"I cannot accept rewards without merit. I have sworn a solemn oath never to take a single needle or thread from the people!"
Lin Yi shook his head calmly, his face beaming with a smile, but he showed no intention of accepting the gift. He simply watched them quietly, as if to say, "Go on, you two."
This immediately created an awkward situation!
"Not even a needle or thread?"
The group of gentry were dumbfounded. They hadn't expected to encounter someone who didn't want money. This was the first time they'd ever encountered such a situation.
The young men looked confused; this was the first time they'd encountered a problem that money couldn't solve. This was different from what their elders had told them—wasn't this just a chance to make an appearance?
One of the young masters couldn't help but whisper, "What's going on? It seems the prince doesn't care about money. He doesn't take a single needle or thread from the common people. Is he expecting us to get something for free?"
Tsk tsk!
This is the first time I've encountered something like this in all these years, and I'm actually a little excited about it.
"Oh, you're still too young!"
Upon hearing this, Song Huizu, a veteran of many years, couldn't help but twitch his lips. Who is this kid? He's not even fully evolved yet, and he's already released him. Isn't that a bit too naive?
How could anyone in this world not love money? The only possibility is that they don't have enough money.
"What do you mean, bro?"
Upon seeing someone knowledgeable, the young man immediately began to quietly inquire. "We're both from distinguished families; we're old acquaintances. I must ask for your guidance."
Forehead!
Before Song Huizu could speak, a powerful figure beside them spoke up, saying meaningfully, "The so-called 'not taking a single needle or thread' simply means that the Prince of Xiliang has no interest in even a needle or thread. Someone of his stature naturally..."
He left it at that, not saying anything more, and everyone understood.
The Prince of Xiliang knows the entire Ningchuan Commandery like the back of his hand; in fact, much of the information is leaked by his own people. How could he not know the purpose of these people? Now, he is deliberately playing this game of cat and mouse; it is clearly intentional.
Not taking a single needle or thread implies that we've given too little, barely enough to make a difference.
"Holy crap, I guess I'm still too young. They want more money." The young man wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. He'd definitely have to study hard when he got back; he felt like he couldn't keep up.
hey-hey!
Qian Duoduo couldn't help but laugh, whispering, "What a fine example of not taking a single needle or thread! I admire the frankness of the Prince of Xiliang. Am I, Qian Duoduo, being stingy?"
"Butler, go back and fetch some more money!"
Things that can be solved with money aren't really problems.
For a prominent family, a stable source of income is of paramount importance; it's like adding a trump card to the family's portfolio.
Paying for convenience is nothing to be ashamed of!
There's no such thing as a free lunch. We're all adults All Under Heaven, so let's not be so naive!
In fact, they had tried to sneak off to fish before, and the trip was going quite smoothly. However, on the way back, they were attacked by pirates, and not only did they lose the fish, but they also lost their boat.
There is no doubt that ocean fishing is feasible; the only thing needed is strong protection. The northern aristocratic families only have two choices: either the navy of the Great Ning Dynasty or the Brocade Sail Navy of Xiliang.
Fishing with the navy of the Great Ning Dynasty is undoubtedly the most convenient and hassle-free option, given that they've already dealt with each other so many times.
But a problem arises: the powerful families of the north are all under Lin Yi's nose. Choosing the Great Ning Navy is tantamount to suicide!
In this way, the northern aristocratic families no longer need to choose; they can simply follow Lin Yi. After all, it's just fishing, and Great Ning can't do anything to them.
With Qian Duoduo lead, the others suddenly realized what was going on and quickly went down to raise money urgently. They had to go all out this time.
Once we secure this major project, we'll be rolling in profits.
Compared to the enormous profits from ocean fishing, this amount of money is just a drop in the ocean and can be completely ignored.
These people were very fast; they returned in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The courtyard was piled high with countless boxes, and the frenzied scene left the surrounding people dumbfounded. They were all rushing to give away money.
The rambling conversation in the hall finally came to an end.
Cough cough!
Seeing the mountain of money piled up in the courtyard, Lin Yi sighed and frowned, saying, "What do you mean by this? I told you I didn't want these things, yet you still brought so much here. Aren't you putting me in an unjust position?"
Forehead!
Everyone's lips twitched, cursing inwardly, but they dared not show the slightest disrespect on their faces.
"Cough cough!"
At the crucial moment, a highly respected elder stepped forward and immediately commanded the attention of the entire audience. This person was none other than Zhang Ruoyun, the younger brother of the Zhang Clan patriarch who had just given the young man some pointers!
The Zhang Clan's strength in the north is consistently among the top three, and the fact that the family head's younger brother personally came this time demonstrates the importance they attach to the matter.
As an elder of the prominent family, the moment he stood up, the people below fell silent.
Zhang Ruoyun walked to the center, bowed slightly to Lin Yi, and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness is benevolent and righteous, and is determined to lead the people of the North to a better life. Your merits are immeasurable."
Now that Your Highness is concerned for the well-being of the All Under Heaven, you have even thought of people like us. If Your Highness doesn't even accept a small gift, what will the All Under Heaven think of our noble family? Wouldn't they see us as greedy and insatiable?
"For our sake, Your Highness must accept these gifts!"
These words, spoken with force and conviction, brimming with a heart full of justice, left everyone speechless. It really is you, old man.
We even believed what we said.
Young people are eager to take notes, as this is absolutely Yuliang; missing it will be a lifelong regret.
Lin Yi was startled and frowned, saying, "Your words, sir, make me feel ashamed. I didn't expect it to be so serious. Do people really think that way?"
"That's right. Judging from public opinion, my family would never be that kind of person!" Zhang Ruoyun said with a righteous expression.
"Why!"
Lin Yi sighed and frowned, saying, "Since that's the case, I'll reluctantly accept it. You are all honored guests of Xiliang; how can I allow your reputation to be tarnished? And please, never do this again!"
puff!
Song Huizu, watching Zhang Ruoyun's performance, were quite relaxed, leisurely sipping their tea. However, upon hearing this, they couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of tea.
Your Highness, this is...
Holy crap, why is the prince looking at me?
Seeing Lin Yi's gaze fall upon him, Song Huizu's expression changed, quickly transforming into one of utmost respect. It was said that the prince was extremely stingy; he was not someone to be trifled with.
Zhang Ruoyun had no problem with it. He smiled and said, "Your Highness has shown us the right path this time. These gifts are only right. We hope Your Highness will continue to support the Zhang Clan's business in the future!"
His words were sincere, without the slightest hint of arrogance from aristocratic families!