After finishing his tea, Situ Feng left, saying he was going to find his future.
Li Xi stopped worrying about these things and went to the Chamber of Commerce to find Chairman Wang.
The fundraising at the charity was in full swing, thanks to the emperor's donation of 500,000 taels of silver.
Other prominent families and powerful households also generously donated money.
At first, they all claimed to be poor, so we gave them three or five hundred taels of silver to get rid of them.
Later, the Hidden Sect sent some information about those "extremely wealthy" families. They chatted with them privately for a few minutes, and the next day they all personally brought "huge sums" to donate.
This fundraising effort was of great significance, and the Emperor specially appointed Li Xi to represent him in overseeing the entire process, and tasked Yinxian Villa with establishing charitable halls throughout the country.
The Qiyang Chamber of Commerce is responsible for managing the charitable funds, ensuring that the funds are allocated and used effectively.
Chairman Wang had previously collaborated with the retired emperor to successfully organize a seven-nation trade fair, and therefore enjoys a high reputation in Kyoto.
As the manager of the donations, the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce must ensure that every donation is used effectively and that not a single penny is wasted.
They need to establish detailed financial systems, regularly disclose income and expenditure information, and accept supervision from all sectors of society.
Only in this way can we win the public's trust and encourage more people to donate generously.
In no time, the area in front of the charity hall was bustling with activity, as donations poured in like a flowing river.
As Li Xi stepped into the Chamber of Commerce, she saw Chairman Wang busily moving between the tables, chatting happily with various leaders.
"Am I just in time?" Li Xi stepped forward.
Chairman Wang turned his head upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He then put down the ledger in his hand and said, "That's right. Come, come, take a look at these ledgers."
She picked up a ledger at random and could get a general idea of it.
Seeing such a considerable amount, she was satisfied, and it was worth her several days of 'overtime'.
Seeing everyone bustling about, Li Xi also helped tidy up the messy ledgers on the table.
When the dignitaries saw Li Xi appear, they all crowded around to greet him.
In their eyes, General Li was, after all, a favorite of the Emperor.
"General Li is truly a man of imposing stature, young and promising, and exceptionally handsome," a merchant in fine clothes said with a smile, his eyes full of admiration.
"Not at all, not at all. Your generosity is truly a great act of kindness, and I admire you all very much," Li Xi said earnestly.
At this moment, a young man who looked like a scholar squeezed through the crowd, holding a scroll of calligraphy and painting, and walked nervously to Li Xi: "General Li, this is a painting I recently made called 'Warm Sunshine in Spring.' Although it is not as good as the work of famous artists, I hope it can do my part for the charity."
Upon hearing this, Li Xi looked up at the painting and saw that the sun was shining brightly, everything was reviving, and there was a vibrant scene. A warm feeling welled up in her heart.
She accepted the calligraphy and painting, and solemnly said, "This painting has a profound artistic conception and a beautiful meaning. It is truly a priceless treasure. On behalf of the charity, I thank you for your generous donation."
As soon as he finished speaking, applause and exclamations of praise rang out from the surroundings.
As night fell, the noise in front of the charity hall gradually subsided.
Just then, Situ Feng arrived.
"Why are you here?" Li Xi thought he had left.
Her tone carried a hint of surprise and delight. Standing at the entrance of the charity hall, moonlight bathed her gentle face, adding a soft glow to the tranquil night.
Situ Feng was momentarily stunned, thinking to himself: Why does Li Xi always give people a sense of otherworldly elegance? Even the most ordinary moonlight seems to be imbued with magic on her, making everything around her pale in comparison.
He coughed lightly to cover his momentary lapse in composure and smiled:
"I originally planned to leave, but I always felt that there were things left undone. After thinking it over, I still felt that I should come and see you."
He took out a wad of silver from his sleeve: "This is a small token of my appreciation."
Li Xi took the silver and glanced at it; it was tens of thousands of taels! "Brother Situ, you're being far too generous!"
Situ Feng shook his head: "Money is one of the things I care about least now. Although it can solve all kinds of urgent problems in the world, it can't buy sincerity and affection. Consider it a token of my goodwill." It can also offset some of my sins.
"Okay, thank you very much. If you have time, why don't you come in for a cup of tea?" Li Xi gestured an invitation.
The candlelight flickered in the room as the two talked animatedly...
After several days of travel, Meng Zhelan and her party finally arrived in Kyoto.
They brought several carts full of precious medicinal herbs into Tingfeng Courtyard.
Meng Zhelan sat wearily in a chair and said to Prince An beside her, "You can go back now. We have been gone for a month, and I imagine you have been very busy with state affairs."
However, Prince An did not mind. He smiled and replied, "It's alright, this little bit of time won't take up too much of the time. I'd like to chat with you a bit more."
Meng Zhelan shook her head helplessly and said, "There will be plenty of time later. You should go and deal with government affairs first."
Upon seeing this, Prince An's eyes flashed with tenderness and reluctance: "Alright, I'll come again tomorrow."
Although there was no physical contact between the two, an indescribable understanding and warmth filled the air.
Just then, Li Xi arrived at Tingfeng Courtyard.
Seeing the atmosphere between the two, she paused slightly: "It seems I've come at the wrong time and have disturbed your enjoyment."
Meng Zhelan stood up and went to greet her: "Not at all, Xi'er, you've come at the perfect time. I was just thinking of looking for you."
Prince An nodded politely and said, "Since you have something to discuss, I won't disturb you any longer. Let's talk another day."
After saying that, he took a deep look at his beloved, then turned and left.
Li Xi watched Prince An leave, then turned to Meng Zhelan and smiled, "Is something going on between you two?"
Meng Zhelan sighed softly, "I don't know if this decision is right, but I want to give it a try. He's been very good to me."
Li Xi understood what she meant: "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. However, if he does something to hurt you, I'll take you away immediately, even if it means leaving Jingyuan!"
Her eyes were full of determination as she gently patted Meng Zhelan's hand, a gesture of unspoken understanding between sisters.
"Lan'er, remember, no matter when or where, you are not alone. If Prince An truly cares for you, he will cherish all the good things you have done for him. But if he betrays you, remember to turn back. I will always be here to protect you."
Meng Zhelan's eyes reddened slightly as she looked at Li Xi with gratitude, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. "Xi'er, thank you."
"There's no need for thanks between us." Li Xi didn't want her to be hurt by love.
"By the way, Brother Da Niu is here too. I'm planning to set up a herb plantation in Huangshi Village. The herbs grown there are of particularly high quality."
The two of them got quite animated when they started talking about these things...
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