The leading patriarch, though unsure of Ye Feng's intent, recognized the implication and knew to act on it without delay. He turned and left.
Li Ru, utterly bewildered, couldn't comprehend the sudden shift in demeanor. They had been conversing amicably moments ago, and now Ye Feng's attitude had changed so drastically. Nevertheless, he hurried before Ye Feng.
"My Lord, their land is indeed theirs. I am willing to try my best!" Li Ru declared with righteous conviction. "If I were to die here for the sake of the people, I would do so willingly, and you, my Lord, would bear no blame!"
His words were heartfelt, but Ye Feng paid them no mind. His original intention was to temper Li Ru through this trial. As for the present, there was something about Li Ru that made Ye Feng hesitant to fully entrust him with important matters.
"Rest assured, my Lord has already handled this matter," Ye Feng said with a smile. "As for you, sir, I have more important tasks for you!"
"If Your Majesty has any commands, your servant will obey them to the death!" Li Ru quickly cupped his hands. "Please instruct me, Your Majesty!"
"King Chu's hospitality is lacking. We shall take our leave now. We bid King Chu to take care of himself!" the leading patriarch stated coldly, turning and departing without a backward glance.
Ye Feng, however, had clearly understood the patriarch's subtle hint. It was evident that everything would be laid bare at the imperial court meeting tomorrow, and this presented an opportunity to test Li Ru.
Having made up his mind, Ye Feng let out a cold laugh. "Please first assist the steward in thoroughly cleaning out the King of Chu's manor. Anyone who should not remain should also be dealt with. Furthermore, please prepare yourself, sir, as you will be required to attend court tomorrow."
"Your Majesty's command, I shall obey to the death. May I ask if Your Majesty requires anything to be prepared in advance?" Li Ru asked respectfully, glancing up at Ye Feng.
Ye Feng remained silent and turned into the main hall. Li Ru paused for a moment before realizing and immediately set about cleaning the Chu King's manor.
"Uncle Dong, you have served King Chu for a long time, so you must understand King Chu's intentions!" Li Ru said deferentially.
Even a humble gatekeeper in a prime minister's household held a respectable position, let alone Ye Feng, the King of Chu. Bowing his head was a small matter.
Uncle Dong narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly, "Speaking of years, it has been a long time. But what about what King Chu said afterwards?"
"It's just some people who should be eliminated. Keeping them any longer will only cause endless trouble!" Li Ru implied to Uncle Dong, both explicitly and implicitly.
"I understand. Please instruct me, sir, on how this matter should be handled," Uncle Dong said with a slight bow. "Please guide me, sir!"
Li Ru hurriedly reached out to help Uncle Dong up. He smiled apologetically, "Please get up, get up. You are an elder in King Chu's service, and I am not worthy of such courtesies."
"Then I shall take the liberty of being bold and ask, what is the plan for this cleansing? If it is made clear, I can follow your instructions!" Uncle Dong smiled broadly. Who wouldn't enjoy flattery, especially from someone Ye Feng considered a promising talent?
"Very well. Thank you, Uncle Dong, for not despising me. Then I shall speak plainly. First, we must verify the origin of everyone in the King of Chu's manor. Anyone whose background is unclear or falsified shall be apprehended first!"
"Second, if anyone has family members elsewhere, or is connected to noble families or eunuchs as a servant, they fall under the same rule as the first point!"
"Third, if anyone shows a suspicious expression or attempts to escape, they are to be beaten to death. This way, the King of Chu's manor will be entirely renewed and free of further issues!"
His words were reasonable and logical. Uncle Dong was taken aback, his expression turning grim. He quickly waved his hand, "I know you mean well for the King of Chu's manor, sir, but such actions are absolutely not permissible. If those people find out, it might chill the hearts of many!"
Li Ru sneered, "Uncle Dong, you worry too much. Don't forget who we are loyal to. It is King Chu. Since King Chu has agreed, what is there that we cannot do?"
Hearing this, Uncle Dong extinguished his pipe and said heavily, "Agreed. It is all for King Chu. If they wish to resent anyone, let them resent me. It will not fall upon King Chu."
Li Ru then managed a slight smile. With so many things to attend to, one could never be sure of making mistakes. If Ye Feng were to hold anyone accountable, it would not be Li Ru.
With the order given, Lu Bu and his men hurried over. Li Ru immediately instructed, "General, please surround the King of Chu's manor with your men. The rest is up to me!"
Lu Bu's expression turned cold. To surround a general's manor was a grave offense. He would never agree to it without explicit orders. Seeing Uncle Dong, a figure of authority, he bowed and asked, "Uncle Dong, is this the King's command? If not, please speak up directly!"
Uncle Dong slowly nodded and then said without hesitation, "General, please follow the sir's instructions. Whatever happens, I, this old man, will bear full responsibility. It will not be held against you or the sir."
"Very well, then I will listen to you!" Lu Bu nodded slightly and signaled with his hand. His men immediately surrounded the King of Chu's manor. "By order of the King, if anything is lost within the manor, no one is to enter or leave. Anyone who violates this order will be executed without mercy!"
