On the first day of the tenth month in the eleventh year of Jinghan, Winter Clothes Day.
Lidong had just passed, and the temperature of autumn had yet to completely drop. However, the scenery of late autumn had already become more bleak. The rice on the plains had already been harvested, and the trees were shedding their last leaves. Between the mountain ridges, the magnificent autumn coat had already been taken off, and the color had become gray and solemn. The river was surging, and the roads and villages by the river were now in ruins. A fleet was currently moving down the Huai River.
The fleet was made up of six ships. Perhaps because of the official background, each ship was guarded by officers and soldiers. Due to the heavy cargo being transported, the ship's waterline was not shallow. On the ship at the forefront, a group of young people dressed in luxurious clothing were looking at the shore from the side of the ship. Another young man was talking to the crowd.
"Not far ahead, everyone will be able to see that village. There is a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva beside the village. This year's flood, the village was flooded, and the statue collapsed. However, there was no food later, and many people still came to worship Guanyin. The officials have been giving out porridge there every day. When I returned from here a few days ago, I saw many people … "
Along the river, they turned a small corner and saw the broken walls and ruins on the other side. The original village was now destroyed, only a short wall was left. The Guanyin statue at the edge of the village had been broken into two pieces, one of which was planted in the soil. There were many people in and outside the village, their clothes were ragged, and they were thin and weak. There were also people carrying bags of various sizes. There was a platform by the river, and at this moment, they were giving out porridge. An official ship was docked beside it.
A suffocating noise came from there.
Hunger was unbearable pain, but when he reflected it, it would not cause him to become hysterical, because he no longer had the strength to be hysterical. At this time, it was not time to give out porridge. These starving people gathered inside and outside the village, either sitting or lying down. Adults hugged their children, husbands hugged their wives, and families often snuggled together. They did not even have the strength to speak. However, because of the crowd, a small number of children would still cry, and a small number of adults would cry out loud. In this crowd, the atmosphere was enough to make one's scalp tingle.
The nobles on the ship looked at this scene in silence. Someone said in a low voice, "Two years ago, we also had a famine …"
"Everyone, you don't have to be too sad about this situation. Although the government doesn't have much food for disaster relief, none of these people have starved to death. It's just that it's hard for them to eat their fill." The young man comforted her appropriately, and then said, "It's just that the weather is starting to turn cold, and the price of grain nearby has already risen to thirty-six taels per stone …"
"Hmph, if it snows, even three hundred and sixty taels of silver will rise! How many people can survive this winter? " Someone harrumphed. It was an honest-looking man in the crowd. Although his clothes were not bad, he looked like someone who often worked in the fields and had a lot of strength. Speaking of this, his eyebrows were somewhat gloomy.
Most of the people could think of this. At this time, a gentleman who was originally standing on the side of the ship walked over. "This time, my Puyang family transported a total of five hundred stone of grain. I am willing to donate three hundred stone of it to these people. The other two hundred stone of grain will be sold at a low price to recoup the cost. From now on, my Puyang family is purchasing one thousand five hundred stone of grain, and we will do the same." The person who spoke was the successor of the Puyang family in Jiangning, Puyang Yi.
As soon as he said this, someone in the crowd immediately said, "My family will donate all of it!"
At this time, there were still people who followed suit. The young man who spoke earlier hurriedly waved his hand. "Everyone! Everyone! Please listen to what I have to say next. I believe the people in the disaster area will be grateful for your kind intentions, but please listen to what I have to say. You can't donate. "
Seeing that everyone was looking at him, he then continued, "Before we left this time, my master repeatedly emphasized that the key to this disaster relief is not how much grain we give to the government, but how to really drive down the price of grain. This time, the more grain we transport, the better. Moreover, we can only sell one grain, and we can't sell the other two at too low a price. This matter will be decided by Master He in the city, but I feel that since the grain price is thirty-six taels, I'm afraid we can only lower it to around thirty taels. When it reaches thirty taels, then we can continue to lower it. If everyone sells the grain at a price of a few taels per stone, I guarantee that in less than a day, ninety percent of it will all be eaten by the merchants who stock up the grain. Not only will that not help the situation, but it will also increase the arrogance of those people. "
Everyone could think of this logic. The young man paused for a moment. "However, this time, when you go, I'm afraid there are some things that Master He will still need help with. This time, the disaster has expanded, and there are not enough people in the city to provide grain. There were a few times when there was chaos and people were almost injured. Young Masters, in the next few days, you might as well go outside the city and help out with some porridge. Master He and my master have said that since you are here, being able to do it with your own hands will have a different meaning. Master He will definitely ensure everyone's safety. You can rest assured about this. "
Once the disaster spread, the city would definitely close its gates. Going outside the city to give out porridge was a certain degree of danger. Everyone had some doubts in their hearts, but hearing the young man mention this, someone immediately said, "If you can come and help, why would we worry about that kind of thing?"
