Chapter 63: The Jiangning Disaster, Hearts in Turmoil, Da Xia Capital, Undercurrents Surging

Da Xia Capital.

The affair of Jiangning Prefecture has already become a worry for many.

The higher the official's rank, the more concerned they are about this matter.

Those involved with interests must calculate carefully.

Those not benefiting from interests must serve the country.

However, when the news of Jiangning Prefecture arrived, it sparked a flurry of discussion.

Rear Hall of the Ministry of Revenue.

Several Ministry of Revenue officials gathered, all discussing the Jiangning Prefecture affair.

Minister of Revenue He Yan sat in the chief seat, his expression not good, while the other officials looked at one urgent report after another, their faces changing.

"Sixty taels per stone of grain—what is this for? Has the flood in Jiangning Prefecture already reached this extent? Only a few days have passed."

An official spoke, gazing at the content of the memorial.

"The flood in Jiangning Prefecture is indeed terrible, and I can understand the refugees rising up, but the rice merchants there are being overly aggressive, aren't they? In just a few days, the price has risen tenfold."

"If the number of disaster victims increases further, will the price rise to several hundred taels per stone? That is simply unreasonable."

Another official spoke, saying the price is truly outrageous.

The refugees have just arrived in Jiangning Prefecture, and the price has already jumped to several hundred taels per stone; if this continues, won't we be facing astronomical prices?

"When things go against the norm, there must be something nefarious."

"These merchants dare act so boldly because the refugees are concentrated and the state granaries indeed have no grain, prompting them to act arbitrarily."

"Moreover, there must be officials backing them behind the scenes; with such inflated prices and no prohibition, the governor of Jiangning Prefecture and the prefect of Jiangning Prefecture cannot escape responsibility."

Several people exchanged words, analyzing the Jiangning Prefecture situation.

He Yan, seated in the chief seat, remained silent throughout.

After everyone had finished speaking, He Yan's voice finally sounded.

"The main task at hand is still disaster relief."

"The court has dispatched dragon boats to transport grain, but it's still a drop in the bucket."

"I intend to draft a memorial to use treasury silver to purchase local grain, but the grain price in Jiangning Prefecture has skyrocketed; we must stop it immediately, otherwise the treasury silver cannot buy even one-tenth of what is needed."

"In the end, the silver will be spent but the disaster will not be relieved—that is the real problem."

"You all prepare the drafts for the memorial; tomorrow at the early court, Vice Minister Fang and Vice Minister Li must jointly present it."

He Yan spoke.

He thought it over; the only solution now is to use treasury silver to buy grain.

Using dragon boats to transport grain is too costly.

It would be better to directly use treasury silver to buy grain, reducing costs and effectively relieving the disaster.

However, the price cannot be too high; a modest increase over normal is acceptable, but buying grain at ten times the normal price is absolutely out of the question.

Upon saying that,

Everyone present fell silent.

After a moment, Vice Minister Li's voice sounded.

"Minister."

"Buying grain from the treasury is not a major issue, but given the current situation, using treasury funds might invite trouble."

Vice Minister Li spoke; he is the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, holds a rank of third grade, and is also a top-tier powerful minister.

If nothing unexpected happens, after Minister He Yan retires and returns home, he will become the future Minister of Revenue of Da Xia.

He Yan is already sixty years old; this position can at most be held for another five years.

Naturally, as the future Minister, Vice Minister Li must weigh the matter—draining the treasury and leaving a mess for himself is something no one would accept.

Of course this is the core issue, but there is also a secondary concern.

That is, the treasury has always been extremely sensitive; doing this might invite trouble.

"The grain price in Jiangning Prefecture has risen; when you spend money to buy grain here, is there any corruption involved?"

"There's no trouble, no trouble."

"Now is the time to focus on disaster relief; the treasury still has thirty-five million seven hundred thousand taels of silver available, with twenty million taels reserved as a foundation, and the remaining fifteen million seven hundred thousand taels can be used to purchase grain."

"If the rice merchants of Jiangning Prefecture are willing, we can allocate another fifty million taels of silver for them to make a profit, but they shouldn't expect to make excessive profits."

He Yan spoke.

This is his bottom line.

Buying grain at high prices, in the face of natural disaster, they accept.

Let's settle the matter first; there's no need to quibble.

But if we buy grain at astronomical prices, then it's completely unnecessary.

"Minister, what price are you willing to pay for grain?"

Vice Minister Li asked.

"Up to twelve taels."

He Yan said, stating his inner price.

"Twelve taels is indeed fine; although it's doubled, given the flood in Jiangning Prefecture, maintaining the original price is impossible."

"To be honest, twelve taels per stone of silver is unproblematic; the people can chip in a little, and the court will cover the bulk."

"As long as the situation stabilizes, the problem can be gradually resolved."

"Good."

"Then I will have my subordinates handle this."

