The chill of early spring had not yet completely faded, but the council hall in the West Garden of the Sixth Prince's residence was warm and inviting.

The charcoal brazier burned brightly, dispelling the chill of the early morning. Xin Jiuwei sat upright in the main seat, wrapped in a plain brocade cloak trimmed with silver fox fur, which made her slightly thin face appear even whiter.

She held a cup of warm jujube and ginger tea in her hands, the rising steam blurring her serene features. On the table lay the latest acreage register and spring planting progress chart sent by Liulin County, Yingzhou.

Below, Mr. Fang, Mr. Qin, Lin Jingshu, and several minor officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works responsible for inspecting the canal transport sat on either side. The atmosphere was solemn, but less tense than in recent days, and more pragmatic.

"Madam, please look," Mr. Fang pointed to the area marked in Liulin County on the map, "The 437 mu of arable land returned by the Liu family has been allocated to registered migrants who are capable of cultivating the land, according to the detailed rules for equal land distribution. The seeds and farming tools provided by the Qi family trading company have also basically arrived. However..." He paused, his brows furrowing slightly, "Spring plowing is imminent, and there is still a shortage of labor. Many migrant families are left with only women, children, and the elderly; the able-bodied men have either died in floods or are still serving in the army. Relying solely on them may delay the planting season."

Xin Jiuwei put down her teacup and lightly tapped her fingertip on the map: "My brother-in-law mentioned in his letter that the Qi family is organizing displaced people to participate in river dredging and dike reinforcement through a 'work-for-relief' program. Could this labor force be flexibly allocated during the busy farming season? For example, could they spend half a day participating in water conservancy and the other half returning home to farm? Or could the government organize neighborhood mutual assistance, with families having more able-bodied men helping the elderly and infirm?"

Mr. Qin interjected, “Madam, your method is feasible. I believe we can also encourage labor exchange and cooperation among displaced people. This matter requires the coordination of local village heads and elders. Prefect Xin is highly respected; if he can issue a clear proclamation, explaining the reasons and appealing to their emotions, and supplement it with some grain rewards, it should be feasible to implement.”

“That makes perfect sense.” Xin Jiuwei nodded. “Immediately write to Father, detailing this suggestion. Also, please ask Father to take note that if there are any strong and able-bodied refugees who have fled from other places, as long as they are registered, verified to be innocent and have no criminal record, they can also be included in the ‘work relief’ or neighborhood mutual aid system. Yingzhou is in dire need of people to rebuild.”

She turned to Lin Jingshu: "Sister Jingshu, besides providing agricultural supplies, could the large merchants you contacted also recruit some experienced farmers? The wages could be slightly higher than the market price, jointly borne by the land equalization pilot project fund and the Qi family. Let them go to the countryside to provide guidance, especially to those migrants who have never farmed before."

Lin Jingshu readily agreed, "No problem! Leave it to me. Mr. Wu, the owner of 'Jinxiu Manor' in Jiangnan, his family started out as farmers and has many experienced old farmers under his wing. I'll write to him and explain the situation; he'll definitely support me." Looking at Xin Jiuwei's slightly pale face, she said with concern, "Sister, these things can't be rushed. You also need to take care of yourself. Judging from your complexion, how many hours did you stay up last night?"

Xin Jiuwei smiled slightly, concealing a hint of weariness in her eyes: "It's alright, I have it all figured out. How about the canal transport? Director Zhang of the Ministry of Works, how's the investigation into the exploitation of granaries along the route progressing?"

Zhang Cheng, the official in charge of the Ministry of Works who had been named, quickly rose and reported: "Your Majesty, my colleagues from the Ministry of Revenue and I have split into three groups and secretly investigated along the key points of the Grand Canal. The situation... is shocking. The bad practices of 'kicking the grain measure and draining the grain tip' and 'draining the grain measure and kicking it tip' are commonplace. Even worse, in places like the Linqing Granary and the Dezhou Granary, the granary officials collude with local powerful figures to falsely report amounts under the guise of 'losses' and 'rat damage,' lining their own pockets. A staggering 30% of the collected grain has ended up in their own pockets! The transport troops are suffering terribly, but dare not speak out. Evidence... has been partially collected." He presented a secret report.

Xin Jiuwei took it, but didn't immediately look at it. Instead, she placed it on the table and gently tapped the cover with her fingers, making a rhythmic tapping sound. The hall fell silent for a moment, and everyone could sense the anger hidden beneath her calm exterior.

“Thirty percent…” she began slowly, her voice low but carrying immense weight, “The soldiers on the front lines are shedding their blood, while the people in the rear are scrimping and saving to pay their tribute—thirty percent of it has been used to feed these parasites! Chief Zhang, continue your investigation and obtain irrefutable evidence! Mr. Fang, Mr. Qin, I trouble you both to assist Chief Zhang in compiling a clear account of these exploitative methods, the people involved, and the amounts embezzled over the years. The chain of evidence must be solid enough to withstand a joint trial by the three judicial authorities!”

"Yes!" the three answered in unison.

“This matter is of great importance and involves far-reaching implications.” Xin Jiuwei pondered for a moment. “Before we obtain conclusive evidence and identify the mastermind, it is not advisable to alert them. Princess Rongchang has promised that once the evidence is complete, she will personally enter the palace to meet the Emperor. Until then, we need to remain calm and proceed steadily.”

Just then, a maid tiptoed in and reported, "Madam, Granny Cui, who serves the old lady of the Marquis of Anguo, has arrived."

"Please come in quickly," Xin Jiuwei said hurriedly.

Granny Cui entered with a beaming smile, bowed, and said, "Greetings to Madam Huimin. The Old Madam is concerned about your health and specially sent this old servant to deliver two top-quality century-old ginseng roots, as well as several boxes of nourishing donkey-hide gelatin and bird's nest. The Old Madam said that you work so hard for the court and the people, and you must not neglect your health. She asked this old servant to make sure you take the tonics on time." Behind her followed a young maid carrying several exquisite brocade boxes.

Xin Jiuwei felt a warmth in her heart and stood up, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. Please ask the nanny to convey my gratitude to Madam. I am young and should not spend so much."

Granny Cui smiled and said, "Madam, what are you saying? The old lady always says that you are a lucky star for our Great Liang, and that you truly do practical things for the people. What is this little thing? The old lady also asked me to pass on a message that she has heard about the situation with the canal transport and that you should not worry too much and that your health is the most important thing. If there is anything that requires this old woman to step in and keep order, please don't hesitate to ask!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!