sbdcsierra Chapter 111 A year's hard work saved up, all gone in one fell swoop.
Chapter 111 A year's hard work saved up, all gone in one fell swoop.
The saying "Work hard for a year, only to be wiped out in a single day" perfectly describes Yinzhuo's situation. Looking at the kitchen that his brothers had looted, Yinzhuo was utterly devastated.
"Dexi, come and help me up! I feel so dizzy, and oh my, my heart feels so cold!"
The last time Dexi heard the word "utterly heartbroken" from his master was when his master was short of money. Now, he didn't even need to ask why his heart was cold; it was heartache, of course. Didn't he see that the twelfth master had taken away the mutton-fat jade salt jar that his master kept in the kitchen? It would be strange if his heart wasn't cold.
Despite the lively scramble between Yinqi and the others, they weren't actually that interested in the items. What they found most amusing was Yinzuo's pained yet furious expression, which made them want to tease him. Yinzuo wasn't particularly heartbroken about the things Yinqi and the others took; he was just used to getting the better of others, so being taken advantage of was naturally unpleasant.
"Father, please have pity on your son and help him out. Otherwise, he'll be starving in a few days. You have no idea how outrageous Fifth Brother and his gang are. Not only did they steal the pot of broth I had prepared, but Twelfth Brother even took the cloisonné jade jar you gave me..."
Since Kangxi returned, he has been so busy that he hasn't had a moment to spare. Today, he finally had some time and was thinking of inviting his son over for a chat, but little did he expect that the son would try to take advantage of him as soon as he arrived.
"Hmph, don't think I don't know. Haven't you been keeping that jar I gave you in the kitchen to store salt? Since you don't like it, Twelve can have it if he wants."
Upon hearing his father's evasive words, Yinzhuo knew that the old man was trying to divert his attention. Was the focus of his words the jar? Definitely not. His focus was on the preceding sentence: "Please have pity on me! Didn't you hear me say that we're almost starving?"
“Father, can we not talk about that jar? My son said I’m short of money. Look at my son’s pockets, they’re practically empty.”
Kangxi looked at Yinzhuo, who was completely direct and didn't mince words, picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip of tea, and pretended not to have heard what Yinzhuo had just said.
Upon seeing this situation, Yinzhuo thought to himself that things were in trouble and that his 30% bonus for this year was in danger. So he quickly got up, carefully moved a few steps toward Kangxi, and whispered to him.
"Father, will our son still be able to get his money this year?"
Although Kangxi pretended to be busy, his eyes were always on Yinzhuo's movements. When he saw Yinzhuo cautiously moving over, he thought that Yinzhuo was going to pester him again. But to his surprise, Yinzhuo had actually improved this time. When Yinzhuo leaned close to him and asked in a nervous and whispered voice, Kangxi couldn't help but tease him. So he also answered in a whisper, just like Yinzhuo.
"Yinzuo, if your father says that he is also short of money recently, would you not want this silver?"
Upon hearing this, Yinzhuo was struck dumb. He knew that the old man was wicked. Look, he really was trying to embezzle his money again, just like last year.
"Father, I'd like to ask if my share of the profits from the oil mill this year is significantly higher than last year?"
Although Kangxi hadn't looked at the account books sent by the oil mill this year, he knew that the oil mill's business had expanded considerably this year, and the dividends were definitely more than last year. So when he heard Yinzhuo's question, he nodded without hesitation. It would have been better if he hadn't nodded, because when Yinzhuo saw that the money was more than last year, his brows furrowed even more. Seeing Yinzhuo caught in a dilemma, Kangxi ignored him and continued drinking his tea. It wasn't until almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn that Yinzhuo finally spoke.
"At most half, Father. I know you're short of money for the war, but you can't always let me take all the credit. How about this, let's invite my eldest brother and the others over now, and you can take a little from each of them. That way, you'll earn more, and I'll lose less."
Okay, you're quite the character. So all that frowning and thinking for so long was the result of this terrible idea. If your brothers knew you were messing with them like this, do you think they could keep the stuff in your yard?
Seeing Kangxi looking at him with disbelief, Yinzhuo felt a little guilty and touched his nose, giving an awkward smile.
“Father, don’t look at your son like that. Your son is like this because you forced him to. You know that my dream since I was a child is to be a playboy. But to this day, I only have a pittance. If this continues, when will my dream of becoming a spendthrift be realized?”
Liang Jiugong now truly admires Yinzhuo to the point of prostration. Having served Kangxi for so many years, he considers himself quite knowledgeable. He dares not boast about anything else, but when it comes to boldness, the Sixth Prince is second to none.
If any other prince dared to complain to His Majesty that His Majesty was hindering his life as a spoiled brat, he would definitely be in serious trouble today. But look at this prince, no wonder he is favored. His Majesty was clearly so angry that he took a deep breath, but in the end, he didn't have the heart to call someone over to drag him away and start hitting him.
"Hmph~~ With your lofty ambitions, I can't let you have any money in your hands. My son must not be a wastrel. You should give up on this idea as soon as possible. You'll be sixteen next year. It's not good for you to be idle like this at such an age. How about this, when I go on a personal expedition in the spring, you will come with me as a clerk. It's better than you running off to your garden as soon as I leave the capital."
Yinzhu never expected that his original intention of just teasing Kangxi would end up sending him to the northern frontier battlefield. This was unacceptable.
"Father, are you teasing your son? My little body can't withstand the harsh weather of the northern desert. If I get sick there, won't I be a burden to you? Besides, the imperial physician said that my arm will affect my riding and archery skills. I have trouble even drawing a bow and shooting arrows. How can I go to the battlefield? If we encounter danger, you will have to take time to protect me."
Looking at his son, who was going to great lengths and even belittle himself in order to persuade him not to go to the northern desert, Kangxi rubbed his temples with a headache, called Yinzhuo to his side, and patted his forehead.
"Don't try to fool me. I've consulted the imperial physician. Although your arm was injured, you can still draw a bow and shoot arrows without any problem. Besides, you're right by my side. What danger could you possibly be in? I'm doing this all for your own good. You brothers are all of age to be ennobled. Apart from you, your eldest brother and the others have all followed me on campaigns this year and accumulated some military merits. If you don't go to the battlefield, do you want to remain a bald prince forever?"