Just as all the officials in the hall were puzzled, Xia Qing continued, "I humbly request that Your Majesty pardon Minister Shen for his diligent service to the court. Secondly, regarding the matter of disaster relief funds, I have some humble opinions, though I am unsure if I should voice them."
At this point, Xia Qing couldn't help but be mysterious.
The Emperor, upon hearing this, was intrigued. "Oh? What brilliant strategy do you have, Xia Aiqing? Quickly, tell us."
All the officials in the hall perked up their ears, eager to hear what solution Xia Qing might offer. The Emperor had been irritable these past days, making them all anxious.
Could it be the same as two years ago, where Xia Qing plans to make his clan suffer a huge financial loss? Some officials maliciously speculated.
That time, they handed over one million Silver Taels! If Xia Qing were to contribute Silver again, it would surely be a significant sacrifice.
