Chapter 889: Helping Out
“Mr. Gu, is this portion still to be handed back to the Holy Emperor?” asked the accountant handling the ledger, immediately setting down his brush.
“This sum of silver is an unexpected gain for us, so it naturally belongs to the Ministry of Revenue.
“From now on, it will all be deposited into the National Treasury for emergency use,” Gu Wenheng replied.
“This…” Over a dozen accountants set down their brushes. Handling the accounts this way… they feared the Holy Emperor would not agree to it, let alone the ministers of the other ministries.
Gu Wenheng knew what they were worried about. Without offering much explanation, he simply said, “Just handle it exactly as I’ve instructed. I will deal with the rest.”
Since Gu Wenheng had said so, the accountants said no more, though everyone became even more cautious.
After finishing his official duties, Gu Wenheng was just preparing to return to his estate. However, the moment he reached the door, someone was already there blocking his way.
“Mr. Liao,” Gu Wenheng said, stopping in his tracks to look at the man. “Is there something you need?”
Seeing the Ministry of Revenue officials constantly going in and out, Liao Weidong asked, “Could Mr. Gu step aside for a word?”
Gu Wenheng pointed to the nearby corridor. “This way.”
“…After you, Mr. Gu.”
Seeing him act so politely, Gu Wenheng had no idea what he was up to, but he complied and walked over to the corner.
“Mr. Gu, the Ministry of Revenue has seen quite the income today. I hear many treasures were sold as well.”
“It’s… decent,” Gu Wenheng replied.
Seeing that Gu Wenheng wasn’t going to ask about the purpose of his visit, Liao Weidong had no choice but to say, “Mr. Gu, they’ve stopped letting people in at the palace gates. I wonder how many people have gone in to view the exhibition these past few days?”
He actually wanted to send someone else to inquire, but ever since Gu Wenheng took over the Ministry of Revenue, the people inside were as tight-lipped as clams; he couldn’t dig up a single scrap of information.
Today, many people couldn’t sit still, and even he himself had no mind for official work all day.
Before he knew it, his feet had carried him to the entrance of the Ministry of Revenue, and, as if possessed, he had intercepted Gu Wenheng.
“That, I do not yet know,” Gu Wenheng said. “The officials stationed at the palace gates haven’t returned to report in yet. I wouldn’t hide this matter anyway; I will definitely inform all the officials during tomorrow’s morning court session.”
He wondered why this man was asking such an unnecessary question. Either way, he worked with a clear conscience. If he knew this kind of information, he would certainly share it truthfully.
The data hadn’t been tallied up yet, so he truly couldn’t answer at the moment.
“Mr. Gu is truly talented. You’ve made a massive fortune for the Holy Emperor this time. I wonder how the Holy Emperor will reward you?” Liao Weidong suddenly leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Mr. Gu, I have a favor to ask of you.”
Gu Wenheng turned sideways slightly to dodge him. He wondered what was wrong with this man. He should just speak normally; leaning in so close suddenly might cause misunderstandings among their colleagues.
“Mr. Liao,” Gu Wenheng’s tone held a hint of displeasure, but he maintained his grace. “You and I serve in the same court and naturally ought to help each other. As long as it is within my power, I naturally will not decline.”
Rubbing his hands together, Liao Weidong said, “Mr. Gu is truly generous. I came here today because I’d like to borrow a sum of silver from you…”
“Mr. Liao, the silver in the Ministry of Revenue is meticulously recorded, so I’m afraid I cannot help you with that,” Gu Wenheng replied.
“If you truly need it, you can submit a memorial to petition the Holy Emperor. As long as your reason is justified, I imagine the Holy Emperor will grant it.”
Liao Weidong hastily waved his hands. “Mr. Gu, you misunderstand. I am asking for your help personally. It would be a private loan between us.”
If he went to the Holy Emperor, the entire court would know about it! He couldn’t afford to lose that much face.
Gu Wenheng looked utterly shocked. How many years had it been since someone tried to borrow silver from him?
