Chapter 44: Adding to the Stakes

Xing Yucheng initially thought that although he accepted the thirty taels of silver from the Ninth Prince, since it was an equal exchange, it would not have any impact at all.

But gradually, Xing Yucheng found something wrong.

The principle of “a man who has received favors will be soft-hearted and a man who has received favors will be obliged to return favors” applies everywhere. Xing Yucheng suddenly found that he could not open his mouth. When he heard his parents asking him about the Ninth Prince, Xing Yucheng subconsciously spoke well of the Ninth Prince, even though the Ninth Prince was not a good person.

Moreover, he didn’t know how to explain the matter of the silver to his mother. He thought of countless reasons, but they were all overturned in the end.

After getting this money, I feel that I am not as happy as I imagined.

During dinner, Xing Yucheng was feeling conflicted and sad about lying to his parents, and he looked a little depressed. The Minister of Works and his wife thought he was just tired from his first day in the study, and did not think too much about it.

As the family was eating, they somehow ended up talking about the issue of corruption.

Xing Yucheng’s eldest brother has passed the age of coming of age. He just passed the imperial examination this year and is now working as a minor official in the capital. He encountered a problem right after taking office, so he came out of his yard today to ask his father for advice.

“Father, today a wealthy businessman asked your son to do something for him, and he also wants to give him a sum of money. But in fact, the person in charge has already made a decision and the winner is the wealthy businessman. Father, do you think your son can take the money?” In the eyes of Xing Yucheng’s eldest brother, since the verdict has been made, it would be fine for him to do a favor. It would not be against the law, and he could still get the money, killing two birds with one stone.

Now that the young daughter has just been born and is in need of money, and he also has to prepare a dowry in the future, it is inevitable that Xing Yucheng’s eldest brother will be tempted.

But he had no experience, so out of caution, he wanted to ask his father, who had been an official for many years, whether there were any particular requirements.

However, the Minister of Industry rejected it without a second thought: “Absolutely not!”

Seeing that his eldest son was puzzled, the Minister of Industry put down his bowl and chopsticks and slowly said, “This matter seems to be beneficial, but in fact it is full of hidden dangers.”

The Minister of Industry tilted his head and said, “Tell me, can you guarantee that the rich businessman can keep the secret? Businessmen value profit, so most of them won’t. When someone comes to you the second time, will you do it? If you don’t want to do it, then what about the first time? If you want to do it, will you still refuse the third or fourth time? By then, the snowball will only get bigger and bigger, and you will get deeper and deeper into trouble, with no possibility of turning back.”

With the current trend in the court and the strength of the secret guards’ execution, even if he is not caught today, he will be caught sooner or later tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

“There are some things that you think your father cannot do? No, it’s just that your father cannot do them.” Although the Ministry of Works is a notoriously poor government office among the six ministries, he is a minister after all. How is it possible that he cannot get any benefits at all?

“It’s just that this benefit is too hot to handle, and I don’t want to take it.”

“This matter will happen again. Once this loophole is opened, the interests will be increasingly intertwined. By then, there will be no turning back, Yuan’er. Even if you are careful, how are you going to explain the extra money out of thin air?”

Xing Yucheng’s eldest brother thought about it and realized that it made sense, so he stood up and saluted with a serious face: “Thank you for your teachings, father. I will remember it.”

With a “click”, Xing Yucheng was awakened by his eldest brother’s voice. He was not paying attention and the chopsticks in his hand fell accidentally.

“Yes.” The Shangshu nodded with satisfaction.

When he turned around, he saw that his third son’s face looked even uglier than his eldest brother’s.

“What’s wrong with you, Yucheng?”

“No, nothing…”

This child is so strange today.

But since it was his first day in the study, it was inevitable that he had some concerns.

Thinking this way, the Minister and his wife did not notice the slightest despair in their son’s eyes.

Although his elder brother was not greedy, he himself was greedy!