Vice Minister Li nodded.

At the same time.

Da Xia Ministry of Personnel.

They were also debating this matter.

But unlike the disaster‑relief matters of the Ministry of Revenue.

The rear hall of the Ministry of Personnel.

Only three people were present.

Minister of Personnel Hu Yong, Left Vice Minister Xu Lai, and Right Vice Minister Wang Jiang.

"The magistrate of Jiangning Prefecture is truly acting recklessly; the local rice merchants have raised the price of grain to sixty taels per shi, and where in the world is there such expensive food?"

Xu Lai's voice rang out, harshly rebuking the magistrate of Jiangning Prefecture for his negligence.

"Disaster victims are rising, the official granaries are empty; his actions are also forced, though there are some faults, they are still understandable."

Wang Jiang spoke up; the magistrate of Jiangning Prefecture, Zhang Yang, has some connection with him, so he naturally said a few flattering words.

"Understandable?"

"The official granaries are empty; does that mean we can let these unscrupulous merchants run rampant?"

"It's only been a few days, and the price has risen to sixty taels per shi, ten times the normal price—this is the incompetence of officials."

Xu Lai continued his harsh rebuke.

He gave the other party no face at all.

"Vice Minister Xu, your words have gone too far."

"Natural disasters and human calamities—who can control them? Moreover, among the court officials, who has devised a good solution?"

Wang Jiang felt a bit indignant.

But at that moment, Minister of Personnel Hu Yong's voice rang out.

"The current matter is not something Zhang Chang can decide."

Hu Yong opened his mouth.

The two fell silent at once.

At the same time, they were pondering carefully.

"Does the Minister mean that someone is behind the scenes guiding Zhang Yang?"

They could tell what it meant and couldn't help asking curiously.

"Yesterday, at Da Xia Academy, Gu Jin Nian presented a strategy, and Su Wenjing praised it three times."

"Later, when it entered the palace, His Majesty's face lit up with great joy."

"Today, the magistrate of Jiangning Prefecture, Zhang Yang, has let the grain price go unchecked."

"Gentlemen, tell me, what coincidence lies within this?"

Hu Yong calmly pointed out the key point.

"Gu Jin Nian presented a strategy? What strategy could he offer? His prose and poetry are indeed good; I admire him, but regarding the nation's great affairs, what could a child understand?"

"I have also heard of this, but I do not think Gu Jin Nian could present any strategy. The common folk say that Su Wenjing valued Gu Jin Nian's talent, thus decided to take him as a disciple, wrote the strategy, and gave the credit to Gu Jin Nian."

"I accept this explanation."

The two spoke, and from that simple sentence it was clear they appreciated Gu Jin Nian's literary talent, but they did not endorse him in matters of governance.

This is not contempt, but for various reasons, being well‑read does not guarantee the ability to govern.

Even a top scholar of the imperial examinations can only start by entering the Hanlin Academy.

The reason is simple: the court is a great crucible where one is tempered.

If one does not suffer losses or fall for traps, it is hard to be of great use.

It is undeniable that geniuses exist, but scheming is closely tied to experience.

Hu Yong lifted his teacup, took a careful sip, and then spoke.

"Whether Gu Jin Nian proposed a strategy, or Mr. Su Wenjing did, or even if this is merely a play, one cannot deny one point."

"Zhang Yang acted on orders, tacitly approving the merchants' price hike; what the two should consider is why they did it, not who made them do it."

Having said that,

the two fell silent at once.

After a moment, the two independently arrived at a possibility.

"Sir, do you mean that His Majesty did this deliberately to stir public resentment and thus reduce influence?"

Xu Lai could not help but speak.

But Hu Yong shook his head and said,

"It is not the Emperor."

He denied it outright; even in conversation with his confidants, he would not miss a word.

"Mr. Su Wenjing?"

Wang Jiang asked curiously.

"It's not Mr. Su Wenjing either."

"Whoever presented the strategy is the one."

Hu Yong said lightly, "I dare not speak much about the Emperor, and I also do not wish to involve Su Wenjing."

Since the people say the strategist is Gu Jin Nian, then treat it as Gu Jin Nian.

Who performed the act is irrelevant; the key is the impact it can bring.

Hearing Hu Yong's words, the two also nodded, without quibbling over whose idea it was.

"Minister of the Secretariat, you mean the Emperor intends to move against these merchants?"

Xu Lai returned to the topic and asked thus.

"If nothing unexpected occurs."

"It should be so."

Hu Yong nodded, then set his teacup down and continued speaking.

"To ruin a person, first make him go mad."

"Even a foolish governor of Jiangning Commandery wouldn't act so recklessly at this critical moment; otherwise the court would settle accounts after autumn, and his official hat would surely fall off."

"Every move of Jiangning Commandery reflects the court's will; the plan Gu Jin Nian offered, I have roughly guessed as well."

