Wei State, Hongdu.
The Wei State was gradually being stained by the dust of war. Autumn winds were blowing, and border conflicts were incessant. The common people began to feel anxious about the nation's situation.
After all, the wars of three to four years ago had instilled a sense of urgency in the Wei State's populace. Consequently, grain prices in Hongdu had risen considerably.
The imperial court also noticed this trend. To stabilize public sentiment, the Wei State court released a large quantity of grain at stable prices from the Ever-Normal Granaries, which helped to stabilize the grain market.
However, once war broke out, the national treasury's silver flowed out like water, and the Wei State court bore immense pressure.
The Left Prime Minister's Estate.
Prime Minister Feng Qinghong sat by his desk, perusing a document. Beside him, a middle-aged man with a goatee was speaking.
"My lord, this batch of grain isn't solely from the Feng family. It includes grain from dozens of neighboring families. For the government to seal it all off like this, you must tell me…"
The middle-aged man with the goatee poured out his grievances while also observing Feng Qinghong's expression.
Seeing that Feng Qinghong remained silent, the goatee-sporting man tried again. "My lord, please consider releasing this batch of grain first. Even if the court imposes a fine, it would be justifiable. We're not saying we won't admit our mistakes. But keeping such a large quantity of grain locked up indefinitely is not a solution." httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Feng Qingshu continued to read his document as if he hadn't heard the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man sat respectfully on his chair, showing no sign of dissatisfaction, quietly awaiting a response.
After a moment, an old servant announced from outside in a low voice, "Master, young master has arrived."
"Let him in," Feng Qinghong said calmly.
"Yes."
A man with a refined appearance, possessing the bearing of a scholar, walked in.
The middle-aged man with the goatee immediately stood up, a smile plastered on his face, and said, "Zhou Sheng is back. After several years apart, Zhou Sheng has become even more imposing."
"So it's cousin. I didn't know cousin was discussing important matters with father. Zhou Sheng intrudes." Feng Zhousheng said.
Strictly speaking, Feng Zhousheng and the middle-aged man with the goatee were of the same generation, though Feng Zhousheng was much younger.
The middle-aged man with the goatee smiled and said, "No matter, no matter. It's nothing major. I just had business in Hongdu, so I came to visit uncle. Since Zhou Sheng is here, I shall not disturb you further. I'll take my leave."
"Uncle, I will visit again another day."
"Mm," Feng Qinghong merely responded indifferently, showing no particular reaction.
However, Feng Zhousheng politely escorted the middle-aged man with the goatee out. Although the latter kept refusing, Feng Zhousheng insisted on seeing him to the door.
After Feng Zhousheng returned to Feng Qinghong's study, Feng Qinghong asked calmly, "Did you see him off?"
"Yes, son watched him board the carriage before he left," Feng Zhousheng said. "May I ask if cousin had any business with father today?"
"What business could there be?" Feng Qinghong put down the book he had been holding and said, "It's just that a batch of grain was seized by the authorities, and they wanted me to intercede."
"Is that all?"
"Is that all?" Feng Qinghong sneered. "Do you know how much grain they hoarded? The grain they hoarded could supply the front-line army for two years!"
"That much!" Feng Zhousheng was somewhat astonished.
"And that's not all. Some merchants are also inflating prices on other scarce goods. If their arrogance isn't curbed, who knows how high market prices will soar!"
Feng Zhousheng sighed and said, "Fortunately, there are the imperial Ever-Normal Granaries. Otherwise, something might truly happen."
"Hmph!"
Feng Qinghong said, "Do you really believe this grain is all their own?"
Feng Zhousheng paused and said, "Could it be..."
Feng Qinghong said, "Their grain comes from all over. How could it have been transported so quickly? Moreover, there are considerable losses along the way."
"These people would promise distant grain to the officials of the Ever-Normal Granaries, borrow grain from the granaries, and then return the distant grain to the granaries."
"In this way, all the losses would be borne by the imperial court, and they could sell their grain at the highest price."
"This, this... isn't this undermining the foundation of the imperial court?" Feng Zhousheng said angrily.
Feng Qinghong glanced at Feng Zhousheng and said, "It is precisely because of this that the imperial court will be thoroughly investigating the accounts of the Ever-Normal Granaries to rectify these situations."
"Sheng'er," Feng Qinghong changed the subject. "Do you want to contribute to this matter?"
"My son's qualifications are insufficient, I'm afraid..." Feng Zhousheng hesitated.
Feng Qinghong said, "Don't worry. The imperial court will assign you a steady and reliable deputy. What do you say?"
"Whatever Father arranges." After a moment of hesitation, Feng Zhousheng accepted the task.
Feng Qinghong nodded with satisfaction and said, "You've served in local posts for a considerable time. It's time to return to Hongdu. This opportunity is perfect for accumulating experience and broadening your horizons. You have little experience with such administrative matters, so this is a good chance to gain some insight."
"Yes."
"With this real power, you will also gain a good reputation among the literati. It's a win-win-win situation and will greatly benefit your future. This matter is very important, so you must devote more thought to it," Feng Qinghong instructed.
"Thank you for your kind intentions, Father," Feng Zhousheng replied.