IDWBE -Chapter 479 What a Shame

Saying he was worried? That was definitely false.

Now in the Great Liang Kingdom, even though his father was still nominally the emperor, the real throne was held by him, the Regent Prince.

He controlled the kingdom’s military, politics, economy, culture, and diplomacy.

He welcomed loyal ministers who were upright and willing to speak the truth, and outstanding public servants—but he struck down anyone whose “thinking” deviated from his own.

No matter how the Great Liang Kingdom developed, his ideology was the defining melody of the era.

Anyone daring to deviate from it was promptly dismissed.

Whether it was He Jixiang or Chen Desheng, not a single person dared to challenge him.

When he said something, it was final.

Yet, to say he had no worries? That wasn’t realistic.

Especially troubling was… his own mother. Sacrificing family for the greater good?

Impossible.

In both his previous life and this one, the only love he ever truly felt came from Consort Yuan.

The long procession of carriages carefully made its way over the slippery streets, and before long, it had disappeared past the teahouse.

The streets gradually returned to bustling crowds, and the teahouse filled again with laughter and chatter.

“Sir,” Jiao Zhong poured tea for Lin Yi. “The tea’s gone cold. Shall I refill?”

“I won’t drink it—just big stems, nothing interesting,” Lin Yi frowned at the local tea but still enjoyed coming here. “It’s just for the quiet.”

Like going to a café doesn’t mean you’re there for coffee.

“Your Highness speaks truly.” Jiao Zhong’s voice was low as he spoke, eyes and ears scanning constantly.

Teahouses were full of all kinds of people, and since the Prince liked to come here, he had no choice but to stay vigilant.

Suddenly, shouting came from the street.

Pedestrians quickly moved to the sides as a broad, fat man, sleeves tucked, strode into the teahouse, surrounded by a cluster of attendants.

“Move aside! Move aside!”

The customers barely raised their eyes; no one budged. Even the waiters glanced briefly, pretending nothing was unusual.

Lin Yi sighed. “Finally… the moment has come.”

The Great Liang Kingdom’s anti-crime campaigns had swept from south to north, relentlessly. Countless street thugs, gang leaders, and underworld figures had been sent to labor reform.

They were the backbone of the kingdom’s construction crews, essential manpower, fueling infrastructure development.

Since they didn’t require wages or even proper meals, Minister of Works Bian Jing loved having them.

Whenever a site was short-staffed, he would urge the Ministry of Justice and Censorate to strengthen the anti-crime operations.

Especially in Ankang City, the capital under the emperor’s feet—this was top priority.

One crackdown after another, nobles, underworld figures, street thugs alike, the fools had all been sent to the construction sites.

Lin Yi, strolling through the streets, was quite satisfied with the city’s security.

Not perfect—streets weren’t treasure-free, doors weren’t always open—but at least women could step out without fear of harassment.

And secretly, he hoped he might witness some foolish miscreant.

It was said one could get rich overnight!

Once, a courtesan shopping for cosmetics on the street encountered a familiar client.

His words were lewd; she frowned, displeased.

She valued her dignity. Being harassed at work was part of the job, but walking in public with her maid, she wanted to be a person.

She initially tried to ignore it, but the client became bolder, even touching her chin in public.

She slapped his hand away. Embarrassed and angry, he slapped her loudly in front of everyone.

In the brothel, news traveled fast. Patrons spread the latest updates, especially the newest Liang laws.

If someone hits you, don’t panic—lie down.

Some even joked that if you were struck, pick a good position, lie down, and then report it.

Before the authorities mediated, you could choose a property outside the city, even a prime location.

A so-called “lying victory.”

This courtesan, now slapped unjustly, was furious. Even ants have shame, let alone humans.

In desperation, she simply lay down.

Eventually, guided by the authorities, she hired a litigation lawyer—

Winning the largest spiritual damage compensation in Ankang City under the new Liang laws: 8,888 taels!

It caused a sensation.

Many women saw this as a chance to get rich. Regardless of background, they strolled the city with umbrellas.

What if they met an unlucky thug?

Sadly, by now, thugs had learned caution; those without mines at home rarely dared venture out.

Encountering a foolish brute in Ankang City had become rarer than spotting a precious animal.

Lin Yi couldn’t even find a chance to play the “hidden tiger” trick!

He had always lamented this. He really had no protagonist luck.

Other protagonists with his conditions would encounter villains, gain experience points, and look heroic.

Yet now, he was finally getting the chance!

If only a hero-saving-beauty scenario would appear!

He was thinking this when the fat man shouted at his attendants, “What are you doing? I’m just out for tea. Can’t you be polite? If you can’t speak properly, shut up!”

Then, anxiously, he bowed to those around him. “Forgive my attendants—they have no manners. Please bear with us.”

An old man with gray hair snorted. “From out of town, huh?”

The fat man bowed. “Your eyesight is sharp, sir.”

The old man chuckled. “Ankang City is under the emperor’s watch—not your countryside. You can’t act freely.”

“Hey, old man, what did you say?”

The fat man’s attendant pointed at him, stepping forward.

“Stop! You brat!”

The fat man hurriedly restrained the attendant. “Forgive me, sir. I won’t make a fuss.”

“Ah, what a shame,” The old man turned back, sighing at his attendant. “If you were a man, I’d let you come. I’m old—two punches won’t hurt.”

The attendant bowed his head, silent.

The fat man chuckled awkwardly. “I’ll teach them strict manners.”

Watching this meek, genial fat man, Lin Yi sighed. “What a shame.”

Were the nobles of Great Liang really this obedient?