Everyone looked at each other, curious about what Li Yao had just said. To be honest, her words seemed to defy common sense and even had a somewhat contradictory meaning. Yet, inexplicably, they found them oddly inspiring.
While the County Magistrate's wife was surprised, she realized that Li Yao had said it deliberately. So, she cooperatively asked, "Li Madam, what do you think we should do then?"
"The donations made by the men belong to them," Li Yao replied, "and the donations made by us belong to us. Let's keep them separate and not interfere with each other. In the future, the people of Baichuan County will surely remember our contributions."
"That's right," the County Magistrate's wife agreed. "I've heard from my husband that a monument will be erected in a prominent place outside the county office. This time, anyone who donates and helps the people will have their names engraved on the stone monument. If we can also contribute, I believe my husband will personally erect a separate monument for us."
As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of the more than ten ladies lit up.
Who wouldn't want a little more fame and fortune?
"Then, how much should we donate?" someone asked.
"There's no need to donate too much," Li Yao said. "But it shouldn't be too little either, or else we'll become a laughingstock. I suggest starting at 50 taels, and there's no upper limit. That seems more appropriate."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Starting at 50 taels wasn't really a lot.
They had been afraid that Li Yao would suggest starting at 500 taels, which would truly be a burden.
"I'll donate 200 taels," Mrs. Lai said.
Her husband, Mr. Lai, was a well-known figure in Baichuan, and his wealth was unmatched, which was why she took the lead in this endeavor.
With someone leading the way, the other ladies followed suit, donating 50 taels, 80 taels, 100 taels... Although there was no competition, no one wanted to appear weak, so they all generously contributed.
"I can't match your wealth, so I'll donate 100 taels," the County Magistrate's wife smiled and said. "What about you, Li Madam?"
"I'll donate 190 taels."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lai's face immediately lit up.
She had been afraid that Li Yao would be more generous than her and overshadow her. Now it seemed that this Madam Li was indeed a capable person.
The matter of the ladies' donations came to a temporary conclusion. There were a total of 15 people, and they donated a total of 1,800 taels of silver.
The County Magistrate's wife felt slightly relieved.
She knew that without Li Yao, it would have been impossible for her to persuade these ladies to open their wallets. Although it wasn't much, it was still a contribution.
"Please continue your discussion, I'll step out for a moment."
The ladies' donations were just the appetizer. Li Yao's bigger target was the men outside.
Seeing her approach, Song County Magistrate found an excuse and temporarily left.
With the County Magistrate gone, Zhang Guangsheng couldn't hold back any longer.
"Ah, Madam Li, it's rare to see you dressed so elegantly."
"Yes," Li Yao replied, "This cotton jacket of mine is made from the finest cotton fabric and cost me three taels of silver."
Everyone was slightly taken aback by her words and found it a bit amusing.
She dared to show off a cotton jacket worth three taels of silver in front of everyone?
Who among them didn't wear clothes worth more than ten taels!
Of course, it could also be that Li Yao simply didn't understand the value of silk fabric and mistakenly believed that high-quality cotton was the best material.
Thinking about this, everyone couldn't help but look down on her a little.
Zhang Guangsheng rarely had the opportunity to tease Li Yao like this, and he said, "I heard that Lady Li's business has been thriving recently. You must have earned quite a lot of money."
"Yes," Li Yao replied, "My boutique has already earned me nearly a hundred taels of silver."
After saying that, Li Yao scanned the crowd and continued, "I believe none of you here has such ability, right?"
The corners of everyone's mouths twitched at her words.
Hasn't Li Yao's boutique been open for a long time?
It took her this long to earn only 100 taels...
Of course, compared to ordinary families, that's already very good. But when compared to the people present, it's far from enough.
She truly is an ignorant peasant woman, lacking in knowledge.
She thinks she's become the richest person with just a few dozen taels of silver.
At this moment, Zhang Guangsheng's heart was filled with glee. This was exactly the effect he wanted—to let everyone see that no matter how capable Li Yao was, she was just an uncultured woman with limited insight, incapable of entering high society.
"You... are quite impressive," Zhang Guangsheng said, "I wonder how much Lady Li is willing to donate today."
"It won't be less than yours," Li Yao replied, "Even if you donate more, I'll still donate 10 taels more than you."
After saying that, Li Yao looked at the others and continued, "Of course, if any of you donate more than him, I will also donate 10 taels more than you. I want you all to know who the richest person in Baichuanji is."
This...
Everyone didn't know what to say.
Li Yao had become a bit too arrogant, bordering on insulting.
We are all men, how could we be surpassed by a rustic woman?
Besides, how much money does Li Yao really have? Can she compare to the wealth of everyone present?
"Don't boast here," Zhang Guangsheng said, "I will definitely donate 50 taels more than you."
"I don't believe you," Li Yao shook her head, "You can't possibly donate more than me."
"Then wait and see!" Zhang Guangsheng laughed, "As a grown man, do you think I won't keep my word when I speak?"
"Even if you donate more than me, it's useless," Li Yao looked at the others, "I will definitely donate more than them."
"Ignorant village woman."
Someone chuckled lightly, shaking their head repeatedly.
"Madam Li," at this moment, Mr. Lai stepped forward and said, "The world is vast, and it's not just confined to Hewan Village."
"What do you mean?" Li Yao asked.
"It means that there are many people in this world who are wealthier than you. You're being overly arrogant," Mr. Lai said, "For example, everyone here, whose family fortunes are several times or dozens of times greater than yours? In front of them, your small amount of money is hardly worth mentioning. I believe that when it comes to donations later, not a single person will donate less than you."
These words struck a chord with everyone, and they all had smiles on their faces.
But Li Yao stubbornly continued, "You're the ones spouting nonsense. Don't you know that I, Li Yao, am already the richest person in Baichuanji?"
"You..." Zhang Guangsheng couldn't figure out how to respond, "Your words would make anyone burst into laughter!"
Everyone deeply agreed.
Looking at Li Yao in this state was like watching a clown.
"Madam Li," Mr. Lai kindly advised, "It's important to know oneself and not engage in unnecessary conflicts. It's best to act within one's capabilities."
"I understand."
At that moment, the Song County Magistrate returned and engaged in some small talk before bringing up the main matter of the evening.
"If you all are willing to contribute, I, Song, and the people will be deeply grateful. We will also commemorate your generosity and sing praises of your charitable deeds!"
"No need for such politeness, Magistrate Song," Mr. Lai said. "Assisting the people is also our responsibility. How about this? Madam Li just mentioned that she would generously contribute. Why don't we invite her to go first?"
"Yes, please, Madam Li."
The crowd echoed in agreement, eager to see how much money Li Yao could donate, so they could have another round of laughter at her expense.
