Chapter 94

The Great Han suddenly saw prices soar, like a thousand-jin weight pressing down, heavily weighing on the shoulders of Tian Qianqiu, Zhang Qian, Wei Qing, and others.

At this moment, several people sat together, the atmosphere oppressively grim.

Tian Qianqiu furrowed his brows, the tea in his cup long gone cold, yet he was unaware, merely shaking his head and sighing: "I don't know who would resort to such despicable means, driving prices up so high that relief supplies are hard to gather—what are we to do?"

Wei Qing wore an expression of anger and helplessness, his fists clenched till his joints whitened, and he gritted his teeth: "If it weren't for the emperor's order forbidding rash action, I'd immediately lead troops to seize those profiteers and see if they'd still dare act so arrogantly!"

Zhang Qian also looked worried, saying: "Now we seem unable to find an effective breakthrough; this conspiracy is like an airtight net that has trapped us."

Just as everyone was at a loss, Liu Ju promptly summoned the officials to discuss matters before the palace.

Then, with the speed of thunder before one can cover one's ears, he issued an unexpected edict: calling on new merchants to join the guild, and lowering the entry requirements for merchants of Chang'an City to the absolute minimum—anyone meeting the basic criteria could simply register.

Once this edict was issued, it stirred up waves upon waves among the merchant community.

Many small merchants, upon hearing the news, were invigorated.

They recalled Liu Ju's earlier series of pro‑merchant policies, which had abolished the Salt and Iron Office, giving them a broader scope for business;

the issuance of tea permits opened new commercial channels for them.

These policies brought them tangible benefits and made them feel Liu Ju's emphasis on commerce and his support for them.

Now Liu Ju has lowered the threshold for joining the merchants' guild, whereas before it was nearly impossible for ordinary commoners to gain entry to Chang'an's merchants' guild.

Merchants instantly felt hopeful about the future, and increasing numbers decided to heed Liu Ju's call, flocking to register and join the guild.

These merchants came from all corners of the land; some originally harbored a desire to serve the nation, while others were motivated by gratitude for Liu Ju's earlier benevolent governance.

They brought with them sincere intent and supplies, joining the ranks of those aiding the disaster area.

While the merchants of Chang'an City were actively responding to the call, Su Wu in distant Yizhou immediately sprang into action, leveraging his prestige and connections there to travel far and wide gathering supplies.

The locals of Yizhou—both civilians and merchants—were moved by Su Wu's righteous act and generously opened their purses.

Soon Su Wu had gathered large quantities of grain and cloth; he personally organized convoys, traveling day and night to transport these supplies to the disaster area.

As the newly guild‑joined merchants continually poured supplies into the market, and with the large batch of aid sent by Su Wu, market provision gradually became sufficient.

Those merchants who had originally been deceived by Tian Huan and hoarded grain saw prices plummet in a short time, their stockpiled goods suddenly unwanted, and they panicked.

They had thought they could make a fortune by relying on Tian Huan's scheme, but they never expected the situation to reverse so suddenly.

In order to unload their goods quickly, they were forced to sell at low prices, but the market was already saturated, and no one was willing to take them.

Their wealth rapidly dwindled in this sudden upheaval, and many lost everything, reduced to penury.

Once invincible, they could now only stare at mountains of piled‑up goods, wanting to cry but having no tears.

As for Tian Huan, seeing his meticulously plotted scheme utterly shattered, he collapsed limp in his chair, his eyes vacant, as if he had lost his soul.

He never imagined that Liu Ju could so swiftly turn the tide and thwart his clever plans.

"Sir, the Imperial Court's Feathered Forest Guard seems to have tracked us down; we ought to act quickly."

At that moment, the dazed Tian Huan of the Personal Guard said:

Tian Huan frowned deeply and said in a low voice: "Liu Ju is unworthy of being human, using power to oppress others, heaven and man resent him; with the Yellow River breach this time, he must be overwhelmed, and we still have a chance to deal with him."

The Personal Guard also nodded and said: "Sir, while the Imperial Court is stretched thin and cannot spare energy to investigate this thoroughly, we should withdraw for now and wait for another chance."

Tian Huan nodded.

Then Wang Hu asked: "Sir, what are we to do with these supplies? We can't even carry them away!"

Tian Huan's sinister gaze swept over the supplies piled like mountains in the warehouse, and he coldly ordered: "Burn them all!"

"Yes!"

Wang Hu received the order and departed.

Tian Huan's grim, cold stare fell on the supplies gradually catching fire, his face showing a sickly delight.

At this point he too was committing all his reserves, having already sent his family and trusted aides back to his fief.

He glanced back at the roaring blaze and at the distant, towering walls of Weiyang Palace, then turned and left.

At the moment Liu Ju moved against Tian Sheng and Tian Zhi, he felt no lingering attachment to the Great Han and Chang'an.

As Liu Ju was on the way to the disaster area, he looked at the solemn Zhang Tang and asked: "Have you found out who stole the supplies?"

Zhang Tang replied coldly: "It was Tian Huan, but these people have potential allies in the Ministry of Works, armed with hand cannons and Thunderclap Bombs, and now Tian Huan and his cohorts have vanished; I dare not act arbitrarily, lest I cause further trouble."

Liu Ju fell silent, pondering.

Tian Qianqiu then said: "Your Majesty, last time Tian Huan's gang mostly seized cloth; the grain now being sent to the disaster area should be sufficient."

Liu Ju's expression eased somewhat as he said:

"Tian Huan and his ilk will not give up their wicked intentions; they will surely act again. You must closely monitor all developments without the slightest laxity. Zhang Tang, immediately pick a handful of agile, meticulous elites, disguise them, and infiltrate the disaster area and its vicinity."

"On the surface they are ordinary civilians; in secret they will tightly watch any place where someone might hide, especially Tian Huan's possible hideouts. Once his whereabouts are discovered, report to me at once, but do not act rashly—be sure to await my orders."

Zhang Tang received the order and departed.

Liu Ju then turned to Wei Qing and said: "King of Wei, take a portion of the troops and station them at a modest distance from the disaster area; do not draw attention, but stay ready at all times."

"If Tian Huan appears, your unit must move swiftly to cut off his retreat and net him and his followers in one go. Remember, do not give them a chance to escape."

Wei Qing bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not fail this mission!"

After arranging the military deployment, Liu Ju again summoned the accompanying imperial physicians and spoke solemnly:

The situation in the disaster area is complex; an epidemic could break out at any time. You must prepare sufficient medicinal materials and develop prevention and treatment plans for possible epidemics. At the same time, train a group of local residents as assistants so they learn basic rescue methods to cope with sudden situations.

The imperial physicians all nodded and withdrew to prepare.

Under Liu Ju's arrangement, the various forces proceeded in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, Tian Huan, who was hiding in a secluded valley, was fuming with rage.

He looked at the meager supplies in his hand, gnashing his teeth, and said: "Liu Ju, this brat, has ruined my plans! But I will never let it go. That grain will sooner or later be mine!"

One of his subordinates beside him said cautiously: 'Sir, the situation outside is too tense; what should we do?'

Tian Huan's eyes were sinister; after a moment of contemplation, he said:

Continue to send people to monitor the disaster area's supply transport routes, looking for an opportunity to strike. Moreover, spread rumors, claiming that this is the work of ghosts and gods, so that the people will believe it is heaven's punishment.

As long as we can muddle the senses and keep the court from uncovering the truth, this official will be handsomely rewarded.

Then he whispered to the guard again: "There is also a more important piece of news to be spread abroad."

After he finished speaking, the guard stared wide-eyed, trembling as he said:

"Sir, is this true?"