Rumors in the Workshop Lead to Marriage Decisions, Public Outrage Before the City

Within the machinery district, the metal components of steam-powered machines gleamed with a cold sheen beneath the lights.

Zhao Cheng and Xiangli Qin were bent over blueprints, their fingertips tracing the network of pipes as they discussed in low voices how to improve the steam cycle's efficiency and increase the machines' power.

Just then, an official rushed in, a thin sheen of sweat still on his brow from the journey. He reported urgently, "My lord, something terrible has happened!

The officials we sent to Lieren City to survey the land have all been stopped outside the city by the local people. They will not even let them through the gates!"

"Stopped? Why?"

Zhao Cheng straightened, his brows drawing together slightly as a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

Surveying land and verifying household registrations were good deeds meant to distribute land and benefit the people. Why would they be obstructed?

The official wore an expression caught between laughter and tears as he answered helplessly, "Those people said... said they fear that you, my lord, will use dark arts to refine everyone in the city!"

"Dark arts to refine people?"

Zhao Cheng was taken aback at first, then could not help but laugh. Understanding dawned on him at once.

The rumors that had targeted him before had somehow spread all the way to Lieren City—and the people there had taken them as truth.

His expression settled as he pressed, "Have they not heard of the changes in Wu'an City these days?

Land distribution, workshops, reclaimed fields—how much better have the people's lives become? Has none of that reached Lieren City?"

"They do know that Wu'an City has changed,"

the official sighed and continued, "but they believe that you deliberately put on this display for the people of Wu'an City, all to