Donating to the Country

The Sea-viewing Pavilion was situated on a small island in the center of an artificial lake within the rear garden of the Cui Estate, connected to the shore by a zigzagging corridor.

Though not large, the pavilion was the epitome of elegance.

The building had two floors. Gu Chengyin and Cui Ziting were currently seated in the open-air pavilion on the upper floor, which had windows on three sides.

Most striking was the expansive surface of the lake just beyond the railing directly facing the open room.

On the opposite shore lay jagged artificial rockeries and a lush bamboo grove. Whenever the night breeze swept past, the bamboo leaves rustled like ocean waves.

At this moment, on a delicate stage specially erected in the middle of the lake, several female dancers clad in rainbow-feathered garments were dancing gracefully to the melodious sounds of string and bamboo instruments.

Their movements were exquisite and as light as swallows. The lead dancer, in particular, possessed a slender, graceful figure and a beautiful countenance. As she danced, her backward glances were truly as breathtaking as a startled swan.

Scattered lotus lanterns floated on the water surrounding the stage. The glowing lights reflected the silhouettes of the dancers and the rippling lake water, creating a dreamlike illusion.

In the other pavilions and waterside terraces along the shore, shifting silhouettes could be faintly seen, accompanied by waves of cheers and applause. Clearly, other guests and clan members were also enjoying this performance of the Dance of the Startled Swan.

There were not many maidservants attending inside the pavilion, but all had been carefully selected for their delicate beauty and respectful demeanor.

They silently served hot tea to sober the mind, along with a few exquisite plates of pastries and fruits, before standing with their hands by their sides in the corners.

Among them, a young maidservant wearing a pale yellow ruqun embroidered with interlaced lotus patterns stood out. Not only was her beauty superior, but her temperament also appeared exceptionally vibrant.

Unlike the other maids who stood at a distance, she stood just behind the seats of Gu Chengyin and Cui Ziting, ready to refill their tea at any moment.

Cui Ziting warmly invited Gu Chengyin to take a seat, while he himself sat in the host's position to keep him company.

He personally held the pot and poured Gu Chengyin a cup of fragrant sobering tea, speaking politely, "My humble abode is simple. Only this scenery of lakes and mountains, along with the music and dance, is barely presentable. I hope the Marquis will not stand on ceremony and make yourself at home."

"The lead dancer on stage is the most renowned dancer in the Divine Capital in recent years, rarely seen by ordinary people. I specially invited her today to add to the Marquis's enjoyment."

Gu Chengyin picked up his teacup, gently blew on the hot steam, took a small sip, and praised, "Excellent tea, even better scenery, and the dance is exquisite. Young Master Cui has gone to great lengths."

He cast his gaze toward the stage in the middle of the lake. Although he appeared to be enjoying the performance, his mind was crystal clear.

Everything before him, including this elegant pavilion and the graceful dance, was merely a backdrop and an embellishment.

The real business had yet to begin.

However, he was not in a hurry. Since Cui Shifan had taken the initiative to invite him and put on such a grand display, they would naturally bring it up.

He only needed to wait patiently and see when Cui Ziting would speak.

Sure enough, just as the Dance of the Startled Swan on the lake reached its halfway mark and the cheers rose again, Cui Ziting raised his hand and waved it gently.

The attending maidservants immediately understood. They silently curtsied, then bowed their heads and quietly retreated, gently lowering the bead curtains to isolate the inside from the outside.

Within the spacious pavilion, only Gu Chengyin, Cui Ziting, and the young maidservant, Cui Zilu, remained.

The smile on Cui Ziting's face faded slightly, becoming more formal and sincere.

Leaning forward slightly, he looked at Gu Chengyin and said, "Marquis Gu, I assume my father must have mentioned that our Cui family wishes to share His Highness's burdens?"

Hearing this, Gu Chengyin withdrew his gaze from the lake stage and turned to Cui Ziting.

After a moment, he nodded slightly, his tone flat, "The Grand Secretary did indeed mention wanting to share His Highness's burdens."

