Chapter 122: First Volume, Chapter 122: Extorting Money

First Volume, Chapter 122: Extorting Money

"Young Master Wang donates ten thousand liang of silver; I sincerely thank you on behalf of Shedynasty's national defense."

"Second Young Master Chen donates eight thousand liang of silver; though the sum is small, the intent is heavy."

"Hah! No wonder you're the son of the Minister of Works—you donated sixty thousand liang of silver in one go! Even I'm outdone. The Emperor will surely notice you at once. With a son like you, the Minister of Works's future career will be far smoother."

At first, everyone, pressured by Qin Feng's threats and fearing their names would be crossed out, reluctantly donated.

Later, spurred on by Qin Feng's constant goading, they began competing—those who donated more would earn a name in the Emperor's eyes, a supreme honor that also boosted their fathers' official prospects, a double gain of fame and profit.

Li Rui's face turned ashen; his name was the only one crossed out on the entire list—even those who donated only five or six hundred liang of silver had not been marked with circles…

If the Emperor saw this, he'd think the Li Family couldn't care less about Shedynasty's rise or fall; their reputation in the Emperor's eyes would be utterly ruined.

Combined with the Li Family's leadership of the Pro-Peace Faction, old debts and new ones piled up—even if the Emperor does nothing now, he'll surely remember them!

What infuriated him most was…

To ensure the Emperor didn't misunderstand, Qin Feng had even stuck a note beneath Li Rui's name: "Son of the Minister of Revenue refuses to donate a single tael."

That damned Qin Feng!

Li Rui was so furious he nearly spat blood, wanting to tear Qin Feng into pieces—but he ultimately yielded, forced his face forward onto the podium, pulled Qin Feng aside, and whispered: "Brother Qin, I was foolish before. I'll donate too. Erase that red cross right away."

Qin Feng sighed lightly, feigning difficulty: "The red cross is already drawn—how can I erase it? Brother Li, you're really putting me in a tough spot."

Li Rui frowned, his mind seething with the urge to strangle Qin Feng, yet he forced a smile uglier than crying: "Just make a new list."

Qin Feng looked even more troubled: "I'm lazy—you know that."

Seeing Qin Feng had no intention of showing mercy, Li Rui's voice nearly cracked with tears: "Qin Feng, I'm begging you—please!"

Watching Li Rui's face twisted with hatred yet helpless frustration, Qin Feng felt utterly delighted.

You want to play? Fine—I'll play you to the end!

Qin Feng had countless chances to destroy Li Rui, including this one—but he unhesitatingly chose to let him live.

The reason was simple: Li Rui was just a commoner, insignificant. Killing him would bring no advantage to the Court Intrigue, only escalate tensions and force the Hubei Party into a desperate frenzy.

Besides, killing Li Rui is a one-time deal. Qin Feng must keep him alive—to slowly, steadily extort him…

Qin Feng sighed deeply, pretending great reluctance, yet for the sake of "comrade," he endured the trouble, speaking earnestly: "The list is full already. Making a new one takes effort and time…"

Li Rui understood perfectly—he clenched his teeth inwardly: "Name your price."

Qin Feng waited for exactly that. He immediately raised his thumb, praising: "No wonder you're Brother Li—you're truly decisive! I won't ask for much: fifty-five thousand liang for my trouble."

"You!"

Li Rui's liver ached with rage—all this maneuvering, Qin Feng spent not a single tael, earned five thousand liang for free, raised the funds for the Qingyi Ceremony, and filled the National Treasury with the surplus. As the fundraiser, Qin Feng would naturally claim top credit.

So the so-called win-win? Qin Feng won twice.

For his father's career, for his family's future, Li Rui gritted his teeth: "Fine! Fifty-five thousand liang!"

"Good comrade!"

Qin Feng praised him, beaming as he signed the IOU with Li Rui, then asked casually: "Brother Li, you're so rich. You've already lost so much money—how can you still pull out over fifty thousand liang so easily? Wow, really, comparing people makes you die. Compared to you, I'm a pauper."

Li Rui's lips trembled—he was indeed rich, but only before meeting Qin Feng!

During this period, Qin Feng had swindled and conned him until his Small Treasury was drained. These fifty-five thousand liang had to be pulled from the Li Family's Imperial Treasury account. If this kept up, the entire Li Family would have to cut their clothes and food rations.

That damned Qin Feng—you're too cruel! You're driving the Li Family to the edge of ruin!

But Qin Feng didn't care. If you won't go to hell, who will? I won't go—I don't give a damn.

Qin Feng rolled up the list and handed it to Shu Feng, telling her to deliver it immediately to the Qin Residence to avoid mishaps. The accounting could wait.

Unbeknownst to him, someone had already counted it all.

It was the qin-playing woman standing in an unremarkable corner. Watching Qin Feng use his silver tongue and shameless tactics to extort every young noble in Jingdu, she didn't know whether to be furious or impressed.

She had tried to intervene several times—but each time she opened her mouth, she swallowed her words.

Because beside her stood a young eunuch, always smiling as he watched her.

The qin-playing woman recognized him instantly: Xiao Zhuozi, the Seventh Prince's attendant. It wasn't yet time to break with the Seventh Prince—she wisely chose to withdraw.

Seeing her turn away, Xiao Zhuozi smirked, unconcerned. He bowed to the old eunuch in plain clothes: "Xiao Zhuozi greets the Deputy Director. Please convey my regards to the Grand Eunuch."

The old eunuch, over sixty but with a ruddy face and white teeth, nodded slightly in return: "Please convey my regards to His Highness."

The two eunuchs, old and young, left Zui Xian Lou together, unnoticed—each returning to report to their respective masters.

Unbeknownst to them…

Qin Feng had already noticed. After all, which normal man wears makeup? He looked like a village matchmaker—too conspicuous.

Besides, during the fundraising, even Zhao Zhangfu had been forced to donate several thousand liang—yet these two remained untouched.

Clearly, the palace was also deeply interested in this fundraising event.