Immediately, the residents of the King of Chu's manor began to grumble and complain. However, with Ye Feng and Diao Chan having retreated into their private chambers, no one dared to approach them. They could only watch as chaos ensued within the manor.
Uncle Dong sat on the steps outside the main hall, smoking his pipe and occasionally tapping the bowl against the steps, glancing at the people before him.
Under the actions of Lu Bu and Li Ru, dozens of people were soon brought to the front of the main hall. Facing Uncle Dong outside, they rushed forward as if he were their savior.
"Uncle Dong, we have been working here for years. When have we ever been treated like this? We follow General Lu Bu, and you know our loyalty!"
"That's right! Our family's deeds of servitude are all in General Lu Bu's hands. We could never be disloyal!"
"We don't know where this scholar came from, but he's arresting us all!"
"..."
Their words tumbled out in a rush, turning the area outside the main hall into a chaotic scene. Uncle Dong remained silent, quietly waiting until the clamor outside subsided before raising his hand to signal for quiet.
"These are all the King's orders. No one can do anything about it. This gentleman is merely following the King's commands," Uncle Dong coughed lightly. "However, listen well, everyone. If anyone holds resentment, you may direct it towards me. I, this old man, will bear it all."
Li Ru watched as Uncle Dong slowly stepped down. His gaze was sharp as he used a small bamboo strip to tap the arms or trouser legs of the gathered people. Each tap caused something to fall.
Instantly, the faces of those present flushed with shame or embarrassment. Uncle Dong's expression grew even more somber.
Uncle Dong had originally believed these people to be honest and had even vouched for them to Li Ru. Now, his face was thoroughly slapped.
Lu Bu stared at the fallen items and felt his own face burn. He slouched into a chair and said coldly, "This matter is for you to handle. I have nothing to do with it!"
His casual words stirred a storm in the hearts of the people. They had initially believed Lu Bu to be upright and simple, without much cunning. Uncle Dong was considered semi-part of their group, and coupled with Ye Feng's general benevolence, especially towards his own people, they had become somewhat reckless in their actions.
But who could have predicted the unexpected arrival of Li Ru? They exchanged confused glances, and could only await their fate.
Uncle Dong's face was grim as he slowly rose. "I had thought everyone was like me. I never expected such a situation to arise. I cannot manage this anymore."
Uncle Dong gestured as if to leave, and the remaining people panicked. Without Uncle Dong, they were truly finished.
At that moment, they all stared fixedly in Uncle Dong's direction. Uncle Dong turned and sighed heavily, "We are all at fault in this matter. You must sort it out yourselves. I cannot help you any further."
Hearing their cries of despair, Uncle Dong's voice suddenly rose. "The King is inside. If any of you are not satisfied, you can go and tell him directly."
Someone began to move their legs, but Uncle Dong added, "Not only the King is inside, but also Madam Diao Chan. Think carefully about who you wish to provoke."
In the face of impending doom, with a shared desire to sacrifice another rather than oneself, they stopped in their tracks, looking at Uncle Dong, the only one who could be considered a savior.
"Uncle Dong, when my family was ill, it was I who gave you money. You cannot be ungrateful."
"Uncle Dong, when you were sick, it was I who helped you."
Such voices continued to pour out. Furthermore, Uncle Dong was not a heartless man. His aged back bent further, and his voice trembled.
Uncle Dong fell silent for a long time before speaking to Li Ru, "This old man here implores you, sir, for some leniency, as they are all old acquaintances of this old man." Uncle Dong tremblingly knelt on the ground. "If there is blame to be had, it is this old man's fault for his lack of supervision."
Seeing the aged Uncle Dong kneel before Li Ru, the onlookers felt a pang in their hearts. After all, he was like a father or elder brother to them.
"Uncle Dong, get up. It's not worth it for us!"
"I confess my guilt, I accept my punishment. Uncle Dong, whatever the penalty, I will endure it. Please get up!"
"Uncle Dong, it's true, it's not worth it for us!"
Hearing their words, Uncle Dong felt a warmth in his heart and tears welled up in his eyes. He stammered, "This old man has no children. What does it matter if I kneel for you? What does it matter if I kneel for my children!"
His aged voice seemed to possess a magical power, piercing the hearts of everyone present. Li Ru, sensing the situation was turning unfavorable, quickly interjected, "Uncle Dong, remember, everything you are doing is for King Chu!"
Faced with this difficult choice, Uncle Dong slowly stood up. "For my children, this old man is willing to try his best!"
Seeing Uncle Dong take steps toward the private chambers, Li Ru's heart tightened. He was concerned that his words might be seen as deceitful, and if it became a point of contention in Ye Feng's mind, it would be dire.
"Uncle Dong, what are you doing? You know the King is busy with state affairs right now. Disturbing him at this moment will surely not benefit you," Li Ru hastily tried to dissuade him. "These people must be dealt with to serve as a warning, Uncle Dong. You should understand."