Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1001 - 961: The Influence of Newspapers

Through his decisive actions, Lin Yi was making it undeniably clear that his intention was to subjugate these three nations with utmost speed and then claim the title of Emperor. After all, the designation of King of Dayou was merely the title of a regional leader; Emperor, however, was a truly monumental appellation.

At this juncture, everyone grasped the extent of Lin Yi’s boundless aspirations and the grandeur of his ambitions. Concurrently, a sense of exhilaration began to bubble within them. If the Dayou Kingdom were to indeed achieve world unification, their own standing and prestige would inevitably soar.

Naturally, the administration of the other two capitals would necessitate their engagement. Furthermore, it was evident that the ministers from those formerly independent nations would not be held in high regard by Lin Yi. The individuals who would truly garner his favor, and consequently their own power, would be the established and trusted officials.

This scenario presented them with exponentially greater opportunities, promising a surge in their influence to an unprecedented zenith. If circumstances allowed, they could even secure prominent regional leadership roles, effectively becoming the de facto rulers of their respective territories—a pursuit that represented their ultimate ideal.

The banquet, a celebration of national significance, stretched for nearly three hours before its conclusion. During this time, an atmosphere of gaiety prevailed, at least outwardly, among the attendees. Yet, the truly jubilant were the common folk.

While the feast for the dignitaries unfolded, soldiers carrying dispatches were already making their way to their designated posts. Upon the public reading of the news, a wave of astonishment swept through the populace.

Indeed, among the dispatched soldiers were individuals specifically assigned to read aloud the latest decrees and news to the assembled public. Moreover, these emissaries were mandated to remain in the localities for a minimum of ten days. Throughout this period, they were to repeatedly disseminate the information to the gathered citizens.

Considering that certain towns were situated mere tens or even hundreds of miles from the Imperial Capital, the swift steeds could cover such distances within a few hours. Typically, the established protocol involved the local magistrate first hosting these officially dispatched messengers, offering them hospitality and sustenance for several days before the true message was conveyed.

Of course, after the message was relayed, it was uncertain whether the local administrators or influential nobles would enact the decree or simply pass it down the hierarchy, a matter entirely outside the messengers' control. However, the current group of soldiers was distinct; they bore imperial commands and had been meticulously chosen by Lin Yi.

Consequently, they paid no heed to the local county officials. Despite repeated invitations, their attempts at engagement were met with complete disregard. Instead, these soldiers swiftly convened the nearby populace, announcing the contents of the dispatch before all present.

Instantly, the faces of the local aristocracy grew pallid. Gazing upon the soldiers proclaiming the news from the makeshift stage, their eyes blazed with fury, fists clenched and teeth ground in apprehension, questioning whether they should resort to eliminating these individuals.

Following the public reading of the decree, the aristocratic families bore the brunt of its impact. Currently, only a handful of local residents were in attendance, affording them a degree of maneuverability – in the worst-case scenario, they could eliminate these messengers. However, should this matter become widely known, and the rural populace be informed, the ensuing repercussions would be calamical.

The potential for financial and reputational damage was immense and seemingly insurmountable. More critically, their established authority faced grave peril. If the Emperor's decree truly penetrated the rural areas, their own influence would be diminished to that of mere minor officials. At that juncture, a Sword of Damocles would perpetually hang over them, a burden too great for any to bear.

After prolonged deliberation, they ultimately hesitated to act. Firstly, the opposing force was considerable, numbering ten soldiers, and their equipment clearly marked them as imperial troops. Regardless of their combat prowess, their origins were not something to be trifled with.

Should they choose to slaughter them on the spot, while it might not ignite immediate turmoil, news would eventually reach the Imperial Palace, prompting them to dispatch a substantial military force. At such a time, their entire aristocratic lineage could face annihilation, not to mention the forfeiture of their official posts—their very lives could be forfeit.

Yet, allowing the situation to persist offered no viable solution, leaving them in a state of agitated consternation. After exchanging furtive glances, a select few nobles quietly detached themselves from the throng, returned to their respective estates, and convened to deliberate on a course of action.

"Lord Wang, the court is pushing us into an untenable position."

"Indeed, if this decree is permitted to circulate, we will face immense financial losses."

"Worse still, if this Emperor truly enforces this edict, the fear and deference our families command amongst the populace will inevitably diminish."

"Lord Wang, please devise a solution. If our influence wanes, how shall we maintain control over this territory? How can we possibly persist in our comfortable lives?"

"Should those dissidents band together and lodge a formal complaint against us, we will be powerless to resist."

Within a lavishly appointed hall, a group of seven or eight individuals were seated. At the heart of their gathering was an elder, whose official robes were adorned with graying hair. He listened intently to the grievances voiced by those surrounding him, his brow furrowed with a deep concern.

He understood the implications of their words and had already considered these possibilities. However, he found himself uncertain on how best to approach the new Emperor.

While others might remain unaware, he had indeed caught wind of certain developments – specifically, that the Emperor had dismissed both the two Prime Ministers and the six Ministers.

Furthermore, this very individual was responsible for the execution of the former King of Dayou and Prince Ning.

This alone served as a stark testament to the man's ruthlessness. To act impulsively in such a climate could very well be a path to ruin.

For a considerable time, his mind raced, contemplating numerous strategies to navigate this perilous situation.

Should his approach prove misguided, the fruits of his years of diligent administration could all be lost.

[To be continued...]