If there is one, there will be another… snowball… getting deeper and deeper… how to deal with the extra money out of thin air…

Returning to his room, Xing Yucheng became more and more anxious the more he thought about it. He did not dare to give the bag of silver given by the Ninth Prince to his mother. He subconsciously began to look for a place to hide it.

Put it under the bed? No, no, no, that won’t work. A maid will come to clean every two days, and it will definitely be discovered by then.

Put it in the closet? But his mother often helps them sort out seasonal clothes, so it’s impossible to hide it.

How about putting it on top of the bed?

After finally climbing up, Xing Yucheng still couldn’t reach and always felt that he would be discovered.

After tossing and turning until late at night, Xing Yucheng had no other choice but to sleep all night holding the bag of silver that looked like a bomb. He silently decided to return it the next day and would not take this job no matter what!

The other end.

Even though he made a bet with the Fifth Prince, Ye Shuo did not plan to do anything unnecessary. After all, as long as he performed normally, he would basically have the upper hand.

There was one thing that Ye Shuo hadn’t expected. He didn’t expect that His father didn’t send anyone to stop him after school. This was a bit strange. He felt that something big had happened.

Along the way, he noticed that people looked at him strangely, and after sending Xiao Luzi to ask around, Ye Shuo easily found out what His father had said in front of the Xuan Zheng Hall.

“Isn’t he just relying on the fact that he is my son? He doesn’t even think about the fact that I have so many sons, and I don’t need him as one.”

Of course not. Ye Shuo had accepted the fact that he was not an only child in this life eight hundred years ago, and there was no need for Cheap Dad to repeat it again.

The love that an only child could receive was something that Emperor Jingwen could never imagine in his entire life. In his opinion, he had already doted on his son quite a bit, but in Ye Shuo’s eyes, well, it was just so-so.

In modern times, he would have dared to say to his father directly, “Your things, including the company and the house, will be mine from now on.” But now, Ye Shuo would not be so bold.

Not to mention him, even if the prince dared to say this, he would be killed by Cheap Dad.

So it doesn’t matter whether you lose it or not.

However, Xiao Luzi next to him was extremely nervous, fearing that his master would be hurt, and was secretly shocked that what the emperor said was too harsh.

“Your Highness, don’t be sad. His Majesty, His Majesty may not mean that…”

“…” Ye Shuo was silent for a moment, and asked curiously: “Which eye of yours saw that I was sad?”

At first, Xiao Luzi thought that his master was forcing a smile, and he felt a little sad. But after observing for a while, he felt that it really wasn’t the case.

“………”

Xiao Luzi was speechless for a moment.

Ye Shuo wasn’t really worried about anything else. He was just worried that his mother wouldn’t be able to accept it. Needless to say, his mother would be particularly angry this time.

On the way back to Qiuwu Palace, Ye Shuo had already thought of how to explain, but as soon as he entered the door –

Ye Shuo found that it was not the case at all, his mother was indeed angry, but it seemed that the person she was angry at was not him.

“What exactly do you mean? What do you mean by Shuo’er is not ‘missing’?” In the eyes of Concubine Rong, her son is unique and cannot be replaced by just any Tom, Dick or Harry. In the eyes of Concubine Rong, she only lacks this one, and she doesn’t care about any other one no matter how good it is.

Therefore, Emperor Jingwen’s words, which seemed to be insignificant to his son, really touched Concubine Rong’s lungs. Perhaps she was too angry and spoke without thinking.

Ye Shuo quickly checked the surroundings and found no trace of the secret guards, so he breathed a sigh of relief.

At least her mother still had some sense, and only left Nanny, Su Yue and the others in the room, so it wasn’t a big deal.

“Mom, don’t be angry…”

Before Ye Shuo could finish his words, Concubine Rong rushed over to him, hugged him tightly, and then burst into tears: “Wow, my poor Shuo’er…”

Ye Shuo: “…”

So what’s so pitiful about him?

