As Lord Wang anticipated, the issuance of such a government decree would undoubtedly provoke dissatisfaction among all the gentry and powerful clans.

As expected, a very serious incident occurred on the outskirts tonight. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

A team responsible for distributing propaganda newspapers arrived in this city in the latter part of the night.

At such an hour, in the dead of night, it was impossible to gather all the citizens to have the newspaper contents read to them.

Although the decree was definitely more beneficial than detrimental to the people, and undeniably a great boon, it was impractical to disturb them at night. The leader of the team was well aware of this.

Even though they were on a mission and would not get too entangled with the local authorities until the reading was complete,

arriving outside the city at such an hour required notifying the local officials for entry.

The local officials were taken aback upon receiving the notice, not expecting an imperial decree to arrive so late.

Though they were personally displeased, since it was an imperial command, these individuals could be considered imperial envoys. Such people arriving on their turf meant that, despite being annoyed by the timing,

they reluctantly crawled out of bed, donned official robes, and personally went outside to welcome the team in.

Once inside, disregarding any objections from the team, they prepared a table of food and started dining with them.

They were aware that they should not have too deep interactions with the locals, but after a long journey, they were indeed hungry.

Thus, without much hesitation, the team leader ordered everyone to eat immediately, rest after the meal,

and to begin the actual task the next day. During the meal, he also discussed his needs with the officials.

However, upon hearing the request to gather the surrounding populace for an announcement the next day, the curious onlookers began to wonder about the purpose. Why gather the people? Was there a secret to be announced to them?

Or did they intend to bypass the officials and directly issue the decree to the people?

If that were the case, the decree would indeed be detrimental to them.

This realization set the official on a quick mental calculation.

If the decree was truly unfavorable, he could not allow them to succeed in reading it out.

He then took charge, claiming that if anything needed doing, he would personally handle it.

There was no need for these imperial envoys to undertake the task personally; they could leave it to him.

However, despite anything he said, the team remained tight-lipped, merely requesting the cooperation of the prefectural office to gather the people the next day.

This only deepened the official's suspicions, knowing he had committed numerous crimes in the city, from embezzlement to manslaughter.

Thus, he truly feared that if the people were gathered without his involvement and met the envoys, someone might accuse him directly to the emperor.

If that happened, he would be in serious trouble.

Thus, with a quick and insightful look, he signaled to the person beside him.

The confidant, well-accustomed to these cues, understood what needed to be done.

Seizing a moment of distraction, he slipped out and returned in no time.

They ate quickly, for the soldiers had their own plans and had no intention of dawdling with the officials, quickly finishing the food and preparing to leave.

But the officials wouldn't let them leave so easily; addressing everyone, he said:

"Esteemed lord, don't rush off. The meal has just begun; let's eat a while longer and sip some wine to alleviate the fatigue.

No need to hurry. I've arranged lodgings over there for you, and there will be people to attend to your needs."

Uttering these words, he winked at the soldiers, conveying his unstated intentions.

However, the leading soldier politely declined, cupping his hands in salute, and replied:

"Lord Liu, thank you for your kindness, but we are burdened with an imperial mission, unable to indulge today. Perhaps next time, when we return, we will avail your hospitality.

Tonight, we will simply find any place to rest for the night."

Hearing such a firm refusal only intensified the official's suspicions.

It also confirmed his fears.

These individuals certainly intended to address the people without involving him, which he could never allow.

Or, he had to determine their true intentions.

He nodded in agreement, saluting the leading soldier:

"Yes, yes, the lord is right. Since you have an imperial mission, I won't pressure you. Once the lord returns in the future, I will ensure all arrangements are made.

However, since friends come from afar, isn't it a joy? Since you have an imperial duty and must refrain from drinking, let us drink a single cup of water instead of wine.

Let it be known that I have duly fulfilled my duties as a host, shall I?"

Upon hearing this, the leading soldier, after a moment's thought, agreed, for the request was not excessive.

He decided to grant the official this small courtesy.

Thus, he saluted Lord Liu:

"Thank you, Lord Liu. Truly, with the imperial mission at hand, we cannot drink. Today, let us use water to replace wine, toasting your hospitality."

As soon as he finished speaking, those present promptly poured a cup of clear water for everyone around the table.

[To be continued...]