As the ruler of a dynasty, Ye Yunsheng naturally knew how busy her days were. Zhao Li was also the master of a sect, and it was likely difficult for him to leave easily. She already felt fortunate for his company these past few days, so receiving his positive reply was quite a pleasant surprise.
Clearly, she had no idea that Shopkeeper Zhao was the type who just delegated everything.
After agreeing on a time, Zhao Li was promptly sent away, given no chance to cause any trouble.
Early the next morning, Zhao Li said goodbye to his parents. Under Zhao Lingxiao's strange laughter, Han Xiangyu's repeated instructions and even threats, he fled in a panic.
Even though Zhao Li thought he had thick skin, he still couldn't stand his parents' teasing.
...
The Great Li Dynasty was located between the Eastern and Northeastern Regions of the Continent. Even with Zhao Li and Ye Yunsheng's formidable strength, it took them most of the day, crossing several countries, to reach Great Li territory.
Of course, this was also because they weren't traveling at full speed and even occasionally explored foreign lands, which was why it took so long.
Since its initial establishment, Great Li, with Ye Yunsheng at its helm, had rapidly developed and grown strong. It had now annexed several surrounding countries, and its territory was immeasurably larger than Great Qian's.
Zhao Li didn't descend directly upon the Imperial City but instead pulled Ye Yunsheng along for an incognito inspection.
At this moment, the two of them were in an unremarkable city under the jurisdiction of the King of the West. Although Tianfeng City wasn't large, it was prosperous.
Zhao Li and Ye Yunsheng walked casually along the streets, and Zhao Li was quite surprised by everything he saw.
Peddlers, pedestrians, constables, and shops were all orderly and well-behaved. Although Zhao Li could sense that they were clearly somewhat apprehensive, as if afraid of being punished for a single misstep, overall, Tianfeng City showed initial signs of order compared to other places.
Ye Yunsheng felt a little proud and asked with a hint of anticipation:
"Zhao Li, what do you think of Great Li?"
This was the result of her efforts over the past ten years, working towards her ideals.
Zhao Li nodded, not sparing his praise:
"Amazing. I didn't expect you to achieve this level in just over ten years."
One could see the whole picture from a single detail. Just looking at the present, Great Li, compared to his so-called planting seeds and waiting for future harvest which currently showed minimal results, what Ye Yunsheng had done in Great Li had extremely obvious effects.
Ye Yunsheng received recognition but didn't show pride. She felt it was still far from enough:
"Unfortunately, the Great Li Laws are strict, and many people feign compliance while causing considerable unrest in secret."
Over the past ten years, besides cultivating, she had naturally experienced many things. After achieving success in cultivation, her heart's desire was to use her power to protect those who had suffered the same fate as her but were not as fortunate.
When establishing the nation, she had strictly enforced the laws, explicitly prohibiting cultivators from attacking mortals without reason, winning the support and cheers of many mortals.
At that time, she felt she had done the right thing, and her heart was filled with joy, even though she didn't need their cheers.
"It's impossible to satisfy everyone no matter what. As long as you know what you're doing and why you're doing it, that's enough," Zhao Li comforted her.
Suddenly, with a creak, the sound of a shaking window entered their ears, followed by a figure flying backward out of a window on the second floor of the restaurant, landing in front of Zhao Li and Ye Yunsheng.
Ye Yunsheng frowned slightly. The Great Li Laws stated that private duels were strictly prohibited, and grievances should be mediated by the government office. The situation before them was clearly far from what the law stipulated.
She was about to step forward and ask for the reason but was pulled back by Zhao Li, who shook his head gently.
Ye Yunsheng stopped her movement and followed his gaze. The patrolling soldiers had already noticed the commotion here and acted quickly, coming forward to understand the situation.
"What's going on?"
The soldiers were in a team of five, and the leader put on a stern face, asking in a deep voice.
The person who had been thrown down was about to speak when his pupils suddenly constricted, and he subconsciously looked towards the window.
A young man held a folding fan, like a refined gentleman, standing quietly by the window.
But Zhao Li and Ye Yunsheng heard his transmitted message clearly:
"You better think carefully. The law is dead after all, but my Mu Family has countless ways to easily deal with you within the scope of the law. I just don't know where your beautiful sister will be sent after you're imprisoned."
Ye Yunsheng's eyes held a murderous glint. This was practically a public slap in her face, but at Zhao Li's signal, she still held back and watched from the side.
Sweat beaded on Lu Renjia's forehead, from both pain and fear. He struggled to get up and said to the soldiers:
"Sirs, it's nothing. I just fell down accidentally. I'm really sorry for causing you trouble."
He was clearly quite injured from the fall, even breaking his arm, but he endured the pain and spoke up to make excuses for the person who had hurt him.
As soon as he finished speaking, the young man surnamed Mu upstairs laughed, clapped his fan against his palm, closed it, and leaped down, landing right between the soldiers and Lu Renjia.
He saw the hatred and fear in Lu Renjia's eyes clearly but paid no attention, greeting the soldiers on his own:
"Sirs, you've worked hard for the stability of Great Li. This is a small token of appreciation from my Mu Family. Please accept it."
The person behind him instantly understood his intentions and brought out two plump pheasants and a pot of fine wine, presenting them to the leader.
The leader's heart stirred. He had a rough guess about what had happened here. He accepted the food and drink and smiled:
"It's our duty. It's all for Your Majesty."
The Mu Family was indeed the number one family in this city. Because of their old ties with the Prince's Mansion, they had the final say in Tianfeng City.
Even the Great Qian laws were like a mere formality in front of the Mu Family. If someone provoked the Mu Family, at most they would lose a dead soldier, but the person they targeted would definitely not have a good end.
Naturally, he wouldn't offend the true emperor of Tianfeng City for an unknown nobody.
Moreover, that person had just said that he fell accidentally. They didn't even need to make things difficult for him. Since that was the case, why not?
"My young friend, this is where you're wrong. It's one thing to be careless yourself, but you also made these constables come all the way here for nothing. Why don't you apologize to them?"
Mu Xinyi, impeccably dressed, actually started scolding Lu Renjia. As he spoke, he deliberately stepped aside so Lu Renjia could see his sister behind him, surrounded and unable to move an inch.
Lu Renjia clenched his fists, then released them, bowing and apologizing profusely.
"Ignorant fool! How dare you talk back to me? Just wait till I'm done with you. Laws? Heh, they just sound nice. These fools are so naive, thinking that with laws, they can be on equal footing with us."
Mu Xinyi's face showed disdain, and he curled his lip, but he only dared to sneer inwardly. Many things were best understood without being spoken aloud; saying them would just give others leverage.
The soldiers, having gotten their advantage and saved face, quickly dealt with the matter.
Seeing the soldiers wrap things up so quickly, not even bothering to go inside the building to understand the situation before reaching a conclusion, Ye Yunsheng finally couldn't hold back. She stepped forward and questioned:
"You're just going to conclude the matter like this? Don't you know the law states that verbal claims are insufficient, and everything requires evidence? Is this how you serve Great Li with all your heart?"
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