Chapter 32
Wen Tao glanced at the sealed letter tube presented by his subordinates, the unique black eagle head on it marking the unusual nature of this letter.
He naturally took the mailbox, unfolded the letter, and read it in a few strokes. Then, his brows furrowed deeply, and he read it again as if in disbelief.
The handwriting was still neatly arranged, and he looked at each character carefully without finding a single mistake.
With veins throbbing on his forehead, Wen Tao suddenly flew into a rage, gritting his teeth and spitting out a few words: "You who's pushing your luck!"
He tore the note to shreds with a few quick snips, then flung it into the flowerbeds outside, where it disappeared beneath the blossoms.
Seeing that he was in a bad mood, his subordinate cautiously inquired, "Sir?"
Wen Tao pressed the back of his hand to his brow, his head throbbing. "It's less than a month until Prime Minister Cai's birthday, and those people up there are still trying to squeeze money out of him?! They specifically named Anyang Prefecture and demanded an additional three thousand taels! Isn't that pushing Anyang into a fire pit?!"
So it was about money again. No wonder the adults were suddenly so impatient.
The subordinate then said, "The amount of birthday gifts that our Anyang Prefecture gives to the higher-ups is fixed, so how come there's an increase this year?"
“Even if Lord Cai doesn’t give the word, do you think his men won’t take the opportunity to skim some profits?” Wen Tao sneered, then continued, “After layers of exploitation by the officials above, how much of the original one tael of silver for longevity would actually reach Lord Cai?”
That's true. Who wouldn't want to make a killing during their husband's birthday celebration? Even if they're caught red-handed in the future, those who embezzle and amass wealth will have their superiors cover for them. At most, they've only embezzled some silver!
The subordinate understood and whispered, "Then what does the master intend to do?"
"If the higher-ups want money, then we'll find a way to raise it."
The subordinate hesitated, looking somewhat troubled, and said, "Sir, all the official funds have been misappropriated for birthday celebrations. Every year around this time, the officials in our office grit their teeth and tighten their belts. We really have no money left!"
"Three thousand taels is no small sum. To raise three thousand taels within a month is really... really a bit too much to ask."
Wen Tao frowned and gazed out the window, his expression somber. He wondered how long he could keep his official position if his husband's birthday gifts weren't paid on time this year.
“Go to the government office to collect the compensation money,” Wen Tao’s eyes flashed with a glimmer of light after despair, and his tone naturally became serious. “Keep a close eye on the merchants in the city as well. These people have the backing of the government. Now that the government is in trouble, it’s time for them to do their part.”
The subordinate nodded slightly and went out to carry out the task silently.
Wen Tao left later than usual today, and by the time he returned to the Wen residence, it was almost completely dark.
Madam Wen, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Wen family, was a woman with slightly sharp features and a somewhat fiery temper. She was waiting inside the room at the moment. She did not move when she heard the footsteps outside, and let the maidservant beside her serve her some refreshing tea.
"You're back?"
The servant in the main courtyard pushed open the door, and Wen Tao strolled into the room. The warm yellow candlelight had remained unchanged for decades, and everything here disgusted him.
The man gave a soft "hmm" and then fell silent. After washing their hands, the couple dined together in the front hall.
The empty front hall was empty except for the two of them. Wen Tao picked up his chopsticks to eat, but it took him a while to realize, "Where are Xi'er and Quan'er?"
Madam Wen stared coldly at him, "You still know to ask about Xi'er? She was scolded by you and punished by the Old Madam with a lot of her favorite gold and silver jewelry, and you, as her father, only now remember her?!"
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