Zhao Jinghuan entered the study. Du Zhong had already led the Commandant and several local officials waiting there.
As there were some local officials who were already involved with local noble families, there weren't many officials present. When they saw Zhao Jinghuan, they immediately stopped their conversation and stood up to greet the Crown Prince.
Zhao Jinghuan quickly walked past them to the desk and sat down, saying, "No need for formalities."
After Du Zhong and the others sat down, the Crown Prince asked, "So, what's the problem?"
Yang Jian saw Du Zhong unmoved and could only silently curse his bad luck, then stood up, bowed and reported, "Your Highness, as per your instructions, we filled the bags with mud and sand, then covered them with film, and finally filled the top layer with grains. Then we transported them in large quantities to the Changzhou grain warehouse. At first, there were indeed people who doubted us, saying that our grain must be fake. Luckily, as Your Highness instructed, we opened each bag one by one to show the true grains inside, and arranged for people to create a commotion to suppress the rumors."
Needless to say, that most of those who doubted us were likely spies sent by influential families.
Yang Jian stopped here and looked at Du Zhong, who nodded to acknowledge the hard work. Then Du Zhong continued, "Following this, as per Your Highness's command, we immediately sold the grain at a lower price than the market rate. Although there were people intending to cause trouble during the process, they were all subdued by the officials and soldiers already arranged. Following Your Highness's instructions, we slightly reduced the price of grain each day for the next few days. Before long, the market price of grain had dropped significantly, even lower than usual, causing panic among most merchants, who hurriedly sold off grain at lower prices."
Naturally, many influential families were involved in this, who had hoarded grain when the prices were rising, hoping to make a profit. But now, with the government grain increasing and the prices dropping, they were worried that the grain they had hoarded would lose its value.
As the price of grain continued to decrease, and with more government grain available, the people gradually stopped panicking. After hoarding grain initially, they now stopped purchasing grain.
Just like the influential families who hoarded grain when the prices were rising, the common people were now enjoying the lower prices and wondering if they would drop even further.
As a result, the market was flooded with grain.
However, there was a condition here: there needed to be enough government grain.
To outsiders, the increasing government grain seemed abundant, but they were not aware of all the details, and it was just a disguise.
If the disguise were to fail one day, the whole situation would collapse.
After hearing the reports from everyone, Zhao Jinghuan breathed a sigh of relief, pondered for a moment, and said, "Now, we must control the price of grain. We cannot continue to lower it and disrupt the market order. But before that, we must ensure that the major influential families release their grain. How is this matter being handled?"
Although most influential families had sold off some of their grain, it was still a small portion, and most of it remained in their granaries. This method controlled the crazy rise in grain prices, but to truly fill the market with grain, it was necessary to start with the influential families.
Upon hearing this, Yang Jian's face showed a bitter expression, "Your Highness, the difficulty lies here..."
Yang Jian then explained that the influential families were interconnected and deeply rooted. Even if they focused on one family's mistake to intimidate them, it would not be very reliable. This matter could be carried out, but considering that there were many branches in influential families, there were also many loopholes.
The reason why Yang Jian and the others found it difficult was that they feared if one family was handled poorly, it would trigger a chain reaction from other influential families. What should they do then?
Du Zhong had no qualms and had a solution—send troops to their doors and kill anyone who opposed. But after Zhao Jinghuan had explained the situation to him previously, when Yang Jian and the others came to him this time, he also found it difficult to handle and took them to the crown prince instead.
"Finding the painful points and flaws of the influential families…" Zhao Jinghuan squinted his eyes and involuntarily recalled the incident in the garden with Su Mo'er.
Suddenly, he felt that there was an opportunity right in front of him.
He smiled and said to everyone, "Alright, I've already understood this matter. It's better to deal with this sooner rather than later. I will arrange it as soon as possible. You will know when the time comes."
Although they did not know how the crown prince planned to proceed, from his demeanor, it was evident that he had a well-thought-out plan.
The others breathed a sigh of relief and immediately offered a few words of flattery, then took their leave, not daring to disturb further.
Only Du Zhong stayed behind, and the crown prince instructed him, "In the next few days, go undercover to investigate the bottom line of the Liu family."
Du Zhong's eyes flickered with curiosity but did not ask further and promptly left.
...
