Chapter 309 - 309: Donate Voluntarily

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Of course, I am willing to donate the entire Cheng Mansion.”

Hearing Xiao Junhao’s words, Xiao Nanye responded calmly.

Xiao Junhao originally made the statement in jest, not expecting that Xiao Nanye would truly be willing to donate his entire mansion.

Hearing this, Xiao Junhao’s looked visibly upset.

At this moment, Emperor Qiming chided Xiao Nanye, “What nonsense are you talking? If you donate your mansion, where will you live? On the streets?”

“Of course not on the streets. Has my Imperial brother forgotten? I am already married. I can live with my wife in the General’s Mansion.”

“Enough of your nonsense!”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Emperor Qi Ming interrupted with an icy stare.

Looking at Xiao Nanye, he said with a gloomy face, “You, as a distinguished king, live with your wife in the Jiang family’s house every day. What kind of image is that?

“As long as 1 can solve the problem for Imperial Brother, I don’t mind staying with the Jiang family. I…”

“Shut up!”

Before Xiao Nanye could finish, Emperor Qi Ming interrupted him with a cold gaze.

Seeing this, Xiao Nanye didn’t say anything else.

When Jiang Hong and Jiang Ren heard their conversation, had smiles at the corners of their mouth. However, they lowered their heads silently and pretended not to hear anything.

At this moment, Emperor Qi Ming looked at Jiang Ren. “Prince Qing is right. The Liu family is a royal merchant, so they should contribute to this disaster. What do you think, General Jiang?”

“Your Majesty, I’m not familiar with the Liu family’s situation.”

“Therefore, Your Majesty should be asking the Liu family about this, not me.”

Hearing Jiang Ren’s words, Emperor Qiming frowned.

He had called in the Jiang family members to avoid appearing as if he was forcibly seizing assets.

However, what Emperor Qi Ming did not know was that the Liu family was already prepared to take the initiative to donate.

At the Liu family residence.

Jiang Peihuan looked at the members of the Liu family, finally resting her gaze on Liu Hao, “Cousin Liu, it seems the Emperor is intent on taking the Liu family’s silver.”

“Instead of waiting for the Emperor to ask, the Liu family should take the initiative. This way, the Liu family will have some room to negotiate.”

“Eldest Miss, we understand. I will go to the palace right away.”

After speaking, Liu Hao immediately stood up.

“Xin Er, please take good care of the Eldest Miss and Aunt.”

“Elder Brother, don’t worry.”

Now, most of the Liu family’s affairs are managed by Liu Hao. After paying his respects to Liu Xiu, Liu Hao headed directly towards the palace.

In the Qianqing Hall.

Seeing that the family members were not responsive, Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes were filled with anger, “In that case, I will summon the Liu family members to see if they are willing to help alleviate my concerns.”

After saying this, Emperor Qi Ming turned to Wang Kun.

But just as he was about to speak, a young eunuch entered, “Your Majesty, Liu Hao has arrived to seek an audience.”

Hearing this, everyone in the hall was stunned.

The smile on Xiao Junhao’s face froze.

Emperor Qi Ming was silent for a few seconds before saying, “Let him in.”

Liu Hao, dressed in white, slowly entered the Qian Qing Hall.

Approaching Emperor Qi Ming, Liu Hao gently knelt, “Your humble servent pays his respects to Your Majesty.”

“Get up.”

Although Liu Hao was a merchant, he exudes an extraordinary aura. As such, Emperor Qi Ming held a favorable impression of him.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Upon hearing Qi Ming’s words, Liu Hao slowly got up.

Once he stood up, Emperor Qi Ming asked, “Liu Hao, why have you come at this late hour?”

“In response to Your Majesty, I’ve heard about the severe disasters in various regions. Thus, I’ve come to present a gift from the Liu family to Your Majesty.” Hearing Liu Hao’s words, astonishment filled Qi Ming’s eyes.

Seemingly unaffected by Qi Ming’s surprise, Liu Hao continued after a brief pause, “Though our business has not been great this year, the Liu family still has substantial wealth. We’d like to donate one million gold taels to assist in rebuilding the affected areas.”

“One million gold taels?”

Upon hearing the figure, joy overtook Emperor Qi Ming’s features. When the term “gold” was mentioned, his elation intensified.

Liu Hao nodded in affirmation.

Meeting Qi Ming’s gaze, he continued, “In addition to money, the Liu family has a significant amount of grain. The young miss of the general’s mansion plans to distribute porridge outside the city soon. 1 thought we could join her.” “Jiang Hong, you’ve raised a good daughter,” Emperor Qi Ming murmured after a long pause, addressing Jiang Hong.

Jiang Hong simply bowed his head in response, not uttering a word.

At this point, Xiao Nanye spoke up, “Your Majesty, although the Liu family are merchants, their contributions to the Qi Kingdom are notable. Perhaps they deserve a reward.”

Emperor Qi Ming chuckled, “Considering that the Liu family is the wealthiest in Qi Kingdom, 1 doubt they’re in need of more jewels or riches. Maybe something practical would be more appropriate.”

Emperor Qi Ming, with a hint of jest, added, “You seem to have prioritized your wife’s family over everything else.”

Despite the light-heartedness, Qi Ming sincerely said, “In recognition of the Liu family’s loyalty, I shall exempt them from taxes for the next two years.” “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Considering the Liu family’s vast business network, two years of tax exemption is a colossal amount. Gratefully, Liu Hao knelt in appreciation.

Seeing his gratitude, Emperor Qi Ming’s mood lifted, “It’s getting late; all of you should head home.”

Without giving anyone another glance, he departed for the inner hall.

Watching the emperor’s receding figure, Xiao Junhao’s eyes darkened. His plans had been thwarted.

“Imperial Uncle is really good at scheming,” Xiao Junhao muttered sarcastically, observing Xiao Nanye chatting jovially with Jiang Hong.

Hearing this, Xiao Nanye stopped, turned, and coldly responded, “It’s just a pity that all your schemes amounted to nothing.”

“Father, Third Uncle, let’s return to the Mansion.”

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, Jiang Hong and the others nodded at Xiao Junhao and left.

It wasn’t until they got into the carriage that Jiang Hong looked at Xiao Nanye and said, “Your Highness, Prince Qing doesn’t look like a good person. Be careful in your future dealings with him.”

“There’s no need to worry. After all, I am still his elder. If he behaves disgracefully, I won’t hesitate to teach my nephew a lesson.”

“Elder Brother, you don’t need to worry about King Cheng. His wit is more than enough to handle the Prince Qing.”

By the time Xiao Nanye and his entourage returned to the general’s mansion, Jiang Peihuan and Liu Xiu had also arrived.

Realizing that everything had ended perfectly, Jiang Peihuan heaved a sigh of relief..