The young man smiled. "Of course, the porridge that you will be giving out outside the city for the next few days will have to come from the grain that you brought over this time."
Someone in the crowd laughed. "Then I'll stay for a few more days. Give out everything that I brought with me!"
Puyang Yi said, "If that's the case, then my agreement of three hundred taels will not change. When I return to Jiangning, I will buy 60% of the price of these sales into grain or winter clothes. The grain will be sold here, and the winter clothes will be donated. I think with the weather, they also need this. "
His words caused a discussion among the crowd. At this time, the atmosphere on the deck was slightly livelier. The young man did not say anything more and quietly retreated to the side. In the crowd, Pu Yangyi quietly followed him with the afterglow of his gaze. He watched as Xu Yangyi took out a book at the side of the ship's railing and took some time to read a few lines. For Puyang Yi, the transportation of grain this time was just a simple business activity. He was not too excited about it. In fact, there was also a small portion of people in the crowd that was like this. The amount of money that could be earned on this trip to Huainan did not mean much to him. Instead, it was this young man that caught his attention along the way.
This time, the disaster relief operation was led by the government and coordinated by the Princess Cheng's residence. There was a force that had been operating and manipulating behind the scenes. The Puyang family was the number one merchant in Jiangning. He could tell that all this came from the Right Minister's residence in the north. And in the depths, he saw the shadow of Ning Liheng, who could predict every ten steps.
He contacted everyone to gather, arranged the itinerary, accommodation, and coordinated all kinds of things along the way. Although a large part of it was arranged by Kang Xian, the one who had been in contact with everyone was this young man called Tang Wen. After a few days of contact, he had become acquainted with everyone. And in the conversation, intentionally or unintentionally, he was always affecting the sympathy of others and the common enemy of others.
Of course, before the crowd left Jiangning, Princess Cheng and Kang Xian had received these people and embellished their good intentions. And along the way, the young man also cleverly stirred up everyone's mood. On one hand, he was sure that he could make money, and on the other hand, he could incite everyone's sympathy, repeatedly telling them that this trip was a good deed. He told them how the unscrupulous peddlers were harming people, how many people would starve to death, and how miserable the people who starved to death were. Occasionally, he told several stories about the poor, and stories about the rich who did good deeds and reaped good results.
Most of the people who followed him were the sons and nephews of small and medium-sized landlords in the countryside. Their families may have food, but they did not have much experience. Some of them studied, but in the end, they could not enter the government. Kang Xian's reception, telling them about the disaster, and praising them greatly had already made them feel so glorious that they could not tell north from south. Then, he guided and embellished them along the way. If it were not for this series of interlocking means, they might not have said that they would give away all the food at this time. Even Puyang Yi suspected that the disaster relief site that they had just passed was deliberately arranged by the other party.
Just now when he said that 60% of the food would be used for disaster relief, it was just for fun. Along the way, he watched the young man's actions, and saw him occasionally hiding in a corner to read and silently recite a book. It turned out to be an introductory book of the Four Classics for students in the Academy. He was really curious. If the hand in the north was really controlling all this from afar, then … how on earth did it cultivate such a young man …
While Puyang Yi was observing all this, there was also a pair of eyes looking down from the slightly opened window on the second floor of the ship. That was the real noble person on the ship. One of the main reasons why Puyang Yi was willing to help was also because of her existence.
Behind the window was the face of a noble girl. In the past few days, she had also been silently observing all the changes.
"The person sent from the north has done a good job." Perhaps it was because of the severity of the disaster, but Zhou Pei was a little depressed. However, at this moment, she still smiled gently.
On this day, the price of food in Huainan was 36 taels per stone, and there were many people crying.
It was the same in the south, and opposite here, the situation was similar in the north. After the Beginning of Winter, the atmosphere in the disaster area was tense like a string. Half a month ago, Ning Yi, who was in the capital, had already controlled the first batch of food to enter. But after that, as ordinary people, they could not feel too much. Beggars and refugees began to gather in the city. More and more people could not eat, and everyone was looking for food. And under such circumstances, there were still kind-hearted people.