"Let merchants raise prices, let grain soar, stir up popular resentment, then iron cavalry trample through, heads fall, open granaries to release food, and quell the people's anger."

Hu Yong spoke calmly, voicing all his conjectures.

In an instant, the two fell silent.

Regarding Emperor Yongsheng's move to eliminate merchants, they had some idea, but did not expect the Emperor to use this scheme.

As for this offered plan, everyone understood it was certainly a performance staged by the Emperor.

Having Gu Jin Nian appear on the front, Su Wenjing play a supporting role, and the court execute it in the end.

If trouble truly arises, all the blame would fall on Gu Jin Nian, but who is Gu Jin Nian? Just a raw youngster.

Why would the court trust Gu Jin Nian's words? Simply because Gu Jin Nian penned a timeless essay, leading to a misjudgment.

The court bears some responsibility, while Gu Jin Nian bears the big pot.

But so what? Dare you move against Gu Jin Nian? Who stands behind Gu Jin Nian? It's the Duke's residence, the Lord of National Stabilization, Grandfather Gu; aren't these aristocratic families afraid of death? Even if the Gu Family falls, they can still sever these people's throats mercilessly.

Then who is the ultimate beneficiary? The Emperor.

Why do aristocratic families dare to oppose the Emperor? Because when facing the Emperor, they are one.

But why they wouldn't oppose the Lord of National Stabilization? Because when facing him, they are not united.

This involves many discussions of power.

However, one point cannot be denied.

The Emperor is about to take action against the merchants of Jiangning Commandery.

Moreover, it may involve more matters; what are the Jiangning merchants compared to the aristocratic families, which are the key.

Xu Lai and the other person thought carefully, growing more terrified the deeper they thought.

In their view, Jiangning Commandery could likely draw greater trouble; if the Emperor moves against merchants, it won't be that simple.

It may even mean cutting down some major aristocratic families together.

This is a signal.

One cannot say it must be so.

But the likelihood is high.

Otherwise, during the disaster, not suppressing merchants' price hikes yet allowing them to rise—what does that mean? "Fine."

"Regardless, we shall watch the changes quietly."

"We won't speak of the rest."

At this moment, Hu Yong stood up, stretched his torso, and said no more.

What needed to be said had already been said.

The rest, the two of them could comprehend on their own.

Hu Yong walked out of the back hall.

The two exchanged a glance.

Such matters are hard for ordinary people to guess; Hu Yong knows this, and in fact had no need to tell the two of them.

Now that he says it, it carries another meaning.

Only the two said nothing, got up and left, each with their own thoughts.

At the same moment.

Inside Prince Qin's residence in Da Xia.

A man stood before Prince Qin, exceedingly respectful.

"Your Highness."

"The grain price in Jiangning Commandery has risen to sixty taels of silver per shi; rumors say Jiangning Prefecture has no longer any loophole, Governor Zhang Yang is greedily extorting wealth, colluding with merchants."

The man spoke, informing Prince Qin of the Jiangning Commandery matter.

"Colluding?"

"A single governor, if he wants to extort wealth, why must he collude with those merchants?"

"Indeed laughable."

Prince Qin sat on the high chair; his looks were not handsome, but rather fierce, with a scar on his left cheek—shallow yet giving an air of dominance.

He is the second prince of Da Xia, Prince Qin.

Back then, he rose with Emperor Yongsheng in rebellion; Prince Qin led the charge, rescued the throne several times, and commanded three thousand elite troops to breach a city in seven days, unmatched in bravery.

Now he commands a Da Xia military camp, holding the Tiger Talisman and the military seal.

He is the Crown Prince's greatest rival, virtually unrivaled.

Upon learning the truth of Jiangning Commandery, Prince Qin outright denied the rumors.

He then stood up and pondered carefully.

After a moment, Prince Qin Li Sui instantly grasped the cause and effect.

"To take action against Jiangning Commandery's merchants?"

He instantly sensed it, then looked at the man before him and said.

"Convey my decree: the Yang, Zhao, and Zhou families are forbidden from meddling in the affairs of Jiangning Commandery. Tell them that anyone who touches Jiangning Commandery to profit from it, I will not be lenient."

Li Sui sensed it and stepped forward; his immediate intention was to make the noble families under his command curb themselves a little.

"Obey."

The latter agreed.

At that moment, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Your Highness, Prince of Wei has a matter to request an audience."

As a servant's voice came from outside, Prince Qin waved his hand, and the man immediately withdrew.

Not long after.

A figure streaked in.

"Your humble younger brother pays his respects, second brother."

The figure that appeared was a gaunt man wearing a python robe, looking exceedingly refined.

"Third brother, why so much courtesy?"

"Come, sit."

Looking at his third brother, Li Sui couldn't help but smile; he invited the other to sit, saying nothing obscure.

