After the engagement was called off, the senior sister of the sect took the initiative to consummate

Qin Yichen bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I believe we can call upon officials in the court and wealthy households in the city to donate money and goods to make up for the shortfall of 100,000 high-grade spirit stones. At the same time, we can send capable officials to Shaanxi and Gansu to organize the disaster victims to help themselves and to build water conservancy projects to prevent future disasters."

However, Qin Muchen, standing to the side, sneered and said with a disdainful look, "Hmph! It's easy for you to say, but raising funds is not such an easy thing to do."

Faced with Qin Muchen's sarcastic remarks, Qin Yichen showed no sign of backing down. He stared firmly into the other man's eyes and retorted forcefully, "Who said it's just easy to say?"

He paused briefly, then raised his voice and continued, "In fact, it's just as easy to do!"

Hearing this, Qin Muchen could no longer suppress his disdain. "Brother, this is a sacred place; how can you be allowed to spout nonsense and blasphemous words here!"

Qin Yichen seemed unfazed by Qin Muchen's sarcasm and calmly replied, "You don't believe me? How about we make a bet?"

Qin Muchen was taken aback at first, but quickly recovered, sneered, and retorted, "A bet? Fine! I'd like to see how you plan to bet, and what you'll use as the stakes?"

"I'll bet on whether I can raise 100,000 high-grade spirit stones!"

Qin Yichen replied without batting an eye, "As for the stakes, the loser will donate 10,000 high-grade spirit stones to the disaster area. How about it? Are you in?"

Qin Muchen laughed loudly upon hearing this, "Raise 100,000 high-grade spirit stones? Is Your Majesty dreaming? Since Your Majesty is so confident, I will bet on it this time."

General Nangong Xiaotian remained an outsider throughout the open and covert struggle between Qin Yichen and Qin Muchen, keeping himself out of the fray.

He neither favored either side nor intervened to help either of them.

He simply watched the situation unfold quietly, as if it had nothing to do with him.

The other ministers in the court, being astute individuals, quickly noticed General Nangong Xiaotian's self-serving attitude.

They secretly wondered what this general, who held considerable military power, was planning.

Is it that he truly doesn't want to get involved in this palace intrigue, or has he actually been secretly plotting something, but it's just not the right time to make his move yet?

Immediately, all sorts of speculations emerged, making the already complex political situation even more unpredictable.

However, Qin Yichen didn't even glance at Qin Muchen's smug expression.

He calmly turned to face the Qin Emperor, who sat high on the dragon throne, bowed respectfully, and said loudly, "Father, I dare to offer you a suggestion. Regarding the fundraising for the disaster area, I believe the court could adopt an incentive measure. For those who actively participated in the fundraising and made outstanding contributions, we might as well erect a monument in the city to commemorate them. In particular, the court should give written commendations to the top ten donors to highlight their good deeds and compassion."

This is a calculated, open strategy, an unparalleled scheme.

Regardless of the dynasty, reputation is as essential as water to life for aristocratic families, officials, and wealthy merchants.

The reputation brought by a stone tablet erected in the city for the world and future generations to admire, as well as the written commendation from the imperial court, cannot be easily estimated by money.

Qin Muchen's expression changed. He realized the power of this move, but the words had already been spoken, and he could not refute them now.

The Qin Emperor's eyes, which had been slightly narrowed, suddenly widened upon hearing Qin Yichen's words, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

He nodded repeatedly in approval, saying, "Yes, what the Prince of Jin said is absolutely right!"

Immediately, the Qin Emperor waved his hand and loudly ordered, "Guards! Proclaim my decree: all civilians and officials who donate high-grade spirit stones to support the disaster area must be recorded in detail. According to the amount donated, stone tablets will be erected in the city for them as permanent memorials!"

Qin Yichen surveyed the court and said loudly, "My lords, our Great Qin governs the world with benevolence. Now, Shaanxi and Gansu are suffering from disasters, and the people are in great distress. You are all wealthy, and I'm sure you won't be stingy with your money. Moreover, those who donate money and goods this time will be rewarded by my father. This is a win-win situation."

Look at this pie, is it big or round?

The ministers exchanged glances, unwilling but unable to disobey the imperial decree. Meanwhile, some loyal and patriotic officials immediately expressed their willingness to donate.

Upon seeing this, the Minister of Revenue also said, "Your Majesty, this old minister still has some savings at home and is willing to donate one thousand high-grade spirit stones to help the disaster victims in Shaanxi and Gansu overcome their difficulties."

The Qin Emperor nodded with satisfaction: "I am very pleased with what you have done. I will also sell some of the treasures in the palace, and use the proceeds to help the disaster victims!"

With the Qin Emperor taking the lead, the ministers had no choice but to generously contribute!

Seeing this, Qin Muchen's expression turned even uglier, and he was about to speak again.

Qin Yichen, however, took the initiative to bow to the Qin Emperor: "Father, I am well aware that the people in the disaster area are suffering terribly. Therefore, I am willing to donate 10,000 high-grade spirit stones to the disaster area to help them overcome their difficulties and rebuild their homes."

Upon hearing this, the Qin Emperor's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible hint of approval. He nodded slightly and said, "Since the Prince of Jin has such a benevolent heart, I am very pleased. This matter is hereby approved."

Seeing this, Qin Muchen was secretly annoyed, but at this moment he could only grit his teeth and keep his lips tightly shut.

However, Qin Yichen did not give up. Instead, he turned his gaze to Qin Muchen and said calmly, "Sixth brother, serving the country and the people means putting it into practice and being down-to-earth. Don't just do empty talk and make empty promises!"

Qin Muchen felt humiliated and furious after Qin Yichen's words.

But in front of so many people, he couldn't afford to lose his temper, so he could only suppress his anger and reply, "Hmph, what Your Majesty says is absolutely right, I have learned my lesson. Since Your Majesty has already donated ten thousand high-grade spirit stones, I cannot fall behind. I will also donate ten thousand high-grade spirit stones!"

After Qin Muchen made his statement, the other princes looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

After all, Qin Muchen has already taken the lead in donating money. If they don't do something in return, they might be labeled as heartless and unjust.

After a brief silence, the other princes followed suit and each announced the amount of their donation.

They hated Qin Muchen to death.

Why did you have to make a bet with Qin Yichen?

Now look what happened! The good reputation belongs to Qin Yichen, while they've become the real suckers!

At this moment, Prime Minister Jun Moxie stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty is wise, but I believe that simply allocating funds may not be enough to completely solve the disaster in Shaanxi and Gansu. The terrain in Shaanxi and Gansu is special, and this flood may be caused by the siltation of the river channels. We should send water conservancy officials to go there again to dredge the river channels to prevent future troubles.”

Upon hearing this, the Qin Emperor found it very reasonable. "The Prime Minister's words are excellent. I will follow the Prime Minister's suggestion and select capable water conservancy officials to accompany him."

Upon hearing the emperor's decree, the officials from the Shaanxi and Gansu regions showed expressions of gratitude, saying, "Your Majesty's great kindness is deeply appreciated. On behalf of the people of Shaanxi and Gansu, we thank Your Majesty."

The Qin Emperor waved his hand, "I care about my people, and this is my duty. I hope that this time we can not only solve the immediate crisis, but also fundamentally improve the situation in Shaanxi and Gansu, so that the people will not suffer such hardships again."

The ministers all agreed, and an atmosphere of unity and concerted effort to deal with the disaster permeated the court.

……