Chapter 397: Can I Donate Silver? (Extra Update)
The other day, her words to evade Ma Dongshu were not mere pretense. These objects were stained with blood, and since they were extracted from the common people, they should naturally go back to the common people.
Her brain was spinning rapidly. After a moment, Qiao Xiaomai suggested, “Since the National Treasury is empty, could we encourage high officials, aristocrats, and wealthy merchants to donate some silver?”
Donations were a very common practice in her past life. She used to donate frequently.
No matter how small, the accumulation could solve problems.
At her words, an incredulous look appeared on Yang Ye’s handsome face. “Donate silver?”
“Yes. Regardless if they are high officials, noblemen or common people, the reason why Daqi can have these peaceful days is because of the Emperor’s protection. Now that His Majesty has troubles, it’s normal for us, as his subjects, to shell out some silver.”
Upon hearing this explanation, Yang Ye couldn’t even drink his fruit soup anymore. He put down his spoon, picked up his fan and waved it, “Getting silver out of those people’s pockets would be difficult.”
Why are those dignitaries tax-free?
It’s because his father, the Emperor, wanted to stabilize them.
When the Yang family first entered the Capital City, they appeased the Aristocratic Families with various concessions. So, those Aristocratic Families didn’t make trouble and supported his grandpa to be the Emperor.
The system set up at that time has continued until now.
The Court has always been giving concessions to the Aristocratic Families. Now, if the Court wants to ask these people for money, it would be strange if they could get it.
“Um… Then, give whatever you can. Donate food, if you have it, donate clothes if you have them, donate bricks if you have them. As long as the people in Shuifeng Prefecture can use them, it shows goodwill.”
If even these things can’t be solicited, then this Emperor Yong’an is somehow…
Jeez, isn’t it too powerless?
As the Emperor, he should at least have this ability, right?
“That’s a good idea.” Upon hearing Qiao Xiaomai’s words, Yang Ye pondered for a moment then couldn’t help but pat the table.
Not asking for silver, but items, this goal should be achievable.
“I’m going towrite a letter to the Emperor now!” Yang Ye didn’t bother to finish his meal.
The Emperor must be in a panic over the disaster situation in Shuifeng Prefecture. This idea needs to be urgently delivered to Capital City.
The pen, ink, paper, and inkstone used to write the last letter about Cen Hong were still there, and Qiao Xiaomai immediately brought them out.
After quickly writing the message, Yang Ye passed it to his guard to send it to the Capital City at the fastest speed.
After dealing with this matter, he couldn’t help but sigh, “I really want to go to Shuifeng Prefecture and take a look.”
He had just dealt with a snow disaster and had some experience in this area.
“His Majesty must have a suitable candidate in mind, Your Highness need not worry,” the Director quickly replied.
“How could I not worry?” Yang Ye frowned.
Daqi belongs to the Yang family. This family of his seems to be sore here and there. The previous dynasty had only been overthrown fifty years ago and the power of the Aristocratic Families has not been weakened. How could he not worry about it?
Seeing this, the Director couldn’t help but laugh. “The prince could ask the Emperor for a position to do a job.”
“No, it’s fine this way.” Yang Ye immediately shook his head.
He was a laid-back prince and he remembered this all the time.
Yang Wang was sitting by. Seeing Yang Ye and the Director discussing disaster relief, his face darkened even more.
Although the disaster was important, it was quite far from Shuifeng Prefecture and beyond their reach.
The topic should be the treasure right now!
With this batch of treasure, Emperor Yong’an would be able to stand tall. There was no need to ask the Aristocratic Families for things like beggars!
“I think we should dig up Sister Qiao’s house and see what happened with this brick. I must know,” he stated.