Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1003 963: Sharing a Cup Together

Lord Wang's predictions proved accurate; the proclamation of such a government decree inevitably stirred discontent among the esteemed gentry and influential clans.

Just as anticipated, a significant disturbance erupted on the city's outskirts this very night.

A contingent tasked with disseminating propaganda newspapers arrived within the city walls in the latter part of the night.

At such a late hour, with the dead of night settled, it was an impossibility to convene all citizens for a public reading of the newspaper's contents.

While the decree was decidedly more advantageous than disadvantageous to the common folk, representing a monumental boon, disturbing their rest at night was simply not feasible. The leader of the distribution team was acutely aware of this logistical challenge.

Even though they were on an official mission and sought to minimize entanglements with local authorities until their announcements were complete,

their arrival outside the city at such an ungodly hour necessitated informing the local officials to gain entry.

The local officials were taken aback by this late-night notification, expressing surprise at the arrival of an imperial decree so unexpectedly.

Despite their personal displeasure with the timing, the arrival of such individuals, acting under imperial command, meant they were effectively imperial envoys. Their presence on local soil, no matter how inconvenient the hour,

compelled the officials to reluctantly rise from their slumber, don their ceremonial robes, and personally venture out to greet the arriving team.

Upon their entry into the city, and overriding any protests from the newspaper team, the officials promptly prepared a banquet and began to dine with their guests.

The team was aware that excessive interaction with local figures should be avoided, yet the arduous journey had left them genuinely famished.

Consequently, without much deliberation, the team leader gave the order for everyone to partake in the meal immediately, rest afterward,

and commence the primary task the following day. During the repast, he also communicated their requirements to the assembled officials.

However, upon hearing the request to gather the surrounding populace for a subsequent announcement, the onlookers began to harbor suspicions regarding the underlying purpose. Why assemble the people? Was there some solemn secret to be conveyed?

Or was the intention to circumvent the local bureaucracy and deliver the decree directly to the citizenry?

If the latter were true, the decree would indeed prove disadvantageous to their own interests.

This dawning realization prompted a swift mental calculation by the official.

If the decree was indeed detrimental, he could not permit their operation to proceed successfully.

He then asserted his authority, declaring that any necessary arrangements would be handled personally by him.

He insisted that these imperial envoys need not engage in such tasks themselves; they could entrust the matter to his care.

Nevertheless, regardless of his pronouncements, the team remained reticent, echoing only their need for the prefectural office's cooperation in assembling the people the next day.

This unwavering stance only amplified the official's apprehension, mindful of the numerous illicit deeds he had perpetrated within the city, ranging from embezzlement to acts of homicide.

Thus, he harbored a profound dread that if the populace were convened without his oversight and encountered these envoys, accusations might be leveled directly against him before the Emperor.

Such an eventuality would place him in grave peril.

Consequently, with a swift and discerning glance, he signaled to an individual standing nearby.

The confidant, long accustomed to deciphering such subtle signals, understood the implicit directive.

Seizing an opportune moment of distraction, he discreetly departed and returned with remarkable celerity.

The meal concluded rapidly, as the soldiers harbored their own agenda and had no desire to prolong their stay with the officials, quickly finishing their food and preparing for departure.

Yet, the officials attempted to detain them, addressing the group with a cordial but firm tone:

"Esteemed lords, I implore you not to depart so hastily. The feast has merely commenced; let us continue our indulgence a while longer and partake in some wine to assuage your travel weariness.

There is no need for haste. I have already arranged comfortable lodgings for you nearby, and attendants will be at your service."

With these words, he exchanged a knowing glance with the soldiers, subtly communicating his unspoken intentions.

However, the lead soldier politely demurred, clasping his hands in a gesture of respect, and responded:

"Lord Liu, we are deeply appreciative of your generous hospitality. However, we are under the weight of an imperial mission and cannot indulge today. Perhaps on a future occasion, during our return journey, we shall accept your kind offer.

For tonight, we shall simply seek any suitable place for rest."

This resolute refusal only served to intensify the official's suspicions.

It also served to solidify his mounting fears.

These individuals unequivocally intended to address the populace independently, a possibility he could never permit.

Alternatively, he was determined to uncover their true objectives.

He offered a placating nod, bowing respectfully to the lead soldier:

"Indeed, indeed, your point is well-taken. Since you are occupied with imperial duties, I shall not insist further. When you grace us with your return in the future, I shall ensure all arrangements are meticulously prepared.

However, is it not a joy when friends gather from afar? As you must forgo wine due to your imperial charge, let us instead share a cup of water in its stead.

This way, I may be seen to have duly honored my obligations as a host, would you not agree?"