Chapter 99: Lion's Big Mouth

at step that allowed Li Chen to narrowly avoid the palace maid's dagger.With a tearing sound, Li Chen's shirt at his chest was slashed open, but he wasn't hurt.Upon missing her blow, the resentment an...Chapter 99: The Lion's Mouth Opens Wide

As for the character of the Ninth Prince, Li Chen knew him better than anyone.

Introverted and somewhat timid, such people are most afraid of trouble, but they are also most likely to harbor resentment in their hearts.

The greater his pressure, the more likely he is to become psychologically distorted and cynical.

In the several previous encounters, the Ninth Prince's performance in front of him could only be described as deplorable.

But these few lines of dialogue, in fact, have a certain level.

I just don't know who taught the Ninth Prince, Zhao Qinglan or Zhao Xuanji.

"Since you know I have been trying my best, then it's better. Tell me, what is the matter that brings you to see me" Li Chen said calmly.

The Ninth Prince respectfully took out a document from his bosom and said, "Your Highness has shown great favor to me by entrusting me, on behalf of the royal family, to lead the disaster relief efforts. I have given this matter careful thought and dare not be negligent. Therefore, I have prepared a detailed plan for disaster relief and a report. Please review it, Your Highness. If there are any shortcomings, my younger brother will definitely humbly seek your guidance."

"Present it."

Having received the document sent by the Ninth Prince, Li Chen carefully looked it over.

This document is written with a seasoned hand, clearly the work of someone who has spent years drafting official papers. The language is concise and fluent, striving to convey matters succinctly without unnecessary embellishment to avoid ambiguity.

This level of writing style could not have been produced without having sorted through court documents for at least a decade.

What Li Chen cared about most were the various disaster relief measures listed and the prepared plans.

It detailed the manpower needed, collaborating departments, estimated funds, timeframe, and general plan for the entire disaster relief effort.

It can be said to be a practical and feasible plan.

It is written that the Ministry of Revenue needs to provide 600,000 taels of silver. Grain should be collected from various regions to serve as reserves. Additionally, the Ministry of Works needs to dispatch personnel to construct temporary sheds for shelter against the cold. The Imperial Medical Bureau must also send imperial physicians to treat the sick and prevent the spread of epidemics among disaster victims.

Li Chen put down the document and looked up at the Ninth Prince: "But a few thousand disaster victims, need 600,000 taels Do you think this number is reasonable"

The Ninth Prince was taken aback on the spot.

He grew up in the deep palace since childhood, having no concept of numbers at all.

He had no idea what 600,000 taels meant.

He only knew that this document was sent by Zhao Xuanji's people and instructed him on how to speak, delivered to the East Palace.

Had his mother not encouraged him for half a day, he would not have had the courage to enter the Eastern Palace alone.

Even if he had prepared countless excuses beforehand, he hadn't expected the prince to ask such a question.

Seeing the Ninth Prince's reaction, Li Chen knew he couldn't come up with anything.

"Nowadays, in the vast Qin Empire, even ordinary people living in the capital city, the most prosperous place, have an annual income of no more than 40 to 50 taels of silver per household based on a calculation of five members. In other remote areas, excluding the affluent Jiangnan region and the capital city, the national average income is roughly capped at around 40 taels of silver."

“Most commoners have the habit of saving money. A year's worth of food, clothing, and other expenses usually amounts to around thirty taels. Excluding a family of five, on average, each person can live comfortably for a year with six taels of silver. With 600,000 taels of silver, ten thousand people could be provided for with food and clothing for a year. Now, do you still think this number is normal”

The Ninth Prince trembled his lips, his eyes flustered and revealing his true nature. After much deliberation, he stammered, "But if we add the cost of repairing and building houses, with grain prices already soaring, then... it wouldn't be too unreasonable, would it"t goals. Though this doesn't affect our brotherhood, it also means we wouldn't betray our ideals for familial ties. We wouldn't go against our own convictions just because we are brothers.""If the Pri...