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Li Yu's status had changed from Third Prince to King of Anxin.

Anxin City was the fief the Previous Emperor had arranged for Li Yu during his reign.

Apart from the Crown Prince, every prince had a fief, even Li Chen.

The reasoning was simple enough. The Crown Prince was the heir apparent and would inherit the nation. Even if the Previous Emperor considered Li Chen an "ignorant good-for-nothing," he was still a prince and could at least coast through life without worrying about food or clothing.

However, there was one issue emperors throughout the ages had considered: preventing vassal kings from using their armies to entrench their own power.

Thus, vassal kings enjoyed wealth but had little authority.

If they wanted a better life, they had to develop their fiefs themselves, like Li Ji, who started businesses in his own territory to increase his income.

But that came with a certain risk: bankruptcy.

Others were like Li Yanhui, sitting idle and eating through their mountains of wealth.

Their households had assets, after all. As long as they did not squander too much, they could still live without worrying about food or clothing.

After that came keeping a few trusted followers to consolidate their position.

But they could not have too many subordinates, or officials such as the prefect and City Inspector would report them to the court.

Once an emperor learned that these vassal kings were expanding their influence, how many could sleep soundly?

The emperor would surely think, Is this fellow planning a rebellion? If not, why is he keeping so many men?

What followed would be suppression by the emperor.

Anxin City enjoyed a favorable location in the Central Heavenly Strategy Dynasty.

Being King of Anxin did not mean that everyone in Anxin City obeyed Li Yu.