In Xiaoyi County, Fen Zhou, Hedong Road, thousands of people gathered outside the house of the Guo family. Ten big pots were lined up, and hot rice porridge was distributed to the hungry people. The hungry people who got the porridge hurriedly drank it, and before leaving, half of them would also thank them.
Xiaoyi County was named after Guo Xing's filial piety during the Zhenguan period. At this time, it was difficult to say whether the Guo family was inherited from the Tang Dynasty, but the Guo family's kindness was indeed well-known in the surrounding areas.
The inside and outside of the courtyard were two different worlds.
The high walls of the courtyard blocked the noise, and Li Pin sat in the hall, drinking tea, waiting for the Guo family's patriarch, Guo Mingli, to come out. Not long after, the patriarch of the Guo family, who was in his fifties, came to greet the newly appointed transport envoy. Li Pin expressed her gratitude for his good deeds outside, and the other party also spoke a few words of humility.
"To tell you the truth, Old Master Guo, this official is here for the price of food outside."
Li Pin's tone was gentle, and the other party also smiled, "Uh, I wonder … what has this matter got to do with me?"
"Old Master Guo, you should know that the imperial court cannot allow the price of food to rise like this. We have already sent the food over, and we have also done a little bit of research on the price outside. As you can see, it has been lowered to 30 taels, and we will continue to lower it. In the next round, we hope that the price of food will be 25 taels, and I hope that the Guo family will sell their food at the same price. Master Guo, the grain price is twenty-five taels a stone, which is ten times the usual price. It's a profit, don't you think? "
The old man panicked. "Sir, sir, I … I don't understand. I … I have to give out hundreds of dans of grain every month for disaster relief. There are still a few months left until winter. The price of grain … has nothing to do with me."
Li Pin took a sip of tea and smiled as she cupped her fists in greeting, "The Guo family has always been kind and has always been known for its filial piety. This Li has always admired the Guo family's generosity. Now that the Guo family is able to take out so much rations in such a dire situation, this official will definitely present a plaque and personally deliver it to your residence. But the price of grains is also related to the Guo Family. I know that the Guo Family has grains, and the Guo Family is the leader in the Fen Zhou region. If you don't sell, everyone will be watching. This is not good. "
"Milord, you've been wronged. What does it have to do with me if they don't want to sell? Milord, you … I've already offered so much food. Milord, you … don't have any reason to sell."
"Reason depends on how you explain it. You're generous in giving out porridge, but you won't sell grain. There are laws in the country that forbid hoarding goods and raising prices. I can punish you, but I see that the Guo family has a kind heart. This official has always respected kind-hearted people, so I have to say it personally. "
Li Pin's eyes were warm. The old man hesitated for a while and finally gritted his teeth, "Milord, this … this can't be justified. What hoarding goods and raising prices? Milord, I didn't put the grain outside to sell at a high price, so it can't be considered raising prices. And the grain … this old man's family is big, and many people eat with me. I put some grain in my house to prepare for the famine years. Also, the shareholders and clansmen of the family have a share in the grain. If everyone doesn't agree, how can I sell it? Milord, please understand … Over the years, there has never been a government that forced us to sell grain. Milord, this old man is willing to donate grain, donate grain … "
Hoarding goods and raising prices were not allowed. In fact, this was a law in every dynasty and generation. However, the problem in the world was not the law, but the problem of whether the law could leave the capital, and whether it could be implemented. For example, disaster relief. Most people knew that as long as the law was strictly enforced, all those who took bribes and perverted the law could be punished and killed. Or even just a group of them could be punished and killed. The problem was that no one dared to do this kind of thing that would cause public anger.
The Wu dynasty encouraged business, so the market was relatively free. Most of the time, price fluctuations were regulated by the market. At this time, the government often couldn't do much about hoarding goods. Of course, the most essential problem wasn't that there was no way, but that when the government also became a part of the profit chain, it was basically impossible to rely on strict investigation to stop this kind of thing. This was also the reason why Qin Siyuan and the others knew that this famine couldn't be solved by ruthless officials.
However … it was impossible to stop the whole thing, but Li Pin still had the power to touch one or two of them.
