On the way to escape famine, my parents divorced

Chapter 541 "This humble man's actions are truly for self-preservation, and I would never dare to claim credit for it."

(Thanks to Shelly2829 for casting a monthly vote.)
The next day at noon, a very conspicuous procession appeared on the busiest street in Jian'an City.

Salt merchant Li Yu, accompanied by his eldest son Li Dalang, and followed by ten strong servants, two of whom were carrying a heavy mahogany box.

These people swaggered through the city and headed straight for the government office.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the government office, the wooden box was placed heavily on the ground, making a dull but solid sound.

The way they were carried had already attracted countless onlookers, and now everyone's attention was instantly drawn to the boxes.

Li Yu stepped forward, facing the gate of the government office, and shouted loudly, deliberately making sure everyone around could hear him clearly.

"My name is Li Yu, and I am a salt merchant from Jian'an."

Nowadays, Japanese pirates are rampant, slaughtering my neighbors and ruining my livelihood;

All the sons and daughters of Jian'an hate this with a vengeance!
I have just heard that the general has issued an order to kill the pirates, with a generous reward to motivate the soldiers and civilians to fight against the Japanese pirates together;

This is a magnificent act that protects the territory and its people, and brings blessings to all living beings!

Although I am a humble merchant, I am well aware of the principle that if the skin is gone, what will the hair cling to?
Therefore, I hereby offer two thousand taels of silver today to contribute my meager strength to help the general accomplish this great undertaking and enhance the prestige of the "Order to Slay the Bandits"!

"May our brave warriors of Jian'an slay many Japanese pirates to comfort the souls of the dead and protect our Jian'an!"

Li Yu's move was like pouring a spoonful of boiling water into an already bubbling oil pot in Jian'an City.

His words were delivered with great passion and sincerity, placing himself in a position of profound righteousness and patriotism.

At this moment, the crowd of onlookers instantly erupted into an uproar!
"Two thousand taels! Good heavens!"

"The Li family really has a grand gesture!"

"Li Dajia is truly righteous!"

"Now the bounty for killing the Japanese pirates will be even greater!"

From the window on the second floor of the government office, Li Shiyue looked down at the scene below with a playful smile on his face.

Li Yu is indeed a clever man.

That night at the Mirage Boat, when Li Shiyue invited these wealthy merchants from Jian'an to a banquet, she could tell that this salt merchant named Li Yu was indeed a very perceptive person.

If you give him a pole, he'll really climb it.

Li Shiyue wondered to herself, what was the purpose of Li Yu's decision to spend "two thousand taels"?
First, it must be because Li Yu witnessed Huang Wanchang's fate, and also the fate of Zhao Liangfu, who provoked Li Shiyue that night at the Mirage Pavilion, both of which frightened him.

In fact, Li Shiyue is a very easy-going person.

In the very first few days after she arrived in Jian'an, she was forced to have about a dozen wealthy merchants in the city "donate" silver and grain to her.
Even now, with the fight against the bandits imminent and before they were completely out of ammunition and supplies, Li Shiyue never intended to take advantage of these wealthy merchants so soon.

Who would have thought that Li Yu would actually come all the way to give Li Shiyue money!

Li Yu is trying to use two thousand taels of silver to buy the safety of his Li family;
Secondly, Li Yu wanted to go further and earn a reputation as a "righteous businessman".

By the way, this put Li Shiyue in a difficult position—having donated such a sum of money in front of all the people of Jian'an City, Li Shiyue had to accept Li Yu's favor no matter what. At least in the short term, Li Shiyue couldn't touch the Li family unless she had a legitimate reason.

“Hehe,” Li Shiyue chuckled twice, “Well, this Li Dajia is quite interesting.”

"Tell Clerk Wang to count and deposit the silver donated by the Li family into the treasury and register it."

Oh, and we also have to count them out in front of everyone, so everyone can hear them.

