Chapter 230: Concealing evil intentions
When Bigan returned home, he saw several ministers waiting in the hall as soon as he stepped through the threshold. When they saw Bigan, they immediately stood up and came forward, their eyes full of concern.

"Uncle Wang, you're back. How was the situation at Lu Tai today?" an elderly minister asked anxiously, with a hint of anxiety in his voice.

Bigan sighed deeply and shook his head, his face showing fatigue and helplessness.

"Your Majesty... He has been completely bewitched by treacherous ministers like Fei Zhong and You Hun. They whispered in Emperor Xin's ears day and night, leading a wise monarch astray and causing extravagance and debauchery in the palace." Bigan's voice was low and full of disappointment.

When the ministers heard this, their expressions varied. Some frowned, some looked worried, and the hall was filled with a heavy atmosphere for a moment.

"This... How can we do this?" A minister sighed, with obvious worry in his voice, "If Your Majesty is like this, how can the court continue with its plans?"

"Yes, Your Majesty is addicted to sensual pleasures and neglects state affairs. The government is becoming increasingly corrupt and the people are suffering. What should we, the ministers, do?" Another minister also sighed.

Bigan looked at these loyal ministers and felt even more worried. He knew that although he was upright, in this corrupt court, frank words would often only bring about his own death.

"Everyone, I know that you are all loyal ministers who care about the country and the people, but the current situation is really..." Bigan's voice became lower and lower, and finally became almost talking to himself.

The ministers looked at each other, no one could figure out why. They knew that if the court fell into chaos and the people suffered, they, the ministers, would also be to blame.

"Uncle Wang, what should we do?" A minister couldn't help but ask, his voice full of helplessness and despair.

Bigan slowly raised his head, his eyes were firm, yet also revealed a hint of sadness.

"I will do my best to raise money and food to alleviate the suffering caused by the drought in the southwest and the war in the northeast. As for the court..." He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "As for the court, all we can do is to do our best to persuade His Majesty, hoping that he can wake up soon."

The ministers sighed again. They knew that although Bigan’s words were full of determination, in this court where power struggles were fierce, the power of one person was ultimately limited.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy and depressing, and everyone was filled with worry and sadness. They didn't know where the once glorious Shang Dynasty would go.

Just as the ministers were discussing, the butler walked in quickly, looking a little nervous: "Uncle Wang, His Majesty has an order, and has specially sent Senior Doctor You Hun to convey it."

Hearing this, Bigan was shocked, wondering why His Majesty had another order at this time. He pondered for a moment, stood up and walked out to the flower hall, ready to greet the messenger who delivered the order. Sure enough, it was You Hun who was standing in the hall, with an upright posture and an unquestionable arrogance in his expression.

When You Hun saw Bigan approaching, he read out the decree without any politeness: "Uncle Wang, His Majesty has ordered that you must immediately raise enough money and food to deal with the drought in the southwest and the war in the northeast. If you fail to do so within the deadline, you will be severely punished."

After hearing this, Bigan's heart was like a hammer, and his face was solemn. He knew that this was a difficult task, but as a minister of a country, he could only bow his head and accept the order: "I will obey your order and will not let your majesty down."

When You Hun saw Bigan accept the order, he raised a sarcastic smile and said, "Uncle Wang, you must work harder and don't let His Majesty down."

After that, he said no more, turned around and left, leaving behind an uproar.

Bigan stood there, watching You Hun's back gradually going away, and the burden in his heart seemed to become even heavier.

He turned back to the hall and faced the ministers who were worried. His eyes revealed a hint of determination: "Everyone, things have come to this point. We can only do our best. I will start this matter immediately. I hope you can do your best to overcome this difficulty together."

Seeing how responsible Bi Gan was, the other ministers were worried, but they were also inspired by his determination and expressed their willingness to go all out to help Bi Gan complete this arduous task.

In the flower hall, although You Hun's ridicule was no longer there, the air was still filled with a heavy sense of sorrow. Everyone's mood was like the sky covered with dark clouds, and no one knew when they would see a ray of light.

Fortunately, Bigan gave the ministers a shot of encouragement in time: "The money and food for disaster relief is not a problem. Mr. Jiang from Yang's Company has agreed to provide financial assistance.

They are a wealthy family and have always spared no effort in helping the people."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers were delighted.

