Chapter 704: Competing for Donations

The surviving businessman was in shock and looked complicated.

They were all from Qingcheng, most of them knew each other and were former business partners... but now, they died so miserably and without dignity.

Without Ning Chen's orders, Pan Yucheng had already arranged for soldiers to start cleaning up the scene.

Ning Chen looked at the corpse on the ground, his face as dark as water, "I once said that those who join a cult or violently kill cult members will be severely punished!"

"Niu Anguo."

"The general is here!"

Ning Chen pointed to the corpse on the ground and said in a deep voice: "These people have all ransacked their homes...the men have been exiled, and the women have been sent to the Jiaofang Department."

"I will obey your orders!"

Niu Anguo took the order and left.

The surviving businessmen all sighed. These people were all from prominent families when they were alive...but because they joined a cult, they ended up with a broken family after their death.

Ning Chen rubbed his eyebrows and sighed deeply.

He looked at the frightened businessmen around him and asked with concern: "Is everyone okay?"

Everyone thanked Ning Chen for his kindness.

Ning Chen shook his head and sighed: "There is a great disaster in Qingzhou, the people are suffering from hunger and cold, and people are dying every moment... My heart is as sharp as a knife.

These damn things, not only are they rich and unkind, but they have joined a cult and brought trouble to Qingzhou. They are worse than animals.

I have two words to say to you... If you are poor, you will be good for yourself; if you are prosperous, you will benefit the world. You should take a warning from the fate of these people. "

Ning Chen paused and continued: "The names of these people will appear in the annals of Qingzhou, and they will be spurned by others and will be infamy for thousands of years. For generations to come, their men will be slaves and their women will be prostitutes for generations."

The expression of the surviving businessman changed slightly.

Immediately, Ning Chen changed the topic: "Of course, those who donated food and clothing in the past will also appear in the Qingzhou Chronicle, and they will be respected and will be remembered for generations... Their descendants will come to Beijing to take the exam, and I will definitely take care of them. "

These businessmen were all smart people. They looked at each other and heard what Ning Chen meant.

Ning Chen sighed again, "I have gone through many hardships and transported coal, cotton, and linen back from Gaoli Country... I am willing to pay for this coal myself and sell it to the people at a low price.

But my ability is limited after all. Even if I spend all my money, the people still can't afford those linen and cotton... I'm so worried that I don't know what to eat and can't sleep at night... I really hope someone can lend a helping hand. Help this king solve his problems and help the suffering people in Qingzhou? "

The merchants' eyes flickered, as they said this, it would be impossible if they didn't shed some blood today.

A businessman in rich clothes came forward, bowed and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, although the common people's families are not rich, they are still willing to help the prince... The common people are willing to donate a hundred taels of silver to help the suffering people of Qingzhou."

Ning Chen asked excitedly: "What's your name?"

"Caomin Zuoshun."

"What a good name. I wish you good luck and everything goes well in the future." After Ning Chen finished speaking, he looked at Pan Yucheng and said, "Old Pan, go find me the Qingzhou Historian."

"yes!"

Pan Yucheng took the order and left.

In less than half a quarter of an hour, Pan Yucheng came back with a thin old man.

"I'm going to be the editor of Qingzhou Chronicles, and I'll see you, Your Majesty!"

"You came just in time!" Ning Chen pointed at Zuo Shun, "This great benevolent man is called Zuo Shun. He generously donated a hundred taels of silver to help the people of Qingzhou tide over the difficulties. You must write it down in Qingzhou's annals. One stroke.”

The businessmen present quietly curled their lips, "Why did you come at the right time?" This person has obviously been waiting downstairs.

The Qingzhou historian leaned over and said respectfully: "I obey your orders!"

The eyes of the businessmen present shone... It seems that it will be recorded in the Qingzhou Chronicle.

I thought Ning Chen was just talking, but I didn't expect it to be true.

If his name can be left in the annals of Qingzhou, it will definitely be a matter of honor for his ancestors.

Moreover, the Qingzhou Chronicle will be passed down from generation to generation. When future generations look through the Qingzhou Chronicle and see their names, they will definitely receive various praises... This is really a lasting legacy.

These businessmen are unprofitable and cannot afford to be early.

Donating a little money can make you famous forever. Where can you find such a good thing?

A businessman stood up and said, "Your Majesty, ordinary people are also willing to donate a hundred taels of silver."

Ning Chen glanced at him and said nothing.

Another businessman stood up and said, "Your Majesty, ordinary people are willing to donate two hundred taels of silver."

Ning Chen pointed at him and said to the Qingzhou historian: "This great virtuous man's name must be recorded in the Qingzhou annals."

The businessman who just said that he donated 100 taels of silver was a little embarrassed... He realized that Ning Chen ignored him because he thought he had donated too little.

He gritted his teeth and said: "Your Majesty, the common people are willing to donate five hundred taels of silver."

Ning Chen suddenly burst into laughter and said to the Qingzhou historian: "Hurry up and write down the name of this great virtuous man. Be sure to write it down vividly. This will be an example for future generations to learn from."

The historian nodded and said respectfully: "Yes!"

Others get it.

Anyone who donated less than the previous person is not worthy of appearing in the Qingzhou Chronicle.

"Your Majesty, ordinary people are willing to donate six hundred taels."

"Okay, okay...write it down quickly!"

"Your Majesty, ordinary people are willing to donate eight hundred taels."

"Your Majesty, the common people are willing to donate a thousand taels."

A good fundraising event turned into a competition... and this was exactly what Ning Chen wanted.

These profiteers can't afford it early... Since they want fame, give it to them.

Ning Chen said to the Qingzhou historian: "Go back and give me a copy of the names of all the great benefactors...I will put up notices to commend them throughout the city."

When they heard that the whole city would be commended, the amount of donations suddenly skyrocketed.

These people were so excited that anyone who donated a few hundred taels would be despised by everyone... How dare you take out a few hundred taels?

Now everyone asked for thousands of taels.

After everyone donated, the Qingzhou historian's wrist was sore.

Ning Chen roughly estimated that the donation this time would not be less than 70,000 or 80,000 taels, and the specific amount has not been counted yet.

"This king thanks you on behalf of the people of Qingzhou... Your great kindness and virtue will be remembered by the people of Qingzhou forever.

It's cold and it's early, everyone should go back early... When the people get through the difficulties, this king will definitely hold a banquet to entertain you!"

Tantai Qingyue looked at Ning Chen sideways, and couldn't help but complain in his heart, how despicable, using people to move forward, not using people to move backward.

What Ning Chen meant was that you are temporarily useless, get out of here.

These merchants, who didn't even have a bite of food, donated a large sum of money.

The merchants bowed and left.

Ning Chen looked at Pan Yucheng, "How much silver did you donate in total?"

Pan Yucheng calculated and said, "A total of 121,300 taels."

Ning Chen's mouth curled up slightly. It was more than he thought. He couldn't help but smiled and said, "With this money, the people of Qingzhou will be able to spend this cold winter safely.

Let's go back. There are still a lot of things to do."

He had to post a notice to inform the people that they could come to collect linen and cotton... and he had to write another notice to commend the good deeds of those merchants in the whole city.