The Emperor's mental calculations were astute; Xiao Qing had more to say but hadn't spoken yet. His gaze fell upon the ministers in the imperial court, and then he thought of the merchants in the capital. The Xu family's donation of silver was commendable and timely. When the grand army returned to the city, and he saw all the ministers looking at him, he said, "Indeed, they should be rewarded. The Xu family has established merit last year, and this year they have donated silver to relieve the shortage in the state treasury. The Xu family's loyalty is evident. Issue a decree granting the Xu grandchildren permission to participate in the imperial examination."
The full assembly of ministers fell silent; ah, there was a precedent, and now the person is in the Hanlin Academy. This was an immense grace for the Xu family, being merchants.
