IDWBE -Chapter 487 Whereabouts

Hong Ying gave a wry laugh. “Thanks to Lord, I’ve indulged myself a little too much.”

He had served by Lin Yi’s side since childhood—no one knew the lord’s temperament better than him!

A stingy old miser!

With just a word, Hong Ying could understand his thoughts!

If this temper wasn’t relieved by Lin Yi, his future would be miserable—but fortunately, he had prepared for this!

Otherwise, how could he have dared to return?

He slowly reached into his sleeve and pulled out a piece of jade. Seeing Lin Yi glance over, he presented it like a treasure: “Lord, the Western Wasteland is full of yellow sands, but it also produces the finest jade. This piece was specially sought out for the young princess. I humbly ask you to take a look.”

“Sheep fat jade?”

Lin Yi’s eyes lit up immediately. He took the pristine jade pendant in his hands, turning it over and over: “Pure, delicate, and substantial—what a fine piece.”

Such jade in modern society would be worth hundreds of thousands!

If he were to die and be buried with it, it would even gain archaeological value—a priceless treasure!

If he added an inscription or something, the price would skyrocket even higher.

After all, he was the top figure of the Daliang Kingdom!

Even in later generations, he would be a historical “final boss” studied by scholars.

“As long as my lord likes it, that’s enough.”

Hong Ying’s wrinkles all crinkled together, but the smile never left his face.

“Lord,” Jiao Zhong interjected at the right moment: “If your lordship likes, I can arrange for someone to go to the Western Wasteland and bring back some more.”

Zixia glanced at Lin Yi and couldn’t help laughing: “Commander Jiao probably hasn’t read the new ‘Liang Law.’ Mines, rivers, forests, mountains, grasslands, wastelands, and tidal flats—all natural resources belong to the state. There’s no need to buy them.”

“Belongs to the state?”

Jiao Zhong looked at Lin Yi, then at the silent Hong Ying, paused for a moment, and suddenly understood.

The mines belong to the state—so the state belongs to whom?

He shouted loudly, “All under heaven belongs to the king; all along the shores are his ministers.”

How could he even think of buying it!

Fawning had missed the mark entirely—truly foolish!

“The Western Wasteland dares to set its sights on me? I definitely won’t let them off,” Lin Yi yawned: “Those jade mines will be nationalized and used for the people—what a good thing.”

“Your wisdom is unmatched, my lord!”

Everyone shouted in unison.

Lin Yi waved his hand: “Enough. Let’s continue discussing the Western Wasteland. The eldest princess went there, Liu Chaoyuan went there… what makes it so enticing?”

“Lord,” Hong Ying said seriously, “I traveled all the way to the Western Wasteland but found no trace of the eldest princess or Liu Chaoyuan. Even in some cities within the wasteland, there was no sign of them.”

Lin Yi frowned. “You mean the eldest princess and Liu Chaoyuan aren’t in the Western Wasteland?”

Then where could they be?

Suddenly, Hong Ying knelt. “I have one more matter to report to my lord and beg for your punishment.”

Lin Yi scoffed. “What matter could there be? Just speak. Don’t beat around the bush—I hate half-said words. Speak freely; even if it’s rebellion, I’ll forgive you.”

Hong Ying was startled. Their lord truly spoke without restraint—anything could be said. But if this got back to He Jixiang or Chen Desheng, it wouldn’t be good. He didn’t care about their opinions!

As Lin Yi’s personal attendant, he only cared about his lord’s mood. And his lord’s reputation.

Favouring treacherous ministers or being foolish and tyrannical would bring no benefit to him at all.

Thinking this, he quickly said: “I dare not! I am loyal to my lord and would never entertain other thoughts!”

As for the kingdom—let anyone else care or pledge loyalty! He pledged loyalty only to Lin Yi.

“You—still talk in circles,” Lin Yi said irritably, “Just get to the point. What’s the matter? You know me—I hate half-finished words!”

Those in power always suffer a bit—they must have others guess their thoughts, and they must guess others’ thoughts. Everything must be subtle. No matter how much you want something, your actions can’t look vulgar—you must be elegant, ceremonial.

Even when ascending the throne, there are three refusals and three acceptances, humbly claiming: “My virtue is insufficient; I am unworthy.”

Pre-arranged actors then shout: “Without a ruler, the realm cannot last a day; without governance, all affairs are stalled,” as if the world would end without the coronation.

The coronation is for the good of the people!

Finally, with half reluctance, the new emperor ascends the throne.

“Yes,” Seeing Lin Yi impatient, Hong Ying dared not hesitate. “On my way back, I passed through Jinzhou and secretly entered Shen Chu’s tent at night.”

Lin Yi frowned: “That’s it? He’s a commander of the guards, trained by you. Technically, you’re still half his master. Meeting him is no big deal—nothing to fuss over.”

His attendant meeting military commanders at night without his permission—what did that mean? Even if innocent, it could be misinterpreted.

If he were petty, he could have punished Hong Ying for this.

“Yes,” Hong Ying said cautiously, “From Shen Chu, I learned the eldest princess and Liu Chaoyuan are very likely in Prince Yong’s camp.”

“Very likely?”

Lin Yi frowned. “No certainty?”

Hong Ying nodded: “Lord, Shen Chu was once attacked in his tent. Although there were experts everywhere, the assassins acted freely and Shen Chu said the silhouettes vaguely resembled the eldest princess and Liu Chaoyuan. Strangely, after lingering for some time and entering Prince Yong’s camp at night, no other experts were present except those from the Jizhao Nunnery.”

“I had a very pleasant conversation with the eldest princess; she has no reason to help Prince Yong,” Lin Yi sipped tea: “Besides, she has a feud with Jizhao Nunnery. How could she go help Prince Yong?”

They are mortal enemies!

Impossible to reconcile!

Most importantly, he now controls the majority of the realm; the balance of victory is firmly on his side. Anyone not a fool would know which side to take!
With Prince Yong?
With someone who became a eunuch in 1912 and joined the National Army in ’49?
Makes no sense!

“This is also something I don’t understand,” Hong Ying smiled wryly: “Lord, public sentiment is with you. Destiny favors you. The eldest princess should assist you in accordance with the people’s will, not ignore the greater picture.”

“Whatever,” Lin Yi waved: “For now, ignore them. Once I lead troops into Jinzhou, the truth will naturally come out.”