Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1016 - 976: No, You’re an Imposter

Once Lin Yi finished his sketch, he handed it over to the carpenters, tasking them with its overnight carving.

It must be said that this group of carpenters possessed exceptional craftsmanship. Furthermore, the design lines provided by Lin Yi were incredibly straightforward. Consequently, it didn't take long before the template for the portrait was completed. During the printing process, it was executed with lightning speed, producing sheet after sheet.

Beyond that, Lin Yi had already been contemplating the future organization of Dayou Bank. Although the immediate issuance of currency might not be on the horizon, the matter of silver notes needed to be placed on the agenda. Naturally, his portrait would be featured on these notes.

These considerations are for later; for the present, attention must remain on the unfolding situation.

Upon hearing Lin Yi's declaration, everyone was utterly stunned, particularly when Lord Liu proclaimed that he was the current Emperor. This revelation left the crowd even more astonished, with the soldiers immediately dropping to their knees in fear, prostrating themselves before Lin Yi.

Lord Liu, it appears, had not foreseen such a reaction. Had he anticipated this outcome, he would undoubtedly have refrained from acknowledging Lin Yi's true identity. In this manner, Lin Yi's claim to be the Emperor was all but confirmed, completely obliterating Lord Liu's initial advantage.

While Lord Liu understood that he held dominion within this city, and that even Lin Yi's arrival wouldn't shake his authority, he was acutely aware that to the common folk, the Emperor always superseded even a Commander like himself. This fundamental hierarchy was precisely why the crowd was so profoundly shocked by Lin Yi's words, leading them to simultaneously declare their allegiance. After all, none of them possessed the courage to defy imperial authority.

Especially with the Emperor of Dayou standing before them, a mixture of fear and profound excitement coursed through their veins. None had expected to encounter the Emperor in person, and whispers of the new Emperor's capability had already circulated.

The events that had just transpired served to validate those very rumors. With a mere wave of his hand, Lin Yi had effortlessly repelled thirty men, a clear demonstration of the Emperor's immense power.

How could they possibly miss such an opportunity for advancement under such a formidable sovereign? For a fleeting moment, a thrill ran through everyone present.

Observing this, Lin Yi found the situation rather amusing, pondering whether Lord Liu was truly intelligent or merely foolish. If he were in Lord Liu's position, he would never have admitted the other party's imperial status at that juncture. Even if the individual explicitly claimed to be the Emperor, he would have ensured that no outsider learned of it, firmly asserting it was a case of impersonation to preserve his own standing.

But now? It was evidently too late. Witnessing the crowd's reaction, Lord Liu appeared to grasp his misstep as well. He swiftly moved to rectify the situation, explaining:

"You possess the sheer audacity to impersonate the Emperor—do you comprehend the gravity of this offense? Even if I were to grant you clemency, the laws of Dayou would not overlook such transgressions. Someone, arrest this impostor immediately! I intend to personally escort them to the Capital City for the Emperor's judgment."

His performance was undoubtedly masterful. The instant he realized his error, he orchestrated this elaborate charade. And indeed, his act began to sow seeds of doubt among the onlookers. A soldier hesitantly lifted his bowed head, casting a glance at the individual before him. For a moment, palpable indecision filled the air.

It is crucial to note that a crucial report had not been disseminated; Lord Liu had taken it upon himself to destroy it. Consequently, none of the individuals present had seen the contents of the portrait, leaving them unaware of Lin Yi's true identity. While some harbored suspicions regarding Lord Liu's abrupt change in demeanor, could there be an underlying reason?

However, what Lord Liu stated now was not entirely without merit; perhaps he, unlike the rest, had actually seen their new Emperor, even though they themselves had not. At the very least, everyone acknowledged that Lord Liu must have seen the portrait of the new Emperor. Now, with Lord Liu denying Lin Yi's claim, how were they to proceed?

Amidst this peculiar tension, Lin Yi suddenly let out a laugh, pointing a finger at Lord Liu and declaring: "Haha, Lord Liu, is it? You certainly possess a talent for debate. But it is utterly laughable; you are but the City Lord of East County, yet you dare to posture before me. Who granted you such impudence? Furthermore, my identity is not contingent upon your assertion or denial of it."

To Lin Yi's surprise, Lord Liu shot back with unyielding vehemence, fixing Lin Yi with a cold glare. "Hmph, do you presume I would fail to recognize the current sovereign? Your attempt to deceive here is already a capital offense. I advise you to surrender immediately, and perhaps I will consider leaving you with an intact corpse; otherwise, do not blame me for my ruthlessness."

Having delivered his ultimatum, he turned his attention to the wavering soldiers. "Come, do not heed his fabricated tales; apprehend this individual."

This time, Lin Yi did not remain passive or await their action. With a swift movement, he appeared beside Lord Liu, seized his arm, and forcefully flung him to the ground. "Haha, regardless of my actual identity, I am aware that individuals like you do not remain in power for long. I ask you, where is the ten-member squad that was dispatched to distribute the paper currency?"

"I demand to know, where are the reinforcements I dispatched?"

With a forceful toss from Lin Yi, the corpulent figure plummeted to the ground with a heavy thud, completely incapacitated.

He remained there, resembling a deceased swine, for an extended duration, his gaze fixed upon Lin Yi, brimming with palpable resentment.

The soldiers encircling the scene, witnessing this, swiftly moved to intervene.

However, upon recalling Lin Yi's potentially significant standing, they halted in their tracks, paralyzed by apprehension.

[To be continued...]