Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 955 915: What Use Is This?

For nearly half an hour, these officials felt that being made to kneel was already King You's punishment, or perhaps, it was a stern warning from King You.

This sort of warning was profoundly effective for these senior officials. They understood that any hint of defiance would likely be met with harsher penalties from the new king.

On the other hand, they also believed that if they weathered this storm, they would have successfully navigated the most precarious period of the new king's ascension.

However, in their hearts, they suspected this might be the only such instance.

Concurrently, they harbored a quiet hope that after enduring this trial, a sweet reward would follow.

At the very least, having outwardly displayed their complete obedience without any signs of resentment, they expected the new king to devise a way to compensate them.

The strategy of balancing benevolence with authority was, they mused, the true path to governance, ensuring conviction both in heart and on tongue.

Naturally, these were merely their personal wishes and projections; they did not reflect Lin Yi's intentions or guarantee his future actions.

Yet, precisely as they contemplated what excuse Lin Yi might use for compensation, Lin Yi, from his elevated position, began to speak.

His words, however, left everyone utterly astonished, exchanging bewildered glances as they struggled to decipher his meaning.

"My six Ministers and two Chancellors, who have rendered invaluable service over the years, shall have their portraits painted today. I have summoned you not to create a portrait for me, but to have a portrait made for each of these esteemed officials."

Addressing the assembly directly, he then turned his gaze towards a group of painters nearby, his tone grave:

"These senior officials are highly respected within the Dayou Kingdom and have labored diligently through the years. Even without monumental achievements, their efforts have been substantial.

Aware of the arduous path they have trod since my enthronement,

I have summoned you painters today to create their portraits. Employ your full skill and exert your utmost effort in painting them.

Should my satisfaction not be met, do not hold me accountable for my uncompromising stance."

Upon hearing this, the painters immediately prostrated themselves, their voices unified in promising to dedicate their finest skills and sincerest efforts to the task.

Nodding in approval, Lin Yi gestured, and a stack of neatly arranged white sheets materialized on his desk.

He then turned to Xiao Chen, instructing him:

"Proceed to distribute these sheets among them. Two sheets per person. These will serve as the canvases for the portraits."

Lin Yi's uncanny ability to conjure objects from thin air never failed to astound those present.

This occasion was no different; the painters, as well as the previously impressed ministers, watched with wide, disbelieving eyes as the stack of blank sheets appeared.

A realization dawned upon them: this material was called 'paper'.

Moreover, this manifestation seemed superior to previous displays; it was perfectly white and unblemished.

Its pristine whiteness was so striking it almost stimulated their appetites, making them curious about its texture and taste.

Following Lin Yi's command, Xiao Chen promptly collected the items and began distributing the sheets to the painters.

As the painters received the sheets, they momentarily froze, their movements completely stilled.

Staring at the flawless white sheets in their hands, they were baffled, having never encountered such a thing before; it simply did not exist in their known world. Pristine sheets were unheard of, let alone coarse paper.

Examining the material from every angle, they remained utterly perplexed.

Lin Yi observed their confusion with amusement, yet he harbored no ill will towards these artisans, who posed no threat and would cause no harm.

They were not a detriment to the Dayou Kingdom.

Honest and law-abiding, these craftsmen earned their livelihood through their skills, prompting Lin Yi to show them particular consideration.

Thus, he addressed the assembled crowd, explaining with thoughtful deliberation:

"This material is called paper. It can be used for writing or drawing, much like bamboo scrolls or animal hides, but its composition is finer. This does not imply it is more durable than hides; quite the contrary, it is quite delicate and can be torn with minimal effort."

As he spoke, Lin Yi retrieved a sheet of paper from his desk and gently tore it, the material rending instantly.

With a distinct ripping sound,

the paper in his hand was bisected, leaving those below utterly speechless.

All gazes were fixed on the two torn pieces in Lin Yi's hand, and for a fleeting moment, a single thought occupied their minds: this fragile substance seemed to have limited practical use.The ministers weren't the only ones pondering this; the artists held identical thoughts, their brows furrowed as they gazed upon the xuan paper. Within their minds, they lamented that despite its pristine white appearance, its actual utility appeared rather restricted. This delicate material, setting aside the question of whether one could even create art upon it, posed a significant challenge simply in terms of safe preservation after the artwork was completed. A single misstep, and it could easily rip, thus destroying any content that had been inscribed or drawn. [To be continued...]