Chapter 266 - 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.