The Fourth Prince looked at everyone and said, "Gentlemen, it seems that you are now well-off and able to donate silver to the people of Jiangnan. So, shouldn't you repay the debts you owe?"
As he spoke, the Fourth Prince pulled an account book from his robes. "Which sir would like to go first?"
Seeing that these people were about to complain about being poor again, the Fourth Prince spoke first: "You all must live up to the Emperor's rewards!"
To have the Emperor personally write this is an immense honor; it could be a family heirloom!
Everyone looked troubled. It wasn't that they didn't have the money to return, but they felt that the law wouldn't punish everyone, so they kept putting it off.
They've just donated silver to Jiangnan, so it seems a bit inappropriate to say they don't have any more silver.
"I have seen all your contributions to the Qing Dynasty and have truly treated you well. If you have any difficulties, you can speak to me. The court is in dire need of funds right now, and you are all my trusted ministers. You will certainly not make things difficult for me!"
Emperor Kangxi knew what these court officials were planning: to prolong the day as long as possible. The court and the national treasury were in dire need of funds, yet they were all eating and drinking to their hearts' content. It was utterly despicable!
The Fourth Prince continued, "Since none of the ministers are willing to step forward, then I will make the decision."
As he spoke, he flipped through the account books. "Lord Wang, you borrowed 50,000 taels of silver last year, and you still owe 30,000 taels... Lord Li, you borrowed 80,000 taels, and you still owe 60,000 taels..."
The ministers whose names were called all looked embarrassed, secretly cursing the Fourth Prince for being so ruthless.
But with Emperor Kangxi watching, they couldn't refuse any longer and had to say they would repay the debt as soon as possible.
Seeing this, Emperor Kangxi nodded slightly and said, "Very good. I am very pleased that you ministers are actively repaying your debts. I hope that in the future, everyone will prioritize national affairs and work together to make the Qing Dynasty more prosperous and strong."
"Fourth Brother, why do you still carry an account book with you?" the Tenth Prince asked, looking at the Fourth Prince.
"This is my livelihood, how can I not carry it with me at all times!" the Fourth Prince said.
He also understood why the Crown Prince had sent someone to tell him this morning that he should bring the account books to court; it was much easier than him chasing after these people to collect debts.
"Shouldn't the utensils for eating be bowls?" the Tenth Prince said, scratching his forehead.
"All you do all day is eat!" Ninth Prince said, slapping Tenth Prince on the back of the head in exasperation.
The Tenth Prince could only watch the Ninth Prince with anger but dared not speak out.
"Brother Crown Prince, why did you donate that silver in my name?" He Xue asked, puzzled.
“It would be more convenient to do it in your name!” the Crown Prince said. He was building momentum for He Xue. The greater He Xue’s reputation among the people, the less likely anyone could easily harm He Xue, no matter who became the Crown Prince. This was also a way for him to protect He Xue.
He also needed to continuously build He Xue's prestige among the people, so that the people of the Qing Dynasty would all know about He Xue.
"Brother Crown Prince, you're leaving like this. What will happen to the affairs of the court?"
He Xue was worried that someone might do something to harm the Crown Prince while he was away.
"Don't worry, nothing will happen. Suo'etu will keep an eye on things for me. Besides, there's Jingshu and my fourth brother too!" The Crown Prince was very confident about the matter.
Xue knew about Suo'etu and the Fourth Prince; they were both wholeheartedly devoted to the Crown Prince. She somewhat understood what Jing Shu was capable of. "My elder brother?"
"Yes, although he doesn't hold a high official position now, he knows a lot of things!"
"You don't need to worry about these things now, just be happy!" the prince said gently.
“Okay!” He Xue replied.
Then something happened that disgusted the crown prince.
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