kvmb Chapter 286 Donation
Chapter 286 Donation
Gu Mochen was gone for quite a while. The Emperor Emeritus was pacing back and forth with a furrowed brow, his heart filled with worry about the current situation. He couldn't very well interfere, but he also couldn't completely ignore it. Just as he was hesitating, Gu Mochen returned.
The sound of steady, powerful footsteps echoed from outside the hall. Gu Mochen, tall and imposing, strode into the hall. He wore a long black robe embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread, and a jade pendant hung at his waist, swaying gently with each step, producing a clear, melodious sound. Gu Mochen approached the Emperor Emeritus, bowed respectfully, and said in a calm and firm voice, "Father, I apologize for keeping you waiting. Everything has been arranged; you need not worry about this matter any longer."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor Emeritus's eyes flashed with surprise. He immediately stopped and asked eagerly, "Mo Chen, have you truly solved this thorny problem? Tell me in detail."
Gu Mochen nodded slightly and said slowly, "The current shortage of funds in the national treasury is indeed a major problem. However, Qingchen and I did some business and fortunately made some money, enough to support the expenses of these urgent matters. However, this is, after all, money from my private treasury. Although I am willing to donate it, the ministers should also share the burden of the country and contribute their share. So I set an example for them. I have taken out my share, so who would dare not to contribute something?" After saying this, Gu Mochen smiled slyly.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor Emeritus's eyes were filled with satisfaction. He walked to Gu Mochen's side, gently patted his shoulder, and said with emotion, "I knew that my Mochen would live up to my expectations. Such a thorny problem was solved by you in one trip. It was truly the best decision I ever made in my life not to pass the throne to the Crown Prince but to you."
The Emperor Emeritus was filled with mixed emotions. Looking at his outstanding son, he desperately wanted to tell him that his mother was not the Empress as publicly known, but his beloved, the only young lady of Medicine King Valley. However, he worried that the truth would be too sudden and that Gu Mochen would find it difficult to accept. He hesitated for a long time, ultimately swallowing back the words he was about to say.
Gu Mochen didn't notice the Emperor Emeritus's unusual behavior. He was focused on handling the current affairs and didn't ask any further questions. He prepared Lilan Palace as the Emperor Emeritus's residence. Then he went to arrange other matters.
The next day in court, when the ministers heard that Gu Mochen was asking them to donate money, they immediately began to discuss the matter. Some ministers looked embarrassed, saying that they were honest officials and could not afford to donate much money; others were dissatisfied, believing that Gu Mochen was deliberately making things difficult for them.
Looking at the ministers' reactions, Gu Mochen said solemnly, "My lords, the country is currently facing numerous difficulties. The border war is escalating, and we urgently need a large amount of funds. I have already donated money from my private treasury. Can you bear to watch the country fall into such a predicament and remain indifferent?"
At this moment, an elderly minister stepped forward and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, it is not that I am unwilling to serve the country, but I have elderly parents and young children at home, and I am truly powerless to do so."
Gu Mochen looked at the minister, his heart filled with displeasure, but he still patiently said, "Lord Li, I know you have served as an official for many years and have always been conscientious. But now that the country is in trouble, we, as your subjects, should stand together against the common enemy and overcome the difficulties together. If you are really in trouble, it is acceptable to donate less."
At this moment, Lord Ji stepped forward. He was a renowned incorruptible official in the area. Although everyone knew he was the father of the current Empress Dowager, Lord Ji was extremely talented but treated money like dirt and truly had no wealth. He said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to donate this month's salary." After he finished speaking, Lord Liu, Lord Li, the three sons of Grand Tutor Wu, and Zhao Zhixin, who were with him, also expressed their willingness to donate money.
Then, the ministers all expressed their willingness to donate. However, the amounts varied greatly; some ministers donated pitifully small sums, clearly just going through the motions. Others donated a month's worth of food.
Gu Mochen secretly noted down the names of these unreliable ministers, determined to rectify the atmosphere of the court in the future. After dealing with court affairs, Gu Mochen finally had the energy to go back and spend some more time with the Emperor Emeritus, since the Emperor Emeritus hadn't returned for a long time.
On a bright and sunny day, Gu Mochen strode steadily into Lilan Palace. The palace was tranquil and elegant, like a paradise on earth. When he entered the garden, he found the Emperor Emeritus leisurely admiring the chrysanthemums in full bloom.
What makes this garden unique is that Ye Qingchen meticulously transformed it into a warm greenhouse. The entire greenhouse is constructed of transparent glass, allowing ample sunlight to stream in while effectively maintaining the indoor temperature, keeping the garden perpetually spring-like and bursting with vibrant flowers. Empress Dowager Ji Xiaofu adored this beautiful garden.
Upon seeing Gu Mochen's arrival, the Emperor Emeritus immediately wore a kind and benevolent smile. Gu Mochen quickly stepped forward to pay his respects to the Emperor Emeritus, and the father and son sat facing each other on a stone bench in the garden, beginning a pleasant chat. At first, they discussed everyday matters and anecdotes, but as the conversation deepened, the topic naturally shifted to matters of state.
Meanwhile, Ye Qingchen stayed by the Empress Dowager's side, enthusiastically exchanging planting techniques and care tips about various flowers. The two chatted and laughed constantly, creating a harmonious atmosphere, like two sisters. Ye Qingchen told her that these flowers were specially planted for her, just waiting for her to come back and see them. She added that when the Empress Dowager was feeling down, she would come here to look at them. The flowers in the Imperial Garden had to adapt to their environment to grow, but the flowers here were not bound by their surroundings.
Gu Mochen mentioned the ministers who had failed to donate sufficient funds to the Emperor Emeritus, his tone revealing a hint of dissatisfaction and worry. The Emperor Emeritus frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Governing the court is like cooking a small fish; it requires a gradual approach and must not be rushed!" Gu Mochen nodded repeatedly, indicating that he deeply agreed with the Emperor Emeritus's words.
In fact, after three years of unremitting efforts, the court has undergone tremendous changes. Now, the vast majority of officials are diligent, conscientious, and perform exceptionally well. In particular, those ministers with close ties to Gu Mochen and outstanding abilities remain steadfastly stationed in their respective cities, responsible for local administration. It is precisely because of their presence that Gu Mochen can focus on handling state affairs with peace of mind. However, a few unreliable ministers still exist in the court, posing a pressing problem that needs to be addressed.