"I don't want you to donate grain. I'm not a beggar. Besides, it's not good to damage your interests." Li Pin picked up the teacup, "I want a win-win situation. It doesn't matter if the price is a little high. What's important is that there must be grain for sale. Twenty-five taels per stone, ten times the price. You can earn more, and I'll be happy. After all, as an official, I want to enrich the people … "
"Your Excellency, I'm willing to donate five hundred stone …"
"Don't play dumb with me again! I don't want your grain! " Li Pin's tone became serious, and then immediately dropped, "I've just been in office and I'm not very familiar with the place, but I can still investigate one or two people. You've been hoarding grain by manipulating the price to increase. It's not that I don't want to make money for you, but don't make it too much! I know that your backer is the Zuo family, but if I want to deal with you, they can't protect you! "
The old man's face turned pale, and then he suddenly knelt down, "Your Excellency! Since Your Excellency knows, why do you still force me like this! I, I've been doing good all my life, but grain is a business. I have shareholders and clansmen in my family, I can't act recklessly. And Your Excellency, you know the Zuo family and other people on the East River Road. If I really donate grain, I'll incur public anger, and the Guo family will be finished, Your Excellency … "
Li Pin put down the teacup, took a deep breath, and then stood up, "Yes, you're doing good. I know that outside the Zuo family's house, there are more than twice as many people waiting for porridge than yours. I have a friend who said a lot, you're all good people, and you never want people to die, because if people die, they will rush to your house and kill your people! Rob your things! You don't want people to die, you just want the world to become like the outside world, and then you're willing to give them porridge, feed them, and keep them alive! You're really great! Good! People! "
His words contained anger, but also a little powerless, "With my power, I can't deal with the Zuo family, but it's more than enough to deal with you. There are still a few days left. Master Guo, think about it, I know you're afraid of the Zuo family, but you'll soon learn to be afraid of me! Because in a few days, if you don't sell grain, I'll confiscate your house. Master Guo, I'll take my leave now. "
"Your Excellency, don't do this! Your Excellency, we can negotiate! Your Excellency … "
The old man shouted, but Li Pin had already stood up and strode out. When the carriage gradually moved out of the door, he opened the curtain and looked at the scene of the disaster victims, then withdrew his gaze and spoke in a low voice.
"Keep an eye on this place, don't cause trouble …"
*****
After Li Pin left, Guo Mingli also quickly left for the Zuo family in Jinzhou. The carriage traveled quickly, and the old man, who was still in good health, arrived at the Zuo family's house the next day. However, he did not look for the master of the Zuo family, Zuo Duanyou. Zuo Duanyou might know something about storing grain, but he personally did not like it. But his family was big, and he could not care so much.
The one who was really above Guo Mingli was the Third Young Master of the Zuo family, Zuo Jilan.
The Zuo family was a big family. Other than Zuo Duanyou, who controlled the overall situation, there were many clansmen, uncles, and brothers. Zuo Jilan was Zuo Duanyou's biological son. If there were no accidents, the future master of the Zuo family would be either him or Second Young Master Zuo Jiyun. In the past few years, Zuo Jilan had controlled many of the Zuo family's businesses and made money for many of the clansmen. This time, the famine was gradually rising, and it was time for him to do something big.
After listening to Guo Mingli, Zuo Jilan, who was 31 years old this year, stared coldly at the old man in front of her for a long time. "Uncle Guo, you know, this matter is very important to me."
"Yes."
"If he can kill you, so can I. Moreover, he is an iron-clad official. If you can endure this period, he won't be able to touch you. But the Zuo family is the one who has lived here for generations. Do you know that?"
"But …" Guo Mingli looked like he was about to cry. "He, he isn't joking. Second Young Master, you have to, you have to think of a way."
"I know this new Vice Transport Commissioner. He works for Qin Siyuan in the capital …" Zuo Jilan thought for a moment. "I will deal with him, but you must not give in. Do you understand?"
"… Yes."
"No matter what, it's not easy for him to work in the government. You stay here tonight. I will think of a way for you before you go back … Now go and rest, Uncle Guo. It's okay, it's okay. Don't worry … "
After Guo Mingli left, Zuo Jilan called for his two assistants. One of them was an uncle of the Zuo family. Due to his low status in the past, he was usually called Zuo Si. The other was a middle-aged scholar in his forties named Wang Zhizhen. He was also Zuo Jilan's most powerful advisor. After briefly explaining the matter, Zuo Jilan slammed the table.
"At this time, if Lao Guo dares to ruin my plan, I will kill him!" He gritted his teeth and said, "As for what Li Pin said, what do you think?"