They were well aware of the reputation and strength of the Yang Company, which undoubtedly gave them a glimmer of hope.

"The Yang family business is rich enough to rival a country. Since they are willing to contribute to disaster relief, we can borrow some money and food from them to deal with the war in the north. They will definitely be able to come up with it." A minister said anxiously, as if he had already seen a way to solve the problem.

However, Bigan shook his head, with a hint of bitterness on his face: "Everyone, although the Yang family is very wealthy, they have always only done good deeds, and they are happy to participate in disaster relief and rescue.

However, providing funding to support counterinsurgency has resulted in too much bloodshed, and this is an area they are unwilling to get involved in.”

When the ministers heard this, the joy on their faces disappeared immediately and they fell into deep thought again.

Merchants are concerned about profits. It is commendable that the Yang family business was generous in donating money to disaster relief. It is indeed unsustainable for them to participate in the military disputes of the court.

Seeing that the ministers were silent, Bigan continued, "The war in the north is urgent and the demand for money and food is huge. We must find another way.

I will personally come forward and discuss with other merchant families to try to raise the necessary materials."

A young minister stood up and said with a firm look: "Uncle Wang, I am willing to go with you. I may be able to provide some help in the negotiations between merchants."

"I'm willing to contribute as well." Another minister also stood up.

Soon, several ministers expressed their willingness to assist Bigan and do their best to share the worries of the court.

When Bigan looked at these loyal ministers, the heaviness in his heart was slightly relieved.

"Okay, since everyone is determined, let's split up and raise the money and food we need as soon as possible." Bigan's voice was full of determination. "As for advising His Majesty, I will find an opportunity to write again, hoping to touch the emperor's heart."

All the ministers in the hall nodded. Although the road ahead was difficult, under the leadership of Bigan, they were willing to face it together and overcome the difficulties.

Despite the ever-changing situation in the outside world, at this moment, their minds have been condensed into an unshakable force.

……

The next evening, the lights in Bigan's study were bright, but the atmosphere was unusually depressing.

A day's running around left Bigan and his ministers exhausted. Yesterday's determination and hope were no longer on their faces, but were replaced by a deep sense of powerlessness and frustration.

Bigan sat at his desk, holding one reply letter after another in his hands, each of which was a polite rejection from a merchant family.

He raised his head and glanced at the ministers in front of him. Seeing that they were all dejected, he couldn't help but feel nervous.

"Everyone, how are you doing?" Although Bigan's voice was calm, his eyes could not hide his anxiety.

The ministers looked at each other, and finally an older minister sighed and spoke: "Uncle Wang, we have tried our best, but those merchant families, without exception, have rejected our request.

Some of them spoke frankly, while others made excuses for various reasons, but in the final analysis, they were all worried that the court would not be able to return the money. "

Another minister also said: "Yes, what the court has done in recent years has made everyone feel insecure. Although those merchant families are rich, they are also shrewd. They are afraid that once they lend money and grain, they will never get it back."

As Bigan listened to the ministers' reports, disappointment and helplessness surged in his heart like a tide.

He knew very well that the current court had no credibility at all. Over the years, Emperor Xin had seen and heard about the corruption in the government and the complaints from the people. The merchants' concerns were not unfounded.

"Alas, we can't blame these merchants," Bigan sighed. "The imperial court can hardly guarantee the livelihood of the people, so how can we expect people to believe that they will return their money and grain?"

The atmosphere in the study became even more heavy. The ministers bowed their heads in silence, and no one could propose a solution.

Bigan was silent for a moment, then slowly stood up and glanced at each minister: "Everyone, although the current situation is not optimistic, we cannot give up. I will personally visit the patriarchs of several merchant families again and try my best."

The ministers were touched to see that Bi Gan still did not give up, but they were also worried. They knew that even if Bi Gan was very capable, there was really only so much he could do in such a situation.

"Uncle Wang, you have worked hard enough. If you continue like this, I'm afraid..." A minister hesitated to speak. He couldn't bear to see Bigan forcing himself like this.

Bigan waved his hand and said firmly: "No, I can't just sit there and watch. If even I give up, who can this court rely on?"

The ministers were speechless and could only nod silently. They knew that what Bigan said was the truth. In this precarious moment, Bigan's persistence might be their last hope.

