Chapter 1064: Chapter 900: Performing the Duties of a Host?

"Didn’t you hear Mr. Gu’s instructions? Why aren’t you stepping back? Lacking a bit of discernment."

Li Taixing pretended to reprimand a bit, then waved another maid over to serve.

Gu Chengyu waved his hand, indicating refusal.

"Mr. Li, these disaster victims have been outside the city for a day now. Do you have any ideas to bring forward for discussion? I sent my followers with letters and messages to your mansion, but you turned them away. What’s the meaning of this?"

Just now, he was all smiles, but now his face has darkened as Gu Chengyu questioned Li Taixing about the plight of the disaster victims.

"Oh? Mr. Gu sent a letter? I’m not aware of that. Has it been delivered to my mansion? I’m aware of the disaster victims outside Yingnan Prefecture. Aren’t we currently discussing strategies?"

Li Taixing widened his eyes slightly, as if he was genuinely surprised by Gu Chengyu’s words.

Gu Chengyu sneered, discussing strategies, involving merchants in this matter? Since when could merchants participate in government discussions?

"Does Mr. Li have any good ideas for settling the disaster victims? They have nowhere to go; the outskirts of Hangtian City are already overcrowded. As the Magistrate of Yingnan Prefecture, Mr. Li cannot sit idly by!"

Li Taixing frowned, "Mr. Gu, you don’t know! Our Yingnan Prefecture’s river embankment is also leaking, and it’s still raining. Our Yingnan Prefecture can hardly protect itself, how can we manage these disaster victims? Please forgive my inability!"

Gu Chengyu placed his hand on the handle of the Imperial Sword, his eyes fierce, "Oh? Then according to Mr. Li, you don’t want to receive these disaster victims?"

Li Taixing’s breath caught upon seeing this. What does Gu Chengyu mean? Is he trying to threaten him?

But he wasn’t easily scared; he had his troubles and could justify it anywhere.

Gu Chengyu had the authority to act first and report later, but he couldn’t convict him. Even with the Imperial Sword, he couldn’t act recklessly, right?

"Whatever Mr. Gu says, it’s useless. For the safety of the townsfolk and disaster victims, I absolutely cannot accommodate them."

Li Taixing spoke righteously, making everyone present nod silently.

Xia Clan Leader chimed in directly, "Mr. Gu, Mr. Li has truly done his best. Recently, he tirelessly led the townsfolk to reinforce the river embankment; everyone has seen this."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu sneered, then said, "Whether Yingnan Prefecture’s river embankment is leaking, Mr. Li surely knows in his heart. Don’t think that being far from the Emperor means you can act as you please. What about the one hundred taels of gold, Mr. Li? Surely you’re aware? Min Feng is still imprisoned by me, awaiting the Emperor’s verdict. As the one who bribed, does Mr. Li think he can escape this?"

Li Taixing paled instantly upon hearing the mention of one hundred taels of gold. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

What does Gu Chengyu mean? Did he already know about his dealings with Min Feng?

"What do you mean, Mr. Gu? I’m upright and just; I can’t let people slander me."

Li Taixing, in a panic, forcibly tried to argue.

Gu Chengyu shook his head, another one who doesn’t shed tears until he sees the coffin.

Evidence? He didn’t believe he couldn’t find Li Taixing’s evidence by turning the mansion upside down.

"Come, detain Li Taixing first. After I report to the Emperor, decisions will be made."

As soon as Gu Chengyu finished speaking, numerous people rushed into the side hall, quickly surrounding Li Taixing.

This turn of events shocked everyone present; they didn’t understand what had changed from being fine to action just now.

Li Taixing was even more incredulous, "Gu Chengyu, what are you doing? I am an official of the court, how can you arrest me just like that? Even if you are the Emperor’s appointed imperial envoy, you cannot act recklessly! What evidence do you have of my bribery? On what grounds are you imprisoning me?"

Li Taixing stood up in shock, glaring at Gu Chengyu with eyes full of venomous hatred.

Gu Chengyu was unfazed, "Evidence, once your mansion is searched, it will be laid out before you. Hurry and act."

He glanced at Ding Shiliu and the others, annoyed that they hadn’t moved yet and let Li Taixing continue rambling in front of him.

Ding Shiliu saw the displeased look from his superior and trembled, immediately stepping forward to restrain him. Then he bound him tightly.

"Help! Someone is trying to kidnap me; quickly, arrest these culprits!"

Li Taixing yelled for a while, but only two servants rushed in from outside, making his heart sink.

"Go and call the government officials; don’t you see I’m being taken by crooks?"

Before Li Taixing could finish speaking, Gu Chengyu interrupted, "Mr. Li should save his energy. I am an imperial envoy appointed by the court; would they dare defy me, the court, and the Emperor?"

Gu Chengyu stood up, torn off the cloth wrapped around the sword hilt, and with a swish, the corner of the table broke off.

He stepped forward like an arrow and placed the sword on Li Taixing’s neck, almost making Li Taixing wet his pants.

The Imperial Sword cuts through iron like mud; simply resting on his neck, he already felt the chilling aura emanating from it.

Li Taixing swallowed hard, "Mr. Gu, don’t be impulsive; we can talk things over. I sent Min Feng those one hundred taels of gold as a gesture of local hospitality, nothing else!"

"Mr. Gu, what are you doing? Did Mr. Li do anything improper?" Xia Clan Leader finally regained his senses; this was a real Evil God!

This person simply doesn’t reason with you; he acts straight away, leaving you speechless.

Li Taixing is an official of the court, but Gu Chengyu arrested him; such audacity opened Xia Clan Leader’s eyes.

Who knows how long this one will stay in Yingnan Prefecture? If he stays for a month, won’t Yingnan Prefecture be turned upside down?

The Prime Minister was right; this man not only has deep schemes but is also extremely ruthless.

Gu Chengyu laughed heartily, "Mr. Li is really generous. Simply for hospitality, one hundred taels of gold? Mr. Li really is wealthy! I’m curious how much silver Mr. Li’s mansion has to withstand such extravagance. The court’s National Treasury is empty, and I’d like to make a contribution to the court."

Then he turned to Xia Clan Leader, "Xia Clan Leader, you may not know; Mr. Li exploits his office for personal gain and has embezzled quite a bit of silver. I am holding him, awaiting the Emperor’s decision. As for evidence, I won’t elaborate here; those evidences will surely be presented before the Imperial Desk."

At this point, Ding Shi led a government official forward. Upon seeing the detained Li Taixing, the official’s legs trembled wildly.

"This is Lord Imperial Envoy; don’t worry, the Lord is here in Jiangnan on court orders. You government officials better know your priorities. If you delay the Lord’s matters, I won’t be polite with you."

Ding Shi issued a warning, then asked the official to lead the way, planning to imprison Li Taixing first.