Chapter 52: We Are Overflowing with Wealth...

The moment the slap landed on his face, the pampered young man was stunned. In the next instant, he understood what was happening.

Now, the young heir wore a miserable expression, begging Bai Feiyu, "Sir, you can't just stand by and watch me die! These people are truly vile."

"How about this—how much do you want? No matter how much, I can give it to you. Just let me go, release me!"

It was clear he was terrified. For him, everything he'd gone through lately felt like the end of the world. He had finally glimpsed hope, only for Bai Feiyu to tell him—without a hint of joy—that he hadn't come to help.

How could anyone accept such a thing?

Ignoring the young man's pleas for mercy, Bai Feiyu refused to dignify him with a response. To converse with someone like this would only lower his own status.

He then loaded the constables, one by one, onto the prison cart and steered it directly toward the City Lord's manor.

The surrounding residents, though unsure of the details, had overheard the constables' harsh words and pieced together the general situation. Thus, they did not obstruct Bai Feiyu.

As for whether others, farther along, who hadn't heard the constables, might try to stop Bai Feiyu—truthfully, at first Bai Feiyu had worried about this. After all, the residents trusted the City Lord deeply; if they saw him acting against the constables, what if they all demanded he release them? He feared he might not be able to explain himself to so many.

Soon enough, Bai Feiyu realized he had worried needlessly.

As he led the prison cart toward the City Lord's manor, the residents who saw him applauded and cheered.

"It seems our old City Lord truly is formidable—not only did he purge the aristocratic families, he’s now cleaning up the constables as well."

"He's thinking of us! These constables have done much lately, so it must be hard for the City Lord to move against them."

"But he still did it! We've got ourselves a good City Lord!"

Many residents praised him, bringing a smile to Bai Feiyu's face. It seemed, indeed, he had been overthinking.

Meanwhile, the constables, hearing the residents' discussions, turned pale. They knew their doom had arrived. Once at the manor, the City Lord would never forgive them easily.

In this world, there is never a shortage of people. Even a small city is no exception.

If the City Lord discovered such corruption among the constables, he would surely investigate all of them in a rage. Then, he could select new constables from the residents—after all, with the City Lord's resources, many could become qualified constables. They were not irreplaceable.

"Brother, let's discuss this. We'll give you all our possessions—how about it?"

"Yes, just spare our lives!"

"We've been rich for years; all of us combined, it's a considerable sum. We ask for nothing else—just to buy our lives!"

In their desperation, the constables offered everything, claiming they were wealthy beyond measure.

They didn't know that Bai Feiyu had no interest in their wealth; hearing such offers only infuriated him further. These men knew no shame, to dare utter such words.

In truth, the constables had no other recourse. If they failed to tempt Bai Feiyu with greed, they would be executed on the spot and their property confiscated. By sacrificing their wealth, at least their positions might remain, and they could one day rise again.

Bai Feiyu slapped each of them in turn, then drove the cart straight to the City Lord's manor.

"Stop! Who are you to dare imprison our constables?"

Seeing a stranger bringing in the constables, the guards at the manor gate grew angry, thinking Bai Feiyu was challenging the City Lord's authority.

"I wish to see the old City Lord. I have urgent matters to report!" Bai Feiyu addressed the guards.

"Do you think the City Lord is someone you can just meet? You think binding our men gives you confidence?"

"Let me tell you, the City Lord will never yield!" The guards shouted. At their loud voices, several more rushed out from inside the manor.

Bai Feiyu: "..."

"I'm not here to challenge anyone. These constables abused their power, and I caught them. I mean no harm; I only wish to inform the City Lord," Bai Feiyu explained patiently.

Hearing his explanation, the guards became suspicious. One hurried inside to report to the City Lord.

Soon, the City Lord himself came out in haste, and upon seeing Bai Feiyu, asked,

"I hear you've apprehended some constables who abused their authority? Is this true?"

From his expression, the City Lord seemed unaware.

Bai Feiyu nodded and replied, "On my way here, I heard the residents say that since you arrived, you've done a great deal and earned their support."

"But while I was wandering the marketplace, these men falsely accused me and tried to arrest me. It was pure nonsense. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to the marketplace and ask the witnesses—they can testify for me."

"I believe you are a great City Lord, and it would be a shame if a few rotten apples spoiled everything."

Bai Feiyu spoke plainly, recounting the entire event.

"City Lord, spare us! We were blinded for a moment!"

Hearing Bai Feiyu request an investigation at the marketplace, the constables grew terrified. The truth could not be hidden. The City Lord now commanded immense respect; if he sent someone to ask, the residents would surely speak up—perhaps even embellish the story out of their hatred for wrongdoing. Then, they would be utterly doomed.

Seeing their pleas, the City Lord immediately understood that Bai Feiyu was telling the truth. His face darkened.

He had struggled mightily to topple the old aristocratic families, all to restore justice here—only to find that corruption had infiltrated his own ranks. If things continued, he would only be clearing obstacles for internal parasites.

Thinking of this, the old City Lord was furious. He immediately ordered, "Take them all away and execute them."

At once, the guards surged forward, dragging the prison cart away for sentencing. The constables continued to beg for mercy, but no one responded.

...