Liang Jing's command was a boulder hurled into a still pond, sending massive waves through the Eastern Depot and the entire capital.

One million taels of silver. By the second hour after his order, processions of Eastern Depot agents, clad in their distinctive "flying fish" robes and armed with ornate spring sabers, were escorting heavy, laden chests in a grand, unmistakable parade toward the Ministry of Revenue's vaults.

Commoners lined the streets, watching in awe and disbelief.

"Are those... Eastern Depot men? What are they carrying?"

"Silver, they say! Silver the Shadow Hand donated for the famine relief!"

"A million taels! By the gods! Did the... the Commander actually donate?"

"Is it just for show? Could those chests be filled with stones?"

"Impossible! Look at how deep the wagon wheels are cutting into the ground! That's real silver!"

The news flew on wings into the Grand Tutor's manor.

Lin Wenzheng was in his study, discussing further plans to impeach Liang Jing with his disciples from the traditionalist faction, when his steward stumbled in with the report. The teacup in Lin's hand clattered to the floor, shattering.

"What did you say?! One million taels... already delivered?!" Lin Wenzheng shot to his feet, his beard quivering.

"It's true, Master! Eastern Depot agents escorted it themselves! The chests were opened—glimmering white silver, blinding to look at! The whole city has seen it!" the steward wailed, his face pale.

Lin Wenzheng felt the world spin. He staggered back two steps, caught by his disciples.

"Where... where did he get so much liquid silver?!" he sputtered, utterly baffled. Liang Jing's wealth was legendary, but five million was an astronomical sum. How could he produce a million in cash so easily? It defied all logic!

A sense of panic, the fear of a situation spiraling beyond his control, gripped the shrewd old Grand Tutor for the very first time.

Meanwhile, before the Ministry of Revenue vaults.

The Minister of Revenue, a portly and politically agile official, mopped the cold sweat from his brow as he watched the stone-faced Eastern Depot agents carry chest after chest of silver inside. His feelings were a tangled mess.

"Minister Wang," said the lead Eastern Depot section chief, the same cold-faced young man from before, presenting a thick ledger. "Here is the itemized list for one million taels. Please verify and sign. The Commander has decreed this is for relief funds only. Should even a single coin go missing, or if any hand dares to reach for it..."

The chief's voice was low, but it carried the Eastern Depot's signature chilling menace. His gaze swept over the assembled ministry officials like a blade.

Minister Wang flinched, hastily taking the ledger. "Of course, of course! This official will personally supervise! I will ensure every last coin goes to the refugees!"

He knew this money was dangerously hot to the touch. It was both a lifeline and a potential death warrant. If Liang Jing dared to part with such a fortune, he would never tolerate anyone meddling with it.

[Ding! Host's first disaster relief payment of 1,000,000 taels conforms to 'Reasonable Expenditure' criteria. Random refund multiplier: x2.]

[Refunded Funds: 2,000,000 taels of silver. Deposited into system inventory.]

[Ding! Host's concrete action has shattered court skepticism, initially altered the negative perceptions of some officials and commoners, and slightly boosted Great Xia's public morale. Righteous Points +30.]

[Great Xia Imperial Mandate increased by +3. Current Mandate: 25 / 10000.]

Back in his private chambers, Liang Jing listened to the system prompts, a slight smile gracing his lips.

Spending money truly feels good, he thought. Especially when it comes back doubled, along with points and national strength.

"Only 25 Mandate points... The road ahead is long," he murmured, shaking his head at the paltry number. But this was just the beginning.

"Attendant."

"What are your orders, Commander?" A young eunuch hurried in and bowed.

"Issue a decree in the name of the Imperial Secretariat and the Eastern Depot. We will implement a 'Public Works for Relief' program in the three northern provinces. Recruit able-bodied refugees. The court will fund the construction of irrigation systems, the digging of deep wells, and the paving of official roads. They will receive two meals a day and a wage. For the elderly, weak, women, and children, set up soup kitchens to provide daily gruel. Ensure no one starves to death."

The eunuch was taken aback. Public Works for Relief? This was novel. Previous relief efforts involved handing out thin gruel to barely keep people alive. Who had ever cared about building infrastructure or paying wages?

"Commander, the... the required funds and grain will be..."

"Do not concern yourself with funds and grain. Do as I command," Liang Jing's tone brooked no argument. "Additionally, order the Eastern Depot to form 'Relief Inspection Envoys.' They are to depart for the northern provinces to oversee all relief efforts. Any official found embezzling, withholding supplies, or oppressing refugees—regardless of rank or connections—is to be executed on the spot, with full authority granted beforehand!"

"Yes, Commander!" The eunuch trembled at the phrase "executed on the spot," but swiftly accepted the order and retreated.

Liang Jing's strategy was simple and brutal.

Spend money. Spend it aggressively. Spend it on the refugees, on things that would boost Great Xia's infrastructure and public morale.

On one hand, this generated system refunds at the fastest possible rate. On the other, it was the optimal path to harvesting Righteous Points and Imperial Mandate.

He wasn't just slapping the faces of those so-called "virtuous" officials in court; he was aiming to win the hearts of the entire populace!

You call me a villainous viper? Then I will use real gold and silver to forge a legend as the 'Savior of the People'!

The new orders sent another shockwave through the court and the country.

Public Works for Relief? And paying wages? Had Liang Jing been possessed by the spirit of a charitable deity?

Many suspected a deeper, ulterior motive. But for countless refugees, upon hearing this news, a faint glimmer of hope finally rekindled in their dead, despairing eyes.