Chapter 1050: Chapter 886: Asking for Silver

Hu Maoshen immediately understood and quickly raised his wine cup, saying loudly, "This time, I have been ordered to assist Mr. Gu in handling disaster relief matters. In the future, I will need the strong support of everyone here! I toast to you all and thank you in advance!"

Everyone hurriedly responded, "We dare not! We dare not!" Then they all stood up, raised their cups, and toasted back.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am the chief official in charge of this disaster relief. There are many areas where I will rely on all of you in the future. If I have any requests in the future, you must not shirk them! Come, I toast to you all, I will drink first as a sign of respect!"

Gu Chengyu smiled, raised his cup, and drank first.

Seeing this, everyone had no choice but to stand up and return the toast, repeatedly saying it was polite.

Don’t be fooled by these wealthy merchants, who, despite their flushed faces from drinking, were fully aware that the main guest of today’s banquet had arrived!

As soon as Gu Chengyu sat down, the smile on his face disappeared, replaced by a distressed look.

He continued, "This flood in Changtian Prefecture has caused over ten thousand civilian casualties, an unprecedented tragedy since the founding of the dynasty, even causing the Emperor a great deal of grief. Those deceased civilians are truly pitiable. Alas! Natural disasters and human misfortunes cannot be reversed by human effort. It really makes one’s heart ache, yet there is nothing that can be done!"

Gu Chengyu used a handkerchief on the table to wipe the corners of his eyes, his expression so heavy that everyone present put down their wine cups.

The hall was now silent, and the expressions of everyone changed from rosy to somber and silent grief!

Hu Maoshen’s lips twitched, these people change faces faster than actors.

"So many civilians have died, and we are equally saddened. Mr. Gu, please do not be overly distressed. It is most important to take care of the disaster relief matters!"

At this time, someone needed to respond, and naturally, that person was Manager Zhan of Juxiang Building.

"Manager Zhan is absolutely right, I will certainly arrange for the well-being of those disaster victims, not allowing them to be homeless, starving, and plagued by disease. However, the court also has its difficulties; the disaster relief funds have not yet been allocated, but the disaster victims cannot wait."

Gu Chengyu’s words were sincere, but his brow was deeply furrowed, clearly worried about the disaster relief.

"Every day I visit those disaster victims, I find that they have long since stripped the turf within a ten-mile radius. Each is gaunt and lifeless from hunger. I still remember their numb eyes; they are silently accusing me of my incompetence!"

Gu Chengyu’s words were a true expression of emotion. He poured himself another cup of wine and drank it down as if this could lessen his sense of guilt, which others saw as an outburst of his helplessness.

"How can this be Mr. Gu’s incompetence? Natural disasters and human misfortunes are unwanted by anyone! If the court doesn’t allocate funds, even a clever housewife cannot cook without rice! Please, don’t blame yourself too much!"

Sitting in another corner, Li Yu Huan, seeing Gu Chengyu’s desolation, couldn’t help but speak up in comfort.

At this moment, he felt that this Mr. Gu was still unworldly, a good official who cares for the people.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu thought, hmm! This Li Yu Huan is quite sensible, well said.

"Gu Shaoqing, the number of disaster victims is increasing and the court is not allocating funds; we need to come up with our own solutions! Although a portion of the disaster victims were previously sent to Yingnan Mansion and are still on the way, even if they reach Yingnan Mansion, don’t they still need grain? We can’t just ignore them, can we? Besides, we don’t even know if that grain will last them to Yingnan Mansion, alas!"

Hu Maoshen stroked his beard, letting out another long sigh!

"That’s why we invited you here today to offer advice and suggestions, isn’t it? Do any of you have any good strategies?" Gu Chengyu asked the crowd with a bitter face.

The merchants present frowned, wondering what the disaster relief had to do with them?

They felt that not taking advantage to make a huge profit was already being very generous; wasn’t this matter for the court? Otherwise, what are these officials the court supports actually doing?

Xia Hongji’s face showed a forced smile as he realized that the imperial envoy intended for them to contribute funds for disaster relief, didn’t he?

Wishful thinking! Why should they contribute funds for disaster relief? Money doesn’t grow on trees, and it’s foolish to get involved in a situation that demands funds without any return.

Moreover, given that Gu Chengyu always contends with the Grand Secretary of his own family, why would he help an adversary who is constantly obstructing his family? He was still sensible, not confused yet!

The other wealthy merchants weren’t foolish either, they naturally saw through it too. Instantly, the jadescent nectar they drank earlier seemed to turn bitter and painfully hot.

Just how much disaster relief money is needed? It’s quite a sum! At least a hundred thousand taels, given the number of disaster victims!

Everyone in the room was a bit restless, as if the chairs they were sitting on were pricked with needles. Some tried to move sideways to remain unnoticed by the imperial envoy.

This situation was something Gu Chengyu had naturally anticipated; getting these shrewd merchants to part with their money wouldn’t be so easy.

You can’t just make empty demands for money; how could they possibly give it to you? Merchants prioritize profit; naturally, they need enough incentives.

"Recently, there’s been news of a leak in the river embankment at Hangtian Prefecture. Have any of you heard?" Gu Chengyu suddenly changed his expression, speaking seriously about the river embankment leakage.

"Isn’t it said to have been patched already?" Mr. Wang asked, puzzled.

Gu Chengyu shook his head and then pointed to Duan Zhijie, "This is Mr. Duan from the Ministry of Industry, specially sent by the Emperor to inspect the river embankment. He understands the seriousness of this matter, so let’s have him explain it to everyone in detail."

Duan Zhijie nodded, "Yes, sir!"

"Do you all know that the material of Hangtian Prefecture’s river embankment is identical to that of Changtian Prefecture? A few days ago, if not for Lord Yang leading the city’s people to voluntarily repair the embankment, Hangtian would have faced the same fate as Changtian. It’s all thanks to Lord Yang and the city’s people! After consulting with the two imperial envoys and our Ministry of Industry’s officials, Mr. Gu suggested that downstream water must be diverted, or else Hangtian Prefecture’s embankment will not withstand the current surging waters."

Duan Zhijie praised several officials and continued, "Mr. Gu has already proposed a diversion plan, which, after thorough discussions among the officials, is considered very feasible. Yet to this day, work hasn’t begun, why?"

"Is it because there’s no money?" Manager Zhan’s eyes shifted, seeing his chance to appear, he quickly chimed in.

Gu Chengyu looked at him approvingly, showing great satisfaction with Manager Zhan’s cooperation.

"Exactly! It’s because there’s no money. Actually, this diversion benefits the people of Hangtian Prefecture, and it is you who will reap the benefits in the future. Everyone has an idea of how harsh the court tax is every year. It’s because the court is soft-hearted and reluctant to raise taxes that the finances are so strained. Now that Hangtian Prefecture is in danger, I trust everyone here, for the court and your own home, will all contribute your part."

Seeing the opportunity arise, Gu Chengyu didn’t hesitate to seize it once he finished speaking, the table fell into complete silence.