Chapter 65

Great Xia Capital.

Inside the main hall.

Ministers gathered.

The entire hall was somewhat solemn.

However, unless it was an urgent matter, the first half of the court session was usually dedicated to discussing major national affairs.

The second half of the time was spent discussing matters of public concern.

The flood in Jiangning County was a major issue, and a pressing one at that, so it was reasonable for it to take up most of the second half of the session.

Within half an hour, the six departments took the lead in speaking, reporting on various domestic affairs, after which Emperor Yongsheng made decisions.

After half an hour,

The scene became quiet again.

Everyone was preparing, waiting for the first person to break the silence or for the emperor to speak.

However, Emperor Yongsheng remained silent for a long time.

Finally, the Left Minister of Works stood up.

"Your Majesty."

"The number of refugees in Jiangning County has reached over two million, and it increases by more than half a million every day. Local reports indicate that grain merchants in Jiangning Prefecture are inflating grain prices to around 120 silver taels per dan."

"Even yesterday, some grain merchants raised the price to 260 silver taels per dan, an unprecedented event during the prosperous era."

"I humbly request Your Majesty to issue an edict to punish the major officials in Jiangning County and control grain prices. Otherwise, this situation will cause panic in the surrounding counties and lead to major disasters."

The Left Minister of Works spoke,

Putting the matter of Jiangning County out in the open.

In fact, everyone present already knew, and Emperor Yongsheng, sitting on the dragon throne, had known for a long time.

The surge in grain prices was understandable, given the flood.

However, 260 silver taels per dan was unreasonable and too glaring, not fitting the description of a prosperous era.

However, upon hearing this,

Emperor Yongsheng was only slightly surprised and looked at the ministers, saying,

"Is this really the case?"

"260 silver taels per dan of grain?"

He appeared surprised, but the ministers remained silent, clearly not wanting to play along.

"The flood in Jiangning County has left countless refugees, and this situation is truly against natural law."

"However, natural disasters and human misfortunes are unavoidable. Jiangning County is three thousand miles away from the capital, and local officials will make their own judgments. I intend to conduct an inspection next month and hold a banquet for the ministers to thoroughly investigate the matter."

"After all, in such a natural disaster, I believe you, as ministers of the Great Xia, would not be corrupt. There must be some difficulties, but as long as the people are protected, I can handle the situation appropriately."

Seeing that the ministers were not cooperating, Emperor Yongsheng did not continue to pretend.

The meaning was simple: I know about the matter, but what can be done? You have no ideas, and the local officials can only act this way. It's not as if they can magically produce grain.

However, this response was not what some people wanted to hear.

260 silver taels per dan of grain was already shocking, and for these people, it was not a good thing.

The emperor needs to save face, and the ministers also need to save face.

During the prosperous era, such an event occurred, and the top officials have no face to claim they are serving the country and the people.

Don't think they are now high-ranking officials in the capital, but once they go out, the scholars in various regions might criticize them harshly.

The emperor can act irresponsibly.

The ministers cannot act irresponsibly.

"Your Majesty."

"This is a mistake."

At this moment, the Right Minister of Revenue stood up, bowed to Emperor Yongsheng, and then took out a memorial.

"Reports from Jiangning Prefecture."

"Although the refugees are numerous, the prefecture has a large stock of grain. The grain reserves of all major grain merchants can last for at least three months."

"If we can delay for three months, the main road will be repaired, and the troops sent by the court can deliver grain to Jiangning County."

"Furthermore, the harvest season has begun, and various counties and towns are prepared. We only need to stabilize the refugees, and disaster relief can solve all problems."

"So I believe that the main reason for the grain price increase is the local officials' negligence."

"Of course, in the face of natural disasters, human resources are limited, and this is a common situation. However, no matter what, such indulgence should not be allowed."

"I have a plan to resolve the grain disaster. The emperor only needs to issue an edict to control grain prices, send a court envoy to Jiangning Prefecture, and meet with the prefect of Jiangning County to discuss with the local grain merchants."

"Purchase grain at a reasonable price to ensure stability and prevent civil unrest. Both sides can compromise and live in peace. Once the situation is completely stable, we can bring this matter to the inspection to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

The Right Minister of Revenue spoke at length, ultimately stating his purpose and thoughts.

This was the opinion of the entire Revenue Department.

In other words, the Revenue Department was willing to provide funds.