Just as everyone fell silent, a minister who usually spoke little suddenly stood up and said in a cold and firm voice: "Uncle Wang, given the current situation, we might as well consider a more direct method. Using force to borrow money and food can at least guarantee the expenses of the soldiers on the front line."

As soon as he finished speaking, a heated debate broke out in the hall.

"This... this is too much. How can we use force to demand from the people?" A gentle minister immediately objected.

"But what if there is a shortage of food and arrows on the front line? We can't just watch our soldiers starve to death on the battlefield!" The supporters insisted.

The sound of arguments continued, and the atmosphere in the hall became more tense. Some ministers looked angry, while others frowned. They all insisted on their own opinions and could not reach a consensus.

Bigan listened to their argument quietly, his brows furrowed more and more. Finally, he stood up and interrupted the argument in a deep voice: "Everyone, stop making noise!"

The hall suddenly became quiet, and all eyes were focused on Bigan.

Bigan shook his head slowly, his tone firm: "Once we use force, it will be like telling the world that we have nowhere else to go.

Doing so would be tantamount to forcing those merchant families to join the rebels. If they, out of fear, secretly support the rebels, wouldn't we be digging our own graves?"

The ministers were shocked when they heard this. They had not thought deeply about the meaning of Bigan's words, and after hearing this analysis, they fell silent.

"Uncle Wang is absolutely right. We cannot take such extreme measures just because of the emergency at the moment." An old minister nodded in agreement.

"Then what should we do? Are we just going to watch the court fall into a deeper crisis?" a young minister asked anxiously.

Bigan took a deep breath and looked around at everyone: "I know that everyone is thinking about the court. But we can't give up our beliefs, and we can't choose the path of harming others and benefiting ourselves because of difficulties.

I will come forward again and go to Yang's company to communicate with Mr. Jiang, seeking their understanding and support. At the same time, I will also write to His Majesty, detailing the situation and begging him to reduce palace expenses and set an example. "

After hearing what Bigan said, the ministers still had some concerns, but they also knew that this was the safest way to go. They all nodded, expressing their willingness to fully support Bigan's decision.

Looking at these loyal colleagues, Bigan felt a little relieved. He knew that this was a difficult struggle, but as long as they were united, there was always a glimmer of hope.

"Okay, it's settled. I will set off for Yang's business early tomorrow morning. Everyone, please work harder in the court during this period to stabilize people's hearts." Bigan gave his final instructions.

All the ministers responded in unison. They knew that the days ahead would be even more difficult, but as long as Bigan was there, they had the courage to move forward.

The lights in the hall were still bright, but Bigan and the other ministers were all looking forward to the arrival of dawn.

The next day, as the sun rose, Bigan hurried to Jiang Ziya's residence.

The ancient trees in front of the door are still there, and the birds in the courtyard are singing crisply, but Bigan's mood is as heavy and melancholy as the sky covered with dark clouds.

When the housekeeper saw Bigan coming, he hurriedly led the way and welcomed him into the elegant living room.

Not long after, Jiang Ziya appeared at the door. His face was still kind, his thin figure was elegant and ethereal, and he exuded an immortal aura.

Bigan knew that Jiang Ziya was a man of virtue, not an ordinary person, so he stepped forward, bowed, and bluntly explained his purpose: "Mr. Jiang, the court is currently facing a shortage of money and food, drought in the southwest, and war in the northeast. The people are living in misery, and the lives of the soldiers are in danger.

I hope your company can lend a helping hand and lend a helping hand to the court."

After hearing this, Jiang Ziya frowned slightly, then shook his head and said, "Uncle Wang, although you and I are not old acquaintances, I have heard a lot about your character.

You are an honest official and an upright person. I respect you as a good official. However, you also know the position of my Yang's company. We only do good deeds and do not get involved in government affairs. "

Hearing this decisive refusal, Bigan's heart sank, but he did not give up. Instead, he pleaded again: "Mr. Jiang, I understand your company's position, but now the eyes of the entire court and even the people of the world are focused on Yang's company.

If you don't help, other merchants will certainly follow suit. When the war gets serious and the world is in ruins, who will lend a hand?"

Jiang Ziya was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Bigan, our Yang's business does have a certain influence, but we cannot be dragged into the court's disputes because of this. Everything we do is for the good of the people."

