Hu Xiaotian said, "This is how I came by the silver." He recounted how he had obtained it. Although his account of the events was accurate, he concealed a good deal when it came to the actual sums. He could hardly hand the wealth he had painstakingly extorted to Qiqi for nothing. Great Kang's treasury was empty, and the entire country was desperately short of money. Who knew whether the little lass's eyes would light up at the sight of wealth? If she robbed the robber, wouldn't all his efforts be like fetching water with a bamboo basket?
Qiqi showed little interest in the silver. She said coldly, "Great Kang's present plight has everything to do with these officials who fatten themselves at the public's expense. How could their salaries alone have amassed such fortunes?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Highness means..."
Qiqi said, "Are you hoping I'll kill them all to vent your anger for you?"
Hu Xiaotian said, "I never thought that."
Qiqi said, "A failure to endure small things can ruin great plans. Matters have their priorities, and maintaining stability must come first under the present circumstances. I'll settle these accounts with them myself later."
Hu Xiaotian said, "Your Highness truly sees far ahead, devising strategies from within the command tent." Inwardly, however, he rejoiced. He certainly did not want Qiqi to have these people chopped down just yet. This incident showed that these officials had plenty of fat to squeeze out. Even confiscating their estates and exterminating their households might not uncover all their hidden wealth. Only squeezing them little by little would yield the greatest profit.
Qiqi said, "Don't try to feed me your bewitching brew. You don't want me to kill them now either. Otherwise, wouldn't your future source of income dry up?" She understood