Shen Muxue put down her pen, dried the last invitation, and handed it to Qingyi: "Why rush? Make plans first. Send the invitations out first."

Qingyi held the invitation, hesitant. "All the wealthy people have gone to the auction at the Duke's Mansion. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for us to invite them now? Besides, with the Empress in charge, I'm afraid few people will give us face."

Shen Muxue only uttered one word: "Go."

Qingyi had no choice but to go out with the invitation.

However, there were only two invitations. One was given to Jingzhao Yin Sun Li, who was busy handling affairs outside the capital, and the other was given to Dali Temple Minister Jiang Ziling.

Doubts arose in her mind again.

These two people are the only two dignitaries in the capital who did not participate in the auction.

What is the eldest lady planning?

……

Inside Dali Temple.

Jiang Ziling is currently discussing various matters concerning the capital with the emperor.

I was quite surprised to receive the letter.

The content of the letter was straightforward, inviting Lord Jiang to come, implying that his absence would affect the people's livelihood.

Jiang Ziling presented the letter to the emperor: "Your Majesty, this..."

The handwriting on the letter paper is beautiful and delicate, just like the gentle character of the writer.

The emperor responded calmly: "It's okay to go and take a look."

"But I have so many things to do right now. Just the fact that merchants in the capital are raising the price of rice is enough to give me a headache."

Jiang Ziling really has no interest in participating in any auction activities.

For him, the refugee problem cannot be simply solved with money. Behind it are various dark secrets such as hoarding food and fodder, raising prices during the chaos, and making huge profits from the disaster. All problems, big and small, require his intervention to solve.

"I really want to know what clever ideas that little girl can come up with to break the deadlock."

The emperor was in high spirits, so Jiang Ziling naturally didn't want to say anything more.

The two of them changed into ordinary clothes and headed together towards the Fugui Restaurant.

At this moment, Shen Muxue changed into a gorgeous flowing long dress, wore pearl jewelry, and was about to go out with An Lan.

Unfortunately, he met Prime Minister Shen who was returning home.

"Stop!" Shen Zhenwu carefully studied Shen Muxue, his brows furrowed. "There are refugees everywhere now, and the ladies in the palace are trying to find ways to save money and aid the victims. Your second sister is even working with the Queen to hold an auction. Why are you dressing so seductively? Do you want the world to accuse me of ignoring the current situation?"

Shen Zhenwu recalled working at the refugee camp these past few days distributing porridge, and how he had nearly been caught by the distraught refugees today. He felt even more angry. "Take off your jewelry quickly and change your clothes. Don't go out and show off if you have nothing to do. Stay home."

Shen Muxue slowly stood up and said calmly, "If even the Imperial City seems to be in financial difficulty, wouldn't it cause panic and make people think that our Great Sheng Nation is about to collapse? I am traveling in a high-profile manner to announce to everyone that Kyoto is still prosperous."

Shen Muxue smiled faintly, "Besides, if we don't wear it, others will think we are well-off but pretending to be so, and they will gossip about us behind our backs. Why bother?"

"Be bold!"

Shen Zhenwu never expected that Shen Muxue would talk back like this.

Just as she was about to explode, Shen Muxue had already helped An Lan away: "I have something important to do, so I'll take my leave now."

Shen Zhenwu was so angry that he could only say: "Rebellious girl! What a sin!"

Shen Muxue ignored it all.

Inside the Fugui Restaurant.

When Shen Muxue arrived, the auction was almost over and it was said that a total of 120,000 taels had been raised!

All the princes and nobles in the room had grim expressions. Even Shen Leyao's future father-in-law, Marquis Anping, looked distressed. He was secretly worried that his future daughter-in-law would be too troublesome and would not be content even after she was married into the family.

If I had known this would happen, I shouldn’t have changed the marriage.

Shen Leyao was completely unaware of this. She thought she was a star that had made a big splash today and had raised a huge amount of money for the country. She was truly a hero of the Great Sheng Kingdom.

Just as she was about to announce the successful closing of the auction,

A soft voice came: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am late."

Everyone turned their heads.

A woman dressed in gorgeous clothes and jewels walked in. Her skin was whiter than snow and she was pure and elegant. Under everyone's gaze, she only responded with a faint smile.

That smile is like a blooming flower in spring.

Many people below were already asking about her name, and when they learned that this was none other than Shen Muxue, the eldest daughter of the Shen family whose engagement had been broken off, they all had different expressions.

Some people mentioned Shen Muxue's romantic affairs, but others said that she was accused by her stepmother in order to allow the second daughter to marry into a marquis's family.

It is said that the scheming and vicious stepmother is still imprisoned in prison.

The topic naturally turned to the recent hot topics in the Prime Minister's Mansion, especially the sensational and vivid affair between the second daughter of the Shen family and her servants...

Marquis Anping seldom participated in such gatherings. When he first heard about this, and thinking of his son's leg injury that had not healed and had been bedridden for many days, he couldn't help but feel furious. The second young lady's frivolous behavior was like adding fuel to the fire, making him furious.

On the other side, the scene was completely different.

Shen Leyao raised her eyebrows provocatively: "Sister, the auction is over. You showed up now, are you hoping to get a piece of the action?"

Shen Muxue ignored him and bowed directly to the Queen: "I have a few words to say, but I wonder if you can give me your permission."

"How can it be convenient?" Shen Leyao interrupted immediately. She and Shen Muxue no longer needed to hide their rift. However, the Queen smiled comfortingly and stopped Shen Leyao: "As long as it can help the Emperor relieve his worries, even if there are thousands of words, it will not hurt."

"Thank you for your grace."

Shen Muxue walked steadily towards the platform.

Shen Leyao was indignant and muttered, "Cousin, Shen Muxue caused Mother to be imprisoned to this day. I hate her so much, why are you still helping her?"

"Be patient." The Queen gently stroked the back of Shen Leyao's hand, a meaningful smile on her lips. "I'm just curious about what kind of waves she can stir up."

After all, the wallets of everyone present had been visited by him.

The queen wondered to herself, how could Shen Muxue gain any benefit at this moment?

Shen Muxue spoke, her words sincere: "Your generosity just now is a testament to your kindness and generosity."

The listeners already had an idea in their minds and expected that what would follow would be a fundraising speech.

Unexpectedly, Shen Muxue suddenly changed the subject: "It just so happens that I have a mutually beneficial opportunity to share with you all, as a way of thanking you for helping the refugees."

Everyone reacted calmly. After all, the Shen sisters were all from the Prime Minister's Mansion. They had just taken money out of their pockets, so there was no guarantee that this was not another trap.

"In the capital, land prices are high, and prices for goods are also high. Even hiring a servant costs three or five taels of silver, not to mention the monthly salary, which is indeed a considerable expense. Winter is approaching, and many mansions need to repair fireplaces and clean chimneys, which requires a large number of craftsmen and will cost a considerable amount of money. There are many young men among the refugees, who are perfect for use. No salary is required, only food and lodging will be provided."

After these words, people in the crowd whispered to each other, but no one responded first.

Shen Leyao was standing by, looking like she was enjoying the show.

Refugees are different from citizens of Beijing. They have no registered residence and no name, so it is difficult to hold them accountable if something happens.

Among the dignitaries present here, who would dare to take the risk of employing these people with unknown backgrounds?

If you cause trouble, the loss will outweigh the gain.

In the private room on the second floor.

Jiang Ziling exclaimed in admiration: "This plan is brilliant. Miss Shen is indeed very thoughtful."

The emperor stared at the woman on the stage, his eyes seemed to be burning with flames, and his confidence in Shen Muxue never wavered.

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