Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 935 895: Testing for Poison with One's Own Body

"Ancestral surnames are passed down through generations; who has the authority to alter them? I am not jesting; if I decree you shall revert to the surname Chen, then from this moment forward, you shall be known as Xiao Chenzi. Do you comprehend?"

Lin Yi's voice was grave, devoid of any playful undertones.

The young eunuch before him faltered, his gaze fixed on Lin Yi with a bewildered expression, utterly speechless, his mind a complete blank.

This surge of joy struck him with such unexpected force that it left him breathless, as if trapped within a dream.

It was difficult for him to accept this happiness as reality; in this instant, he felt he couldn't possibly be fully awake. How could anyone possibly have their surname restored?

If any person were to reinstate a surname, it certainly shouldn't be the current Emperor, seeing as the Emperor's own surname was Chen.

Yet, judging by the Emperor's tone, there was no hint of fabrication, ample proof that his words were genuine and free from any deception.

This left the young eunuch utterly astonished, uncertain of whether to trust the Emperor's declaration.

If he were truly permitted to reclaim the surname Chen, he could face his ancestors with honor, even in death.

Observing the continued disbelief etched on the young man's face, Lin Yi sighed with a touch of helplessness and moved forward, speaking as he did so:

"Very well, this matter is settled. Do not compel me to reiterate my words; once the Emperor has spoken, there is no turning back. Remember, my pronouncements hold the weight of gold; they are never rescinded. Since I have decreed that you shall restore your surname to Chen, you shall do so henceforth. Be warned: should I hear you still referred to as Xiao Linzi, I shall banish you from the palace without delay."

With his finality, he ceased paying attention to the eunuch and continued directly towards the Yishan Room.

However, he had overlooked one crucial detail: he had no actual idea of the Yishan Room's location.

Fortuitously, at this precise moment, the young eunuch, having finally shaken off his shock, hurried to catch up.

Witnessing the eunuch's current demeanor, Lin Yi couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation.

At present, the eunuch's face was a canvas displaying an untenable desire to smile, coupled with a profound fear and a gnawing anxiety.

In essence, his countenance was a chaotic exhibition of every conceivable emotion, a look far more complex than joy or sorrow.

Undeniably, in a future era, solely based on that single expression, he would undoubtedly earn the accolade of a master performer.

Naturally, this was but a minor diversion; under the young eunuch's guidance, Lin Yi arrived at the Yishan Room.

Upon gazing at the table laden with an abundance of dishes, Lin Yi couldn't suppress a shake of his head.

In this present era, merely having enough to eat was a blessing, yet the Emperor indulged in such ostentatious extravagance.

Of course, he harbored no immense disgust, for it was a monarch's prerogative to revel in opulence beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.

It was precisely the sort of indulgence befitting an Emperor.

Nevertheless, for himself, he felt remarkably little.

His appetite waned even further upon noticing the monotonous culinary techniques employed across all the dishes.

Prime ingredients were transformed into grand, communal platters, with many prepared through simple steaming or boiling.

Consider, for instance, the colossal black bear paw presented before him; it had been merely steamed.

Furthermore, adjacent to the steamed bear paw, a small, exquisitely crafted dish held a quantity of yellowish crystalline granules.

Clearly, without even needing to speculate, these grains were salt.

In Lin Yi's assessment, this was nothing more than a steamed bear paw accompanied by salt for dipping.

The preparation methods for the majority of the dishes on the table were remarkably similar, despite the exceptional freshness and rarity of the ingredients.

Some even featured animals that would be considered endangered species in later generations, now served as a meal.

Yet, the execution of these dishes could not be lauded; in Lin Yi's judgment, it constituted a sheer waste.

Should these ingredients be transported to the future, they could readily form the foundation of a banquet fit for royalty.

The young eunuch beside him, observing Lin Yi abruptly halt his movement and frown, felt his heart lurch; he cautiously stepped forward, inquiring, "Your Majesty, might I presume you are displeased with these offerings? If so, I shall have them prepared anew."

Hearing the eunuch's voice, Lin Yi resumed his stride.

He approached the dining table, surveyed the dish directly before him, and prepared to lift his chopsticks to partake.

However, at that precise instant, the young eunuch darted forward, physically intercepting Lin Yi.

This unexpected action left Lin Yi momentarily bewildered; why was he being prevented from eating?

From whence did this audacity originate? Why was he so utterly fearless?

Could it be that Lin Yi's previously gentle demeanor had led him to believe he was easily trifled with?

Lin Yi knitted his brows deeply.

He turned his gaze, fixing a cold stare upon the eunuch. While he typically exercised leniency and avoided harshness, this did not imply a lack of temper.

Should anyone dare to overstep their boundaries, he would not hesitate to bring about their demise.

Since ascending the throne, he had steeled himself mentally for the necessity of ruthlessness.

A ruler who was weak or indecisive could never effectively govern their domain.

He held a firm belief: "One cannot stand tall without a heart of stone."

However, at this precise juncture, the eunuch perceived a sliver of lethal intent emanating from Lin Yi.

This caused him to palpitate with fear, understanding he may have been misjudged, and he quickly commenced his explanation:

"Your Majesty, this repast ought not be sampled by you first; it necessitates our testing for any toxins ere you partake.

Pray attend to your imperial well-being, making it your paramount concern."

Hearing these words, Lin Yi was startled, and the sternness on his countenance evaporated in an instant.

[To be continued...]