Ending It All

The Emperor silently observed everything, feeling annoyed and frustrated. He took a deep breath and tried to appear calm, "Open all the boxes for me."

The officials from the Ministry of Revenue didn't dare delay and immediately started opening the boxes.

Inside the boxes, each silver ingot weighed fifty taels, neatly arranged. Under the light, they reflected a bright silver sheen, somewhat dazzling to the eyes.

The Emperor handed one to the Minister of Revenue, "Try to see if it's real or fake."

The Minister bit the ingot and after examining it, declared, "Your Majesty, it's real."

The Emperor felt slightly relieved and ordered, "Bring out the box in the farthest corner and check it. The rest of you, don't just stand there; start counting the silver in the treasury overnight. If there's any shortage, you'll make up for it."