand and said, "He's an ambitious man."

Sanzhao, the eunuch, came forward to pour tea for Li Chen and chimed in: "If one has no ambition, they probably wouldn't be able to accomplish anything. This servant observes Zhao He Shan, he truly is a capable person."

Li Chen raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Not many people can make you praise them like this."

Sān Bǎo fawningly bowed slightly and said, "This servant doesn't understand either. But since he has the favor of Your Lordship, he must have some ability."

With a sneer, Li Chen said, "Then you know what this palace would have done if he had refused the position just now"

Sānbǎo was taken aback for a moment, wanting to say he didn't know, but seeing Lǐ Chén's playful eyes, he immediately abandoned that clever choice. He said, "Your Highness, will you kill him After all, he's a useless and spineless person. Since he's unwilling to serve Your Highness, there's no need to keep him."ression somewhat indignant.Li Yinhu's brows immediately drooped, he suppressed his anger, and although his tone was calm, it grew increasingly cold as he said: "When have you ever completed the tasks...