Li Shiyue gave these instructions to Chen Yong behind her. Her voice was very calm, and there was even a hint of relief in it.

Downstairs, the clerks from the government office and soldiers from the Xuanjia Army stepped forward and opened the box in front of everyone.

Inside the box were neatly stacked silver ingots, which gleamed alluringly in the sunlight.

"Li Yu donated two thousand taels of silver!"

The singing grew louder and louder, and it was repeated ten times, so that everyone gathered at the entrance of the government office, as well as the common people who couldn't squeeze to the front to watch the excitement, could hear it clearly.

Each announcement was met with gasps of surprise from the crowd. The tangible silver was far more convincing than any slogan.

Li Yu smiled and bowed to those around him, enjoying the praise and attention he had bought with two thousand taels of silver.

After the silver was counted, a soldier in black armor strode out of the government office and announced loudly, "The general invites Mr. Li to the mansion for a chat."

Li Yu felt a chill run down his spine. He knew the real test had arrived, but his smile only grew wider because this was exactly what he wanted!

He had already told Li Dalang about it!

Li Yu wanted to be the obedient monkey under Li Shiyue's command, used as a warning to others!
After straightening his clothes, Li Yu, accompanied by Li Dalang, walked proudly through the gate representing the highest power in Jian'an, amidst the envious gazes of the crowd.

Li Shiyue did not receive Li Yu in the imposing main hall of the government office, but instead chose the relatively more relaxed study.

But this did not make Li Yu lower his guard. He had long been wary of the young female general before him, whose ruthless methods and cunning mind were something he dared not underestimate.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Li."

Li Shiyue sat in the main seat, his tone calm and revealing no emotion, "The actions of the great merchant today have truly surprised and pleased this general."

"If all the merchants of Jian'an were as righteous as Mr. Li, why would this general worry about not annihilating the Japanese pirates of Jian'an?"

Upon hearing Li Shiyue's words, Li Yu immediately bowed, his posture extremely humble: "General, you flatter me."

I have only done what I was supposed to do, and I dare not accept such praise from the general.

"To be able to share the general's burdens and contribute to Jian'an is a blessing for this humble man."

"Really?"

Li Shiyue tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her gaze sweeping over Li Yu and the slightly nervous Li Dalang behind him with a half-smile. "Two thousand taels of silver, that's no small sum."

Does Li Dajia have anything else to say?
Or, do you have any difficulties that I, the general, need to help you resolve?
Speak freely!

This general has always been fair in rewarding and punishing.

Li Yu could easily discern the veiled meaning in those words.

Li Shiyue was asking him what kind of reward he wanted, or at the same time, warning him not to play any tricks.

Li Yu's chest was pounding rapidly, but a sincere smile was plastered on his face.

"General, you are wise!"
I have no other desires!

With Japanese pirates at our doorstep, only by working together can we overcome this difficult situation.

I only ask that the general lead us to eliminate the sea threat as soon as possible and restore peace to Jian'an!
At that time, trade routes will be smooth and business will be easy, and what I have done today will naturally be earned back.

If Jian'an perishes, even if I possess immense wealth, it will only be spoils for the Japanese pirates.

This humble man's actions were truly for self-preservation; he would never dare to claim credit.

Li Yu's words were half true and half false, expressing both loyalty and his own interests, making them seem genuine and not hypocritical.

Li Shiyue stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Good! What a fine 'for self-preservation' excuse!"
Li Dajia is a sensible man; talking to a sensible man is always worry-free.

I have received your kind intentions.

Don't worry, I will remember your name.

When the world is at peace and rewards are distributed, your Li family will certainly receive a share.

"Thank you, General! Thank you, General!"

A huge weight was lifted from Li Yu's heart. He knew he had made the right move and quickly pulled Li Dalang to his feet to bow and thank Li Shiyue.

Li Shiyue nodded in satisfaction, offered a few more words of encouragement, and then had Chen Yong escort Li Yu and his son, Li Dalang, out.

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