"Third brother, you came today to see second brother about the Jiangning Commandery matter, right?"

Li Sui asked directly.

"This is the first."

Prince of Wei Li Tai spoke.

"What is the second?"

Li Sui asked curiously.

The latter glanced left and right, then lowered his voice and said.

"Second brother, the old master issued a secret edict yesterday: the Suspended Lantern Office, the Heavenly Feather Army, and the Town Administration Office are to be secretly deployed, and all incoming and outgoing personnel are being thoroughly investigated."

"If any information concerning Jiangning Commandery is found, it will be seized and subjected to harsh interrogation in the prison."

"I am here to inform you: don't make any mistake at this critical moment; you have just become regent, don't tempt fate."

Li Tai spoke; his voice was calm, though his meaning was unspoken.

His words fell silent.

Li Sui appeared very calm, without any ripple.

"Why does the old master suddenly block the capital? What mischief has arisen again?"

Li Sui asked.

"Second brother, you need not ask about this; me being able to come here and tell you already carries risk."

"Regardless, just consider that I never came today."

Li Tai said.

He is the commander of the Town Administration Office; in the Da Xia Dynasty, the Suspended Lantern Office mainly handles monster capture, the Town Administration Office handles intelligence and interrogation, and the Heavenly Feather Army reports directly to the Emperor.

Naturally, this Prince of Wei knows more about many matters than anyone else.

"Agreed."

"But third brother, I have just begun my regency; you should give me some face, that will be enough, otherwise I can't report back."

Li Sui said with a smile.

The meaning is simple: when you truly catch someone of mine, or something about me, it's best to turn a blind eye.

"Second brother, it's not that the younger brother won't help you; this time the old master is truly angry."

"What the Jiangning Commandery is entangled with, even I don't know, but it's definitely not a trivial matter."

"Brother, you also have to give the younger brother some explanation; otherwise you'll be like the eldest, ignoring everything."

On the crucial issue, although Li Tai has a good relationship with his second brother, it's still best not to touch it, lest trouble befall him.

"Fine, I'm just saying it casually; look at how serious you are."

"However, since the old master assigned you this task, do it properly; whether it's the Crown Prince or a powerful minister, those who must die shall die, those who must be punished shall be punished."

"Since I became regent, the Crown Prince's faction has been watching me, and some even pretended to be my men to frame me; you must investigate this thoroughly and not act rashly."

Li Sui burst into laughter, then began to complain.

Li Tai could not possibly not understand his brother's meaning.

"Second brother, rest assured, if anyone dares to frame…"

"I have other matters, so I will depart now."

If you let him release people, he certainly wouldn't dare; the Yongsheng Emperor watches from above.

But allowing him to kill is permissible; after all, a dead man's mouth is tighter.

"Alright, once the Jiangning Commandery matter is resolved, the two of us brothers will go to the Jiao Si Workshop and have a few good drinks."

Li Sui said with a smile.

Li Tai said nothing more, rose and left swiftly.

Only after Li Tai left did Li Sui's gaze turn gloomy.

A moment later.

His voice sounded again.

"Come, men."

"Send the order: everyone should keep to themselves; the Jiangning Commandery matter is unrelated to this king, and no one should get involved."

If you have the audacity to defy this king's will, you shall be killed without mercy.

King Qin said coldly, his face ice‑cold.

He had calculated countless possibilities, yet did not expect that the old master had already set a heavenly net and earthly snare; the matter in Jiangning County had little to do with him, but many aristocratic merchants were connected to him.

Among these countless refugees, who wouldn't want to make a quick fortune? Not to mention him; it's likely even the Crown Prince's men have harbored crooked thoughts.

Fortunately, my third brother reported the news in time; otherwise, if it were uprooted and fell on my head, it would be troublesome.

Silver taels are indeed good.

But however good, they cannot compare to the throne.

Now that I already hold regency, with ascension imminent, there truly is no need to risk my own life.

On this day.

Within Da Xia Capital.

It appears tranquil, yet beneath the surface currents have long been stirring.

In contrast, within Da Xia Academy.

It seemed wholly peaceful.

Today's master is a scion of an aristocratic family, but because he harvested wheat for too long yesterday.

Resulting in his legs being sluggish; not to mention any teaching, even sitting is uncomfortable.

Thus he studied on his own, while everyone else went about their own business.

And within the academy dormitory.

Gu Jin Nian, Su Huaiyu, and Wang Fugui all looked at the half‑dead Li Ji.

According to the emperor's decree, Li Ji should have remained hanging from the tree, but considering they were family, Gu Jin Nian secretly lowered him.

After treatment by the academy's chief physician and a dose of tonic, Li Ji barely revived.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, the awakened Li Ji neither cried nor raged, nor harbored resentment.

Instead, he felt a life without desire.

He just lay on the bed, silent.

