Chapter 149 Li Quan's Crisis
Chapter 149 Li Quan's Crisis
Liu Hongwei was delighted when he heard this, and said quickly:
"Your Highness, you are too kind. It is just a small contribution from a humble commoner. It is not worth mentioning."
Li Hao smiled and nodded, then turned to Chen Hong and Wu Hai and said:
"Master Chen and Master Wu are also the best in Yangzhou City, and their reputations are known far and wide. This king came to Yangzhou this time to investigate some matters, and also wanted to hear your opinions on the local area."
When the three heard this, they were moved and knew that this was a great opportunity to express their dissatisfaction and concerns about Li Quan to His Royal Highness Prince Ping.
Liu Hongwei spoke first, saying, "Your Highness, although Yangzhou City has been prosperous in recent years, there are also some hidden dangers. Li Quan, relying on his royal status, has been rampant in the city, bullying the people, colluding with the powerful, and doing all kinds of evil. Although we are willing to eliminate this harm for the people, we are powerless and it is difficult to compete with him."
Chen Hong and Wu Hai also echoed and expressed their dissatisfaction and concern for Li Quan.
Upon hearing this, Li Hao frowned and said in a deep voice: "I have also heard of Li Quan. If he really disregards the law and oppresses the people, then I will not tolerate it. However, this matter still needs to be considered in the long run. I need to collect more evidence before reporting to the court."
The three of them were delighted when they heard this, knowing that His Royal Highness Prince Ping was on their side. They all expressed their willingness to provide His Royal Highness Prince Ping with the necessary help and support.
In the following days, Liu Hongwei, Chen Hong, and Wu Hai worked closely with Ping Wang Li Hao to secretly collect evidence of Li Quan's crimes. At the same time, they also strengthened their ties with other families to win more support from allies.
However, Li Quan was no ordinary man. When he learned that Prince Ping Li Hao had come to Yangzhou, he immediately became alert.
"Why is my fifth brother coming to Yangzhou City at this time?"
Li Quan stroked his chin and talked to himself.
"No, this is a critical juncture between me and the noble families in Yangzhou City. I am just one breath away from completely controlling Yangzhou City. I cannot make any mistakes at this moment!!"
After realizing this, Li Quan stood up and said, "Come here! Put on some airs! I want to go meet my fifth brother!"
Li Quan dressed in gorgeous clothes and went to the residence of Prince Ping Li Hao in a menacing manner.
His heart was filled with doubts and uneasiness, fearing that Li Hao, the Prince of Ping, was coming to deal with him. He walked while thinking about countermeasures, hoping to gain a firm foothold in this impending storm.
When Li Quan arrived at the residence of Prince Ping Li Hao, he was led into the living room. Prince Ping Li Hao was leisurely sipping tea, and when he saw Li Quan coming, he smiled, put down his teacup, and stood up to greet him.
"Fifth brother, you've come at the right time. I was just about to talk to you about the affairs of Yangzhou City." The voice of Prince Ping Li Hao was gentle and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.
Li Quan's heart tightened, but he remained calm on the surface. He cupped his hands and said, "Fifth brother, what advice do you have for me?"
Prince Ping Li Hao sighed softly and said, "I don't deserve your advice. It's just that I came to Yangzhou City recently and heard some rumors about you. They said that you oppressed the people in the city, colluded with the powerful, and did all kinds of evil. I am deeply saddened by this and hope you can give me an explanation."
Li Quan was shocked, but then calmed down.
He defended himself, "Fifth brother, those rumors are all nonsense. I have always been conscientious in fulfilling my duties in Yangzhou City, and have worked hard for the court and the people. Those rumors are nothing but lies made up by those with ulterior motives to discredit me."
Prince Ping Li Hao nodded slightly and said, "I believe you won't do such a thing. However, there is always smoke without fire. As a member of the royal family, you should pay more attention to your words and deeds to avoid causing unnecessary trouble to the royal family."
Li Quan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but then he became nervous again. He knew that Prince Ping Li Hao had come with bad intentions and must have come prepared. He decided to take the initiative and change the topic to other things.
"Fifth brother, I heard that you came to Yangzhou this time to investigate some matters. I wonder what they are? Maybe I can provide you with some help." Li Quan asked tentatively.
Prince Ping Li Hao smiled slightly and said, "There is no rush for this matter. Let's talk about the situation in Yangzhou City first. As one of the representatives of the royal family in Yangzhou City, you should be familiar with the situation here. What do you think is the biggest problem in Yangzhou City now?"
Li Quan's heart moved, knowing that this was an opportunity to test himself. He pondered for a moment and said, "I think the biggest problem in Yangzhou City right now is the fight between the aristocratic families. They are fighting against each other and scheming against each other for the sake of their interests, causing the people in the city to suffer and the order to be in chaos."
Prince Ping Li Hao nodded and said, "You are right. Those aristocratic families are indeed a major hidden danger to Yangzhou City. But do you know? The reason why they dare to fight so arrogantly and recklessly is because you support and indulge them behind the scenes."
Li Quan's face changed when he heard this, but he regained his composure immediately. He defended himself, "Fifth Brother, you are wrong! I have never supported their fighting! I have always been trying to mediate their conflicts and maintain order in the city!"
Prince Ping Li Hao smiled coldly and said, "Oh? Really? Then why did the intelligence I got show that you have been suppressing them? And I also heard that during this period of time, under your suppression, the entire Yangzhou City has been in dire straits!"
Li Quan's heart tightened, and he took a deep breath and said, "Fifth Brother! Those are all misunderstandings! I have never colluded with them! I have always been working hard for the court and the people!"
Prince Ping Li Hao smiled faintly and said, "Okay! We don't have to dwell on this issue any longer. I believe you know your limits. But I want to remind you: as a member of the royal family and one of the representatives of Yangzhou City, you should always bear in mind your duties and mission! Don't damage the interests of the court and the people for personal gain!"
Li Quan's heart trembled, knowing that there was something behind the words of Ping Wang Li Hao. He bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your teachings, Fifth Brother! I will definitely keep it in mind!"
After coming out of Ping Wang Li Hao's residence, Li Quan felt extremely heavy-hearted, for he knew that he had aroused Ping Wang Li Hao's suspicion and vigilance.
Li Quan realized one thing, that this time Li Hao was definitely coming for him.
If I don't realize this, I will be in an absolutely passive position after Li Hao takes action.
After Li Quan returned to his mansion, he immediately summoned his confidants to discuss countermeasures.
Li Quan's mansion was brightly lit and the atmosphere was tense and heavy.
He sat in the main seat in the study, frowning and looking solemn. In the study, several trusted generals and Zhang Hu sat around, their faces also showing anxious and worried expressions.
Zhang Hu, Li Quan's most trusted subordinate, also had a serious expression at this time.
He knew very well that Li Hao's visit was of great significance and was a huge test for Li Quan.
bookrandom