Seeing someone draw a blade, the gentlemen present were immediately thrown into a panic. Some of the more timid ones already had cold sweat beading on their foreheads. Yet, no one dared to take the lead, because if you stepped forward, the Magistrate would surely ask you: "Just how much loyalty do you intend to show the Imperial Court?"
If you offered too little, the Magistrate wouldn't be pleased. If you offered too much, everyone else in the room would be cursing your mother behind your back, because there was no way the rest of them could contribute significantly less than you. No one knew exactly what amount of silver would be considered appropriate.
Wang Shouren watched as these men remained deathly silent. His face darkened, and he slammed his cup lid shut. His secretary, Zhang Xiaochuan, understood immediately and hurried forward, his expression cold and stern.
Chapter 130