Chapter Seventeen Donating Money

  "The Everlasting Warehouse is the foundation of our country. Now that Your Majesty has just left, we will have to use the Everlasting Warehouse soon. What will we do when we encounter natural disasters and man-made calamities in the future?" Yang Yu's words left all the officials present speechless.

  Everyone has fallen silent, knowing that it's too early to use the Yongfeng Warehouse. It's just like in later times, even if you're America, you can't keep pulling out atomic bombs to intimidate others from time to time.

  Moreover, Yang You also had his own plan. He was about to embark on that thorny road and had already taken this as his first test. At this time, he did not want to disturb the national foundation or use the national treasury. Perfectly resolving this refugee problem would highlight his abilities.

  Besides, it's not a bad thing that so many migrants have come here. In the past, tens of millions of workers flooded into Guangdong, but we didn't see local people in Guangzhou discriminating against them because there were too many.

  At that time, during the Great Depression, Roosevelt's New Deal, which focused on relief through work, not only helped America successfully navigate the economic crisis but also built a large number of basic infrastructure projects, laying the foundation for future economic takeoff.

  Perhaps it's time to add some projects, Yang You couldn't help but look at those green-robed county officials.

  It didn't occur to him that these county officials weren't here to make trouble for themselves, but rather to solve their own problems. Thinking of this, Yang You's gaze towards the county officials softened greatly.

  Sun Yuhai was seen through by Yang You, and he secretly thought to himself that today was a thoroughly unlucky day. Not only did he not get any benefits, but he also offended the Crown Prince.

  The other county magistrates were also secretly delighted, but the next words from Crown Prince's mouth made them overjoyed.

  "The bow is drawn and the arrow cannot be returned, we can't possibly keep these refugees out of the pass again, or all our previous efforts will have been in vain. To resettle these refugees, the scale of relief through work must be expanded, Yao Shirong, re-examine these accounts."

  Yang Youding set the tone and negated the suggestion of prohibiting refugees from entering the pass.

  The county officials were shocked and knew they wouldn't return empty-handed this time. With so many refugees, there must be a lot of projects.

  However, the amount of money for the substitution has already been fixed, and if it is changed, it will cause the imperial court to lose its prestige.

  Yang You directly negated the stupid idea of taxation without even thinking about it. As a righteous otaku, Yang You couldn't do such an unscrupulous thing.

  "But if we allow the refugees to enter in large numbers, our Chang'an will not be able to hold out for much longer with just this little money..." Gu Yi said bluntly, and his words were echoed by most of the officials.

  "I have an idea that can temporarily solve our current predicament." Yang You said with a mysterious smile.

  "Please speak clearly for His Majesty's sake."

  Wei Wensheng curiously asked if he wanted to know what kind of tricks the substitute king had up his sleeve after these few days of mysterious behavior.

  Actually, Wei Wensheng and most officials were waiting for Yang You to give in, because they couldn't think of any clever tricks, let alone a thirteen-year-old kid, what could he possibly do!

  But they don't have to worry too much, whether it's restricting refugees from entering the border, increasing taxes, or finally being forced to open the Yongfeng granary, all of these can solve the problem.

  A steady stream of refugees poured in, with a terrifying amount consumed every day. The ministers on the imperial court were all secretly estimating how many more days the Crown Prince could hold on, but no one had expected the situation to be so severe.

  Even Wei Wensheng felt a little regretful in his heart, if this time he crushed the confidence of King Wang's successor, his own guilt would be great, and when the time came, His Majesty would not let him have a good ending.

  Similarly, Yang You knew that he couldn't afford to admit defeat this time. After all, it was his first time in power, and no matter how difficult it was, he had to complete it perfectly, making everyone convinced.

  "In fact, it's not just the pillars of the empire present here who are worried about the refugees, but also the ordinary people throughout Chang'an who are concerned about the country and its people. Seeing these comrades suffer is also heart-wrenching. Everyone wants to do their part."

  Yang You said something that made everyone's thinking fall into confusion, how did it involve ordinary people, disaster relief has always been a matter of the imperial court, and individuals have nothing to do with it.

  "Your Highness, are you suggesting that we allow private relief efforts for the disaster victims?" Wei Wensheng asked in puzzlement.

  As soon as Wei Wensheng's voice fell, the entire court was thrown into chaos.

  "No way, disaster relief absolutely cannot be participated by ordinary people."

  "Relieving the people in private and buying their hearts is a great taboo of all dynasties."

  One by one, the ministers were stirred up, and in their view, such a thing was even more serious than letting refugees starve to death.

  Relieving individuals and comforting refugees is an easy way to win people's hearts, which has always been a major taboo for the imperial court.

  "Humbly request Your Highness to rescind the imperial decree."

  The officials present shouted in unison. Yang You this time truly felt how strong this force was.

  All officials bowed their heads and bent their waists, paying homage, and the whole scene was silent.

  "If it's an institution set up by the government, can individuals make donations?" Yang You looked at the officials below him with a pleased expression and directly expressed his thoughts.

  The government set up an organization to let others donate money. Upon hearing this absurd way of collecting money, the officials present were all flustered.

  "How wonderful! In this way, the personal wish to save the disaster has been fulfilled, and the government has taken the initiative to use money to relieve the disaster, thus avoiding the harm of buying people's hearts." Gu Yi was the first to react, clapping his hands excitedly.

  "Awesome."

  "His Royal Highness is truly wise and mighty."

  ……

  "But would anyone be willing to donate money?" A discordant voice rose in the midst of all the praise and flattery.

  Wei Wensheng glared fiercely at the tactless fifth-rank official, thinking to himself that everyone present was not an idiot and should be able to tell whether it was a good idea or not.

  Such a perfect solution, even if the last penny can't be collected, they can still be considered to have made a contribution, and the greatest credit will definitely go to his nominal teacher.

  "Such donations rely mainly on people with charitable hearts, all voluntary, and transparent. To set an example for ordinary people, I, as an individual, will donate 10,000 yuan." said Yang You.

  "I, your humble minister, donate 100 guan."

  "This old minister is also from a humble background, I'll donate 1,000 guan."

  ……

  "I also donate 50 guan." The fifth-grade official's head was bleeding, and he gritted his teeth and said harshly.

  Fifty taels is almost a tenth of our family's assets, this is a huge loss.

  I was just wondering if anyone would donate money, but now I'm in doubt. Even if the number of refugees doubles, there won't be a problem. Just a short while ago, donations of over 100,000 yuan have already been received.

  "Entirely voluntary, act according to one's ability."

  Yao Si Lian muttered to himself as his hands flew quickly to record the numbers.

  He didn't doubt that these cold, hard numbers would ultimately turn into a steady stream of money. The figures in the imperial court were all people who, no matter how petty and trivial they might be in their daily lives, would definitely make good on their promises once they had publicly spoken them.

  "What a ridiculous amount! The whole court of civil and military officials have donated so much, how can I donate less?" Many people secretly cursed in their hearts.

  When this disguised form of extortion first spread across China, Yang Youzheng sat high above, watching the painful expressions of many officials, feeling very pleased.

  My past self has experienced such things many times, now it's really a turn of fortune.

  "...donate 100,000 yuan." Just then, a voice burst forth like thunder amidst the din.

  "What a true big shot!"

  Yang You let out a sigh in his heart and couldn't help but curiously look towards the sound.