On her way back, Su Mo'er kept her hand on her cheek, pondering the scene where the crown prince had wiped away her tears with a bow. His tenderness and seriousness made her feel increasingly embarrassed and flustered, her thoughts racing, wondering why the crown prince had acted that way. He had been so gentle with her, even after knowing about the matter with Liu Yanze, he did not blame her. Why was he treating her so well? Was it just because she had given him advice? Or did he... perhaps have some feelings for her?
The thought of this possibility made her feel immensely embarrassed and her cheeks flushed, and she wondered if the breeze of the setting sun had made her visible embarrassment apparent to the passersby.
As she contemplated the idea of whether the crown prince liked her, Su Mo'er's mind kept echoing, but she repeatedly denied it.
Even after returning to the Yanshui Pavilion, she couldn't help but stare at the cooled sky, the slowly rising silver moon, and the lanterns swaying in the wind, casting mottled shadows on the ground.
She couldn't figure it out, and couldn't help but ask the inquisitive Qingyao at her side, "Do you think the crown prince is so kind only to me, or is it because he is well-mannered and gentle by nature?"
Qingyao responded as if holding a microphone, "Miss, don't be silly. Even though the crown prince is kind, have you seen him being kind to anyone else? When others see him, they don't even dare to breathe. His cold and aloof appearance is only cordial to you."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er felt even sweeter, unable to resist arguing, "That's because they haven't had much contact with the crown prince. He's not as aloof as he seems on the surface..."
Qingyao interrupted, "But they also need an opportunity to get closer to the crown prince, don't they? Look at this Yanshui Pavilion, except for Miss... and that Miss Liu, no one else can get close to the crown prince."
Hearing this, Su Mo'er suddenly woke up.
Yes, besides herself, there was also Liu Feifei! How could she forget? Thinking about this, she couldn't help but feel annoyed with herself for being so sentimental. She was warned against being greedy or trying to occupy his heart when she wasn't firmly in place yet. She smiled, stopped thinking, and remained silent.
As the night outside grew deeper and deeper, her mind began to ponder. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, she had to carefully consider how to deal with the matter of Lǐu Fēifēi and her brother.
As for whether they would do as she hoped, she was not worried at all. She believed that as long as the news of permission to leave the mansion from the prince arrived, they would not hesitate to act!
Indeed, it turned out that the girl she had sent to intentionally speak those words in front of the Crown Prince was a disappointment. Su Mò'er not only returned to Yan Water Pavilion unharmed, but also appeared in good spirits, without the expected anxiety.
Infuriated, she sent someone to inquire, only to learn about the fate of those girls. She was shocked and took a while to regain her composure. She said with a tinge of fear, "It's fortunate that those girls were cornered by us and dare not expose us, otherwise..." The consequences would be unimaginable. After all, causing mischief under the crown prince's watchful eyes was no small offense.
Although her anger didn't ignite into a full-blown fury, it did subside slightly. She didn't dare to make any moves in the following days. Yet, letting Su Mò'er off like this was not satisfying for her.
Thinking about what had happened, and that the prince was still protecting Su Mò'er like that, she couldn't help but feel intense resentment. "Su Mò'er, this vile woman, is truly my lifelong enemy. Now the prince is protecting her so fiercely even before they have a deep connection. If she truly becomes the prince's woman, then where will I fit in?"
Listening nearby, Bào Yuè hurriedly advised, "Miss, now we have no choice but to take risks."
"Oh?" Lǐu Fēifēi looked at her.
Bào Yuè suggested, "The prince allowed us to leave the mansion for the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern event. It will be our opportunity then."
Hearing this, Lǐu Fēifēi hesitated for a moment. After all, she had heard that the prince was also going out. If the prince found out...
Bào Yuè said, "Miss, you're confused. The plan is for the prince to find out. Consider it: the prince only recently found out about Su Mò'er's entanglement with the Grand Duke's son. If he finds them meeting again at the lantern event..."
Lǐu Fēifēi's eyes flickered incessantly. She gritted her teeth and said, "You're right! This is the opportunity!"
If she didn't seize this opportunity, she was afraid that in the future, she wouldn't be able to handle Su Mò'er again!
After discussing for a while, a letter stealthily left the Yan Water Pavilion.
The author has something to say: It seems that this method of disaster relief by the Crown Prince is based on a real event from ancient times. I forgot the specific name, but it's quite famous. Anyway, as long as everyone knows that the Crown Prince is very smart and successful in disaster relief, that's fine!
