"Borrow money?"

The powerful figures were stunned. No one expected that their eunuch brother, who had always been a tyrant, would utter the word "borrow" today.

This made everyone realize the seriousness of the situation; it seemed a huge financial loss was imminent.

Everyone felt resentful and began to think of countermeasures.

The leader of the powerful clans suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "Zhang Gong's words make us ashamed? Sharing His Majesty's burdens is the responsibility of us, the subjects of the Han Dynasty. How can we let Zhang Gong bear it all alone?"

"Yes, yes, yes... saying 'borrow' is too formal!"

"We have received the emperor's favor for generations, and we should do our part as emperors for the Han Dynasty."

Everyone echoed this sentiment, for only in this way could they turn the tables and take the initiative. Taking the initiative meant donating, and as for how much to donate, that was up to them, and they could also gain a good reputation.

But once this fellow borrows it, not only will he not be able to get his money back, but Zhang Zhong will also use his money to do good deeds, causing him to suffer losses while they benefit. How can a powerful landlord who always only takes in money and never gives it back accept this?

"They really are a bunch of slippery eels, so incredibly elusive." Looking at their self-righteous demeanor, Zhang Zhong couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment.

"Very well! You are all truly rare and loyal men of our great Han Dynasty. Since you all share this sentiment, I will set an example first."

Zhang Zhong chuckled lightly, as if he had been prepared. He then beckoned to the steward not far away, who understood and came to the group with a brocade box in his hands.

Zhang Zhong then took the brocade box, opened it, and found several gold ingots lying quietly inside, which looked to be about two hundred taels, equivalent to two million coins.

"this......"

Upon seeing the gold cakes in the brocade box, everyone felt a jolt in their hearts and their eyelids twitched.

This isn't a sample display; it's outright robbery!

At this moment, the powerful landlords present were already cursing Zhang Zhong's ancestors for eighteen generations in their hearts.

In their view, Zhang Zhong must have come up with this idea to make up for the losses from the previous spring planting.

But now his younger brother Zhang Rang has become a close minister of the emperor, and his power is greater than ever before. They are naturally unwilling to provoke him, nor can they afford to.

Seeing the hesitant looks on everyone's faces, Zhang Zhong sneered, "My humble family can only offer this much as it is, while you are all well-known and wealthy people in the area. Surely you can offer no less than I can?"

The implication is that if you give me less than I have, don't blame me for being impolite.

The powerful landlords present were heartbroken, but they had no choice but to submit to their fate.

"Since Lord Zhang is so righteous, we will naturally not allow ourselves to be gossiped about." The leader of the powerful men twitched his lips, then gritted his teeth and said, "I am willing to donate two million coins to share the Emperor's burdens."

"I am willing to donate one million coins..."

"I will donate 500,000!"

Faced with the situation, everyone expressed their willingness to donate money.

Zhang Zhong, standing to the side, smiled and nodded, praising everyone for their understanding and righteousness.

In a short time, the money and grain donated by everyone amounted to nearly fifty million coins.

"I have also prepared a list of donors. After you all sign it, I will definitely pass it on to my brother so that he can present it to the Emperor and let the Emperor know your patriotism."

Zhang Zhong waved his hand, and several servants brought up the prepared writing brush, ink, paper, inkstone, and a list.

The names of the powerful landlords present were prominently listed on the list.

After everyone cursed under their breath, they reluctantly wrote down the amount of donation they had promised after their names and then stamped it with their seals.

"Go and investigate thoroughly those on this list who have less than a million coins. Report the guilty ones to the Sili government, and for the innocent ones, organize the people to sue them!"

"promise!"

After everyone had left, Zhang Zhong handed the list to the butler beside him, then snorted coldly, "A bunch of idiots, what time is it, and they still care so much about money."

In the prison of the Court of Justice, a young nobleman who had been arrested looked at the several burly men who had suddenly rushed in with a panicked expression.

"What...what are you going to do?"

"What are you doing? Hehe~ This old man has been locked up for so long, and this is the first time I've been locked up with such a delicate young master. How can I not have some fun?"

Several burly men licked their lips and then surrounded the young man from a prominent family.

"Help! Help! Someone help me!"

The young master of the noble family, his face pale, rushed to the prison gate and began shouting.

"Hehe~ Come here."

Several burly men dragged him to a corner, and one of them, impatient as ever, started to unbuckle his belt.

What are you doing?

A furious shout rang out, and the burly man stopped what he was doing and turned to look. A constable was standing at the prison gate.

"Officer, save me! They...they're not human!"

The young master from the noble family rushed to the prison gate, tears streaming down his face, and pleaded desperately.

The constable frowned and rebuked, "If you make a mistake, you must be punished. Do you want me to bend the law for personal gain?"

"No... I wouldn't dare. I only beg you, sir, could you please change my cell?"

"Change cells?" The constable hesitated. "Cells are in short supply these days, how can we just change cells like that? Besides, I'll need to hire someone to clean and tidy up."

The young master from the noble family quickly said, "I'm willing to pay, I just ask that you help me, officer."

"Hmm~ Alright then." The bailiff opened the cell door and then looked at the young master of the noble family. "Let me make this clear: those cells are very expensive. If the cost isn't enough, don't blame me for locking you up again."

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