First and foremost, the soaring grain prices need to be controlled. To do so, there must be enough grain to address the current situation.
But this is the tricky part. They just brought in a thousand “dan” of grain from Yongzhou, yet in less than half a month, it's already not enough. The grain from other regions is still far from arriving. The current predicament can't be resolved with faraway help.
A moment of silence fell in the room, and the atmosphere became slightly heavy.
Su Mo'er, who was standing on the side, felt a bit awkward. She shouldn't have been there in this situation, but it seemed like the two had forgotten about her.
The previously angry Zhao Jinghuan really startled Su Mo'er, but she eventually settled her emotions and quietly became like a transparent person.
However, as she listened, she suddenly thought of something. Despite being aware that she shouldn't voice her opinion in this situation, in her heart, she understood that this was a crisis, and also an opportunity.
If she took a risk and her advice succeeded, she might gain huge rewards later.
The more she thought about it, the more unsettled she became. Her thoughts inadvertently surfaced on her face, and the hesitant appearance made Zhao Jinghuan, who glanced at her, take notice.
Originally, he wanted to dismiss Su Mo'er, but he suddenly had a funny idea. After all, Su Mo'er was just a young lady from a boudoir, how could she have any thoughts on these matters?
He hesitated for a moment but still called out to Su Mo'er. Surprised, Su Mo'er made a sound.
Seeing this, Zhao Jinghuan couldn't help but smile. Since he had already spoken, he might as well just ask, “With your current appearance, do you happen to have something to say?”
A brief stun later, Su Mo'er's heart couldn't help but be filled with excitement. She had just been pondering how to speak, and now the Crown Prince was personally asking!
Her mind raced, and she thought that while she could speak, she should avoid being too direct. She would need to be tactful.
As a result, she quickly organized her thoughts, first making some humble remarks, and then, under the Crown Prince's direct gaze, she finally hesitantly spoke, "As a mere woman, I really shouldn't have anything to say. However, hearing Your Highness and this General's discussion just now reminded me of a story my father once told me when I was young."
Having heard this, Zhao Jinghuan remembered Su Mo'er's family background.
The innocence of the dancer who had come to serve the Crown Prince was the most important issue, and the various court officials had already verified the identity of each person upon entering the residence.
After the Crown Prince entered the residence, he would also be handed these documents to review. If he took an interest in someone, he would have them checked to understand their background.
Zhao Jinghuan had neglected these matters after coming, and the only two individuals he knew about were a noblewoman named Liu Feifei and Su Mo'er.
Li Gonggong had brought Su Mo'er's family background to Zhao Jinghuan's attention.
Therefore, he was aware of Su Mo'er's father, who had been a successful scholar…
So, when Su Mo'er said it was a story her father had told her, he listened carefully and nodded, saying, "Tell me the story in detail."
Only then did Su Mo'er continue and tell the story.
The gist of it was:
There was once a wealthy household that married off a daughter. The family, facing financial difficulties, made a crucial decision at a critical moment.
Before the engagement was decided, the valuable items in the house were sold for the betrothal gifts. Then, borrowed items from relatives and friends were used to fill the house. After the son had safely married, the received betrothal gifts were immediately sold, and with this capital, others thought that the family had money again and began to visit. Before long, the family stabilized its decline and turned the situation around.
This story is not very long, and Su Mo'er also omitted some details, but the overall framework is still there.
If one is clever, after listening to it, they should be able to understand some of the hidden content.
Clearly, Zhao Jinghuan is such a clever person, with a glittering light in his eyes, and his whole person still appears cold, but it seems to have become more lively.
Seeing this, Su Mo'er couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
In her opinion, Zhao Jinghuan was not unable to find a solution, but rather because of his high position, he saw more things and thus overlooked many things.
Combined with various constraints and concerns, this is why he appeared flustered for a while.
She believed that if given some more time, Zhao Jinghuan would definitely come up with a better solution.
The only problem now is time.
However, these things have nothing to do with her. The story has been told, and what happens next is up to Zhao Jinghuan and them.
If successful, she will definitely benefit greatly; if not, she will only feel a slight regret and won't lose anything.
Seeing Zhao Jinghuan deep in thought, she no longer disturbed him and immediately took her leave.
When Zhao Jinghuan came to his senses, he looked at her meaningfully.
Just from listening to what Su Mo'er had recounted, Zhao Jinghuan already had a new respect for her.
Although Su Mo'er claimed that it was her father's story, it's not easy to remember and retell it after such a long time.
Moreover, there are obviously many things in it that Zhao Jinghuan can see, things that Su Mo'er intentionally hinted at or omitted.
However, Su Mo'er did not say these things, and neither did he.
But henceforth, regarding the beautiful and charming girl in front of him, it's clear that he would no longer just see her as a flower-like beauty.
Su Mo'er took her leave and he readily agreed. As Su Mo'er walked towards the screen, he suddenly said, "Miss Su's cooking really impresses me. In the future, if you have time, please visit the Dingxi Building more often."
Hearing this, Su Mo'er's steps paused, and a flash of joy crossed her face.
She suppressed her excited heart and bowed to him, "It's an honor for me to have Your Highness's favor."
After she left the room, Su Mo'er straightened up, raising her hand to cover her pounding heart.
It's really happening? Is it really happening like this?
For a moment, her eyes were slightly hot, her feelings were complicated and indescribable.
However, no matter what, she had finally taken a big step forward.
At this moment, Li Gonggong came forward, smiling brightly, and congratulated Su Mo'er.
He had been standing outside the door and naturally heard their conversation just now.
Su Mo'er smiled and reciprocated, saying, "Today's achievements are also thanks to Li Gonggong's help. In the future, if Gonggong needs anything, Mo'er will do her best to help."
Of course, there was nothing that Li Gonggong would ask of her. If there were any requests, they would be directed to his master. If the master couldn't handle them, what use would Su Mo'er be?
However, everyone loves to hear flattering words, and Li Gonggong shook his hand with a smile, "Don't say that, you're making me feel embarrassed. In the future, just look after the prince with all your heart and effort, so as not to let the prince down."
Su Mo'er readily agreed, and after exchanging pleasantries with Li Gonggong, the two bid farewell to each other.
…
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The author has something to say:
Su Mo'er: Sob, sob, sob, the big guy has given me a pass, and I'm finally going to make it!
Lately, I feel like there are a lot fewer people reading. Have they all left? Sob, sob, sob.
Good night to everyone from His Highness~