Oh yes, losing father’s love is indeed pitiful in the eyes of others.

But with Mr. Gu in front of him, he really couldn’t cry. Even if Cheap Dad looked a bit like his father, Ye Shuo might not be able to stay so calm.

Unfortunately, Emperor Jingwen and Mr. Gu have completely different styles.

So Ye Shuo opened his mouth: “Mother——”

The imperial concubine was completely unaware: “You were just being naughty and having fun. What’s the big deal? Every child has gone through this. Why did the emperor say such harsh words?”

To be honest, the imperial concubine is quite hypocritical and dotes on her children. It’s as if her children are the only children in the world and other people are not even as good as her children. If she were to be seen outside, she would definitely be an extremely annoying person.

But now as the one being double-standardized, Ye Shuo could only feel deeply moved.

“Okay, mother, look, I’m fine, right?”

Concubine Rong took the time to glance at it through her tearful eyes and found that it was true, but she didn’t think so. She even became more sad: “Poor my son, he has to force a smile when he is so young.” Concubine Rong couldn’t help it, and she gritted her teeth and scolded Emperor Jingwen in a low voice.

Ye Shuo: “…”

Forget it, it seems there is no way to explain it.

On the other hand, Emperor Jingwen also received the news that his son had been beaten with three slaps.

“…He really doesn’t feel ashamed at all?”

After receiving a positive reply, Emperor Jingwen took a deep breath and said, “Go and inform the upper study room to increase the number of late three hand boards to six.”

The emperor opened his mouth and immediately doubled the amount of punishment.

“Since he doesn’t mind the pain and shame, there’s no need for me to spoil him.”

My goodness, His Majesty is really going to fight with the Ninth Prince this time.

Wang Ziquan inexplicably felt that the Emperor Jingwen, who was facing off against his son, was inexplicably, well, how should I put it, a little different from usual.

No longer so high and mighty, it turns out that even an emperor, when faced with disobedient children, is as helpless as ordinary people.

He had no idea what Wang Ziquan beside him was thinking. After giving the order, Emperor Jingwen had a blank expression on his face and lowered his head to look at the memorial on the table again.

Only three breaths passed before he started writing again.

The next morning, the Sixth Prince came to call Ye Shuo on time and asked him to go with him today.

The result was as expected, it was impossible to call him.

“Xiao Ming, no, Sixth Brother, please, let me go!” For the first time in his life, Ye Shuo showed deep pleading to the Sixth Prince, whom he had watched grow up.

Really, not everyone in this world can be as curry as him.

“I know you are doing this for my own good, but I really don’t have any big ambitions. I really don’t have such great ambitions.” I’m so sleepy, let me sleep, let me sleep.

“You!” Looking at his little brother who refused to open his eyes, the Sixth Prince broke his composure and showed his anger.

“You are not ambitious and only care about the momentary pleasure… You are on your own, I will not care about you anymore!”

As soon as the Sixth Prince left, Ye Shuo fell down again.

Xing Yucheng also came to Qiuwu Palace early. When he heard him say that he wanted to pay back the money, Ye Shuo, who was woken up again, leaned against the bed and said while yawning, “The deal is done. No changes will be accepted.” Which business contract can be revoked after being signed?

“It’s not a good idea to act impulsively. It’s your fault for not knowing the good things beforehand.”

Ye Shuo said lazily: “Give up on this idea. I will definitely not take the money. Not only will I not take it, but I will give you money frequently in the future. Your money will only increase, increase, and increase.”

With every additional word Ye Shuo said, Xing Yucheng’s face turned paler, until he almost lost all color.

It turned out that what his father said was true.

Once this hole is opened, it can never be closed again.

He had spent a whole night hiding the thirty taels alone. What would he do with the hundreds or thousands of taels in the future?

What Ye Shuo said afterward made Xing Yucheng completely despair.

