IDWBE -Chapter 490 Respectful Tribute

Spring had arrived, flowers in bloom.

Yet the He Wangfu (He Manor) felt little warmth from the season after Hong Ying’s return. Every guard, servant, and maid was on edge, afraid to make even the slightest mistake.

A single error would not be forgiven by Chief Steward Hong.

Minor mistakes meant punishment; major ones could cost their lives.

Lin Yi stood not far from the North Canal, watching the mountains of ice floes pressing against the embankment. He murmured thoughtfully, “Flooding isn’t something to take lightly. Patrols along both sides of the river embankment must be reinforced, day and night. Any sign of a breach, and the people along the banks must be relocated immediately.”

Liang Yuanzhi, holding a book in one hand and a charcoal pen in the other, hurriedly responded, “Your Lordship, rest assured. Ankang Prefecture has already arranged for village heads and township leaders to organize personnel to patrol the river embankments day and night, ensuring the safety of both the people and their property.”

“That’s good,” Lin Yi nodded in approval, continuing to scan the river. “Looks like fishing will have to wait for another day.”

Jiao Zhong smiled in agreement, “Your Lordship is wise.”

He truly meant it. The last thing anyone wanted was to go fishing on the embankment at this time and end up in trouble with the lord.

The densely piled, mountain-like ice chunks were far too dangerous.

Any accident could cost the guards their lives.

“Hmph.”

Lin Yi understood perfectly what he meant.

Jiao Zhong gave an awkward smile and dared not say another word.

Liang Yuanzhi hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “Your Lordship, the fourth Economic Work Conference is in two days. About the draft…”

Lin Yi waved him off before he could finish. “Let your Secretariat prepare the draft. Copy it for He Jixiang and Chen Desheng. If they have no objections, then send it to me.”

Since taking control of Ankang City and overseeing the governance of Daliang, Lin Yi had deeply realized just how complicated state affairs were, and how complex the governmental structure could be.

Even the wise and diligent Emperor Delong couldn’t fully manage every department of Liang. He often relied on the cabinet for planning and advice.

All the more so for a newcomer like Lin Yi.

Thus, after transferring Liang Yuanzhi to his side, Lin Yi authorized him to pull capable clerks from various departments to form the Wangfu Secretariat.

Lin Yi frequently gave them political and ideological lessons. Once they gradually absorbed his ideas, he had them draft documents, create regulations, and propose policies.

Otherwise, doing it all alone would have exhausted him.

“Your Lordship,” Liang Yuanzhi said cautiously, “I fear failing to meet your expectations.”

Usually, they drafted documents according to Lin Yi’s instructions and had never written on their own.

“How many times have I said it?” Lin Yi said with mild dissatisfaction, “A man cannot say he cannot do it.”

Liang Yuanzhi laughed wryly. “Thanks to your lordship’s trust, we will devote ourselves fully, even unto death.”

“You’re overdoing it. It’s just a draft. Do you have to risk your lives for it?” Lin Yi gave him a sharp look. “The tone of this meeting is still ‘serve the people.’ Crack down on bandits and road thugs obstructing transportation and the supply of farm products.”

Roads are the “blood vessels” of society, crucial to the livelihood of the people and national prosperity. Keeping them safe and open is essential for economic development and social stability.

Although his Sanhe army controlled the key cities and checkpoints of Liang, many small towns and rural areas remained disorganized.

Officials could set up checkpoints, bandits could set up checkpoints—it was whoever was stronger who ruled.

Many people couldn’t even transport a single chicken or sheep from the countryside to the market town.

Lin Yi had now resolved to no longer hold back and to implement a strict iron-fist policy against these road thugs.

“I understand,” Liang Yuanzhi’s mind cleared immediately at this prompt. He said in a deep voice, “Any acts of blocking roads or villages that prevent farm goods from being transported will be judged under the statute for endangering public safety through dangerous methods.”

“You’re finally catching on,” Lin Yi nodded, rare praise from him.

Liang Yuanzhi continued, “Thanks for your guidance, Your Lordship. Only by striving to create a first-class business environment and promoting high-quality development through high-level openness can Daliang improve its growth and efficiency.”

“Exactly,” Lin Yi took the tea cup from the silent Hong Ying, sipping lightly. “We also need to strengthen the discipline of local constables. Issues raised by the people regarding corruption or law enforcement should be investigated and resolved promptly, ensuring the interests of the public while protecting the rights of the officers.”

“Yes, Your Lordship.”

Liang Yuanzhi’s charcoal pen danced over the pages. Whenever Lin Yi said a complicated sentence, he noted it immediately, later having the Secretariat memorize it for collective study.

“Then there’s nothing else to discuss,” Lin Yi spat out the remaining tea and sighed. “The new tea should be ready soon, right?”

He had been waiting eagerly.

Hong Ying smiled, “The Xiyi Faction from the Southern Province has already sent this year’s new tea. Liao Jinfeng is still at the inn awaiting your orders.”

“Wants to see me?”

Hong Ying leaned closer. “The Xiyi Faction respects your lordship and also brought this year’s tribute.”

“How much?”

Lin Yi asked directly, not bothering to hide it from Liang Yuanzhi.

Liang Yuanzhi pretended not to hear.

What happened to integrity and fairness? As ruler of Daliang, he was accepting…

He didn’t dare think further, afraid of accidentally speaking out.

Seeing Lin Yi pleased, Hong Ying continued enthusiastically, “Five hundred thousand taels! Packed into five full wagons.”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. “These gangs… actually have some potential.”

Back in Dazhu Town, he had confiscated tens of thousands of taels from Liao Jinfeng and others.

At the time, he had thought these bandits were quite bold.

If he hadn’t been the lord, collecting tolls in the mountains to protect Liang’s logistics, it would have been a decent business.

Hong Ying said, “Your Lordship was kind and granted them navigation licenses. Now, their Xiyi Faction sails dozens of large ships across the Southern Sea. Not as much as Du Sanhe, but enough to be proud.”

“Profitable,” Lin Yi’s mind tingled. He toyed with the idea of forming a national fleet to dominate the seas.

But after thinking, he decided against it.

He already had Jiang Kan’s navy, Tian Shiyou’s fleet, and Du Sanhe as an ally—no need for redundant construction.

“Without your guidance, the Xiyi Faction would have long wiped out Jizhao Monastery.”

The wrinkles on Hong Ying’s face tightened again.

“If you hadn’t mentioned Jizhao Monastery, I wouldn’t have been concerned,” Lin Yi hummed. “Any news there?”

“General Yuan Zhen went to Chuanzhou but has not reported anything back,” Liang Yuanzhi replied.

“No news is good news,” Lin Yi said dismissively.