I had already prepared to empty my savings, since once I got a spot, it was only a matter of time before I could earn it back.

But now that they had obtained it without spending a single penny, their feelings were understandable. While they were excited, they also realized that aligning themselves with the Cao family seemed like a good choice.

As for the people below the stage, thinking about how they had paid such a high price for their spots, only to have them easily obtained by these two families without spending a single penny, they all looked at the Yuan and Cao families with envy.

While secretly criticizing the emperor's favoritism, many others shared the same thoughts as Li Mao and others.

The Yuan and Cao families are now staunch supporters of the emperor, and from the emperor's repeated bestowals, they can see how glorious their future will be.

It's not too late to align ourselves with them now. The Yuan and Cao families are reaping the benefits, so they can also get a piece of the pie, right?

The remaining two spots then became the subject of fierce competition among smaller aristocratic families and powerful merchants.

More than 200 people formed four teams, each vying for the same spot. The ninth spot was won by a temporary alliance of powerful families from Liangzhou and Bingzhou for 2.5 billion.

The last spot was won by a powerful group led by Zhao Ning and Zhang Xiang, along with businessmen such as the Mi and Zhen families, for a high price of 3.5 billion.

Subsequently, the families who obtained the quotas, under the supervision of the eunuchs appointed by Yang Qiu, transported cartloads of valuables to the national treasury.

The eight auctioned slots raised a total of 12 billion coins.

The auction has now come to a successful conclusion.

Yuan Feng and Cao Song, their faces rosy and their steps light, arrived at Deyang Palace to report on the auction to Liu Hong.

Ignoring Cao Song's pained expression, Liu Hong then allocated six billion coins for the expansion of the three colleges and experimental facilities.

Before he could even enjoy this windfall, half of it was gone, causing Cao Song's eyelids to twitch with heartache.

Despite feeling the pinch, the money was well spent, so Cao Song readily signed the papers.

"Now that coal procurement is on the agenda, it's time to make some moves in Youzhou as well!"