Chapter 1269: Reward

and said, "Your Highness, this is the construction budget for Zhao's Mansion. Please take a look."Li Chen was taken aback and motioned to Wan Jiaojiao to bring up the report.Upon receiving the report...Chapter 1269 Rewards

Inside the main hall of Taishan Pavilion, Xu Changqing received a note and a cup from Xiao Waizi.

When Xu Changqing saw the cup, he was taken aback.

looked at Xiaozi with a questioning gaze.

The latter retorted with, "I don't know either. Don't look at me like that."

Xu Changqing twitched the corner of his mouth, then opened the note.

After a moment, Xu Changqing's face broke into an expression of excitement mingled with something strange.

He put the note away, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly... burst into tears.

The sound wasn't loud, but the whimpering cries stood out like a sore thumb amidst the peaceful banquet.

Suddenly, everyone fell silent. All eyes turned to Xu Changqing in stunned silence.

At the Donggong banquet, Xu Zhangqing, a high-ranking Minister of Revenue, actually cried out loud

This scene left everyone feeling somewhat caught off guard.

Even Lian Sujin frowned.

But she knew Xu Changqing was definitely doing it on purpose.

Although Su Jinpa didn't understand what Xu Changqing was trying to do, he still chose to cooperate.

"Master Xu, why are you crying" Su Jinpa asked.

Xu Changqing wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, stood up with a mournful face, and bowed to Su Jinpa, saying: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It's just that I saw everyone so devoted to their country and willing to give everything for it. When I thought about the empty treasury and His Highness always lamenting the lack of funds for national affairs, and how he worked tirelessly for the government, my heart ached."

Once choked with emotion, it took him three tries to finish his sentence. Xu Changqing then picked up the cup in his hand and said excitedly: "The prince once said that if there really was a way to turn stone into gold in this world, he would be willing to have this cup, his most beloved object, turned into a small piece of silver. Even that could slightly alleviate the difficulties caused by the empty treasury."

"Though it was a jest, it also clearly shows the depth of Your Highness's concern. Even if it is just a drop in the bucket, it is still a timely gift."

At this point, Nangong Shouchong and the others looked at each other in dismay.

Can you play this way

All eyes were drawn involuntarily to the cup. It was a vibrant emerald green, no larger than an ordinary teacup, not particularly big or ostentatious. The craftsmanship was undeniably good; after all, it came from the Eastern Palace and wouldn't be made with cheap materials. However, it wasn't excessively precious or rare either.

Their house cups wouldn't be any worse than this one.

But this ordinary cup, after Xu Changqing's words, was no longer an ordinary cup. It became a testament to the Crown Prince's tireless efforts for the country's governance.

Su Jinpa was also a little taken aback.

Needless to say, she instantly knew this must be the prince's doing.

The familiar style, the familiar mix of cunning and ruthlessness, a strategy that's clearly flawed yet somehow impossible to pin down.

Now that the play has reached this point, Su Jinpa would be a fool not to understand Li Chen's intentions.

"I only heard her sigh and say, 'Lord Xu is kind, but this object is just an ordinary cup. How could it possibly turn stones into gold That's just an exaggeration in folk tales.'"

"Your Majesty!"

Among the wealthy merchants, Silk Merchant Jin Wannian suddenly spoke up. He rose and walked to the center of the hall, prostrating himself on the ground, his voice trembling with emotion as he said: "Subject Jin Wannian deeply feels the great love Your Highness and Her Majesty have for the country and the people. I also feel deeply that my abilities are lacking. Although I do not possess the ability to turn stone into gold, I wish to donate another 300,000 taels of silver to buy this cup!"

Jin Wannian's words made all the other tycoons widen their eyes.

Can you play like this!

Then, Su Jinpa's words made their eyes turn red.

"Master Jin's patriotic heart is evident to all, and this palace feels deeply gratified. Such a fine character deserves an imperial decree of commendation from the court. Throughout the land, silk weaving should take Master Jin as its model."o scolded: "Zhao Xuanji is just testing. If he really draws his weapon, he will be putting himself in danger""And if you retreat, it will make people think you are afraid, giving them an opportunity t...