Yet now they had added another ten thousand people and offered so much money, grain, and supplies besides!
But curse as they might, they could no longer afford to raise their bids.
The Zhen Clan's offer had already exceeded what they could bear. If they kept bidding, even if they secured the title of Great Han’s Foremost Benefactor, it would cut deep into their flesh and bone.
"A-any further donations?"
The official's brush hand was beginning to cramp. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he put the question to the crowd.
This time, no one spoke.
The official breathed a sigh of relief, fetched a fresh piece of silk, and affixed it to the Imperial Notice, preparing to list the money, grain, and supplies each clan had donated in order of their rankings.
"Wait!"
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.
Yuan Xi came galloping over. He swung down from his horse, walked straight through the crowd, and approached the official. "I would like to donate as well."
Yang Biao, the Zhen Clan elder, and the others all turned toward him.
They could not help frowning.
Why had Yuan Xi come to stick his foot into this too?
A glint flickered in the Zhen Clan elder's eyes. With a faint smile, he asked, "Our Zhen Clan has currently donated twenty-five thousand shi of provisions, five thousand jin of salt, and ten thousand strings of cash, and agreed to take in forty thousand displaced people. We can still donate more."
"How much does the Minister of Works intend to donate?"
His words were a reminder to Yuan Xi that the Zhen Clan was determined to claim the title of Great Han’s Foremost Benefactor. He should weigh his bid carefully.
"Not much."
Yuan Xi smiled and said modestly, "In terms of wealth,