Seeing Jiang Ziya's firm attitude, Bigan was anxious, but he was still unwilling to give up his last hope. He whispered, "Mr. Jiang, to be honest, the imperial treasury is empty now. If we can't raise money and food, we can only take it from the people.

The people are already living in hardship. If things continue like this, the world will soon be in chaos. If Yang's company makes a generous donation at this time, it is actually doing a good deed and saving the world from disaster."

Jiang Ziya's gaze stayed on Bigan for a long time, as if he was weighing something.

Finally, he sighed and spoke slowly: "Bigan, I understand what you said. I will discuss it with the head of the family again to see if it is possible to provide some help to the court without violating our principles."

When Bigan heard this, the huge rock in his heart finally fell to the ground. He knew very well that Jiang Ziya always kept his word. At least the Yang Company had agreed to solve the drought problem in the southwest, so it was not advisable to push him too hard.

"Thank you, Mr. Jiang. If the Yang Company can lend a helping hand, it will surely contribute to the country and go down in history." Bigan said solemnly.

Jiang Ziya nodded slightly, indicating that Bi Gan did not need to be polite. He turned around and told the housekeeper to prepare some refreshments for Bi Gan to rest for a while, and then he left in a hurry.

After a while, Jiang Ziya returned to the flower hall.

Bigan looked at him anxiously, hoping to read some good news from his expression. However, Jiang Ziya's face was still so calm, without too many waves.

"Uncle Wang, I have discussed this with the owner of the family." Jiang Ziya spoke, his voice calm but with a hint of helplessness, "The owner of the family insists that the company should not get involved in the court's war. He believes that supporting the war is tantamount to committing the karma of unprovoked killing, which is contrary to the purpose of our Yang's company."

When Bigan heard this, his heart sank. He knew that Jiang Ziya was talking about the bottom line of the Yang family business, which was the principle they had been adhering to for many years.

Jiang Ziya continued, "Moreover, the head of the family also feels that it is absurd for the court to threaten us with the safety of the people. Our Yang family has always been committed to helping the poor and doing good deeds, but we will never be dragged into the vortex of power because of this."

Bigan showed embarrassment on his face. He knew that Jiang Ziya's words made sense, but the critical situation of the court made it impossible for him to give up easily.

He took a deep breath and spoke again: "Mr. Jiang, I understand your company's position, but can't the life and death of the people of the world move your company's compassionate heart?"

Jiang Ziya was silent for a moment, looked at Bigan with deep eyes, and finally sighed: "Bigan, I admire your loyalty.

But you also know that the King of Shang's extravagance and debauchery has reached the extreme. Even if we lend him money and food, it may not be enough for him to squander.

Unless the King of Shang can issue an edict of self-reproach, correct these faults, work hard and love the people, we will not be able to lend it out. "

Hearing this, Bigan struggled in his heart. He knew the character of the King of Shang, and asking him to issue an edict of self-reproach and change his usual style was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

But Bigan also understood that this might be the only way to convince the Yang family business.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and said to Jiang Ziya: "I deeply understand what Mr. Jiang said. I am willing to try to persuade Your Majesty. Although the chances are slim, I am willing to make a final effort for the court and the people of the world."

Seeing Bigan's determination, Jiang Ziya's eyes flashed with approval and he nodded: "If the King of Shang can truly reflect on himself, issue an edict of repentance, and change his ways, then our Yang family will naturally be willing to help the court."

Bigan felt relieved for a moment, but was immediately overwhelmed by the difficulties of reality.

He knew that asking Emperor Xin to issue a self-criticism edict and change his life habits of many years would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Seeing this, Jiang Ziya added, "Uncle Wang, you also know that the current treasury is empty because of the King of Shang's extravagance. Even if we lend him money and grain, I'm afraid it won't be enough for him to squander."

Bigan nodded silently. He understood what Jiang Ziya meant. This was not just a matter of borrowing money and food, but the entire government needed fundamental changes.

"I'm willing to try." Bigan finally said, his voice firm. Although the road ahead was uncertain, he couldn't give up.

Jiang Ziya looked at Bigan's eyes, which were full of determination and unyielding spirit. He smiled slightly and nodded: "Then I will look forward to your good news."

Bigan bowed deeply to express his gratitude, then said goodbye and left.

