Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1010 970: Lord Liu's Ambition

And here these scoundrels are, feasting on beef! They are clearly devouring the very sustenance the common folk depend on for their lives.

What purpose could such parasitic beings possibly serve?

Their sole function is to oppress the people.

Of course, while Lin Yi seethed with displeasure and immense anger, he had no immediate intention of eliminating them all outright.

This was because Lin Yi's objective was not merely to exterminate them, but to make an example of them for others to witness – these individuals would serve as the proverbial chickens.

Dispatching them would be simple; ensuring all the officials in Dayou were made aware of their fate, however, was a far more challenging endeavor.

Naturally, Lin Yi was not excessively vexed by this predicament; his thoughts were already occupied with devising a strategy for such a situation.

The paramount concern was to ascertain the whereabouts of his subordinates.

From the fragmented conversations he had overheard, he had already formed a strong suspicion that the ten-man squad had likely met their end at the hands of Lord Liu.

This realization sent a surge of fury through Lin Yi, and despite his normally gentle nature and composed demeanor, he felt an overwhelming urge to confront Lord Liu immediately.

These individuals were indeed excessively audacious and contemptuous of authority, brazenly defying imperial decree to such a staggering degree.

Ha, they truly fancied themselves as the local potentates.

They had failed to adequately assess their own capabilities to challenge the might of the empire.

The former Chen Shiren was easily subdued, but I am no pushover. They intend to treat me as they did him, but ha, they have gravely misjudged.

While experiencing a modicum of anger, Lin Yi continued his clandestine observation of the scene within, commencing to eavesdrop on the discussions taking place.

It was imperative for him to fully comprehend the extent of this group's arrogance to better inform his decision on how to proceed.

And indeed, as he stealthily peered inside, Lord Liu's exceptionally imperious voice once again resonated, uttering words that ignited Lin Yi's fury even further:

"Recently, you must meticulously investigate this matter. Bear in mind, that dog Emperor will most assuredly dispatch more individuals here. If no one returns, they will undoubtedly dispatch others to investigate. At that juncture, we must be fully prepared."

"Now, make your preparations: dispatch one if one arrives, dispatch a pair if two arrive. That is, unless he directly deploys the full might of his army to our city gates; in that case, we shall not concern ourselves with it."

"Ha, even if he were to dispatch an army, it would be of little consequence. Our East County City garrison numbers 15,000 strong, all utterly devoted to my command."

"Ha, with these 15,000 garrison troops deployed, even if the enemy were to send 100,000 soldiers, I would not harbor any fear. We possess the capability to repel them."

Upon uttering these words, Lord Liu exuded an air of particular exhilaration. He was not entirely foolish, and naturally sought to avoid direct confrontation with Lin Yi, as provoking open warfare, despite his troop numbers, would not yield favorable results.

Therefore, having concluded his arrogant pronouncement, Lord Liu continued to address the assembled group:

"However, in my assessment, even if that dog Emperor were to discover this, he would not rashly move against me. Not only do I command control over provisions and military forces, but I also hold sway over this strategically vital territory."

"You are aware that the Yan Country and the Zhao Country have formed an alliance to launch an assault upon us in Dayou Country.

"The East County City under my jurisdiction stands as a critical bastion. Should the dog Emperor push me too far, I shall unhesitatingly open the gates to the Yan forces, thereby imperiling Dayou Country's Capital City."

Upon hearing this declaration, the surrounding individuals immediately responded with unanimous agreement and nods of affirmation.

As Lord Liu astutely pointed out, this East County City was strategically positioned between the Capital City and Shanhai Pass, directly connecting the Zhao and Dayou Countries.

It was common knowledge that the current state of Shanhai Pass was militarily precarious, almost entirely devoid of combat readiness.

Should the Zhao forces initiate an offensive, they would swiftly conquer Shanhai Pass.

Following the capture of Shanhai Pass, their next objective would be East County City.

If I were to abandon all resistance, the Zhao army would then execute a rapid advance towards the Capital City.

In such a scenario, I would have effectively aided the Zhao forces, potentially earning myself a princely title; such an outcome is entirely plausible.

Visualizing this potential turn of events, Lord Liu could not suppress a foolish chuckle.

His heart also felt a burgeoning intrigue with this very notion.

Initially, he had not considered such a path, but now that it had occurred to him, it might very well unfold precisely as he envisioned.

If this ambition were to be realized, his future prospects would be extraordinarily significant.

By seizing the opportune moment amidst this tumultuous era, he might even ascend to the position of emperor over the Six Nations; this was not entirely outside the realm of possibility.

After all, he commanded the loyalty of 15,000 troops. With such a force, coupled with further recruitment, it was not inconceivable to rapidly amass an army of 100,000 soldiers.

Should he forge an alliance with Zhao, commanding 100,000 troops would likely grant him the right to claim a new imperial title within Dayou Country.

The more he contemplated this possibility, the more his excitement grew, compelling him to take another deep draught of wine.

From his vantage point on the rooftop, Lin Yi had overheard every detail of their scheme.

The audacity of this individual contemplating betrayal left him stunned.

Not only was this traitor siphoning off the resources of Dayou Country, but he also harbored thoughts of desertion – a truly dishonorable act for anyone.

A surge of pure disgust and fury coursed through Lin Yi, his fists clenching with an overwhelming desire to strike the traitor down immediately.

Yet, a hint of contempt also colored his thoughts regarding the traitor's boasts.

Despite its supposedly prime location, the notion of Zhao's troops daring to invade while Shanhai Pass remained standing was preposterous.

Presently, Shanhai Pass was a formidable bastion, boasting a garrison force exceeding one hundred thousand.

With such strength, invading would be impossible for Zhao alone, let alone if Yan and Zhao were to combine their might.

[To be continued...]