C13 Enforcement and Punishment

After the elder, two middle-aged men stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

"I am Ye Ahda, at your service, Overlord."

"I am Xie Shi, at your service, Overlord."

Shen Wuyou paid them no mind, instead turning to Ergou. "Didn't I instruct you to invite Mr. Zhang?"

Before Ergou could respond, Zhang Qi interjected, "I heard that the Overlord..."

"Silence! Who gave you permission to speak?"

Chiying immediately advanced, cutting Zhang Qi off. Simultaneously, a formidable aura emanated from her, whitening the faces of the three men standing in the hall.

Impressive! Shen Wuyou gave Chiying an approving glance. Yes, this was the kind of synergy he was looking for!

It was no surprise his father had Chiying accompany him; she was indeed clever.

"Chiying." Having established his authority, it was now Shen Wuyou's turn to play the diplomat. Smiling, he addressed Zhang Qi, "Mr. Zhang has made significant contributions to the management of Redrock Town before my arrival. I must treat him with the respect he deserves and welcome him as an honored guest. How could you be so discourteous? Apologize to Mr. Zhang at once."

Chiying acknowledged her error, looking at Zhang Qi and bowing her head. "Mr. Zhang, I ask for your forgiveness."

Zhang Qi's mouth twitched in a faint grimace, but he gestured dismissively. "It is I who was presumptuous. General Chiying, your reprimand is justified."

"Now then, Mr. Zhang, what were you about to say? Please, continue," prompted Shen Wuyou.

"Yes, Overlord." Zhang Qi inhaled deeply before continuing, "Upon your immediate request for my presence, I surmised you wished to be apprised of the town's affairs. Ye Ahda and Xie Shi, being prominent figures in the town, had been managing Redrock Town alongside me prior to your arrival. I took the liberty of summoning them without seeking your prior approval. For this, I seek your pardon, Overlord."

"Well done, Mr. Zhang. You truly are the respected mediator who once earned the trust of Redrock Town's people," commended Shen Wuyou. "As I am still unfamiliar with Redrock Town, I will rely on all of you to provide guidance and help manage this town going forward."

"Mr. Zhang, Ye Ahda, and Xie Shi, what are your thoughts?" Shen Wuyou's message was crystal clear. Redrock Town was once under your stewardship, but from this moment forward, I call the shots!

Zhang Qi and the others exchanged glances before quickly bowing, responding, "As you command, Overlord."

"Good!" Shen Wuyou exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table. "Servants, present them with the Golden Leaf."

Three maids approached, delivering the Golden Leaf to the trio. Upon seeing the Golden Leaf in the box, they were visibly startled, taken aback by the unexpected generosity.

"Lord Overlord, we have not earned such a gift. We cannot accept such a lavish reward," Zhang Qi protested earnestly.

"Take it; I won't shortchange you," Shen Wuyou insisted. "However, this isn't charity. By dawn tomorrow, I expect to see at least two hundred able-bodied workers in front of the Overlord's Keep. Any issues with that?"

The three men exchanged looks again, with Zhang Qi inquiring, "May we ask, Lord Overlord, what is the purpose behind this?"

"To stand against the devil tide," Shen Wuyou explained. "I've pledged to protect Redrock Town, but it's not just my responsibility; you all must play your part. Cooperate with me, and I assure you... Redrock Town will remain unscathed after the devil tide."

As the three remained silent, Shen Wuyou flashed a sly grin. "What's the matter? Doubting my capabilities? Even if you don't trust me, you must have faith in the King of Dawnward."

At the mention of the King of Dawnward, they were visibly shaken, exchanging knowing looks. It was clear that in the end, it was the King of Dawnward who would provide the ultimate assurance. With his support, Redrock Town could rest easy.

"The King of Dawnward is wise and valiant; we would never question his authority!"

"Excellent! I've laid out your task. Succeed, and the Golden Leaf is yours. Fail, and you forfeit the right to it."

"Rest assured, Lord Overlord, we will spare no effort to fulfill the mission you have entrusted to us," the three men declared in unison.

"Then take this Golden Leaf and get to work," Shen Wuyou said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

The trio gratefully accepted the Golden Leaf and, after expressing their thanks for the generous reward, they departed from the hall.

Shen Wuyou then tossed a Golden Leaf to Ergou, saying, "You're off the hook for today. You can go back now."

Ergou expressed his gratitude to Shen Wuyou and quickly made his exit.

Once the hall was devoid of others, Shen Wuyou's rigid demeanor relaxed. He stretched his neck, sighing, "Maintaining such an air is truly exhausting..." He turned to Chiying and gave her a thumbs up, "Yingying, you were quite the help just now."

"A box full of Golden Leaves is not insignificant, but Crown Prince, if you continue to spend so recklessly, it won't be long before you're out," Chiying remarked coolly. "Moreover, by leading them to believe that the King will send troops, you're only buying temporary peace. In seven days, the truth will come out."

"There's no alternative," Shen Wuyou replied, stretching languidly. "A mix of fear and favor is essential for leadership. You've taken care of instilling fear, but as for favor... at the moment, money is all I have to offer."

"Those local strongmen are not like the rest. The ordinary townsfolk can't stand against the devil tide, nor can they flee to Echurgh for refuge. But those men are different; they have the means to take their followers and escape Redrock Town for Echurgh at any time. When people start fleeing, it can unsettle the community."

"I just need these seven days. After that, I will use facts to prove everything!"

Chiying listened to Shen Wuyou's words and lapsed into silence.

"But for now... well..." Shen Wuyou sighed, his expression tinged with bitterness.

Currently, without substantial strength and influence, actions are constrained, and sometimes it's even necessary to invoke my father's name for leverage.

But no matter! Every journey begins with a challenging first step. Once we overcome this devil tide, I'll be able to build everything I envision for Redrock Town. Eventually, I'll stand on my own, no longer needing my father's name to accomplish what I desire.

"Chiying! Let's go check out the outskirts of town," Shen Wuyou said, striding towards the courtyard gate.

Watching his relaxed and somewhat carefree figure recede into the night, Chiying couldn't help but wonder why this Crown Prince had been labeled as trash and an idiot by the people of the Imperial City for the past eighteen years.

How could someone considered a fool, an idiot, and utterly useless possess the insight and wisdom he had just demonstrated?