Zuo Si glanced at Wang Zhizhen. Seeing that he was deep in thought, he had to speak first. "I think we can do something to him …"
Zuo Jilan shook his head. "He has just arrived and he works for Qin Siyuan. Of course we can't do anything to him! I'm not worried about Guo Mingli. Even if he has the guts, he may not dare to sell grain. Even if he does, the impact will be limited. But Li Pin said that the imperial court has taken action. Recently, the grain price suddenly dropped to 30 taels. Is it really them? "
"The grain price fluctuates a lot nowadays. It's just a random price. It's not like he said 30 taels is 30 taels. But some time ago … "Wang Zhizhen opened his mouth and frowned. He thought for a while." When it was almost the beginning of winter, the grain price was rising. But now it suddenly dropped. During that time, the price almost rose to 40 taels. Suddenly, a large amount of grain entered the market. We thought it was some blind peddlers who bought it. But it turned out that there was always some grain there. We bought nearly 5,000 dans at the price of 37 taels and 4 qian. Then the price dropped. "
"37 taels and 4 qian." Zuo Jilan blinked. "If we bought 5,000 dans, it's more than 100,000 taels. If it's really 30 taels now, does that mean I lost more than 30,000 taels?"
"You can't say that." Wang Zhizhen said, "Winter is coming. The price will definitely rise. It's said that it's 30 taels per dans. There's not much grain outside. We just have to wait."
Zuo Jilan thought for a while. "If someone pays with their fields, 30 taels will be fine."
"Of course … The Qi family should also know about this. Second Young Master, do you want to talk to them?"
"Oh … that's fine."
The next day, the few of them met with the young master of the Qi family, Qi Fanghou. Qi Fanghou's advisor was called Xu Mai. This person was similar to Wang Zhizhen. To be able to be an advisor in such a family, he was mostly a scholar who was proficient in all sorts of things. Both sides discussed and found a common point.
"Some time ago, I heard that the imperial court was organizing people to sell grain. My subordinates wanted to find out the truth. The first batch bought 4,000 dans. The second batch bought 2,000 dans. That's a total of 6,000 dans." Qi Fanghou said, "I don't care about money, but it's meaningless to keep buying. So, I took a look first. Then, the officials spread the news that the grain price has dropped. They're selling at 30 taels. I don't think it's much, but I don't know how much they'll sell. "
Xu Mai was quite famous in the East River region. He always carried a feather fan with him. At this moment, he waved his fan. "It seems that they have a capable person behind them who knows how to sell grain."
"What can an official know?" Zuo Jilan laughed coldly. "They just found a group of people to kill, and then find another group to kill. This time, there wasn't much movement … "
"They killed a few, but this time, there wasn't much movement. All the movement was on the grain price. So, there must be someone who knows how to sell grain. "
Xu Mai waved his fan. Qi Fanghou smiled. "Then, Mister Xu, do you have a countermeasure?"
"In the capital, those who are recognized by others are not simple. We haven't found out yet, so we can't underestimate our enemies." Xu Mai said. "But from what I see, when the officials talk about business, most of them take it for granted. They're just trying to deceive the officials in the capital. Of course, no matter what, in East River, with the financial resources of the Qi and Zuo families, and Brother Wang's ability, I believe that no matter who it is, they won't be able to get away with it. What do you think, Brother Wang? "
Wang Zhizhen smiled. "I didn't take it seriously before, but now that I'm prepared, no matter who it is … let's teach them a lesson."
In a moment, everyone laughed.
Then, the grain price of the entire East River Road started to rebound. At the same time, regarding Guo Mingli's matter, the two sides discussed for a while and came up with a difficult plan. Not long after, Guo Mingli returned home, ready to give Li Pin a dangerous show of strength.
*****
In the capital, it was winter. Ning Yi was busy in the Prime Minister's residence. Every day, he would gather a large amount of information and data through the Office of Secret Investigations' intelligence network. At the same time, he would send out his judgments and countermeasures on the various grain price fluctuations as fast as possible. At this time, the intelligence network had a lot of delays and errors. Many things could only be predicted. Ning Yi was also adjusting his pace. While he was at ease, sometimes humming a song as he worked, Wenren Buer, who was currently helping him, felt rather miserable. She was often confused by the data and judgments, completely unable to understand the basis of his decisions.
But not long after, he gradually saw the shadows and fluctuations of Ning Yi's battle with half of the country's grain merchants.
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