The two people, one in front and one behind, seemed to be fighting as if they were on the verge of starting a martial arts contest.
Liu Feifei walked over with a curve at the corner of her lips, which seemed to be mocking and smiling, and silently glanced at Su Mo'er.
Seeing her attire and comparing it to that of others, her expression immediately darkened.
Today, she dressed up specially for her upcoming meeting with the Crown Prince.
Upon arriving at the scene and seeing Su Mo'er's attire, she instantly regretted her decision.
She wanted to go back and change her clothes, but time did not allow it.
So, she could only stare at Su Mo'er with envy and mockingly say, "Miss Su has changed her style today. In the past, you dressed more splendidly than anyone else, but today you are plain. If I didn't know better, I would think you weren't here to have fun, but rather attending a funeral."
Su Mo'er was indifferent to her sarcasm and replied with a smile, "Compared to Miss Liu's usual style, it's just the same."
Liu Feifei usually appeared aloof, so her dressing style was usually cold and distinct, making her appear superior to everyone else.
Now, claiming that Su Mo'er looked like she was attending a funeral seemed like she was insulting herself as well.
Liu Feifei's expression instantly darkened as she snorted, "Sharp-tongued!"
She was used to being unable to win against Su Mo'er with words.
Beside her, Baoyue whispered in her ear, "Why bother getting mad at her, Let’s see what happens after today. If one day, Miss Su Mo'er enters the Liu family, it will be easy for you to manipulate her with just a word."
Liu Feifei's eyes lit up at the suggestion and her mood improved, thinking about the arrangement later that night.
Seeing Su Mo'er, her anger subsided, replaced by a hint of eagerness to see what would unfold.
Although Su Mo'er was unaware of the schemes of Liu Feifei and her brother, she knew that the outcome would be decided tonight.
Hence, from the beginning, she remained highly vigilant, while secretly contemplating how to completely outmaneuver the Liu siblings and make the Crown Prince tired of them.
Therefore, while maintaining a normal appearance, they were all thinking of devious plans in their hearts.
After everyone gathered, Yang Mama nodded and gave some instructions, emphasizing, "You are all dancers of the Wei Residence, serving His Highness the Crown Prince. Don't cause any trouble once you step out of this door. If I find out, don't blame me for being merciless."
Yang Mama didn't care if they were willing to listen, as long as they behaved and didn't cause trouble, she wouldn't be afraid of getting into trouble.
Once everyone reluctantly agreed, she led them through a series of courtyards and out the side door of the Wei Residence.
Outside the side door, several carriages were waiting for the ladies.
Before leaving, Su Mo'er looked around and glanced specially towards the main entrance.
Seeing that it was empty and not seeing the person she expected, she was somewhat puzzled.
Evidently, many of the dancers present shared the same thought and looked around.
Liu Feifei frowned directly and said, "Yang Mama, why don't we see His Highness?"
Everyone, including Su Mo'er, held their breath and became tense.
After all, seeing the lantern festival today was secondary, and the most important thing was the Crown Prince accompanying them.
Yang Mama smiled and said, "I know you are all looking forward to seeing His Highness. But what kind of person is His Highness? How could he travel with us? That would be undignified."
Someone objected, "Didn't His Highness say he would accompany us to the lantern festival today?"
Yang Mama clicked her tongue, "Do you really think His Highness will actually accompany us just because he said so? Stop daydreaming."
With these words, everyone felt embarrassed and helpless.
Even Su Mo'er and Liu Feifei were slightly disheartened.
After all, one wanted to make a name for herself by relying on the Crown Prince, and the other wanted to deepen her impression in front of the Crown Prince.
But now it seemed to be in vain.
Seeing the red-faced person she had embarrassed and others looking lost, Yang Mama softened her tone, "But don't be dismayed. Although His Highness will not be with us, a man like him will not go back on his word. He might have gone ahead with something before us.
Before this, His Highness had already arranged the most famous wine house in Changzhou city. After we tour the lantern festival, we can go to the wine house, where we will probably meet His Highness."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and their spirits lifted.
Su Mo'er and Liu Feifei also relaxed and immediately adjusted their plans to accommodate this news.
After everyone had relaxed, Yang Mama added meaningfully, "His Highness is usually occupied with his royal duties and rarely has such a good opportunity. You have all learned the arts at the Wei Residence for so long. While you have the chance tonight, make the most of it."
