Chapter 136: The People of Song Nailed to the Pillar of Sha!
Two days later, a new edition of the Great Zhou Bao was published.
Luoyang.
“Tsk tsk tsk, now they don’t have to worry anymore. With a full million taels, they can surely cure their illness.”
“Heh heh, I was one of those who helped them!”
“Haha, too! Seeing them healthy now makes us happy.”
“Indeed, indeed, there are still many good people in this world.”
Citizens in Luoyang gathered in groups, holding copies of the newspaper, their eyes fixed on the striking headline: “One Million Taels.” Though the money didn’t co directly from their own pockets, knowing they had contributed to the couple’s survival filled their hearts with pride and satisfaction.
A few days passed, and the story gained traction in other countries. Subtle yet deliberate efforts helped spread the news of the terminally ill couple raising one million taels. Soon, branches of the Great Zhou Bao across different nations amplified the story, making it a sensation. Even those who were initially unaware of the situation were drawn in by the dramatic headline and quickly learned the details.
…
Great Qin
“Now this couple doesn’t have to worry anymore. Back then, I even sent ten taels to the Zhou Dynasty’s newspaper office.”
“This is truly touching. I never expected so many people to step forward and help this couple from the Song Dynasty.”
“Exactly! We should also thank the people who first stepped in to help.”
“I believe the greatest thanks should go to Great Zhou Bao. Without their effort, the funds wouldn’t have been raised so easily.”
“Regardless, it’s good to see them getting the help they need.”
In Great Qin, many citizens were engrossed in the story, discussing it passionately as they read their newspapers.
..
Great Ming
“Although the Song people have offended us before, we Ming people know how to distinguish right from wrong.”
“That’s true. It was that old Song man who caused trouble before, but this couple is innocent. Now that they’ve been saved, we can’t help but feel happy for them.”
“Exactly. Not all Song people are bad; so are simply unfortunate.”
On the streets, conversations about the couple’s survival were on everyone’s lips. Many compared this case with the deceptive actions of the old man from before. This ti, the Ming people took pride in having contributed generously.
…
Three days later, the story continued to fernt. People in neighboring countries like Tang and Han also expressed happiness for the couple. It seed the matter had reached a perfect conclusion.
…
The Next Day
In Luoyang, a paperboy ran through the streets, shouting loudly:
“Extra, extra... Special edition! An insider reveals the terminally ill couple’s donations were a scam!”
The shocking combination of the words “terminally ill couple” and “scam” instantly grabbed the attention of everyone nearby.
“Give a copy!”
“Hey, kid, don’t leave! I want one too!”
“I’ll take two!”
The newspapers were snatched up in no ti, and those who secured a copy eagerly read through the shocking revelation.
…
Expressions darkened as readers scanned the details. Suddenly, curses erupted.
“Scoundrels! Absolute scoundrels! This couple actually cheated us!”
“They took our money to buy land and houses in the Song Dynasty, indulging in luxury while their child was never even sick!”
Angry onlookers joined in.
“Despicable! A whole million taels ended up in the hands of such people?”
“It’s not just the money—it’s everyone’s goodwill that they wasted. They’re beasts!”
“Song people really can’t be trusted!”
The entire street buzzed with fury. Even passersby who hadn’t read the paper yet were drawn into the outrage.
By midday, the news had spread like wildfire across Luoyang. The term “Song people” beca a target of public anger, and many innocent Song citizens were unfairly implicated in the scandal.
…
Great Ming
“We’ve been deceived! These Song people really cannot be trusted!”
“Yes, it’s infuriating! I donated my savings, only for them to squander it!”
“Damn it, Song people are nothing but swindlers. Never trust them again!”
Ming citizens gathered in groups, venting their anger. What they had once viewed as magnanimity now felt like foolishness.
…
Great Qin
“Hiss! No wonder the Song Dynasty is so wealthy—it’s all based on fraud!”
“Exactly. Disgusting! They’re nothing but cheats.”
“Ah, such a waste of our goodwill and money.”
“We can’t have any dealings with Song people from now on.”
Great Qin citizens echoed similar sentints, their disillusionnt palpable. The scandal had left an indelible stain on the Song people’s reputation.
…
Great Han
“Hey, have you heard? They say the Song people got rich by cheating others!”
“Of course! Who hasn’t heard about this charity scam by now?”
“Unbelievable. From now on, we must avoid them.”
“Indeed. Song people are just too shaless!”
The citizens of Great Han, though less directly involved, expressed shock and disdain. The scandal had crossed borders, tainting the Song na everywhere.
…
Ten Days Later
The uproar showed no signs of abating. Instead, it grew more intense. The Song people were now at the center of public outrage.
…
Great Song – Bianjing
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty... sothing has happened!”
An elderly man with gray hair and a bright red official robe hurried into the hall.
Zhao Ji, who had been painting, looked up in surprise. Minister Cai Jing had never interrupted his artistic pursuits before. For him to do so now, the situation must be dire.
Putting down his brush, Zhao Ji frowned. “Minister Cai, what is it?”
Cai Jing took a deep breath, his expression unreadable.
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