For a moment, the ministers' expressions changed slightly. With the Revenue Department's willingness to provide funds, many things could be handled more easily.

Grain merchants just want money.

If the Revenue Department is willing to pay, negotiations can proceed without conflict, and the only cost would be a reduction in the national treasury.

But this was inevitable, given the current situation.

"Oh?"

"Lower the grain prices? This is a good plan, but to what price?"

Emperor Yongsheng showed some interest. He sat on the dragon throne, dignified and imposing, stroking his beard, curious.

"I believe 12 silver taels per dan is just right."

The latter spoke, giving a number.

12 silver taels, which is twice the normal grain price, is still quite expensive.

But under the circumstances of natural disasters and human misfortunes, it is not particularly high, and the market price is not a problem.

However, upon hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng immediately understood.

He nodded, looking at the Right Minister of Revenue, and then said,

"Grain in Jiangning Prefecture usually costs 6 silver taels per dan. Logically, during the harvest season, it should be even lower."

"But now, with natural disasters and human misfortunes, we will double the price for them."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk... these merchants really know how to do business. 6 silver taels per dan, with a profit margin of at least 40%."

"Now, 12 silver taels per dan. Let me calculate. For two to three million refugees, to eat well, they need more than 20,000 dan of grain per day."

"That means a profit of over 100,000 silver taels per day, and this cannot continue to increase. If all the refugees in Jiangning County gather, it will be at least three times as much, meaning a profit of 500,000 silver taels per day."

"And for the court, it means an expenditure of 700,000 to 800,000 silver taels per day."

"In a month, with various expenses, it will be 30 to 40 million silver taels, and in three months, it might not be enough with 100 million silver taels."

"Good, good, truly excellent."

Emperor Yongsheng muttered to himself, calculating.

But once the calculation was done, everyone involuntarily lowered their heads.

They could sense that Emperor Yongsheng was very angry.

"Your Majesty."

"This is the best plan, we can't just..."

The latter continued, trying to defend his position.

But the next moment, Emperor Yongsheng slapped the armrest of the dragon throne, his voice filled with coldness.

"Shut up."

"What nonsense. I see you are driven by profit. Are you perhaps connected to the merchants in Jiangning Prefecture?"

"12 silver taels per dan, and you dare to say this?"

"The national treasury can be used for disaster relief, but if it goes to the merchants, isn't it encouraging corruption?"

"Bring him down, send him to the Lantern Bureau, and investigate thoroughly to see if he has colluded with these merchants."

"Thinking of using the national treasury, are you tired of living?"

He roared, the emperor's authority spreading, and all the ministers changed their expressions.

As for the Right Minister of Revenue, he was struck as if by lightning.

He did not expect that proposing a strategy would lead to such trouble. Being sent to the Lantern Bureau was a serious matter.

Even if the investigation found nothing, he would lose half his life. Moreover, the Lantern Bureau would not just investigate this matter but all his affairs.

How many officials in the Great Xia were clean?

If investigated, his career would be over, and his family would suffer. How could he not be panicked?

But before he could speak, Hu Yong stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, please calm down."

"Minister Lin is concerned about the state and has racked his brains to come up with this strategy. Although it has flaws, he is ultimately serving the court and the people."

"Please calm down, Your Majesty."

Hu Yong stepped forward, speaking on behalf of the other minister.

In the court, there were no enemies, only matters. Even if Hu Yong and He Yan were opponents, this matter was recognized by everyone.

If they ignored it or took advantage of the situation, it would not benefit anyone, and no one would continue to mention it.

This would not be beneficial to themselves or others.

So Hu Yong stepped forward to plead for He Yan's people. One day, if Hu Yong's people were in trouble, He Yan would also step forward to help, as long as it did not affect core interests, everything else could be discussed.

"Your Majesty, please calm down."

At this moment, almost all the civil officials spoke up to plead for the Right Minister of Revenue.

But most of the military officials remained silent.

This matter did not directly affect them, and there was no benefit for them. However, since the civil officials were pleading, they would not interfere, as it did not harm their interests.

But they could not be expected to help.

Faced with this situation,

Emperor Yongsheng coldly snorted, his eyes filled with coldness and ferocity.

"During the uprising of the founding emperor, one reason was the heavy taxes, and the other was the greed of merchants, which left my father without any support."

"Today, under the flood, you want me to negotiate with a group of merchants