Seeing Gu Chengyin nod, the smile on Cui Ziting's face deepened, making him appear even more confident.

He said solemnly, "As the Second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, my father often feels guilty knowing that His Highness works day and night over the state treasury."

"He always feels that, as a Grand Secretary leading the officials, he should take the initiative to relieve the ruler's worries."

"Therefore, he specifically ordered the entire Cui family to brainstorm and see if there are any good solutions to offer our meager assistance."

With the groundwork laid, Cui Ziting finally threw out the bait: "Since this concerns His Highness, the Cui family does not dare to be anything less than fully devoted."

"After much thought and deliberation from various angles, we finally found a strategy that might be feasible. I just wonder... would the Marquis do me the honor of listening?"

Gu Chengyin raised an eyebrow, a look of anticipation appearing on his face, and smiled, "Brother Cui, you are too modest. The Grand Secretary's good intentions and constant desire to share the ruler's burdens make him a true paragon of a loyal official."

"How could I fail to appreciate such a gesture? As long as it is a matter of sharing His Highness's burdens, I am naturally all ears."

"If it can solve this urgent crisis, that is even more desirable."

A sharp glint flashed in Cui Ziting's eyes, clearly understanding Gu Chengyin's subtext.

He laughed aloud and clapped his hands, "The Marquis is indeed a straightforward person! Then I, Ziting, shall present my humble idea."

Clearing his throat and sitting up even straighter, he looked at Gu Chengyin with burning eyes and spoke clearly and slowly, "I believe that instead of tangling endlessly with the Ministry of Revenue's messy accounts, which wastes time and effort, it would be better to carve out a new path."

"This strategy is actually quite simple to explain. Our Cui family will take the lead to unite several other prominent noble families who also wish to share His Highness's burdens, and jointly initiate a donation to the state!"

He deliberately emphasized the words 'donation to the state,' observing Gu Chengyin's reaction.

Gu Chengyin's expression remained unchanged. He simply listened quietly, signaling him to continue.

Only then did Cui Ziting continue, "The great noble families will take the lead in donating a substantial amount of money, grain, silk, and even rare antiques, directly enriching the state treasury."

"Once this is done, it will instantly alleviate the treasury's emptiness, allowing the realm to smoothly allocate what it needs. At the same time, it will earn a good reputation throughout the court and the commonalty, demonstrating the loyalty of the noble families as we stand united with the imperial court through difficult times. It is truly a move with multiple benefits."

He paused, a confident smile appearing on his face, and lowered his voice, "As for the amount of this donation, Marquis Gu, you can rest assured."

"Since our Cui family is taking the lead, we will certainly not be stingy. We will absolutely not make things difficult for His Highness or for you, Marquis Gu."

Gu Chengyin's mind raced. Cui Ziting's proposal indeed sounded straightforward and direct.

But there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world, especially not from these noble families who were shrewd to the bone.

If they were willing to bring out real gold and silver, what they sought in return was bound to be even greater.

Gu Chengyin still wore a smile on his face, as if he were genuinely considering this brilliant strategy.

He set down his teacup, tapped his fingers twice on the smooth tabletop, and mused, "Brother Cui's strategy is indeed quite original."

"If it can truly be implemented, it will indeed solve the urgent crisis and showcase the loyalty of the noble families. It would be a good thing for both the state and the people."

Gu Chengyin looked at Cui Ziting and asked with feigned confusion, "However, there is still one thing I do not understand. I hope Brother Cui can enlighten me."

"Please speak, Marquis Gu," Cui Ziting smiled, though his heart tightened slightly.

"The noble families volunteering to donate money to the state is certainly commendable for its loyalty. But the state treasury is no small granary. Even with the Cui family taking the lead and uniting with several others..."

Gu Chengyin suddenly shifted his tone and said jokingly, "To fill that void, you'd probably have to donate yourselves entirely, wouldn't you?"

The lake breeze swept through the open pavilion, bringing bursts of chill.

Behind them, Cui Zilu almost held her breath, pricking up her ears for fear of missing a single word.