Chapter 103: Annoying Quirks

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As the most favored prince of the Tang Dynasty, even ministers of the six ministries treated him with respect, let alone a local prefect. Li Zhi could no longer tolerate this and shouted sharply, “Go, bring him to me!”
“What insolence!”
“Today, I must correct his foul behavior!”
Lou Yi bowed respectfully, “Your Highness is wise. There’s no need to give him any face!”
...
Li Zhi had been patient only because he hoped the man might be an honest official. Now, he no longer cared and decided to deal with him thoroughly first.
Lou Yi headed to the prefect’s residence.
Once again, they were refused entry.
But this time, Lou Yi didn’t indulge him. He grabbed the man by the collar and dragged him from the prefect’s residence to the county office.
“Inside!”
With a sharp shove from Lou Yi, the arrogant official was thrown right before Li Zhi.
“Ouch...”
“Don’t cry out. This is only the beginning!”
Li Zhi squatted down, staring intently at him, and asked in a stern voice, “Who am I?”
“You... you are His Highness the Prince of Jin, correct?”
“You still know I’m the Prince of Jin? Then why did you ignore and neglect me? Do you think that’s appropriate?” Li Zhi’s anger flared at the thought.
He had important matters to discuss with this prefect.
For days, the man had been nowhere to be seen.
Finally, upon his return, he still acted so arrogant.
If it were any other prince or marquis, would they have tolerated this? He would have been beaten long ago!
Li Zhi’s patience had already reached its limit.
“Report to His Highness the Prince of Jin, I had urgent matters and was out. It was not out of disrespect!”
“I knew you’d say that, hmph!” Li Zhi sat back down, suppressing his anger, and asked, “What’s your name?”
“I am Zhao Tang…”
“Zhao Tang, first you disrespected me, then refused to meet me. I’ll charge you with disrespect. Is that fair?” Li Zhi gave Lou Yi a knowing glance.
Lou Yi understood.
Without hesitation, he launched a fierce beating on Zhao Tang!
Beating him until blood dripped from his mouth, the man wailed and begged.
“Your Highness, please... stop! I admit my fault!”
“Stop...”
Li Zhi called off Lou Yi and teased, “I thought you were tougher. You couldn’t even take a few punches? I’ll spare you today, but if you disrespect me again, I’ll make you regret it!”
“I dare not!”
Zhao Tang had heard of Li Zhi’s power.
He had originally thought that since he performed his duties without fault, Li Zhi wouldn’t dare harm him. But as expected, a prince is a prince—he can beat people without reason.
From now on, he must be more cautious and avoid provoking this little demon king.

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“Get up!”
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
Zhao Tang shakily stood up and stepped aside, like a child caught in wrongdoing, unwilling to meet Li Zhi’s gaze.
Outside the courtyard, Luo Tong returned.
“These laborers are really good—diligent, no slacking off. In just half a day, the camp is set up, and theyI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.