The Double
Chapter 266 - 108: Tyranny_4

Chapter 266: Chapter 108: Tyranny_4

"The streets speak with their eyes." Jiang Li said.

"What?" Ye Mingyu did not understand.

Jiang Li spoke slowly, "For thirty-four years, under Wang Yiyan’s rule, the people dared not speak; they communicated with their eyes."

"Historically, there was a tyrant king who, incited by his favorite officials, changed the state laws and monopolized many of the commoners’ livelihood industries for the royal family. Instantly, the lives of the people became extremely difficult and their grievances boiled over. Not only did the king ignore admonitions, but he also invited many wizards to patrol the capital’s streets and alleyways constantly, eavesdropping on the people’s conversations. Anyone they pointed out as rebellious or slanderous was immediately thrown into prison and executed. As a consequence, people across the nation no longer dared to criticize the state affairs openly. Even when they met each other, they would not engage in careless talk, only communicating with their eyes."

Ye Mingyu said, "You mean to say that here in Tongxiang, people are being spied on, eavesdropping on their conversations, and once it’s discovered that someone discussed the Xue Family’s matters, they are ordered to be executed, which is why the common people ’turn pale at the mention of the Xue Family,’ viewing us like floods and wild beasts?"

"Exactly." Jiang Li said.

"This is too..." Ye Mingyu said, "This is too outrageous! Who dares act so high and mighty, to play overlord here in Tongxiang? Even Tong Zhiyang of Xiangyang still has to consider the people’s opinions. Who would be so bold? Who gave them such authority?"

Jiang Li sneered inwardly. Those who did such things obviously had great courage, because behind them was Emperor Hongxiao’s own sister, Prince Cheng’s favored consort Yongning. The court was in turmoil and it was unclear whether Emperor Hongxiao would be able to maintain his throne. Aligning with Yongning could mean a future of glory and wealth. Even without considering the future, those who sought to please Yongning were never lacking.

They naturally acted without fear, naturally daring to make the roads of Tongxiang a place "where eyes speak."

"Ah, I understand now!" Ye Mingyu suddenly slapped the table, "No wonder, Jiang Li, you wanted us to openly discuss the Xue Family. If those people mingle in the crowd and overhear the commoners’ talk, they will surely be aware and come to us proactively!"

"Yes." Jiang Li said, "It saves us a lot of time this way."

Seeing Jiang Li’s composed demeanor, showing not a trace of fear or uneasiness, Ye Mingyu couldn’t help but ask, "However, Jiang Li, aren’t you afraid?"

"I am not afraid," Jiang Li replied calmly, "I have nothing to fear when it comes to conscience, for the upright need not fear a crooked shadow, and when it comes to power, my father is the foremost of the literati. I fear nothing, my only fear is that he won’t come. But luckily," Jiang Li’s mouth curled up, and for a moment Ye Mingyu felt her smile held a trace of mockery, "they have come."

Ye Mingyu looked downstairs.

He saw a group of mounted soldiers suddenly converge outside the tavern. The server was so frightened he nearly fell off his chair, shaking like a leaf. The leading soldier bellowed, "Who was just talking about the Xue Family?"

"Here I am!" Ye Mingyu brazenly slammed his cup onto the table and stood up. His tall stature exuded a certain domineering presence as he strode down the stairs.

Jiang Li set down her teacup and followed Ye Mingyu downstairs. Tonger and Bai Xue, somewhat worried, followed closely behind Jiang Li, fearing she might be at a disadvantage.

The men Ye Mingyu had dispatched were now back inside the tavern, surrounded by those soldiers. In this tense standoff, Ye Mingyu descended the wooden staircase unflustered, the creaking of his steps accentuating the gravity and solidity of his gait.

His tall figure, the sword at his waist, the scar on his face, and his bandit-like aura made for a frightening sight. Behind him, a young girl descended gracefully, her smile gentle, her aura pure and beautiful.

A picture of harmony between a valiant hero and a beautiful maiden, yet the lead soldier felt that, despite the maiden’s smile, her killing intent seemed even stronger than that of the hero, her expression even colder.

It must be an illusion.

Gathering himself, the leader of the soldiers asked, "What are your intentions, asking all around about the criminal Xue Huaiyuan?"

They were immediately accused, and it sounded as if Jiang Li and her companions were accomplices of the criminal, as if labeling them would be enough to arrest them together.

Without a second thought, Ye Mingyu retorted, "It’s idle curiosity. If I want to inquire, I’ll inquire. What of it? Do you in Tongxiang also control the idle chatter of the common people? You have a wide reach, monitoring everything right down to eating and toileting, don’t you?"

The officer turned livid with rage, evidently not expecting Ye Mingyu to be so sharp-tongued. He was about to draw his sword at his waist and point it directly at Ye Mingyu, but when he saw Ye Mingyu’s glaring eyes and his quick draw of the long knife from his waist, his viciousness was unmistakable.

Those who roamed the martial arts world relied not on kindness or gentleness, but rather, each was a ruthless character.