Chapter 1352: Constraint
Editor:Â Henyee Translations
Shao Yunduanâs office had been bustling with activity in the lead-up to the New Year.
With Qingdi and the others around this year, it was anticipated that there would be even more commotion.
Upon returning home, it was time for Qiao Xuan to prepare the New Yearâs gifts.
With the 90,000 taels of silver available for the mid-year trip, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan deliberated on how much to allocate for the Crown Princeâs New Year expenses.
Qiao Xuan suggested, âLetâs offer the Crown Prince 50,000 taels of silver. That should be sufficient for the East Palace to celebrate the New Year, donât you think?â
Shao Yunduan paused in thought before responding, â50,000 is too much; 30,000 should suffice.â
Qiao Xuan was taken aback by the lower amount.
Shao Yunduan gently squeezed her hand and chuckled, âSilly girl, the Crown Prince will manage without this money, but he will be short on funds. The Imperial Plantation under the East Palace is bound to receive some resources, and the Crown Prince will be rewarded handsomely for the tribute. Additionally, the Ministry of Internal Affairs allocates five thousand taels of silver to the East Palace for the New Year annually.â
âBy providing an additional 30,000 taels, we can cover the expenses not just for the New Year but also for the entire Spring Festival. We shouldnât give too much at once; Iâm concerned weâll need to prepare another sum of money after spring.â
As he spoke, Shao Yunduan couldnât help but feel a pang of sympathy for the Crown Prince.
While other princes received New Yearâs gifts without hesitation, the Crown Prince, due to his elevated position, couldnât partake in such luxuries.
His peers were all prosperous and capable, but the Crown Prince was the sole exception, unable to afford much.
Even on his own birthdays, he was cautious not to accept overly lavish gifts, fearing that it would reflect poorly on him, as he should understand the struggles of the common people.
Yet the wealth his family possessed was largely a result of his wifeâs abilities. Perhaps, with his assistance as an official, it would make things easier for her. Nevertheless, Shao Yunduan remained confident that, even without him, his wife would excel in her endeavors.
Shao Yunduan wrestled with conflicting thoughts. Giving away the money might yield future benefits, or perhaps it wouldnât. This dilemma gnawed at him, leaving him feeling guilty each time it crossed his mind.
Additionally, there was an old adage that struck him: transitioning from frugality to extravagance was easy, but the reverse, from extravagance to frugality, was exceedingly challenging. People often failed to appreciate something received for free; the more they received, the less they cherished it.
So, it seemed wise to present the funds sooner rather than later. This way, the East Palace would need to make thoughtful arrangements to have a good New Year, truly valuing the silverâs worth.
Furthermore, Princess Consort had orchestrated the New Year celebrations, and Shao Yunduan was determined to ensure she didnât pass the season without a care.
Qiao Xuan hadnât given it much thought initially, but Shao Yunduanâs reasoning resonated with her. She smiled and agreed, âVery well, I will provide 30,000 taels of silver. We have ample funds, and we havenât even touched what Yuezheng Xiao owes us. When combined with that substantial sum, it should exceed a million taels of silver!â
She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. âIâve been contemplating how to spend such a fortune! Unfortunately, we havenât come across suitable business opportunities or cooperative candidates recently.â
Her eagerness for involvement and success was evident, and she yearned to retire from work.
Shao Yunduan was taken aback, gazing at Qiao Xuan with a puzzled expression.
Observing his reaction, Qiao Xuan burst into laughter and proclaimed proudly, âThis is just the liquid cash we can access immediately. We still possess numerous properties, gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, and property deeds!â
And most importantly, her space holds even more treasures!
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