Chapter 98
Chapter 98: Asking The Court Officials to Raise Money
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Your Highness, how do you plan to deal with this situation? Perhaps, we should report it to the Emperor. Once he understands the situation, he won’t blame you.”
...“Do you really think the Emperor is unaware of the situation here?”
“Are you suggesting the Emperor did this intentionally?”
Xiao Junhao didn’t respond, his silence serving as a silent agreement.
The look in his eyes startled Pei Wu.
“How much silver do we have left in the palace treasury?”
After a pause, Xiao Junhao asked Pei Wu, who had been managing the palace affairs for many years. On hearing his question, Pei Wu replied quietly, “Your Highness, at most, we can move around a few tens of thousands of taels.” “Why so little?”
Upon hearing Pei Wu’s response, Xiao Junhao frowned instinctively. But after his initial surprise, he remained silent.
Despite being a prince, his allowance wasn’t abundant. Furthermore, he lacked the support of his mother’s family, his in-laws, and the additional expenditures on various obligations had him stretched thin financially.
“Are you planning to use our remaining reserves, Your Highness?”
“I had that intention initially, but now it seems that these tens of thousands of taels won’t make much of a difference.”
“Your Highness, I have an idea. However, implementing it might cause you to upset many court officials.”
“Go on.”
Upon hearing Xiao Junhao’s encouragement, Pei Wu stepped forward, speaking in a low voice, “The palace refurbishment is a significant matter. You could ask the officials to contribute funds. 1 believe the Emperor, upon knowing this, won’t object.”
“Asking officials to fundraise is bound to upset some people.”
Xiao Junhao’s eyes flickered at Pei Wu’s words, but he didn’t out rightly reject the idea.
Reading the expression in Xiao Junhao’s eyes, Pei Wu pressed on, “Your Highness, right now, what’s most crucial is strengthening your bond with the Emperor. The court officials are merely servants. Even if they get offended, it doesn’t matter.”
“Should you ascend to the throne one day, these issues would become trivial.”
Pei Wu’s voice was soft, but his words landed clearly in Xiao Junhao’s ears.
Hearing this, Xiao Junhao sank into deep thought.
After a while, he addressed Pei Wu, “Accompany me on a visit to the Lin family.”
“Understood.”
Lin Mansion.
Inside Lin Ruhai’s personal study.
“Your Highness, congratulations are in order. The Emperor entrusts you with the refurbishment of the palace; it’s a clear sign of his trust in you,” said Lin Ruhai with a beaming smile as Xiao Junhao walked into the room.
As soon as Xiao Junhao entered the study, Lin Ruhai smiled and congratulated him.
However, Lin Mengyao’s keen eyes spotted the troubled look in Xiao Junhao’s eyes. Concerned, she quietly asked, “Your Highness, are you dealing with some trouble?”
Gently, Xiao Junhao glanced at Lin Mengyao before directing his gaze at Lin Ruhai, “Lord Lin, I come to you today because 1 need your assistance.”
“Your Highness, don’t hesitate to ask, whatever it is.”
Xiao Junhao simply repeated Du’s previous words, Xiao Junhao continued, “The refurbishment of the palace is my father’s desire. Naturally, I will see it fulfilled. However, 1 lack sufficient funds.”
“Thus, I hope that you, Lord Lin, can negotiate with other court officials and lend me a hand.”
“Your Highness, are you suggesting that we fundraise among the civil and military officials?” Lin Ruhai inquired, a hint of discomfort visible in his eyes upon hearing Xiao Junhao’s proposition.
Xiao Junhao simply nodded. Seeing Lin Ruhai’s perturbed expression, he reassured, “Lord Lin, if this venture succeeds, I’ll certainly remember your significant contribution.”
Despite Xiao Junhao’s assurance, Lin Ruhai’s face remained clouded.
Years of experience in the court had made him aware of the difficulty of the task at hand.
Suddenly, Lin Mengyao turned to her father, “Father, please assist His Highness.”
Upon hearing his daughter’s plea, Lin Ruhai gave Xiao Junhao a firm look, “Your Highness, 1 promise to do my utmost.”
“I’m grateful, Lord Lin. 1 look forward to hearing from you.”
Upon completing his statement, Xiao Junhao stood up from his chair, prompting Lin Mengyao to follow him promptly.
Once they reached the courtyard, Lin Mengyao softly spoke, “Please forgive my father, Your Highness.”
“It’s fine. 1 know that Lord Lin has his own considerations. Yao Er, 1 won’t hold it against him.”
“That’s good. Your Highness, don’t worry. I will convince my father as soon as possible.”
“Also, Your Highness, please take these.”
As she spoke, Lin Mengyao handed Xiao Junhao a wooden box. Seeing the mysterious box, Xiao Junhao expressed confusion, “What’s this?”
“Over the past few years while studying medicine at my maternal grandparents’ home, I have opened several clinics. The earnings aren’t much, but they’ve accumulated over the years.”
“Now, I’d like to give this to you, Your Highness.”
Listening to Lin Mengyao’s explanation, Xiao Junhao opened the box to find a stack of banknotes. His gaze lingered on them, his eyes reflecting a complex emotion. Still, when he looked up at Lin Mengyao, his eyes softened into a warm smile, “Yao Er, you are the only one truly loyal to me in this world. I won’t let you down.”
“Yao Er believe in you, Your Highness.”
Upon learning of Xiao Junhao’s new responsibility, Jiang Peihuan had been keeping tabs on him, surprised by the swift pace of his actions.
General Mansion.
“Father, has something stirred up in court? You don’t seem to be in high spirits,” Jiang Peihuan inquired, observing Jiang Hong’s grim expression.
Having concluded his leave, Jiang Hong had returned to his usual court duties.
Ever since Jiang Hong and his wife came back, Jiang Peihuan had established a routine of dining at Yanlin every night. But this evening, as soon as she settled down, she noticed Jiang Hong’s pronounced frown.
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s voice, Jiang Hong chose to remain silent. It was Xue Yan who decided to elaborate first. “It’s all about the refurbishment of the palace. The Prince Qing must have slipped some beguiling concoction to the court officials, prompting them to willingly contribute silver.”
“Lin Ruhai took the lead, persuading nearly all the military commanders. After today’s court session, he even sought out your father,” she added.
Reflecting on Lin Mengyao, Jiang Peihuan wasn’t surprised by Lin Ruhai’s efforts on behalf of Xiao Junhao. However, Lin Ruhai’s approach towards her father did stir up a degree of surprise within her.
It was no secret that the Lin family and the Jiang family were not on congenial terms.
After thinking for a while, Jiang Peihuan addressed Jiang Hong, “Father, has the Emperor expressed any sentiments regarding this matter?”
“The Emperor must know. Otherwise, Prince Qing would not dare to act so boldly. The Emperor did not say anything about the matter of the courtiers paying.”
“If that’s the case, Father, you should feign ignorance.”
“Huan Er, are you suggesting we abstain from contributing?”
“Indeed.”
Matching her gaze with Jiang Hong’s stern eyes, Jiang Peihuan softly said, “If the Emperor personally steps in, Father, we would have no option but to shell out some silver.”
“But now, as the Emperor has remained silent, it’s best for you, Father, to continue playing ignorant. If Lord Lin approaches you again, either claim you’re short of money or suggest borrowing some from him..”