Chapter 97

Outside the Yongfeng Granary in Fuyang County, the people gathered in three layers to watch the spectacle.

However, none of them could get close to the Yongfeng Granary because the entrance was filled with soldiers from the Zhejiang Grain Inspectorate, the Circuit Intendant, and the Garrison Commander.

It was extremely rare for three high-ranking officials to visit a county at the same time, but this morning, three large official boats arrived simultaneously in Fuyang County. One of them flew the flag of the Zhejiang Vice Commissioner and the Grain Inspectorate; another flew the flag of the Zhejiang Censorate Deputy and the Eastern Circuit Intendant; and the third, slightly less grand, flew the flag of the Zhejiang Vice Commissioner and the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Garrison Commander.

The common people had never seen so many high officials at once, and knowing that something exciting was about to happen, they all stopped their work to watch.

What was even more surprising was that County Magistrate Wei did not know about their arrival any earlier than the common people. When he arrived at the dock with his subordinates, the three high officials, all dressed in red robes, had already disembarked.

County Magistrate Wei hurriedly bowed deeply and said, "This humble official failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive me, Your Excellencies..."

The Grain Inspectorate official smiled and said, "The situation is urgent, and we didn't have time to notify you. It's we who are being abrupt."

County Magistrate Wei quickly replied, "Not at all, not at all."

"The three of us are here on the orders of the Three Chief Commissioners to inspect the disaster relief preparations in each county. Fuyang County is our first stop," the Garrison Commander said with a smile. "We hope for your cooperation, County Magistrate Wei."

County Magistrate Wei hurriedly replied, "Certainly, certainly."

"Let's not waste time," the Circuit Intendant said coldly. "We have other places to visit."

"Please come to the yamen to rest, and I will report the situation," County Magistrate Wei said earnestly.

"There's no need for that," the Circuit Intendant said coldly. "Let's go straight to the granary to inspect the grain stores!"

"Already?" County Magistrate Wei was surprised.

"During a major disaster, grain is more valuable than gold," the Grain Inspectorate official said gently. "Please understand, County Magistrate Wei."

"Yes..." County Magistrate Wei smiled bitterly to himself. What could he do if he didn't agree?

Inside the Yongfeng Granary, Du Ziteng unlocked the door, and two grain measurers pushed open the heavy door. Inside, stacks of grain bags were neatly arranged, towering like mountains, and the place was spotless and well-organized.

Du Ziteng bowed to the side, and the officials entered with expressionless faces. The Grain Inspectorate's clerks followed, holding ledgers, calling out the stored grain quantities and checking the bags, allowing the three officials to inspect them.

Strangely, the Circuit Intendant seemed more interested in the grain than the Grain Inspectorate official. He ordered that thirty to forty bags be randomly selected and opened, and the grain was poured out on the ground.

The rice poured out without any impurities or signs of spoilage.

The Grain Inspectorate official, being an expert, checked five warehouses and found that each was the same. He knew that the condition of the Yongfeng Granary was exceptionally good, almost unimaginably so...

He glanced approvingly at County Magistrate Wei, who was thin and had prominent cheekbones from hard work, and asked, "How did you manage this, County Magistrate Wei?"

"I just followed the regulations," County Magistrate Wei replied respectfully. "There's nothing special about it." Although his tone was light, he was inwardly elated. The feeling of showing off was something one had to experience to understand...

"I mean..." the Grain Inspectorate official explained, "the common malpractices in some granaries are not seen here."

"If they are malpractices, they naturally have no place here," County Magistrate Wei continued to show off. The Circuit Intendant, Sun, was so angry that he was fuming, but he couldn't find any faults. In half a day, he had already inspected half of the granaries and found that the stored grain was far more than the required amount. How could he find any trouble?

"County Magistrate Wei, why is the stored grain far beyond the limit?" Circuit Intendant Sun asked coldly. "Is this the only granary in the entire country?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, Fuyang has scarce arable land, and most of the people do not grow grain; they rely entirely on purchases," County Magistrate Wei explained. "In case of a grain shortage, the people of Fuyang would face a food crisis, so the county must store more grain to prepare for emergencies."

"Hmm, is this a tradition?" the Grain Inspectorate official asked curiously. "Why haven't I heard of it?"

"This is a new rule established by the county magistrate," Du Ziteng whispered. "It didn't exist before."

"Very good, County Magistrate Wei is mature and capable," the Grain Inspectorate official said, looking at the other two. "I am very satisfied with the condition of the Yongfeng Granary."

"I agree," the Garrison Commander nodded. "Most county magistrates just aim to maintain the granaries. To do that well is already commendable. But County Magistrate Wei aims to fill the granaries, showing his dedication to his duties."

"Indeed," the Grain Inspectorate official nodded. "Only when the granaries are full can we ensure that there is enough grain for disaster relief in times of famine."

"Let's check the other places first," Circuit Intendant Sun said gloomily. "Are the shelters for the disaster victims ready?"

"Almost ready," County Magistrate Wei replied. "Please follow me, Your Excellencies."

"Please." The three officials finished inspecting the granary and followed County Magistrate Wei out of the Yongfeng Granary.

Seeing the officials leave, Du Ziteng hurriedly bowed deeply to Wang Xian and said, "My benefactor, you are the savior of my entire family." Although he had been disciplined by Wang Xian before, Du Ziteng could not help but feel grateful now.

"County Magistrate Du has done a great job, and a promotion is just around the corner. Congratulations," Wang Xian said with a light smile.

"It's all thanks to my benefactor," Du Ziteng said sincerely. "From now on, if you have any orders, I will do anything, even if it means risking my life!"

"You don't need to risk your life," Wang Xian said seriously. "First, take good care of the Yongfeng Granary. Second, inform the grain merchants to buy as much grain as possible from Changsha." During the New Year, Zhou Yang had mentioned to Wang Xian that he had established contact with grain merchants in Changsha and could buy grain at any time.

"But they have no money left," Du Ziteng said with a bitter smile. "All their money was spent on buying grain and compensating the government."

"Borrow from moneylenders and salt merchants, as much as you can, and the county can guarantee the loans," Wang Xian said firmly. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They can make all their money back in one go. If I weren't in the yamen, I would definitely sell everything to buy grain."

"I understand, my benefactor. Thank you for your guidance," Du Ziteng nodded deeply. "If we really make money, you will definitely get your share."

"That's not necessary," Wang Xian said. "I am doing this to prevent a grain shortage in the county."

"Yes," Du Ziteng agreed. "This disaster has caused a grain shortage in many counties, and they will not allow grain to be exported."

This was not a big problem for ordinary counties, but for Fuyang, which heavily relied on grain purchases, the grain prices would be several times higher than in other counties, and there would still be a shortage. To avoid a grain crisis, Wang Xian and County Magistrate Wei had discussed buying grain from distant places to make up for the shortfall.

"Make sure they do a good job," Wang Xian instructed. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the benefits are immeasurable."

"Yes," Du Ziteng replied respectfully.

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