Obviously, this young great‑grandson was bewildered about the future.

Indeed, since childhood he lived in luxury, pampered by his mother, cherished by his grandfather; his father, though not indulgent, never scolded him.

He had brushed off mishaps and taken beatings, but they were merely token; even smashing Yang Kai's head was only a symbolic thrashing.

But yesterday, being hung and beaten on a tree beyond human dignity shattered his worldview.

Especially upon learning that his grandfather also came to the academy and had him hung on a tree for twelve hours.

He grew even more desperate.

Human emotions, in fact, are not mutually comprehensible.

Li Ji, with a life without desire, stared blankly.

Gu Jin Nian and the other two watched attentively, as if observing a performance.

After about an hour.

Wang Fugui and Su Huaiyu left one after another.

Only Li Ji and Gu Jin Nian remained in the room.

Everything seemed very quiet.

Both remained silent.

After a while, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

Breaking the silence.

"Do you still feel aggrieved?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth and asked directly.

Li Ji said nothing, still lying on the bed.

"All are incompetent members of the royal family."

"Your father gave birth to you; truly a tragedy."

Gu Jin Nian stood up, sighed, and said.

When these words were spoken, Li Ji turned his head; in his previously indifferent gaze, a hint of anger appeared.

"Annoying."

"It's not wrong to call you stupid."

"Do you want to know why your father would beat you?"

"Do you also want to know why your grandfather punished you by keeping you hanging on the tree?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at him, his voice calm, and said.

The latter's eyes showed some turbulence, yet he remained silent; evidently the boy's temperament prevented him from losing face.

Of course, another reason is that he believes all this was caused by his own actions.

"So stupid."

"Your father beat you, truly because you talked back to me a few times?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to scold.

"Not that, what other reason?"

Li Ji finally spoke, though still somewhat indignant.

"What a joke." "He is your biological father; even if he needed to discipline you, it wouldn't be so cruel."

"In the end, it's because you have no brain."

I ask, who exactly is it? It's your uncle; we are family, there is a rift between you and me, you dislike me, this is trivial.

If we went to the imperial palace, even if we were fighting each other, your father would not punish you so severely.

It's you joining forces with outsiders to cause trouble for me; that is the root cause.

Li Ji, you are still young; it's understandable that you don't know many things, but you should know that your father is currently only a crown prince, not yet the emperor of Da Xia.

Moreover, he has now been stripped of the responsibility of regent.

Do you know what this means?

Gu Jin Nian's voice gradually became stern, and by the end it was icy cold.

My father was removed from his regent duties only because grandfather wanted to test him.

Li Ji felt somewhat unconvinced and directly spoke up to rebut.

Hah.

Who told you this? Was it your father's subordinates, right?

Gu Jin Nian's eyes were full of mockery.

But it left Li Ji unsure how to rebut.

I know what you're thinking.

You're merely thinking that His Majesty is old and will abdicate soon—perhaps in five years, perhaps ten, perhaps at most twenty—and then your father will become emperor.

And you are the crown prince of Da Xia; by then your father will also be old, so the emperor of Da Xia will be you, Li Ji.

These must be what your mother or those eunuchs around you told you, right?

Gu Jin Nian spoke fluently and reasonably, every word he said was correct.

Because Li Ji is exactly thinking that.

Sensing Li Ji's silence.

Gu Jin Nian's voice became even more sharp.

Where did you put your close second uncle?

Where did you put your close third uncle?

Do you really think the crown prince will surely inherit the throne?

Calling you stupid, you don't believe it; did someone actively seek you out when you came to Da Xia Academy this time?

Li Ji, uncle I ask you, what benefit do you have from offending me?

Gu Jin Nian truly thinks this Li Ji is very stupid.

But he can understand why Li Ji is so stupid.

Being overly protected.

The crown prince serving as regent, not bothering to manage him, plus the officials' support, creates an impression that the crown prince follows the prevailing trend.

And his mother, the crown princess, is overly indulgent; the inner palace and outer palace are two different worlds, with the concubines in the inner palace vying for favor and jealousy, stopping at nothing for power.

Consider what information the crown princess could instill in her son; adding those eunuchs and court ladies, who are merely sycophants, lacking other talents but excelling at being likable.

Day after day they instill in your ears that you are the future emperor, your father is greatly favored, and you need not worry about anything when you act.

Grand Prince, you can go wherever you want.

In such an environment, Li Ji will surely become arrogant.

There are only two ways to resolve this situation: either Li Ji gains a few younger brothers, which will naturally make him mature.

Or he suffers beatings and great losses, to the extent that even his dear mother would not recognize him.

Otherwise, such a person will eventually cause a major incident.

The crown prince handing Li Ji over to me is merely to have me wake him up.

At this moment.

On the bed.

Li Ji frowned, although he was angry, he could not refute any of Gu Jin Nian's words, nor did he know how to rebut.

