Walking slowly into the palace, Du Chen could sense that everyone's gaze was immediately focused on him.

The palace was predominantly dark blue, with a crystal chandelier over ten meters high. More than a hundred noble ministers stood in two rows inside. Across from the main entrance, there were two chairs. Father Ferdinand sat on the left, and a middle-aged man with an ordinary appearance sat on the right. This was King Balgna of the Laning Kingdom.

Standing beside Balgna were two people. One was a young man who clearly indulged in wine and women, while the other, Princess Yuna, gave Du Chen a headache.

Recently, Yuna had frequently invited Du Chen to banquets, but how could Du Chen dare to go? He had declined all the invitations. However, unexpectedly, Princess Yuna became even more interested and even came to invite him directly several times. Du Chen wished he could hide and avoid her.

Under Yuna's gaze of "I finally caught you," Du Chen strode forward and respectfully bowed, "Descendant of the Siglu, Francis pays respects to King Balgna and Father Ferdinand!"

"Very good. I have heard many people say that you are known as the virtue of St. John's City, and Yuna often mentions you!" Balgna praised Du Chen for a few words and then turned his gaze to Ferdinand. "Father, Francis has your blessing, so it is up to you to speak!"

Ferdinand nodded and said in a deep voice, "Francis, as you know, the entire family of the Imperial Minister of Finance was assassinated by agents from the McCullen Empire. Although the person is dead, the guilt cannot be erased. Therefore, a portion of the redemption money owed to you by Fries will be taken from his inheritance! Currently, the imperial ministers are discussing how much redemption money you should receive!"

Although the words sounded grand, everyone present understood that the Minister of Finance's inheritance was a big piece of cake that everyone wanted. However, this cake had to be bitten by Du Chen first, and then the rest would be distributed among the others.

Therefore, the size of the bite Du Chen took became the focus of attention for the ministers.

Du Chen also understood that if it weren't for Ferdinand backing him, the ministers probably wouldn't leave him with a single copper coin. But How did he happen to have Ferdinand's support.?Du Chen smiled and said, "Father, I would like to inquire about two things. First, how much is the inheritance? Second, how does the canon of the Holy Church determine the amount of redemption money?"

Ferdinand smiled and said, "All the inheritance combined is roughly equivalent to ten thousand gold coins!"

Du Chen's heart trembled. He had calculated that one silver coin was approximately equal to the purchasing power of a hundred units of currency from his previous life, and one hundred silver coins were equivalent to one gold coin. So ten thousand gold coins... this was an inheritance calculated in billions!

It's possible that today he could join the ranks of multi-millionaires. Du Chen felt excited in his heart, but his face remained calm, causing the ministers to look at him with admiration.

Ferdinand was very satisfied with Du Chen's calm demeanor, and continued, "Regarding the redemption money, the Holy Church Canon has the following provisions: first, it depends on the status of both parties, second..." He rambled on about a bunch of legal articles, but Du Chen was only interested in the last sentence. "So, you should receive thirty percent, which is three thousand gold coins!"

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That's roughly equivalent to three million dollars. Du Chen's heart suddenly raced.

But at this moment, a general standing in the front row shouted loudly, "This is impossible! Three thousand gold coins are enough to equip an elite alliance team. I need this money to improve the security of the capital!"

Damn it, I'm afraid it's enough for you to buy dozens of pretty slaves, right?

Du Chen looked at the general, who was in his fifties with a fair complexion and sharp, narrow eyes. At this moment, Steve whispered next to him, introducing him as General Kyrisek, the commander of the Holy Borven Legion.

"No, I need it for disaster relief!" someone else retorted loudly. For a while, before Du Chen could speak, the ministers started arguing as if the money was already theirs.

"Silence! Do you want to violate the laws of the Holy Church?" Ferdinand said in a deep voice.

"Father, we dare not violate the laws, but the empire's finances are tight, and we also need gold coins!"

Ferdinand looked at Du Chen and said, "Francis, what do you think?" He glanced coldly at the ministers, knowing that these bureaucrats were not easy to deal with. It seemed that Francis couldn't handle them, so he had to personally help Francis and thereby make connections with the mysterious fighting god behind him.

Thinking of this, Ferdinand stood up, walked to Du Chen, and placed his hand on his forehead. He said slowly, "Don't worry about others, speak your true thoughts! I, Ferdinand, bless you for the third time!"

After speaking, he coldly looked at the ministers, his momentum saying, in Du Chen's words, "I bless this kid, who dares to threaten him!?"

Sure enough, none of the Laning ministers dared to meet his gaze.

Du Chen was confident in his heart and smiled, "I believe that the laws of the Holy Church cannot be violated!"

In other words, none of you can touch this money, I've decided!

Someone sneered, but with Ferdinand's support, the noble ministers didn't dare to openly violate the laws of the Holy Church. However, these people were all experienced in the political arena and wouldn't be stumped by this. The minister who had shouted about the floods in the south walked up to Du Chen. He was an old man with a cunning look on his face. "Dear Francis, it is only right for you to abide by the laws of the Holy Church. I support you! Those three thousand gold coins should also be yours!"

Du Chen smiled at the old man, knowing that he must have ulterior motives, so he didn't rush to respond.

The old man said, "I heard that you are called the 'virtue of St. John's City' and are praised by everyone. Therefore, on behalf of the disaster-stricken people in the south, I request you to help them and donate a portion of the gold coins!" As he spoke, he even bowed to Du Chen.

He started, and Kyrisek immediately continued, "Nephew Francis, coming from a military family, you should naturally consider the warriors in the army, the soldiers of the capital..."

Apart from Angus, many ministers made requests to Du Chen with lofty reasons, all meaning the same thing: they wanted Du Chen to take the gold coins and then spit them out!

And looking at Angus's expression, he also seemed eager to speak, but he pretended not to notice Du Chen due to his pride.

This time, Ferdinand didn't interrupt either. He turned around and sat back in his chair, watching how Du Chen would handle it.

Perhaps this could also be seen as a test.

Du Chen listened with a smile, not offending anyone. But he was also in a dilemma. Judging from the ministers' attitudes, it was impossible for them to leave him with a single copper coin. Moreover, the elegant nobles kept spouting lofty reasons, leaving no room for rebuttal.

He had to tightly hold onto the gold coins and avoid offending anyone!

What should he do?

He could take the money himself and find a scapegoat to take the blame!

Du Chen glanced at King Lanning, His Majesty Balgna!

"Respected Majesty, you called me the 'virtue of St. John's City,' which I dare not accept. However, my original intention was also to use this money to help the poor." He bowed deeply, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask you to join me in helping people in need please!"