Chapter 377: Chapter 204: Even Zhao Beiming Has to Wait in Line

The people of White Snake Dao live in poverty. Apart from the previous frenzied taxation, they have no good sources of income and no means of employment.

Li Hengsheng happened to want to develop White Snake Dao, so he recruited some people for tasks like road and bridge construction.

This gave the people of White Snake Dao something to do, food to eat, and even payment, making many of them incredibly happy.

The public sentiment shifted towards the Inspection Mansion.

Li Hengsheng also received a letter from Li Changqing, saying he was on a business trip to Beihan Country, so if anything needed to be addressed, correspondence could be sent to the Evergreen Commerce Association in Beihan Country.

For some reason, knowing that Li Changqing was also in Beihan Country brought a sense of warmth and reassurance to Li Hengsheng.

This further motivated Li Hengsheng.

The security in Tushan City also improved, with the Inspection Mansion’s efforts intensifying. Previously, there were many who caused trouble on the streets and oppressed the people.

They were often backed by small families or were associated with the Hua family or Mu Mansion, acting with impunity.

But things are different now.

When such incidents occur, the Inspection Mansion’s guards swiftly apprehend the individuals and throw them into prison.

With Lin Qizhu and his brothers taking action, overall security significantly improved.

Moreover, the people now come to the Inspection Mansion to report issues.

This trend spread rapidly, and within just half a month, the atmosphere in Tushan City changed dramatically from before.

The common people are happy, but the Hua family and Mu Mansion are very unhappy.

They thought Li Hengsheng was just a new official with a bit of energy, expecting it to blow over after a while. However, the inspection in Tushan City has become increasingly strict, making their business difficult to operate.

The Hua family no longer has tax collection rights. Previously, when the Hua family sent someone to collect taxes from the people’s homes, they refused to pay, citing orders from the Inspection Mansion that taxes were no longer required.

This infuriated the Hua family, leading them to beat up the tax-refusing citizen.

That citizen went to the Inspection Mansion to file a complaint.

While the attacker from the Hua family was enjoying leisure in a brothel, he was suddenly arrested by the Inspection Mansion, caught without even his pants on, and dragged through the streets to the Inspection Mansion.

This was witnessed by the whole city.

In utter shame, he wished he could disappear.

The Mu Mansion also secretly dealt in business, trying to evade the Inspection Mansion, but the Inspection Mansion always seemed one step ahead. They seized the goods, released the people, then detained them for trial.

Sentenced to death.

A few days later, at the most conspicuous place in Tushan City, the Inspection Mansion publicly beheaded Mu Xiong in front of the masses.

This led the people to applaud and cheer!

Such heartening events were unprecedented for them.

At this point, the Mu Mansion and the Hua family were too preoccupied with internal investigations, suspecting an informant in their midst!

Otherwise, how else could every plan be known to Li Hengsheng in advance?

It’s absurd.

Zi Wu City.

Evergreen Tavern.

Another day of drizzle.

Li Changqing realized that rain was frequent here, and the air was very humid.

A new dish appeared on the menu at Evergreen Tavern.

Fried Spring Rolls.

The new dish quickly became popular.

The fresh vegetables wrapped in the spring rolls, crispy on the outside, with a single bite, you could hear the crunch, immediately followed by the succulent taste of fresh veggies, juicy and sweet, perfectly paired with the aromatic wheat flavor of the spring roll skin — an unbeatable combination.

Business at Evergreen Tavern also skyrocketed.

Zhen Wanshou finally spent over half a month listening to the entire story of Journey to the West.

“I’m planning to leave.” Zhen Wanshou came to bid farewell to Li Changqing today.

“Leaving?” Li Changqing said in surprise, “Weren’t you staying comfortably? I was hoping you’d provide me with some intelligence. What will I do if you leave?”

How could Li Changqing let someone so talented go?

Talent is rare, and placing him in the intelligence department of the Evergreen Commerce Association later would be great.