He knew that what he would face next would be a more difficult struggle. He needed to convince Emperor Xin, and make a king who was addicted to extravagance and debauchery truly care about the people, which was an almost impossible task.

However, even if there was only a glimmer of hope, Bigan would never give up.

When Bigan returned home, the fatigue on his face could not hide the anxiety in his heart. He immediately summoned all the ministers, told them about his conversation with Jiang Ziya, and told them that he planned to go to the palace to persuade the emperor, hoping that the emperor would issue an edict of repentance and change the status quo.

After hearing this, the ministers discussed it a lot, and the air in the hall seemed to freeze. Most of them were not optimistic about Bigan's plan, thinking it was a dangerous path.

"Uncle Wang, you are playing with your own life!" An elderly minister said worriedly, "Your Majesty has always been arbitrary and never allows others to criticize his mistakes. I am afraid that you will get into trouble if you give direct advice like this."

"Yes, we all know that you are loyal, but this kind of thing..." Another minister shook his head and sighed, "I'm afraid it will put you in an irretrievable situation."

Bigan's eyes swept through the ministers one by one, and a resolute light shone in his eyes: "I know this is a road full of thorns, but if even I shrink back, who else in the court can stand up? Only if Your Majesty truly turns over a new leaf, can our Great Shang be saved and the people be spared from suffering."

After hearing this, the ministers fell silent. They knew that what Bigan said was very true, but such a decision was too dangerous.

Finally, a minister who was usually on good terms with Bigan stood up. His voice was low but firm: "Uncle Wang, we are all ministers of the court and the children of this land. If you decide to go to the palace to advise us, we are willing to stand with you."

Bigan looked at the minister with a hint of gratitude in his eyes. Then his gaze lingered on the others one by one, waiting for their responses.

After a moment, all the ministers nodded. Although they were still worried, Bigan's courage and determination infected them. They were willing to support Bigan, even if it meant taking a path of no return.

Bigan looked at them deeply, and the burden in his heart seemed to be lightened a little: "Everyone, I know the importance of this decision, but I also believe that as long as we unite as one, His Majesty will be able to hear our voices.

Tomorrow, I will enter the palace, and regardless of life or death, I will fulfill my final duty for the court and the people."

All the ministers responded in unison and were determined. They all knew that the road Bigan was about to take would be one full of unknowns, but for the sake of the country and the people, they were willing to move forward with Bigan.

The next morning, the palace looked particularly solemn and majestic under the morning glow.

Bigan put on a solemn costume made of brocade and gold-woven silk, took a deep breath, and walked slowly towards the palace.

Although he was nervous in his heart, his face was calm.

He knew that everything he said and did today would determine the future of the Shang Dynasty and the fate of countless people.

Bigan was led into the bedroom by the palace guards. King Di Xin of Shang was sitting on the dragon throne, wearing a dragon robe, looking noble and majestic.

His gaze fell on Bigan, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Bigan, have you raised the money and food?" Emperor Xin's voice sounded coldly, asking directly.

Bigan knelt on the ground, his head slightly lowered, and his voice was firm: "Your Majesty, I have an idea, but I need your decision."

"Oh?" Emperor Xin raised his eyebrows, looking somewhat curious, "Tell me about it."

Bigan took a deep breath and said slowly, "Your Majesty, if you are willing to issue an edict of repentance, admit your past shortcomings, change your extravagant and licentious lifestyle, and work hard to govern the country and love the people, Yang's company is willing to lend money and grain to help alleviate the national crisis."

As soon as the words fell, the air in the entire palace seemed to freeze. Emperor Xin's face instantly turned gloomy, and a trace of anger flashed in his eyes.

"Bigan!" Emperor Xin's voice suddenly rose, filled with anger, "What do you mean? How dare you say such treasonous words in front of me!"

Bigan's heart tightened, but he did not retreat. He remained kneeling without raising his head and said, "Your Majesty, I have no intention of offending you. It is only for the sake of the Great Shang Empire and the people of the world that I have to speak frankly."

Emperor Xin was furious, he stood up, pointed at Bigan and shouted: "Are you teaching me a lesson?
I am the king of men. I rule the world. Everything belongs to me. I can do whatever I want. Even though you are my uncle, you are just a mere subject. How dare you teach me a lesson!
You are harboring evil intentions!"

(End of this chapter)