Everyone immediately understood her meaning, blushed with excitement, and responded eagerly.
Then everyone boarded the carriages and headed to the capital city of Changzhou.
Although the residence of the Wei family was located in Changzhou, it was quite far from the bustling center.
The carriages were in pairs, and Su Mo'er sat with Li Ling'er, her close friend.
It was Su Mo'er's first time in the lively capital city of Changzhou, and while she was preoccupied with her thoughts, she couldn't help but peep through the curtains.
The more they traveled, the more crowded the streets became, the brighter the lights, and the more bustling the atmosphere. It truly lived up to its reputation as a prosperous place in southern China, offering a glimpse of the luxury and grandeur.
Seeing this, Li Ling'er, who was not unfamiliar with such scenes, quickly put down the curtain, bored.
Seeing her indifferent, Su Mo'er asked with a smile, "What's wrong?"
Li Ling'er paused for a moment, sighed with regret, and couldn't help but say to her, "Miss Su, why are we all competing to get close to the Crown Prince? As I've watched these people trying to get close to the Crown Prince in the past few days, I truly can't understand it."
Although Li Ling'er had entered the residence, she had no intention of flattering the Crown Prince. She was only sent to the residence because she couldn't resist her family.
I don't know if she was fortunate or unfortunate. After entering the mansion for so long, not to mention being favored by the Crown Prince, she hadn't even seen him.
In fact, there was more than one dancer in the mansion like Li Ling'er - after all, people like Su Mo'er were a minority.
Su Mo'er couldn't help but fall silent. After Li Ling'er finished, Su Mo'er finally realized that she, too, was one of those mentioned by Li Ling'er.
She quickly apologized, "Sister Su, I didn't mean to say it like that, I was just speaking from the heart..."
Su Mo'er shook her head and explained, looking at her with a smile, "Ling'er, you have a pure and simple mind, inexperienced in the ways of the world. You don't understand that not everyone can have things go their way in this world. Just like you, even though you entered the mansion, you didn't want to have any contact with the Crown Prince. This is also a way of conducting oneself.
As for other people, more or less, they have their own difficulties, either reluctantly or out of ambition. How can we judge others' actions, whether they are right or wrong, or worthwhile?"
After hearing this speech, Li Ling'er seemed to ponder for a moment, but ultimately didn't quite understand, "Oh well, it has nothing to do with me anyway."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er couldn't help but smile and shake her head.
Li Ling'er then shifted her gaze and curiously asked, "Sister Su, you've seen the Crown Prince so many times. Could you tell me what kind of person he is?"
"The Crown Prince..." Su Mo'er hesitated, listening to the wheels of the carriage turning and the outside gradually becoming noisy. A beam of light seeped through the curtain crack, shining into the carriage. Amidst the dimly lit interior of the carriage, she couldn't help but think of her interactions with the Crown Prince during these days, and couldn't help but feel a little uneasy, yet her face suddenly lit up with a smile, "The Crown Prince is a good person."
Pausing for a moment, she emphasized, "A very good person."
.....
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The author has something to say:
Because of the clamp tomorrow, so the update tomorrow (Tuesday) will be at 11.50 pm. Everyone can watch it together with the two updates on Wednesday, kisses, good night.
Recommended novel "The Fiancé Marrying the Scumbag Lady" by Zi Bishop.
On the eve of the wedding, the groom and the bride's cousin's private affair was exposed.
Han Yan, as the bride, became the laughingstock of the entire capital city.
There was also her cousin's fiancé Meng Ting, who became the laughingstock along with her.
He picked up the divorce letter and slapped the scumbag's face, saying to Han Yan, "Are you the same unlucky egg as me?"
Meng Ting's face was cold, "Yes."
Being unlucky was one thing, but his two scumbag fiancées even sent them wedding invitations and openly flaunted their relationship in public!
Was this fair at all?
Han Yan put her hands on her hips and said with a smile, "If you don't eat this poisonous dog food, who will? Who doesn't show affection?"
In order to avenge her humiliation, the two of them agreed to get married! Vowing to multiply the dog food and feed it back!
They agreed: all the acting was just to torture the scumbags to death, and they wouldn’t intrude on each other's private lives, whoever was stubborn would be a little dog!
After some time...
Meng Ting blushed and said, "Madam, woof."