But he was still angry, very displeased.

But this means that Gu Jin Nian's words are true.

Upon reflection, someone had instigated me to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian; although no one spoke directly, the indirect implication, including the atmosphere at the time, was hoping I would cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian.

And upon deeper thought, what benefit is there in offending Gu Jin Nian?

Um, it seems there really is no benefit.

Oh, the only benefit is to force Gu Jin Nian to completely break with me; then the Gu family would completely part ways with my father.

Thinking of this, Li Ji became even more silent.

Looking at the silent Li Ji.

Gu Jin Nian knows that this guy still has a bit of sense, not that stupid.

But the upcoming words are the main show.

"Do you still remember what your father said before he left?"

Gu Jin Nian looked toward Li Ji.

"Let me stay here and study with you."

Li Ji spoke with difficulty.

"Do you know what this means?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"What?"

Li Ji frowned; he truly did not understand what this meant—wasn't it just telling himself to study well?

This means.

This is the last chance your father gives you.

If you are stubborn and insensible, I will go straight to see the Crown Prince; as long as I say a word, rotten wood cannot be carved.

Your father will then completely abandon you, and he might even give up the throne in exchange for a peaceful life.

Do you know why?

Because the son of the esteemed Crown Prince is a fool; even if your father becomes emperor, what does it matter?

Would he pass the throne to you, a fool? The noble grandson, used by others yet completely unaware.

In a situation with no benefit, offending someone who shouldn't be offended—what kind of emperor would anyone want?

Why does your grandfather keep hanging you on a tree? This is telling your father that he is now very dissatisfied with you.

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, word by word.

As he spoke, Li Ji's face gradually turned deathly pale.

No.

This is impossible.

Gu Jin Nian, you are deceiving me; I am merely young and hot-headed, not very sensible.

Furthermore, the throne is supreme; how could my father possibly give it up?

Li Ji spoke up to refute, he did not believe his father would abandon the throne.

But the next sentence left him silent.

Giving up the throne is indeed unlikely.

But having another one, what do you think the likelihood is?

Your Highness, the Grandson?

Gu Jin Nian's expression softened, a smile appearing in his eyes.

But this smile, in Li Ji's eyes, was utterly terrifying.

Indeed.

Abandoning the throne is certainly impossible; who in history could give up imperial authority?

But having another one is actually not difficult.

The Crown Prince is no longer regent, his burden has lessened; he is still young, about forty-eight, to speak bluntly.

His Majesty is now only over seventy; if not for his diligence in governance, truly giving you another younger uncle would not be difficult.

Just think, if the Crown Prince takes some tonics, puts in effort, having another three or five would not be difficult, right?

Gu Jin Nian made a rough calculation.

Li Ji's face grew even uglier.

He fully understood.

His father truly was disappointed in him.

Gu Jin Nian whipped him in front of so many people, yet his father remained unmoved and insisted on placing him beside Gu Jin Nian.

Indeed, there is another meaning.

If he learns well, everything can be discussed.

If he fails to learn, he dare not gamble whether his father will give him another younger brother.

If that is truly the case, then all his beautiful dreams will go up in smoke.

Uncle Jin Nian.

It is Zhang Yun, Yang Boyun, Wang Xuan, and also Li Xiang and Li Jingfei who urged the nephew to come cause you trouble.

The nephew was merely momentarily confused; I hope Uncle Jin Nian will show mercy.

In an instant, Li Ji rose from the bed; although he felt some pain, even if he were stupid, he knew what he now faced.

Thus, he immediately sold all his teammates, hoping to secure leniency.

Inside the room.

Watching Li Ji so cleanly and decisively sell his teammates, Gu Jin Nian really didn't know what to say.

It is said that those who understand the times are outstanding.

This fellow truly is a great talent.

Do you understand?

Gu Jin Nian looked at the other party and asked.

Uncle, your painstaking efforts, the nephew has already understood.

It is the nephew's foolishness; Uncle, your words just now reached the nephew's heart.

We are ultimately family; Uncle, rest assured, if anyone dares to be unfavorable to you in the future, I, the nephew, will be the first to not comply.

I hope Uncle Jin Nian, seeing my youth, will overlook this matter.

In the future, the nephew will surely reform.

Li Ji became completely honest.

Actually, whether he becomes emperor or not, he isn't really afraid; that's a matter of the distant future, at least thirty or fifty years from now; what he truly fears is his father.

When he was whipped yesterday, he truly saw that his father was angry.

In his impression, his father was extremely gentle; even if he sometimes caused trouble, it was merely a reprimand, and that was that.

But yesterday, his eyes clearly showed a feeling of resenting his lack of competitiveness.

He is not stupid either.

Even if Gu Jin Nian didn't say all this, he knows in his heart that he has provoked his father.

