Fake Eunuch: Discovering the Emperor is a Woman!-Chapter 222 - 220 Is This Person Stupid? (17th Update)

Heaven offers a path yet he chooses not to take it; hell has no gate but he barges in nonetheless.

Originally, Lin Yi did not intend to trouble this trivial figure, just waiting to later tie him up with the others would suffice.

But to his utter surprise, this fellow unexpectedly jumped out at such a moment, which amused him somewhat.

As for this fellow’s problem, his clamoring at Lin Yi was like shouting at the air to Lin Yi, he didn’t take it seriously at all, nor did he even glance at him.

On the contrary, Wang Kui, far from being happy because Ma Zhou spoke for him, actually frowned, showing a displeased expression.

It was clear that he didn’t have much fondness for Ma Zhou either.

And more importantly, there are factional divisions between the Imperial Censors and scribes, who also do not see eye to eye.

Evidently, from this situation, Ma Zhou and Wang Kui are not on the same side.

However, this was not something Lin Yi intended to consider.

At this moment, faced with the aggressive Wang Kui, the corners of Lin Yi’s mouth slightly curled up.

Although this fellow speaks with an appearance of honesty, from the way he addressed himself, it was clear the man was very cunning, and constantly trying to manipulate the conversation.

Including the aforementioned Ma Zhou, when calling out to Lin Yi, they all used "Eunuch Lin," and not "Master Lin."

The purpose of this is apparent: they want to pin down his identity.

After all, fundamentally speaking, Lin Yi’s current status is not low, whether it’s Ma Zhou or Wang Kui, none of them are at a level to speak to him as equals.

Now, not only is Lin Yi an Assistant General in the Left Martial Guard, but also the Acting Minister for both the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Rites.

Not to mention the two of them, even the Imperial Censor-in-chief would not be taken seriously in Lin Yi’s presence.

Whether calling Lin Yi "General Lin" or "Master Lin," either address would sound more pleasing than "Eunuch Lin."

But the other party deliberately avoided using such titles, instead choosing to call him by his initial rank, which undoubtedly reflected their true thoughts.

However, Lin Yi truly didn’t take it to heart.

Let them call whatever they want; the main point is that the title "eunuch" has absolutely nothing to do with him, and he had no qualms about this.

Had it been any other eunuch in his position, they would surely have abhorred this title,

And sought to rid themselves of it.

For this reason, had they heard someone continuously referring to them this way, they would certainly have been rattled,

It’s not impossible for them to even lose their senses.

But they picked the wrong person and the wrong place.

After Ma Zhou spoke out, Lin Yi glanced around the crowd, noticing everyone was waiting for his reply, only then did Lin Yi calmly continue to speak:

"Heh, it seems Master Wang hasn’t thoroughly analyzed my earlier statement.

’Officials should not vie for profit with the commoners, and those who receive greater emoluments should not take the lesser share.’

Hasn’t this sentence already clarified my stance?

Let me ask Master Wang, the ’Officials’ refers to us who hold office. frёewebηovel.cѳm

’Not to compete for profit with the commoners,’ but the latter part says, ’those who receive greater emoluments should not take the lesser share,’ meaning we should not prevail over the lowest commoners, nor compete for profit with the small traders and peddlers.

Is what I said correct, or not?"

Without waiting for the other party to answer or give an explanation, Lin Yi’s voice rang out once more, his gaze full of amusement as he continued:

"And now I would like to ask Master Wang, you’ve been shouting about me competing with the commoners for profit, but I don’t know where I’ve done so. With whom have I competed for profit?

I will ask you all, you commoners, you merchants, is there anyone among you who sells glaze?

The essence of competing for profit lies in the word ’compete.’

That is to say, we are not allowed to engage in the same business as the commoners.

Then it means, this glaze business of mine isn’t something that commoners can do, nor has the means to pursue, so by undertaking it, how could this be considered competing for profit?"

These words were powerful, leaving the Imperial Censors speechless.

Especially Wang Kui, who instantly felt outmatched.

His old face blushed furiously, unable to produce a rebuttal.

However, given his age, and the experience that comes with it, he quickly recomposed himself, standing up resolutely and answering Lin Yi:

"Heh, Eunuch Lin also said, if commoners are engaged in a business, officials cannot participate.

Now, this official also wants to ask Eunuch Lin, are you certain no one else conducts the glaze business?

As far as this official knows, there is a foreigner’s shop in the East Market dealing in glaze business.

Granted, they don’t open for business on a daily basis, but they do open one or two days every year.

They also bring glaze from the Western Regions to sell here, doesn’t Master Lin know of this?"

This was somewhat of a strained argument.

Obviously, if calculated properly, the total glaze sold in these shops wouldn’t exceed ten pieces a year, so naturally, this could not be considered a real commoner’s business.

But Lin Yi disdained to say much about this.

His gaze swept over the people present, seeing them all looking on as if enjoying the spectacle. Lin Yi’s mouth curved into a characteristic smile, then looked at Wang Kui and retorted:

"There’s no need for further words. Let me ask Master Wang, are these foreigners considered commoners of our great You Country?"

With this response, Lin Yi made his point clear.

If these foreigners can’t be considered commoners of You Country, what does their competition have to do with you?

Moreover, these foreigners are earning the money of our great You Country.

Therefore, not only have I not committed any wrongs, but I have also rendered meritorious service.

This response indeed silenced Mr. Wang.

His face blushed with embarrassment, without managing to muster a single word.

Instead, it was Ma Zhou who once again took up the charge, raising his neck and saying to Lin Yi:

"Nonsense! What about foreigners? Foreigners are also people!

Aren’t foreigners also commoners? Even though they are not the commoners of our great You Country, they are still commoners in their own right!

So, competing with foreigners for profit is also competing with the commoners."

...End of the Chapter...