"But His Majesty resides deep within the palace; how can our situation possibly reach His Majesty's ears?"
"Yes, what should we do to gain His Majesty's protection?"
Zhao Ning hesitated for a moment, then looked at everyone with a solemn expression: "I have a method that can be used, it just depends on whether you are willing to give it up."
"What method is it?"
"Yes, Patriarch Zhao, please speak!"
Everyone echoed this sentiment.
"Since those people are using His Majesty's name to solicit donations, why should we use our own money to be generous with other people's money?"
One person asked, "I wonder... what does Patriarch Zhao mean?"
“We will personally hand over the money and grain to His Majesty, and wait for His Majesty to summon us before we report the truth to him. In this way, even if we cannot bring down those eunuchs, we can at least be freed from further trouble!”
"Sigh... that's the only way!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, approving of Zhao Ning's method.
Zhao Ning then looked at everyone and said, "Since you all agree, I have decided to donate 20 million coins, 10,000 shi of grain, and 10,000 mu of land to the country to share the Emperor's burdens. What do you all think?"
"this...."
Everyone exchanged glances, somewhat hesitant. It wasn't that they couldn't afford it, but they were just reluctant to part with it, as it was money they had painstakingly saved up.
"Gentlemen, do not hesitate any longer. If you donate too little, you will certainly not attract His Majesty's attention. If you are generous and win His Majesty's favor, you may even receive His Majesty's reward!"
Seeing everyone's hesitation, Zhao Ning was displeased, but still tried to persuade them.
“Patriarch Zhao is right. Rather than let the eunuchs destroy our family, we might as well take a gamble... Compared to His Majesty’s favor, this amount of money is nothing!”
One of the powerful figures gritted his teeth and looked at Zhao Ning, "Patriarch Zhao, I am also willing to offer the same amount of money and land to His Majesty as you."
Everyone understood the implications and, without further hesitation, expressed their agreement.
One of them frowned and asked, "But...we have no way to reach the Emperor's ears!"
Zhao Ning smiled confidently, "Don't worry, everyone. I have a distant cousin's sister's younger sister's husband who is currently working under the command of the Sili Yamen Commandery."
"You must know that the Commandant of the Capital Region is the Emperor's confidant. If he is willing to speak, the Emperor will surely know of our loyalty."
"Alright! Then I'll leave everything to Patriarch Zhao."
Hearing that Zhao Ning had connections in the imperial court, everyone felt relieved.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
