Chapter 1666: The Song Family Slaps You in the Face
Chapter 1666: Chapter 1666: The Song Family Slaps You in the Face
Song Lingjie took out a booklet from his sleeve and opened it. It recorded all the funds or materials used for charitable deeds, which he and Song Lingsu had compiled overnight with the family accountants. These accounts included not only their own family’s records but also those from relevant departments, both matching and non-matching ones.
He wasted no words, recounting each item from the start of Song Zhiyuan’s career, detailing the rise in charitable donations.
These donations narrate the journey of the Song Family from humble beginnings to its current pinnacle. Initially, due to a disparity in power, their contributions were modest. Yet as Song Zhiyuan rose in the ranks, their donations significantly increased.
From merely donating money and goods initially to later founding charitable schools, every step was evident to all.
Taking from the people, giving back to the people.
This was Song Ci’s lesson to the entire court of civil and military officials.
It was also a silent slap in the face to those who circulated rumors of her being a malignant influence.
If such a benevolent person were a demon, then the world might as well have a few more of these demons.
Song Lingjie’s voice rose from passionate to choked, making everyone purse their lips and turn sideways, deeply moved.
Empress Dowager Wang’s face was streaming with tears.
She had always known that the person she protected was worthy of her protection.
"Empress Dowager, Emperor, my grandmother lived a life of integrity, accumulating virtue and doing good deeds. Such a person need not prove their innocence against absurd rumors. These accounts are verified by relevant government offices. I ask that you, Lady and Emperor, see clearly." Song Lingjie knelt down, raising the booklet high.
Emperor Chu glanced at Duke Zhou, who wiped the corner of his eye, stepped forward, and took the booklet, presenting it to the emperor.
Emperor Chu took it and flipped through, then looked at Empress Dowager Wang and said, "Mother, Madam Song is indeed a benevolent person, as everyone can see. You can be at ease."
Empress Dowager Wang dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and said, "Emperor, I am mindful of the kind of person Madam Song is. Otherwise, why would I oversee the court? It is precisely because I do not wish to see people with such kind hearts disheartened. Emperor, if every person that does good is slandered in old age, who among us will dare to act kindly and help others, for fear of being envied and attacked, considered a demon?"
She stood up and continued, "Emperor, it is said that harsh words cause chill for half a year, you must not allow the truly benevolent people of the Great Qing to feel disheartened, otherwise, who would dare be loyal to you?"
Emperor Chu straightened and said, "Mother, rest assured."
Empress Dowager Wang, having achieved her purpose, left the hall swiftly.
The crowd breathed a sigh of relief. The truth is, the Empress Dowager indeed showed her protective nature to the utmost.
But before they could fully exhale, their concerns rose again, for the emperor was still holding the booklet, pondering how he might deal with the matter.
Emperor Chu, without hesitation, looked at Imperial Censor Zhu and said, "Lord Zhu, do you still believe Madam Song incites hearts and should pray for rain to dispel rumors?"
Imperial Censor Zhu’s back was drenched, sweat beading on his forehead, shivering as he said, "I acknowledge my guilt."
"Since you acknowledge your guilt, take leave for illness temporarily, reflect on your mistakes at home." Emperor Chu said lightly, "Likewise, everyone, don’t be superstitious or repeat hearsay. Instead, think about how to address calamity and reassure the people."
"I follow your orders."
"Where is the Hanlin Academy? Copy this booklet, post it on the city gates and refugee camps to let everyone see, what constitutes a demon? How exactly does one become a demon!"