"I think every minister should donate at least one million taels. That's the proper way!"
Duke Qianling was a man who would not stop until he made a shocking statement.
He sat in a wheelchair and saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, they have served as officials for many years. If they can't even come up with one million taels, it's unacceptable. If they want to set an example for the people, they should donate at least one million taels."
All the ministers were shocked. This Duke Qian Ling was going to kill them.
One million taels.
Even if they have so much, do they really dare to take it out?
Jiang Li showed an unhappy look on his face and said, "You asked them to come up with one million taels. You have been Fa Zheng for so many years. Can you come up with one million taels?"
"I don't have that much silver right now. But if I sell some of my belongings, I can still get one million taels. Besides, I also like to paint and write. Some people like to buy my paintings and calligraphy, so I also make some money. Oh, when my niece got married, I received some betrothal gifts. I also have two nephews who opened two shops in the outer city..."
“Enough is enough!”
Jiang Li's face turned cold, and he interrupted Qian Linggong's nagging, "Just because you can raise one million taels doesn't mean that all officials can afford this amount. Originally, doing good deeds comes from the heart. Why is it that it becomes the lowest standard when it comes to you? Any amount is a token of your heart."
"I think the ministers are right to worry, but people like you tend to be competitive. Qian Fazheng, you are completely wrong to think this way."
"From today on, you don't have to attend court anymore. Stay home and reflect on your mistakes. Reflect well. I was originally thinking of giving you the task of overseeing fundraising, but it seems you're not suited for it. Remember, reflect for a month. Not even a day less!"
Duke Qianling wanted to make a few more excuses, but the empress seemed unhappy, so he could only bow his head and accept the order.
"Your humble servant obeys your command—thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
The other ministers saw this and were extremely happy.
Some even laughed out loud on the spot.
This Qian Linggong, who usually relied on the favor of His Majesty, made the entire court, civil and military, fear him. Who would have thought that today, this usually intelligent Qian Fazheng would also anger His Majesty.
He deserves to be confined to his house and forced to reflect on his mistakes.
At this point, the matter has almost come to an end.
Jiang Li encouraged the ministers with a few more words and praised Lin Che. He was about to return to the palace when he suddenly caught a glimpse of Lin Pojun.
A strange expression flashed across Jiang Li's face. She glanced at Lin Che again and said loudly:
"Duke Zhenguo, do you have any objection to what I just said?"
Lin Pojun saluted and said, "I dare not object."
"I dare not object, that's all. Originally, you were teaching your son, and this is a family matter, and I don't want to interfere. But Jing'an Bo is not only your son, he is also my subject and a pillar of the great cause."
Jiang Li's face turned cold when he said this: "Marquis Jing'an has been a hostage for Da Gan for ten years. This time, he is being donated to serve as a role model for all officials. Do you really want to kill Da Gan's meritorious officials?"
Lin Pojun's expression changed, and he immediately knelt down:
"I dare not! I was just... just lost in thought for a moment. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me!"
"There were many people who were confused just now. As the Marquis of Jing'an said, if you don't argue, you won't understand the truth, and if you don't argue, you won't understand the truth! Since the Duke of Zhenguo also asked me to forgive his sins, then tell me, how should I forgive him?"
As Jiang Li said this, he glanced at Lin Che.
That look clearly said: Don't be afraid, you are mine, I will protect you.
Lin Che was also deeply moved. Your Majesty, I am deeply touched. I never thought that even though I was working so hard down there, you saw it from up there and gave me such a warm response.
From now on, even if you ask me to do anything for you, even if it means death, I will not refuse.
Lin Pojun said in a resounding voice, "Although this is my own family affair, your Majesty's words are the imperial decree. According to the law, I shall be caned!"
"You're being harsh. To punish a duke with a cane for this matter would make the world criticize me, wouldn't it?"
Jiang Li had no choice but to do so, as that was the Duke of Zhenguo who commanded a hundred thousand troops.
If the news got out, the Duke of Zhenguo would be punished with a stick just because he had taught his son a lesson, and the son was not injured, let alone had any broken hands or feet.
Not to mention the people of the world, I am afraid that the 100,000 tiger soldiers under Lin Pojun will not submit.
"How about this. Give him a personal item as a reward. It's better for fathers and sons not to resort to violence all the time."
Lin Pojun looked grim. Anything he could carry with him was definitely valuable.
The sword, the ring, the jade pendant—each of these was priceless, money couldn't buy them. The Empress actually wanted him to give them to Lin Che?
He was planning to pass these things on to his eldest son, Lin Yaoguang, in the future.
However, all the civil and military officials are watching. His Majesty is giving him a way out. If he refuses, will he really be beaten with a stick?
Which one should I give?
I can’t bear to do that!!
"Dawdle!"
At this time, Wen Hong suddenly spoke up, and he strode towards Lin Pojun and shouted:
"Isn't it just something for your son? Why are you reluctant to give it away? Let me help him choose it."
Looking at the entire Dagan Dynasty, there is really no one else who dares to go forward and search Lin Pojun's pockets like this.
Wen Hong is the only one.
"Old General...you, you..."
"Stand up straight! Don't make me kick you, you hear me? Where's that bracelet? Where's it?"
Wen Hong grabbed Lin Pojun's left hand without hesitation, rolled up his sleeves, and saw nothing. He then grabbed Lin Pojun's right hand.
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