For officials in high positions like them, their stipends were quite generous. Coupled with the “tokens of respect” from subordinates—such as seasonal allowances like ice and charcoal money—it was more than enough to cover the living expenses of a large household.
“Mr. Liao, stop joking. You and I live on the same stipend. Furthermore, after relocating to a new estate, I’m currently strapped for cash myself. You had best seek out someone else!”
Truth be told, their relationship wasn’t nearly close enough for this. He had no idea how this Mr. Liao could even bring himself to ask.
“Mr. Gu, now you’re just being modest.
“Out of all the officials in our court, you are the most affluent. I thought you would be willing to lend me a hand.”
“I’m truly sorry, Mr. Liao. My stipend is just enough to cover my family’s expenses. I genuinely have no spare cash to help you tide over.”
Not knowing why this man was borrowing silver, Gu Wenheng refused to give in.
There was already a precedent: if an official was truly strapped for cash, they could submit a memorial to the Holy Emperor and borrow a sum of silver from the National Treasury, so long as they paid it back later.
But the fact that Liao Weidong insisted on borrowing silver from him personally made him inadvertently raise his guard.
Nowadays, he was in control of the Ministry of Revenue, making him even more cautious regarding the exchange of gold and silver.
Besides, given their level of acquaintance, they really weren’t close enough for this.
“Mr. Gu, to tell you the truth, I have my eye on a few treasures at the exhibition. Alas, my purse is light, so I was hoping you could help me out.”
This idea had only come to Liao Weidong on a whim, but now he felt it was entirely feasible.
He thought that since he had already put it out there, Gu Wenheng wouldn’t easily refuse no matter what mood he was in. He never expected him to reject the request so bluntly.
“…” Gu Wenheng was speechless. They had no friendship to speak of, and this man had even caused trouble for him in court on multiple occasions. He was not the type to repay malice with virtue.
“Why don’t you try asking the other officials, Mr. Liao? If you like those treasures, you can also petition the Holy Emperor for them first. If you’re too late, they will belong to someone else.”
Gu Wenheng offered this kindly reminder. Rather than wasting time here, it was better to find another method.
“Mr. Gu, how about this? I’ll write down the names of the treasures, and you can set them aside for me. Whenever I gather enough funds, I’ll come collect them from you,” Liao Weidong suggested.
Gu Wenheng shook his head. “You are making things difficult for me, Mr. Liao. I cannot dare to set such a precedent. Otherwise, all the civil and military officials in the court will follow suit, and the Supreme Emperor’s treasure exhibition will no longer be able to continue.”
So this was his actual goal. If Gu Wenheng relented even slightly, his original merits would turn into sins.
Liao Weidong’s eyes darted away evasively. “Rest assured, Mr. Gu, I won’t breathe a word to anyone.”
“If you truly like them that much, Mr. Liao, I do have another method,” Gu Wenheng offered.
Liao Weidong hesitated. “…Please speak, Mr. Gu.”
“I’ve heard that you own several manors, Mr. Liao. Since you are determined to obtain these treasures, why not part with what you love and make an exchange?” Gu Wenheng suggested.
Those manors of his were properties Liao Weidong had painstakingly acquired. In addition to supplying his estate with rice and vegetables, they were also his family’s source of livelihood.
He only wanted to purchase more properties; how could he possibly consider selling off his manors?
Since Gu Wenheng had made himself perfectly clear, Liao Weidong didn’t pester him any further, but he made another mental mark against Gu Wenheng in his heart.
No one else knew exactly how much wealth Gu Wenheng possessed, but he was undoubtedly the richest man in the imperial court.
Gu Wenheng cupped his hands in a salute toward Liao Weidong. “I am truly sorry, Mr. Liao.
“I couldn’t be of help today, but if you wish to apply for a loan from the Ministry of Revenue, I promise to process the approval as quickly as possible.”
This was the extent to which he could help. As for the other man’s feelings, he couldn’t afford to worry about them. Stating that he had other matters to attend to, he turned and left.