Ch 74: Not A Loss After All

Meng Tingyue’s eyes, shimmering with a faint amber glow, gazed quietly at Shen Yunheng.

“Silver taels are certainly abundant in the mansion, Husband. If you require any, it is not difficult to obtain. It’s just that I currently manage the household affairs, and I need to be fully aware of the flow of every tael of silver.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunheng’s expression became even more serious: “This continuous heavy rain will inevitably cause disaster in some part of Great Zhou. As the Crown Prince, I must step forward, alleviate the worries of Great Zhou, and do my small part.”

Hearing this, Meng Tingyue understood his intentions, nodded slightly, and fell into brief contemplation.

After a moment, she slowly spoke, analyzing the pros and cons: “Husband cares about the people of Great Zhou, which I understand. But besides the Court and Husband, will anyone else contribute to the disaster relief funds?”

“With me leading by example, other officials will naturally contribute silver.” Shen Yunheng said confidently, his voice unwavering.

However, a trace of imperceptible worry flashed in his eyes.

“If I’m not mistaken, the bulk of the disaster relief funds will come from the Court and His Highness.”

Shen Yunheng remained silent.

Yesterday, Father Emperor ordered the Ministry of Revenue to urgently raise disaster relief funds for emergencies.

However, just overnight, officials from the Ministry of Revenue arrived before the Emperor with worried expressions, claiming that the national treasury was empty and could only allocate two hundred thousand silver taels to address the urgent situation.

The National Master had said that this disaster should be prepared for based on the most severe disasters in history.

Throughout history, the most severe disaster saw the Court allocate four hundred thousand taels of silver for disaster relief.

Two hundred thousand taels is only half, and far from enough.

If he could contribute ten thousand taels of silver, the remaining one hundred and ninety thousand taels, if jointly contributed by officials, with each doing their utmost, the shortfall of one hundred and ninety thousand taels could be easily resolved.

But he knew well the officials’ frugality. To get them to sincerely contribute from their private purses would be no easy feat.

Seeing Shen Yunheng’s silence, Meng Tingyue continued: “Though I am unfamiliar with officialdom, I am a merchant. Merchants understand human nature. How many people in this world would willingly give away so much money without seeking any profit?”

“I have a humble plan, but I don’t know if I should mention it.”

Shen Yunheng looked up, his eyes dark, “Speak.”

“Besides silver and power, the most valuable thing for officials is reputation. Those with more power often cherish their reputation even more.”

“Why not use this as a starting point, record the officials participating in this disaster relief effort, and after the disaster relief efforts are completed, publicize these lists in the disaster-stricken areas, making them known to the world.”

“And the Court could consider collaborating with nearby merchants, allowing them to participate in disaster relief. This will allow merchants to establish a benevolent image in the eyes of the people, demonstrate the Court’s widespread benevolence, and promote mutual understanding between merchants and the people.”

“Your Highness might think that this will not benefit merchants and officials significantly. However, I have witnessed a scene where someone stood before two shops selling similar goods, yet resolutely chose the one with a renowned reputation.”

“Your Highness, do you know the reason behind this?”

Meng Tingyue explained clearly, and after Shen Yunheng listened, he suddenly felt enlightened.

“People often don’t fully understand something before forming a favorable impression based on its reputation.”

Meng Tingyue nodded gently, her voice clear, “Exactly. Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, merchants are often placed last. People often have many prejudices and misunderstandings about merchants.”

“I’m not trying to defend these prejudices, but I don’t want to see merchants’ key role in some matters overlooked because of prejudice. Imagine, if the Court could work with merchants, using each other’s strengths, this would undoubtedly benefit the Court more than it would harm it.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunheng nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, “I will carefully consider both of your suggestions.

These few words were like a ray of sunshine breaking through the gloomy days for Meng Tingyue—excellent news.

As long as there are no fools in the Court, things will surely develop as she expects.

Meng Tingyue gently pursed her lips, a surge of impulse rising within her—to ask the Crown Prince if the Empress had any words or actions when he entered the Palace today.

However, as the words reached her lips, she hesitated.

Afraid that her sudden inquiry would arouse unnecessary suspicion and trouble.

With this hesitation, she did not dare to ask.

Seeing the Crown Prince’s unperturbed expression, it seemed nothing else had happened in the Palace. Perhaps the Crown Prince was busy with disaster relief funds today and did not visit the Empress.

Outside the window, the heavy rain continued to rage, mercilessly beating against the branches, the wind howling and roaring past.

Meng Tingyue softly asked, “Your Highness, will you stay tonight?”

“I will return to my room to rest.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Tingyue blinked very slowly, and nodded gently, “Good.”

Just as they were speaking, they heard a gentle knock on the door.

“Your Highness, I have come to deliver the memorials.”

Ling Xiao’s voice came from outside the door.

Ling Xiao was surrounded by a chilling aura, his clothes soaked halfway by the sudden rain, holding two heavy book boxes tightly in his hands, standing outside the door.

He glanced sideways and noticed his somewhat disheveled appearance before stepping into the warm room.

Seeing this, Meng Tingyue stepped forward gently, “Let me take them.”

Ling Xiao gently shook his head, “I dare not trouble the Crown Princess, the boxes are heavy.”

Having said that, he carefully handed the boxes to the maid servant standing by the door.

The maid servant almost stumbled under the sudden weight.

Meng Tingyue, considering herself weaker than the maids in the courtyard, retracted her hand and returned to the couch.

The two boxes were filled with memorials and several books. Meng Tingyue saw the name of one book, it seemed to be 《Classic of Length and Shortness》.

Shen Yunheng sat at the writing desk, seriously reviewing each memorial,

while Meng Tingyue leaned against the soft couch, holding a medical book, but only flipped it aimlessly, her thoughts drifting far away.

Her gaze often strayed to the side, falling on that focused figure.

I have to admit, His Highness the Crown Prince is really handsome, just to her liking.

Putting aside utilization, spending a lifetime with this person respectfully would not be a bad thing, even if they consummated the marriage, she wouldn’t lose.

Her thoughts wandered further, her gaze directly on Shen Yunheng, without any concealment.

If she really had a child with the Crown Prince, no matter whether the child resembled her or the Crown Prince, they would be beautiful.

“Is there something wrong with my face, that you are so captivated?”