"Hmm, not bad!"
Seeing their terrified expressions, a smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes. It seemed they had learned what fear was and what the supremacy of imperial power meant.
This is getting interesting!
These people used to dare to deal with even Li Anlan, but now they're trembling with fear. It seems that my suppression of the aristocratic families has been quite effective, to the point that they've become like frightened birds.
If Li Anlan saw this scene of people scrambling to give money, he would probably be so envious he'd cry.
To be honest, if Cao Cao and Xu You hadn't been eyeing them, Lin Yi wouldn't have bothered them, since Lin Yi wasn't short of money at all.
Not to mention that the Great Liang Dynasty was the biggest beneficiary of the trade routes in the Western Regions, earning the most money, the gold and silver obtained from the Yamata Nation alone would be enough to make Great Liang extremely wealthy.
However, since the emperor himself has already made his appearance, he can't just give a random number to get by; otherwise, he, as the emperor, would lose all his prestige.
According to Mi Zhu's report, Zhang Wanhao and his group made a fortune this time, their assets multiplying several times over.
Because the Great Liang mobilized a large army, it opened up the route between the Great West Empire and the Frostwest Empire, which caused the demand for goods such as silk to surge, and as a result, prices began to skyrocket.
The prices of silk, sugar, and salt, in particular, increased tenfold or even twentyfold, so you can imagine the profits they made.
Based on trade between the two trading nations, the profits involved are at least close to one billion; even if split evenly, they are still making a killing.
Thinking of this, his eyes suddenly became playful, and he sighed, "I am deeply gratified that my esteemed ministers have such awareness and have taken the initiative to stand up and share the burdens of the country."
"However, as the ruler of a country, how can I take your money for no reason? That's unreasonable! What kind of talk would that make? Wouldn't it make me appear to be abusing my power?"
I am a wise and sage ruler, how could I possibly compete with the people for profit!
impossible!
That's absolutely impossible!
"This..."
Wang Hui and the others had been subtly observing the emperor's gaze. Seeing the mocking look in his eyes, they immediately understood the implication and their faces turned ashen.
Bitter!
According to international practice, His Majesty is complaining that it's not enough!
Zhang Wanhao sighed, forced a smile, and whispered, "How could His Majesty accept our money? This is just a small token of our appreciation for Great Liang."
Without Your Majesty's army expanding into the Western Regions, we would not have been able to achieve this. Therefore, I have decided to donate another five million strings of cash to support the army's expenses in the Western Regions!
He came to terms with it; it's just money, after all.
As Jia Xu said, money is something you can't take with you when you're born or when you die, so there's no need to lose your head over it; that would be a huge loss.
Besides, the Zhang Clan made a lot of money this time. Even if they donate ten million strings of cash, they will still make a profit. At most, they will only earn a little less.
However, as long as you continue to follow Great Liang, the benefits will be long-lasting.
"Haha, Brother Zhang, you're a good man. You don't forget the source of your blessings. With this five million strings of cash, the Western Regions army can better manage the western trade routes. A larger scale means better profits."
Jia Xu raised his teacup to toast Zhang Wanhao, effectively turning the donation into protection money—a legitimate and legal source of income.
Damn it!
Zhang Wanhao rolled his eyes at him, not in the mood to argue, but just staring expectantly at the Emperor, who needed his approval.
Seemingly sensing his plea, Lin Yi nodded slightly and smiled, "Well, that's not bad. After all, the army has worked hard. I thank you for your contributions on behalf of the army!"
"Your Majesty is too kind. This is what I should do." Zhang Wanhao breathed a sigh of relief. He had finally gotten the Emperor's approval, which was nod in satisfaction. This was truly an achievement.
Giving money is one thing, but having to come up with a reason for it yourself is just incredibly unfair.
After one person set an example, the others naturally stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I have discovered that many veterans of the former Northern Liang are facing the problem of aging. I have also allocated five million strings of cash to allow them to enjoy their later years in peace and to share Your Majesty's burdens."
Wang Hui gritted his teeth and rounded it up, deciding not to even mention donating, but simply giving a monetary gift.
"Yes, it's good that the elderly are cared for!"
"Your Majesty, many babies die from malnutrition at birth. I wish to do my part to help..."
After one round, the number skyrocketed to 200 million, making Cao Cao drool. This pig-butchering scam was a huge operation, making them incredibly profitable.
Not only did the southern aristocratic families contribute money, but even the northern aristocratic families were not spared, and they all generously donated.
When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. If you're eating with Great Liang term for Daliang), you can't afford to break the pot.
"Yes, very good!"
Seeing the heads of several powerful families looking like wilted eggplants, Lin Yi revealed a meaningful smile and said quietly, "I have seen the contributions of my beloved ministers, and this makes me very gratified."
However, I never mistreat those who have made contributions. You will soon find that this benefit is just a drop in the ocean.
Following the Great Liang was the right choice!
Since they were sensible, Lin Yi naturally didn't hesitate to offer them some benefits. In this era of rapid development, even revealing a little something was enough to make them rich.
The key is whether they know what's good for them; that's the crucial point.
After saying this, Lin Yi turned and left, taking Cao Cao and Jia Xu with him, leaving behind a group of aristocratic families full of questions and expectations.
"Phew, that was close!"
Upon seeing the Emperor leave, everyone collapsed to the ground, only then realizing that their backs were soaked in cold sweat; it was as if they had just escaped death.
If the Emperor had been dissatisfied, none of us would have fared well.
A flash of anger crossed Wang Hui's eyes as he glared at Cao Cao's retreating figure, gritting his teeth and muttering, "You cunning Cao Aman, you're truly ruthless! With this huge charge pinned on us, how are we supposed to survive? This is practically a guillotine!"
That bastard is a killer! He's completely incompetent!
They started by talking about the empty national treasury and dragged in the army of students taking the imperial examinations. If any one of these things got out, they would become the target of public criticism.
The aristocratic families were already struggling, and now they're being branded as unhelpful to the country and have lost the support of their students. Their lives are truly over.
Besides, this is for the Emperor's birthday. It's fine not to give money in secret, but not to give it in front of the Emperor would be a slap in the face to him, and that would be a serious offense.
Fortunately, we've managed to get through this, and we've overcome a major hurdle.