It's just not as deep as Gu Jin Nian thought.

Now that he knows, Li Ji wouldn't dare act recklessly.

Seeing Li Ji behave so prudently.

Gu Jin Nian really couldn't react in time.

However, the fact proves one point: Li Ji isn't truly stupid; he's just been spoiled, too arrogant, too inflated.

Alright.

Li Ji, actually I said all that just to wake you up.

I'm your uncle; after all, we're family.

There were some misunderstandings before, but they were just child's play; when it comes to right and wrong, family must help family.

Yesterday you got beaten; I asked you, who spoke up for you?

Wasn't it me?

From now on, follow me and study; I'll speak well of you to your grandfather and father.

Besides, since we've cleared up the misunderstanding, you don't need to call me uncle; just call me Jin Nian Ge.

Looking at Li Ji behaving so prudently.

Gu Jin Nian also stopped pressing the issue; frankly, no matter how Li Ji puts it, he's still a great-grandson, possibly even the future emperor.

That's about enough.

If we keep pressing like this, it won't end well later.

For now, just take the advantage, also say a few nice words to ease relations; we don't need to say we'll be good brothers in the future, but at least don't let these matters affect future development.

But as soon as Gu Jin Nian said that, Li Ji immediately refused.

Uncle, that's inappropriate; you are indeed my uncle, and I used to be rude, but that's fine.

Now I, the nephew, have seen the light, mended my ways, and cannot but follow the rules.

From now on, whether in public or private, I will address you as uncle; one call, uncle for life.

Li Ji's awakening left Gu Jin Nian speechless.

Setting aside his previous foolishness, not to mention.

This awakening is truly top-notch.

Alright, study well from now on.

Li Ji.

Remember these words well.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, then looked at Li Ji, extremely solemn.

Uncle, you speak; I'm listening.

Li Ji nodded.

Family doesn't harm family; no matter how we quarrel, it's internal; externally we must stand united against a common enemy, understand?

Gu Jin Nian was utterly serious.

This is a reminder.

Uncle Jin Nian, rest assured, I understand; from now on I, the nephew, will part ways with them and draw a clear line.

Li Ji nodded.

Alright, get good rest.

Seeing Li Ji like this, Gu Jin Nian didn't think much, whether Li Ji is sincere or not.

It's best not to let things get too stiff if we can avoid it.

Nor do we worry about Li Ji rebelling; he's still at least fifty years away from the throne.

Moreover, Li Ji has no reason to rebel.

Otherwise, is there something wrong with his brain? To make it easier for a feudal prince to rebel, I'd eliminate the greatest ducal power?

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

Three days passed.

And within these three days.

For most places in Da Xia, things were quite peaceful.

But for Jiangning Commandery.

These three days, popular resentment sprang up everywhere.

Outside the entire Jiangning Prefecture, refugees were everywhere.

Some refugees still had a bit of belongings, bringing pots and pans, cooking some grain.

Meanwhile, some refugees had already begun hunting in the mountains or foraging for wild plants.

A large number of troops were stationed to deter the refugees, though the troops themselves were also uneasy, and the refugees' gazes had already begun to shift.

From a few days ago, they were full of fear.

Now, who knows what's in their eyes; a few hundred eyes looking over give a feeling of being watched by wolves.

Fortunately, there are not too few troops, and the court has also sent some people, so we can barely hold things steady.

Damn it, a dan of grain sells for 120 taels of silver—why not go loot it?

This ** merchant only knows how to profit from national disaster.

This gang of corrupt officials deserves to die; when rice merchants raise prices, do they feel nothing?

A dan of grain, one-tenth to one-twelfth mixed with sand and gravel—truly beastly; aren't they afraid of heavenly punishment?

What is this? You can still buy grain, but we're eating nothing but old, stale rice. Yesterday, one family ate moldy rice, suffered stomach pain all night, and the whole family left.

These bastards won't die a good death.

All kinds of curses rose and fell.

People's resentment is already strong.

But what frightens them even more is

Displaced people continue to stream endlessly toward Jiangning Prefecture.

At this very moment.

Inside Jiangning Prefecture.

Zhang Yang also listened to the report with a blank expression.

Prefect, sir.

According to official statistics, twelve people starved to death yesterday, ninety-five died from moldy rice, seven died in brawls, for a total of one hundred fourteen.

A voice rang out.

He spoke that number.

But Zhang Yang's expression remained cold as he looked at the other person and spoke slowly.

What about non-official statistics?

Zhang Yang spoke up.

He asked like this.

Out of a million refugees, 114 have died—do you believe that? The latter was taken aback.

Finally, he spoke slowly.

Four thousand eight hundred plus people.

Those gathered outside the prefecture, the refugees along the way, cannot be counted.

He spoke up.

Zhang Yang fell silent in an instant.

Scattered deaths, plus those uncounted, ten thousand die in a day.

