Inside the prefectural government office, the candlelight flickered gently, illuminating the accounting room as if it were daytime. The dim light spilled into every corner, adding a touch of warmth and solemnity to this busy night.

Rong Ning and the Crown Prince slowly entered the accounting room, where they saw more than a dozen accountants buried in piles of account books. Their fingers flew across the abacus, making a clattering sound, like a stirring melody.

Their eyes were focused and determined, and they would occasionally look down to record the numbers.

A faint scent of ink and the distinctive aroma of paper filled the air, creating a unique atmosphere. Everything in the accounting office seemed so orderly, as if time itself had slowed down.

However, upon closer inspection, it's easy to see the weariness on the faces of these accountants. Their eyes reveal an indescribable fatigue and pressure, yet even so, they persevere, diligently completing every task.

"Thank you all for your hard work."

The crown prince spoke softly, his voice gentle yet powerful, instantly breaking the silence of the room.

The accountants all looked up at the Crown Prince and Rong Ning, a hint of surprise and awe flashing in their eyes.

They quickly rose and bowed, respectfully greeting, "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The prince smiled and nodded in response, his eyes filled with respect for these accountants.

He gestured for everyone to continue, saying there was no need for further formalities.

Then, he and Rong Ning walked side by side to a large table, on which several thick account books were spread out.

These ledgers record details of the valuables confiscated from the residences of officials in the north, and every entry is crucial.

"Are we almost done? Have you figured out the approximate outcome?" Rong Ning's gaze swept over the ledger. These assets were not only related to the country's financial situation, but also to the prestige of the court and the hearts of the people.

Chu Pingfeng stepped forward and respectfully replied, "Your Highness, we have preliminarily calculated the approximate value of the confiscated property, including silver, jewelry, land, and residences, based on the list of confiscated items. The total value of the silver is estimated to be approximately three million taels."

His voice was steady and powerful, and every word clearly reached the ears of everyone present.

Upon hearing this number, Rong Ning couldn't help but feel slightly startled.

She knew all too well what those three million taels of silver meant to the Southern Dynasty—enough to support a large-scale war or solve the livelihood problems of countless people.

However, these valuables were confiscated from the homes of a few corrupt officials, which made her feel deeply worried and angry about the corruption and darkness of the court.

Three million taels!

The number struck her like a thunderbolt, far exceeding her expectations, causing her to gasp in shock.

Such a huge sum of silver could not have been accumulated overnight; it must have been accumulated bit by bit by these officials over many years through various illegal means.

She slowly turned her gaze to the Crown Prince, and saw a hint of undisguised heartache flash in his deep eyes.

He seemed to be heartbroken over the loss of these silver coins and deeply worried about the suffering of the people in the north.

The northern land is now devastated by war and natural disasters, and its people are living in dire straits.

The army's food and pay were also extremely scarce, and the soldiers had to endure hunger and fight bloody battles in order to defend the country.

However, even against this backdrop, so much silver was still found in the hands of these fallen officials!

How could this not make one's heart race and one's anger run wild?

"It's truly shocking."

The Crown Prince said in a deep voice, his tone filled with indignation and helplessness.

These silver coins should have been used to support the livelihoods of the people in the north and to improve their living conditions.

It was originally intended for frontier defense and to enhance the military strength of the Southern Dynasty.

Now, however, it has become a plaything in the private pockets of these officials, used for squandering, enjoyment, and even for more heinous transactions.

Rong Ning nodded slightly, a layer of worry unconsciously gathering between her brows. "Brother, do you know how much tax silver Mingzhou paid to the imperial court last year? Only a little over a million taels, which is simply insignificant."

However, during this search, they were shocked to find a huge sum of money, enough to pay two years' worth of taxes.

Brother, have you ever considered the deeper meaning hidden behind this?

Her gaze first fell deeply on Chu Pingfeng, as if trying to penetrate his soul and explore his inner thoughts, and then fell on the Crown Prince again, as if seeking a kind of resonance.

"This is not just a simple matter of numbers; it reflects the officials' insatiable greed and endless desire for power, and it is a naked exposure of the deep-seated corruption and lack of supervision within the government system."

Every penny embezzled is a ruthless trampling of imperial power and the people's welfare.

Rong Ning clenched her fists, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force. Her eyes blazed with fury, a fierce indignation at injustice and corruption. "These silver coins should have been the cornerstone of the country's stability, a vital force supporting the operation of the entire northern region."

They should be the guarantee of people's peaceful life and the beacon of hope to save them from the suffering of hunger and cold.

However, now, these funds have silently flowed into the sea of ​​greedy desires, becoming capital for their extravagant spending.

"What is even more heartbreaking is that if these embezzled silver coins could be used properly, the people of the North might be spared from the suffering of hunger and cold, and their faces might once again show happy smiles."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!