Chapter 1015: Chapter 975: You Are the Emperor?

Of course, Lord Liu didn’t believe these ministers could quickly rebel against him and listen to this person’s orders, turning around and tying everyone up. He considered such a thing something this group couldn’t accomplish.

After all, no matter how you look at it, this group has been eating his provisions for years, and he believed he treated them fairly well, giving them their wages on time, if not a bit less.

Yes, only a bit less, each time he would dock just a tiny bit, uh, only a tiny bit really. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Surely they wouldn’t be so petty? Surely they wouldn’t become enemies over such a small paycheck deduction?

Bear in mind, he is the City Lord of East County City.

Here, he is regarded as the local Emperor. With one command, he could take everyone’s heads.

In such a state, how could they possibly turn against him?

Although he had no leverage against these people, he held their generals’ families in his grasp.

If they dared make a move, their generals would definitely not meet a good end.

If it turned out this way, their generals would surely forbid them from doing so.

In summary, while Lord Liu was uncertain about the strategy, he felt uneasy.

He feared these people might recklessly act against him.

Suddenly, he regretted not having controlled all of their families.

If he had done so, these people might charge at the stranger without hesitation, ensuring his safety meant their families would be safe.

But clearly, it’s too late for any talk now. No matter what he thinks, the situation has already happened and cannot be undone.

Now, he can only hope these people have a conscience and won’t act against him, for he knows once out of the City Lord’s Mansion, this person may not be their match.

Though this person is a great fighter, able to handle ten, twenty, or even thirty, can he handle a hundred alone?

Even if he can handle a hundred, can he handle a thousand alone?

As long as he employs the tactic of overwhelming numbers, he certainly can capture this person, especially since his soldiers are armed not just with bare fists but various weapons.

It’s not an exaggeration to say, once a few armed with knives attack, can he defend himself?

If he can still defend himself, then once the crossbowmen start shooting volleys, can he withstand the sharp crossbows?

At this thought, Lord Liu had a plan; he would anger him and lead him outside.

Once Lin Yi goes outside, he’ll be vulnerable.

However, at this moment, Lin Yi paid no heed to him nor those eyeing him, but turned his gaze again to those standing, his voice coldly stating:

"Now I give each of you a chance to remake yourselves. After all, this matter has little to do with you, and I don’t want you to be accomplices. As long as you perform well here, I can assure you of forgiveness. But, if you stubbornly refuse, don’t blame me for being ruthless."

At the last sentence, Lin Yi changed the term to ’me’, deliberately or accidentally. In any case, this slip of tongue stunned Lord Liu.

Yes, although it’s just a word, the perceptive Lord Liu noticed it, and not only him, but the officials and kin drinking with him noticed it.

In an instant, everyone’s gaze was shockingly fixed on Lin Yi.

Simultaneously, Lord Liu couldn’t help but shout excitedly:

"Are you, you, the newly appointed Prince Dayou? Are you the current Emperor?"

Yes, he blurted this out because he suddenly thought of that newspaper, the one he burned, where Lin Yi’s image was prominently displayed.

Indeed, an image styled unlike any seen before.

The image was composed of black and white lines, and though the strokes were rough, they outlined a person’s figure and appearance vividly.

Aside from color missing, it was identical to the person before him.

Thus, he immediately realized this person was the Emperor.

Reading up to here, people might ask, what exactly was printed?

Of course, a sketch of Lin Yi. Lin Yi drew it himself in front of a mirror.

Don’t ask how, just know he learned.

Before middle school, Lin Yi’s parents had high hopes for him.

They wanted their son to attend a good university, but Lin Yi’s academic performance was consistently poor, prompting his parents to steer him towards a career in art.

For this reason, Lin Yi was sent to art school to study.

Though Lin Yi’s artistic skills in the 21st century weren’t remarkable, in this ancient setting, hehe, they’re undeniably master’s level.

It’s no exaggeration; he essentially founded a school of his own.

Once this newspaper circulated, in no time, it caused shock among scholars throughout Dayou.

Especially among painters, especially those in the Palace, who were speechless with awe.

For a moment, as they looked at Lin Yi, they were filled with admiration.

No one anticipated that painting could be done this way, using a few simple strokes to capture a person’s form and expression so accurately.

Unlike their paintings, where even holding their portraits they couldn’t be certain the sketch matched the person.

Holding Lin Yi’s simple sketch, just a glance confirms the person matches the sketch.

This is the charm of sketching.

Of course, this topic has wandered off; let’s return to the current scene.

[To Be Continued...]