This truly is hell on earth.

Just then.

A voice rang out.

Sir.

The imperial court has sent a letter.

As the voice sounded, Zhang Yang immediately rose.

After receiving the envelope from his subordinate,

Zhang Yang tore it open directly.

But soon, his face turned extremely grim.

The aide beside him couldn't help but frown.

Sir, what does the imperial court mean?

He inquired.

Continue to let it be, strengthen security, no uprisings allowed; if any uprising occurs, suppress it directly.

Zhang Yang spoke, his voice icy.

But the latter couldn't help but stay silent.

After a moment, he sighed and said:

Sir, your subordinate should now understand His Majesty's intention.

He spoke, saying as follows:

What does that mean?

Zhang Yang looked at his own aide, somewhat curious.

Incite public resentment, kill merchants, release grain.

The latter answered.

This made Zhang Yang silent.

But after a while, Zhang Yang shook his head.

Cannot be done.

Also cannot be done.

These merchants aren't stupid; although prices have skyrocketed, 120 taels of silver has already reached the limit, and several big merchants have kept prices steady at seventy to eighty taels.

They also fear the imperial court settling accounts later; this behavior cannot truly incite public resentment, and moreover, wielding the knife would be far-fetched.

Zhang Yang understood the emperor's intention, but he thought it wouldn't work.

Because these merchants aren't stupid; in fact, they're all crafty.

The highest price is one hundred twenty taels of silver.

The big merchants all sell seventy to eighty taels of silver, stopping there, keeping it within a very reasonable range.

Most importantly, these big merchants sell little grain each day, just to keep watching.

In such a disaster, they're not worried about sales.

The emperor's idea is good, but the justification is still insufficient.

Most importantly, to kill merchants, paying such a huge cost is not a good strategy.

"Write me a memorial; the general idea is that I hope the court allocates funds, and I will personally negotiate with these merchants."

"Keep the price within a reasonable range, have the court pay, and use it for disaster relief and to aid the people."

Zhang Yang spoke up; this was his idea.

"Mm."

The latter agreed.

Meanwhile,

In Jiangning Prefecture.

Inside an abandoned residence.

Zheng Gong stood respectfully before an old man.

He appeared very respectful.

"Zheng Gong, continue to manipulate other rice merchants to raise prices, but keep the main rice merchants' prices steadily controlled within sixty taels."

"No more than three thousand dan per day."

The old man spoke, saying this.

However, Zheng Gong couldn't help but give a wry smile, looking at him and saying.

"Sir, the price is still negotiable, but sixty taels is somewhat exaggerated—ten times the normal price; the court cannot possibly remain indifferent."

Zheng Gong spoke, with some difficulty.

How could someone capable of becoming a regional tycoon be so foolish?

"This is practically profiteering from national calamity, and the manner is so ugly—could the court possibly not settle accounts later? Yet the latter merely shook his head and said."

"Don't worry, Zheng Gong."

"Barring any unexpected events, in two days the prefect will come to find you and negotiate a uniform grain price."

"The prince's meaning is simple: the minimum is twenty taels per dan, not a single cash less."

"As for the rest, you needn't worry; no matter what the emperor intends, even if he wanted to take action against you, how many pure individuals are there in the court?"

"On matters of principle, we give each other an out; everything will be fine."

"Furthermore, from start to finish what we earn is the treasury's silver, not truly the people's money—why worry?"

The old man spoke, his tone calm.

Yet Zheng Gong remained silent, pondering something in his mind.

Seeing this demeanor,

the old man continued speaking.

"Zheng Gong, you need not worry overly; after this matter, the prince will surely bestow a generous reward, and your son may also go to Liuzhou to resume his post as prefect; after I go to Liuzhou, I hope Zheng Gong will look after me."

The old man smiled and said thus.

"Wherever, wherever, if you go to Liuzhou, sir, I will naturally do my utmost to welcome you."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Gong beamed even more.

He never expected that the superiors would actually grant such a reward.

A prefect.

Now he could not sit still.

Thus, the old man said no more, merely patted his shoulder, and then left.

But soon.

Two hours later.

A piece of news appeared.

Inside Jiangning Prefecture.

Once again the grain price record was refreshed.

One hundred eighty taels per dan of grain.

When this price appeared, whether refugees or the prefecture's residents, they were utterly shocked.

But astonishingly,

there actually were people buying it.

Moreover, it was almost a scramble, causing great controversy.

Furthermore, every few hours the price kept rising, and the number of people scrambling increased each time.

It was astonishing.

Yet inexplicably it also caused panic.

Thus it continued until the next day.

When these pieces of news reached the capital, they also thoroughly stirred up an uproar among the officials.

Before the mao hour.

The officials had already gathered outside the palace.

Each person had prepared a memorial.

Clearly, a fierce struggle was about to erupt.

(End of chapter)