“Now that you have accepted my money, you will only be tied to me more and more in the future. I guess you will never be able to break free from me in this life. Not only you, but also your father and your family…”

“Your Highness the Ninth Prince, please spare my life!” Xing Yucheng really cried.

Looking at his study companion who was kneeling there and trembling with despair, Ye Shuo touched his chin and thought to himself, this kid is so easy to fool.

But when you think about it, he is indeed well-educated, worthy of being the son of the number one scholar. Now he is only twelve years old and is not much worse than the fifth prince. His father is the Minister of Works, and there is a high probability that he will embark on a career in officialdom in the future.

Since he was going to be an official, no matter whether he was a high-ranking official or a low-ranking official, being honest was always a good thing for the people. So Ye Shuo was less burdened and whispered to the devil beside him: “Remember the feeling of this moment, there are still many days to come…”

It’s over. I’m only twelve years old, and I’ve already sacrificed my parents and entire family.

Looking at his study partner who was crying loudly, Ye Shuo reflected for a second whether he had gone too far, but it was only a second, and soon he wrapped himself in the quilt and continued to sleep.

As usual, Ye Shuo waited until dawn before getting up, and he was much more arrogant than yesterday. Xing Yucheng watched him walk into the main hall of Qiuwu Palace.

Xing Yucheng thought that if the imperial concubine saw this scene, she would definitely scold the Ninth Prince. He said that he could take the opportunity to tell him about the ghostwriting incident, and then he could get out of it naturally.

As a result… instead of scolding the Ninth Prince, the Imperial Concubine showed concern for him and asked him if he had had a good rest last night!

Xing Yucheng’s face was in a state of confusion, and the glimmer of hope that had just risen in his heart suddenly died beyond all possibility of death.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Half an hour later, Ye Shuo put the bowl on the table and said, “Mom, I’m going to class first. When I come back in the evening, remember to ask the kitchen to stew pigeon soup for me.”

“good.”

Watching her son’s figure gradually disappearing into the distance with a smile, Concubine Rong felt that such a day seemed not bad. It was also a special feeling to personally send her son to school.

Xing Yucheng vaguely heard this and lost control of himself, nearly falling when crossing the threshold.

I’ve seen people spoiling their children, but I’ve never seen one spoiling their children like this. If it were his mother, she would have broken his legs long ago.

By the time Ye Shuo arrived leisurely, as expected, the class was about to end.

Lord Cen’s face turned livid.

Looking at the Ninth Prince who very consciously stretched out his hand, he suddenly realized that the other party had already made such a plan, and what happened yesterday was not an accident at all!

“Master Cen, I’m really sorry. I got up late again today.”

Look, is this human language? !

Lord Cen would not be fooled by him again today. He took a deep breath and repeated to him the imperial edict that the emperor had conveyed last night.

Sure enough, the child in front of him couldn’t hold it anymore.

“What?” When hearing the number “six”, even Ye Shuo couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

Lord Cen breathed a sigh of relief, but it seemed that he was still afraid.

But in fact, what Ye Shuo was afraid of was not the six boards themselves. Not to mention six, even if there were six more, it would not have much impact. What he was afraid of was this terrifying growth rate.

Adding six boards today and six boards tomorrow, the number will accumulate to a pretty scary number in a few days.

Didn’t you say you don’t care? Didn’t you say you don’t need a son like him? ? ?

How can Cheap Dad go back on his word!!!

Lord Cen watched helplessly as the Ninth Prince’s face became uglier and uglier. In the end, he said something that he, as well as the other princes and grandchildren, would never forget in their lifetime –

“Master Cen, can you give me enough beatings for a year… no, a month?”

After thinking about it, I feel that it is not really possible for me to make 2,000 yuan a year for making prototypes, but if I can only make a little over 100 yuan, it should be barely enough.

“Can you give me a month first?”

If it doesn’t work, think of other solutions after a month.

The moment the words fell, the entire study room was silent, and even the Sixth Prince couldn’t help but open his mouth slightly.