Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"Elder Ying" stated this, and one hundred thousand taels of silver was almost equivalent to half of his fortune.
After all, the income from design cannot be compared to that of a businessman. Although "Elder Ying's" designs are worth a fortune, a good design cannot be completed overnight.
This involves not only considering the comfort of living but also the layout arrangement of the courtyards, the principles of feng shui, the requirements for site selection, and every detail in the design, including the types of flowers, plants, and trees, which all have strict design requirements.
Therefore, it often takes "Elder Ying" two months to complete a three-entry courtyard, let alone a larger-scale "Garden-style Architecture."
Sometimes, even for a "Garden-style Architecture," "Old Wang" may need one or two years or even longer to meet his own standards.
Perhaps this is the difference between a "Master Designer" and an ordinary person; when it comes to their work, they must achieve their own satisfaction. During this time, many details require long periods for modification.
As "Elder Ying" has aged, his focus has gradually shifted towards nurturing younger generations, and he hasn't taken on projects for several years.
Thus, in today's "Lingjiang Province," if anyone's residence is designed by "Elder Ying," it signifies not only comfortable living but also prosperous descendants and bright futures. Just having such a residence is a source of pride.
This is also a symbol of wealth and status.
Therefore, when "Elder Ying" mentioned one hundred thousand taels of silver, it astonished many merchants. How could they, being shrewd in calculations, possibly take out half of their fortune for disaster relief like "Elder Ying"?
Even one-tenth would be hard for them to part with.
However,
With "Elder Ying" speaking up and with "Fu Zhilang," the "Imperial Envoy," personally addressing the matter, they all understood that if they did not contribute something significant this time, things might not resolve easily.
At that moment, the most talkative one among them, "Boss Li," stood up first: “Elder Ying understands righteousness deeply. We juniors greatly admire this. Lord Jiwei, I will also contribute one hundred thousand taels of silver and a thousand piculs of grain.”
The number of donations from The Plump Merchant following Elder Ying is not a simple matter of charity.
The reason is that everyone understands that Elder Ying, as a prominent designer, has wealth that they cannot compare to. They are reluctant to give too much, yet too little would be unacceptable.
So what amount is appropriate? Naturally, it is one hundred thousand taels. With Elder Ying present, they cannot go too high.
Thus, Boss Li chooses to match Elder Ying's contribution.
Elder Ying, with his gray hair and clear eyes, slightly nods in approval of Boss Li's approach.
Boss Li shows great insight by not being the first to donate, as the first person often bears the brunt of any backlash.
However, he actively steps up as the second donor, affirming Elder Ying's actions and supporting the disaster recovery efforts of several court officials.
The donation amount is just right—not too much and not too little. It neither offends Elder Ying nor leaves Fu Zhilang and Mei Hansheng dissatisfied. Moreover, it does not deliberately inflate the price; everyone present is wealthy enough to accept the sum of one hundred thousand taels.
As for Elder Ying being the first? His amount serves as a reference for these individuals.
Once there is a first donor, it becomes much easier for the second and third donors to follow suit. Seeing that this money must be contributed and noticing that the earlier donors have chosen the same amount sets a standard for those who come after.
However, no one names names; they simply choose to register with amounts matching those of Elder Ying and Boss Li.
Subsequent donors see how those before them have acted and immediately push forward, eager to write down their donations.
Why? Because when financial loss is inevitable, why not take the initiative to please those in power?
If one appears reluctant, in the end, the money still has to be spent, which could leave a bad impression.
It is like in real life; there will always be some people who, despite doing many things, fail to express themselves properly or show dissatisfaction through their behavior.
Even if the work is done well, what the superior sees is only your impatient attitude toward work, not the excellent results you have achieved.
This is a test of a person's emotional and intellectual intelligence. Everyone present is a shrewd businessman; how could they allow their wealth to go to waste? Flattering words come easily.
"The adults care so much for the common people; it is a blessing for the suffering citizens of Lingjiang Province."
"The Sovereign is wise; it is a blessing for the Western Moon Kingdom!"
In the officialdom, such flattering remarks come naturally.
Fu Zhilang just smiled and did not take it seriously; he had heard such words many times.
After spending an entire morning negotiating with these businessmen, even though he was physically strong, he found it somewhat exhausting.
Each of these individuals was more cunning than the last, insisting on getting corresponding guarantees from him before they would obediently deliver the silver and grain. Otherwise, everything would be mere talk. Fu Zhilang remained highly focused throughout, fearing that someone might set a trap for him.
Once the Class List was finalized, the Account Room brought over the accounts for his review. Fu Zhilang flipped through two pages and quickly formed a rough estimate in his mind.
He solemnly placed the account book into the tray and cupped his hands in gratitude to everyone present: "I have been in Lingjiang Province for over a month. The post-disaster reconstruction work has shown good results, which could not have been achieved without the support of all you gentlemen and bosses.
Here, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone. When I return to the capital, I will certainly report your contributions to the Sovereign."
"Esteemed Minister Fu, I take my leave."
A group of people filed out, and just as Elder Ying was about to leave, Fu Zhilang suddenly said, "Elder Ying, please hold on."
The elderly man, with one foot already out the door, steadied himself, took a step back, and turned to clasp his hands in greeting. "What instructions do you have, my lord?"
Fu Zhilang quickly stepped forward to support the elder's arm as he bowed. "Elder Ying, it should be I who bows to you; how could I let you..." He paused for a moment and continued, "Elder Ying, please have a seat."
Elder Ying no longer held back; he regarded everyone present as juniors, especially since he had some connection with Fu Zhilang.
As for Fu Zhilang, although he was an official appointed by the court and Elder Ying was just a commoner, one could not overlook the elder's connections. Many in the capital had good relations with Elder Ying, making him a potential hub of influence.
"Elder Ying, have you heard of Liu Qingxi from Linyi County?"
Elder Ying nodded. "I have heard of her. What does Minister Fu want to discuss?"
"Do you have any guidance for us? The construction methods and structural measures we are currently using are based on suggestions from this young lady Liu. However, she is still quite young."
"So could you help us ensure everything is in order?" It was not easy to ask this elder for assistance; it was rare to meet him, and it was necessary to confirm everything for peace of mind.
Elder Ying stroked his white beard thoughtfully and smiled at the middle-aged official before him. "Since Minister Fu has already adopted this new method, you should see it through to the end. Now then, I have matters to attend to and will take my leave."
With that, the elder waved his sleeve and left gracefully with a brisk stride.
Comment 0 Comment Count