Chapter 654 Complaint

Chapter 654: Complaints
Xu Changqing is almost a vanished figure of an upright official in the Qin government today.
This time, Li Chen had already seen it when he went to Xu Changqing's house last time.
So facing Xu Changqing's indignant complaints, Li Chen just smiled and comforted him: "He is doing this job, what are you getting worked up about?"
Compared to Xu Changqing, He Kun is simply another extreme.
Cunning, slick, and greedy—these were traits that stood in stark contrast to Xu Changqing's own character, and his methods. From the moment he laid eyes on He Kun, Xu Changqing felt a deep sense of unease.
Logically speaking, all of He Kun's characteristics are flaws, and Li Chen shouldn't be interested in him.
But what Li Chen truly valued was He Kun's ability to get things done.
To be honest, He Kun is the kind of person who, if he hadn't started with a lower social standing, would have excelled in officialdom and had a brighter future than the rigid Xu Changqing.
Xu Changqing is only suitable for doing some hard work diligently, but He Kun is an official who can grasp Li Chen's pain points and try every means to solve them.
This alone can conceal most of his flaws.
Seeing Xu Changqing was still very angry, Li Chen said, “You and he have different personalities and abilities, so your uses are also different. You find him easy to get along with, and you can spend more time with him privately. Since you both serve in the palace, there will inevitably be times when you have to work together. But if you find him difficult to get along with, then just keep your distance from him.”
But he is doing this for me today. Are you so easily upset that a little hardship bothers you?
Even if Xu Changqing was foolish, he wouldn't dare to become arrogant because of his favor. Since Li Chen had said it this way, he didn't dare to say anything more. Instead, he immediately bowed and said: "It is the humble official who has made a fuss out of nothing."
Upon hearing this, Li Chen nodded and said with a half-smile, "According to He Kun, when others come to give gifts, they arrive by carriage. You, however, came with a few taels of silver in your arms and two jugs of wine."

Xu Changqing's face flushed with embarrassment as he said, "Your Highness, you know I am not wealthy. I simply cannot be as generous as they are. Even these few taels of silver were pieced together by my family members and mother. It was truly difficult for me to bring them..."
"It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Waving his hand, Li Chen said: "They sent so many things because they want to curry favor with me, hoping for a bright future. You, Xu Changqing, just need to do what I ask you to do, and that is worth more than any gold or jewels."
"The two jars of wine you sent, this palace will keep them. I shall drink with you when the time comes."
In any case, as a subject to hear these words is a great honor.
Xu Changqing hurriedly bowed and said, "Your humble servant thanks Your Highness for your understanding..."
After exchanging polite farewells, Li Chen looked at Xu Changqing and said, "Is there anything else?"
Xu Changqing smiled awkwardly and said carefully: "This... Your Highness, the national treasury is almost running out of money again. This time, the East Palace..."
"Get lost."
"Your humble servant obeys your command. Your humble servant takes his leave."
Xu Changqing has been sent away, but the problem of the treasury becoming empty again remains unsolved.
Needless to say, Li Chen also knew that the treasury, which was already stretched thin but somehow still manageable, had fallen into dire straits again. The fundamental reason for this was Su Pingbei's triumphant return after a successful campaign.
Thus, those who deserve to be rewarded shall be rewarded, and those who deserve to have the troops feasted shall be feasted.
In novels and television dramas, the protagonist's actions might be summed up in a single sentence. But for Li Chen, it was a real, tangible sum of money, truly spending like water.

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