“The story has ended, so naturally, it’s time to leave.” Zhen Wanshou said with a smile, “I’ve never stayed in one place for so long before. Your stories are captivating, but now, it’s time to say goodbye.”

“Oh.”

Li Changqing raised an eyebrow, “I was planning to tell you a new story today, one that I’m sure you’ve never heard before. It’s a marvelous tale of the martial arts world. If you leave, you might regret not hearing it!”

Hearing this, Zhen Wanshou paused, “You have more stories?”

He thought Journey to the West was the most treasured story Li Changqing had.

How could one person have so many captivating tales?

Though Zhen Wanshou had heard many stories, only a few were truly remarkable. Were all of Li Changqing’s stories this captivating?

A marvelous martial arts world?

What kind of martial arts world could it be?

Could it be even more fascinating than the Cangyuan Realm?

“Well, I’ll listen to a bit then.” Zhen Wanshou hesitated, for he truly wanted to hear Li Changqing’s intriguing stories.

“Alright, I’ll tell you a bit then.”

Li Changqing began speaking slowly and methodically.

The story was simple, starting with the Crown Prince of Bei Liang, a young man named Xu Fengnian, and his adventures in the martial world with the old groom, Old Huang.

Quickly, Zhen Wanshou was left dumbstruck!

Was there something wrong with King Beiliang?

Exiling his own son?

And that son, Xu Longxiang, with innate divine strength — what level is that?

“Mr. Changqing, a distinguished guest is here at the door.” At this moment, Zhang Fuguang came in and informed Li Changqing.

“Alright, I’m coming.”

Li Changqing stood up to leave.

“Hey, don’t leave, you haven’t finished telling the story!” Zhen Wanshou shouted anxiously from behind, “Who exactly is that Nangong Puyi?”

But Li Changqing had already walked away.

When Li Changqing reached the front, the tavern was already full of people, and Xiao Luo was standing at the entrance.

“Captain Xiao.” Li Changqing approached with a smile, “Unfortunately, we’re already full. You’ll have to wait a little while.”

“Mr. Changqing.”

Xiao Luo said awkwardly, “There’s an important guest today. Could you find us a spot?”

“An important guest?”

Li Changqing took a look outside the door, spotting a man with slightly graying hair, dressed in plain clothes, yet his presence brimming with a warrior’s aura, like a seasoned general.

Li Changqing almost immediately recognized who it was.

The City Defense General of Zi Wu City, Long Hao City.

Once a notable figure in Beihan Country, who voluntarily came to Zi Wu City to guard the frontier, feeling dissatisfied with the aristocracy in Beihan Country.

Seeing Xiao Luo’s expression, Li Changqing smiled and said, “Wait your turn; the tavern has its rules. Whoever comes must follow. Without rules, this place wouldn’t last.”

Even a general is nothing special.

Li Changqing was now a man of means and didn’t even consider Long Hao City worth acknowledging.

Not to mention Long Hao City.

If Zhao Beiming came, he’d have to wait outside too.

Xiao Luo’s expression grew even more awkward, knowing how particular Li Changqing was about rules. There were many rules in the tavern, and Li Changqing never made exceptions for anyone.

But today’s guest was General Long Hao City; even a general has to wait?

Isn’t that a bit too…

“Mr. Changqing, do you know who this is?” Xiao Luo thought Li Changqing might not know, so he quickly explained.

“Even if Yin Fengqi arrives, he’ll wait outside; that’s the rule at Evergreen Tavern,” Li Changqing said calmly. “Captain Xiao, please don’t make it difficult for me.”

“Well said!”

At this moment, Long Hao City unexpectedly walked in, heard Li Changqing’s words, and laughed, saying, “You speak wisely, sir. Every place has its own rules. Without rules, whether it’s a tavern or a nation, it nears its end.”

“I’ll queue up today. I’ve heard the wine here is excellent; I must savor it thoroughly.”

Li Changqing also politely replied, “It’s an honor to have you, General; I’ll add half a plate of peanuts for you later.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep