The whole family is obsessed with love? The princess woke them up one after another.

During the years that Zhou Lizhen served as prefect, he really made a lot of money.

He was transferred to the capital, leaving the mess to the next prefect.

The wealthy local families gave Zhou Lizhen a lot of tribute, so the losses would naturally be passed on to ordinary people.

Because of the exploitation, people's lives were very difficult, and some even died as a result.

The thorough investigation and reckoning enraged Emperor Kangwu.

Of course, Emperor Kangwu also learned of another piece of news: "Fourth Prince, you've really put your heart into this."

Upon being summoned to the palace, the King of Wu humbly bowed and said, "Father, this is all my duty."

"The people have been oppressed for years, so naturally they need someone to comfort them."

"Your Majesty, I don't have much ability right now, but I managed to raise some money to give to those people, to make up for their losses a little."

Emperor Kangwu looked at the Prince of Wu: "I heard that you are not well-off either, and you are trying various ways to raise money outside."

The King of Wu replied respectfully, "This is only right."

"Hmm, well done." Emperor Kangwu nodded.

After bowing, the King of Wu said nothing more.

Now he has no intention of vying for credit or showing off. Instead, he has concealed all his sharpness, is honest and dutiful, and only does practical things for the court and the people.

After the morning court session, King Wu walked out with light steps.

In the imperial court, in front of all the civil and military officials, his father affirmed him, which meant that his efforts during this period had not been in vain.

"Your Majesty," King Wu called out to King Rui, smiling gently.

Prince Rui nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

The King of Wu sighed, "Your Majesty, I really don't have much at hand. It's just a drop in the ocean for the people of Yiyang Prefecture."

Prince Rui smiled and comforted him, "Fourth brother, don't feel too guilty. The fact that you've made amends to this extent shows that you've put your heart into it."

make up?

King Wu stared at King Rui in astonishment.

What does "Rui Wang" mean?

"Don't worry, you're usually very busy, and you might have made a mistake in recommending Zhou Lizhen. I understand." Prince Rui patted Prince Wu on the shoulder.

"Your father doesn't blame you either."

"Moreover, your father is seeing that you are trying your best to make up for it."

King Wu's heart sank. What did Prince Rui mean?

The Emperor has just affirmed his merits, and now Prince Rui is going to characterize his achievements as compensation?

Humph.

Prince Rui's idea was good, but unfortunately, what he did could not be negated by a few words from Prince Rui.

"Your Majesty is right," King Wu said with a cupped hand and a smile. "Your Majesty is busy with official duties, so I won't keep you any longer."

King Rui nodded, and King Wu left immediately.

King Wu was indeed working hard for the people of Yiyang Prefecture. He not only sold his own belongings to raise money, but his wife also went to the temple every day to pray for the people.

In a short time, this prompted many noble families in the capital to also raise a considerable amount of money.

Of course, those people were all from the King of Wu's faction.

The people in the court naturally understood what the King of Wu meant, but the common people didn't think that much about it.

They saw that, under the influence of the King of Wu, many families contributed money and sent it to the people of Yiyang Prefecture.

For a time, the reputation of the King of Wu improved considerably.

Even though the King of Wu currently holds no real power, his actions have won him the hearts of the people.

These days, everyone on the streets is talking about what the Wu family did.

The King of Wu's care for his people truly impressed them.

Of course, there were also dissenting voices.

For example, the Wu King's family did so much for the people of Yiyang Prefecture, but the Rui King jealously said that the Wu King was atoning for his sins.

It was because the King of Wu failed to investigate and discover that Zhou Li was a scourge.

But this is not just a problem for the King of Wu.

Didn't the imperial court also fail to find out?

Prince Rui was so petty that he would say such absurd things just to get that position.

Although the King of Wu currently lacks real power, he still cares deeply about the people. Compared to others, the King of Wu is quite good.

Could it be that Prince Rui was just putting on an act all along, and after he suppressed the King of Wu, Prince Rui began to show his true colors?

This sound pleased the King of Wu greatly.

Don't Prince Rui and his ilk like to stand on the side of righteousness?

If Prince Rui can do it, then so can he.

"Keep the situation outside under control," the King of Wu instructed his trusted aides. "Don't let it turn in one direction only."

"If Prince Rui and his group get involved, you need to react quickly."

"Yes," the confidant replied.

This time, the King of Wu was more experienced. He couldn't just praise everyone; he also wanted the people to think about the good things about King Rui.

A mixed bag of good and bad, with no definitive conclusion, is the best kind of development.

As long as he can create an opening, he can find an opportunity to return to the court!

The winds in the capital were blowing in accordance with the King of Wu's wishes.

Everything should have been fine, but the King of Wu felt something was strange.

The Prince Rui family did not retaliate!

It was as if the people of Prince Rui's mansion hadn't heard any of the various voices in the capital.

King Wu thoroughly investigated and, after confirming that there were no problems, he suppressed his inner turmoil.

It's likely that the rumors circulating in the capital weren't excessive, which is why Prince Rui and his men didn't take action.

Therefore, the King of Wu proceeded to the next step.

Princess Wu sent invitations to the ladies of various households, inviting them to her small banquet.

Princess Rui naturally received it as well.

"Yu'er," Princess Rui said, looking at Qi Zhiyu, "Prince Wu is losing his composure."

Qi Zhiyu toyed with the post in her hand and sneered, "The King of Wu took the lead, and his faction followed. Now they want to drag other noble families into this mess to raise money together."

"The King of Wu learns quickly."

"He wants to use the same tricks I use to swindle money."

Princess Rui chuckled and tapped her daughter's forehead: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

When have you ever cheated someone out of money?

"Your money is all earned through fair and reasonable means."

Qi Zhiyu smiled, her eyes crinkling, and sweetly replied, "Mother is right."

"Since the Princess Consort of Wu has invited us, and it is for the sake of the people, we should naturally go."

"However, her little banquet probably won't go as they wish."

Learn from her how to make money?

They don't even consider whether they have the ability.

Moreover, the King of Wu wanted her to pay money.

Her things are only given away voluntarily by her; no one can ever take them from her!

Qi Zhiyu and Princess Rui arrived at the banquet on time, as expected.

However, when they arrived, almost all the ladies and young women from the noble families were already there.

"Royal sister-in-law," Princess Wu greeted with a smile, "Chen'an, you've arrived. Please take a seat."

Princess Rui smiled slightly and, without any hesitation, led Qi Zhiyu to sit down.

With everyone present, Princess Wu naturally got straight to the point: "I invited you all here today, and I'm not afraid of being laughed at."

"Our Wu Wang Mansion has raised almost all the funds we can, so we would like to ask everyone to generously donate to the people of Yiyang Prefecture."

After Princess Wu finished speaking, she looked at Princess Rui with anticipation.

In any case, Princess Rui should take the lead in this matter.

Otherwise, it wouldn't sound good if word got out.

As long as Princess Rui takes the lead in contributing silver, others will inevitably follow suit. In the end, the silver will come from Princess Rui and her group, but the good reputation will belong to their Wu Prince's Mansion.

Wasn't Qi Zhiyu like that back then?

They can too!