Chapter 1053: Chapter 889: Playing the Scoundrel

Everyone present stared in shock at Gu Chengyu’s action, bewildered and at a loss. This handsome young man couldn’t possibly be...

Gu Chengyu couldn’t care less about everyone’s thoughts. He seized the moment while Xia Hongji was still dazed and forcefully bent Xia Hongji’s thumb upwards.

"Ah! Mr. Xia truly lives up to being a model of our Hangtian Prefecture! Actually willing to donate one hundred thousand Silver Tael."

Gu Chengyu exclaimed in admiration and then released his grip, placing his hands behind his back and vigorously wiping them with a cloth.

This exclamation from Gu Chengyu snapped everyone out of their stupor.

Xia Hongji quickly looked down, nearly spitting out a mouthful of old blood—are these a few fingers or is his old eyesight failing him?

"No, it’s not ten..." Xia Hongji hurriedly objected, he couldn’t possibly produce such a large amount of silver!

"Mr. Xia indeed understands righteousness, deserving to be called a member of the Xia Family. We humbly admit defeat!"

Manager Zhan quickly intercepted Xia Hongji’s words, greeting him with clasped hands to express his admiration.

Everyone else looked at each other in disbelief, thinking that this imperial envoy was far too shameless. It was completely unexpected!

They could tell that Xia Hongji initially intended to donate only forty thousand Silver Tael. But with just a few words from the imperial envoy, that amount escalated to one hundred thousand.

Xia Hongji felt a lump of old phlegm stuck in his throat, unable to swallow or spit—he never expected Gu Chengyu to be so shameless.

What else could this be but shamelessness? He clearly intended to show only four fingers. At this moment, Xia Hongji couldn’t help recalling the Clan Leader’s cold and contemptuous face, causing his heart to tremble.

He was just a branch member of the Xia Family, sent to Hangtian Prefecture to manage business. Those Silver Tael weren’t his to decide. Initially, he thought three thousand would suffice, and afterwards, the Clan Leader wouldn’t be too angry.

He later gritted his teeth to add another thousand just to avoid being looked down upon. Though the Clan Leader might be displeased, he could still explain.

Yet now it’s one hundred thousand! He couldn’t even use his own savings to cover it, or the Clan Leader would surely question where such silver came from.

Moreover, if forced to produce one hundred thousand himself, it would be like digging into his heart and soul, causing unbearable pain.

"I only said four..." Xia Hongji held up four fingers, his eyes wide with panic, shaking as though suffering from a stroke.

"Yes! My lord clearly heard Mr. Xia donate one hundred thousand Silver Tael. Come, everyone, let’s toast Mr. Xia!"

Gu Chengyu sat at the table, lifting his own wine cup, ignoring Xia Hongji’s almost tearful expression, and emptied his glass.

He wouldn’t give Xia Hongji a chance to clarify—in any case, he was determined to get the one hundred thousand silver.

Gu Chengyu felt a regretful twinge in his heart, if only Xia Hongji had more than ten fingers.

He calculated internally, knowing Xia Hongji was merely a branch member with limited authority.

He was heading to Yingnan Mansion in a few days, the place where the Xia Family established themselves. The Xia Family’s direct descendants reside there. Upon arrival, Gu Chengyu intended to wrest a piece of flesh from the direct descendants.

Everyone had drunk their wine and made their donations. Logically, Gu Chengyu’s objective was achieved, and the banquet should conclude.

Yet everyone observed Gu Chengyu focused on drinking, showing no intention of ending the gathering.

Hu Maoshen and other officials shared puzzled expressions, glancing at the ledger held by Yang Chaoying—wasn’t this sufficient?

Together it seemed to approximate three hundred thousand Silver Tael, yet Gu Shaoqing appeared unsatisfied.

With this silver for repairing the river embankment and aiding disaster victims, it should be adequate in the short term.

Yang Chaoying and others were thrilled, eagerly awaiting to count the silver notes. But with Gu Chengyu silent, they had to accompany in waiting.

Gu Chengyu surveyed the daydreaming crowd, sensing the timing was right, and finally spoke again.

"I am deeply grateful to everyone for generously donating silver for the disaster victims and river embankment. You all are benevolent people. Once the Merit Stele is inscribed, your names will be immortalized for generations."

Gu Chengyu planned to have the merchants who donated silver inscribed, after all, they donated at least ten thousand each.

Not every business would receive an imperial commendation, but as they donated such sums, benefits must be given.

In any case, the silver’s use was for the citizens, and detailed accounts would be kept; otherwise, court ministers would create trouble.

"Ah~ Mr. Gu truly overwhelms us with praise. We’ve merely donated a bit of silver, how could it be immortalized? We truly feel undeserving. Besides, our contributions aren’t for fame, but to aid victims and prevent the river embankment from collapsing like in Changtian, preventing Hangtian Prefecture from suffering similar floods, leaving citizens destitute!"

Mr. Wang touched his protruding belly, speaking like he had honey on his lips, portraying himself as noble and selfless.

Yang Chaoying smirked—though new to office in Hangtian Prefecture, he was already quite notorious regarding Mr. Wang.

The reason being a ’River East Lion’ at Mr. Wang’s home! Mr. Wang was once a poor farmer’s boy, then recruited into his in-laws’ family.

His wife’s family was powerful, and Mr. Wang suffered greatly for years. Until three years ago did his father-in-law pass, allowing him control.

But years of habit can’t be changed, being strictly managed by his wife who happened to be famously stingy.

Returning this time, Mr. Wang would certainly face harsh treatment from his wife.

So despite putting on airs, once home today, he’d endure quite a beating.

But as the silver was already in their possession, they wouldn’t return it; Mr. Wang was left to fend for himself.

"Everyone rest assured, the silver collected will not be embezzled by court officials. Each major expenditure must be approved with my private seal. Other spending will be recorded and later presented to the Emperor!"

"Where is this sentiment coming from Mr. Gu? How could we not trust you? Officials are diligently aiding victims and repairing the river embankment, truly sparing no effort. Any doubt would be outright treacherous." Li Yu Huan hurriedly replied.

Li Yu Huan aimed to gain favor among the officials and establish rapport.

After donating, both parties achieved their goals; none cared about the silver’s destination.

Merchants sought reputation—it was mutually beneficial. These imperial envoys acquiring such silver—it was implausible to think none would be kept.

"Ah~ the silver must be used purposefully, each transaction recorded!"

Were it actually taken, wouldn’t it be a hot potato? They intended to aid victims and reduce court burdens.