The people in the hall were overjoyed to hear that the emperor had issued an edict ordering the government to buy back the curved plows in their possession.

When they joined forces to wage a price war against Liu Yan, they suffered heavy losses, and some small workshops went bankrupt because they could not withstand the losses.

If the manufactured curved plows were sold to the government and the court for 270 coins as stated in the imperial edict, not only would the previous losses be made up, but there might even be some extra profit.

Just as everyone was pondering whether to go back and ramp up production, the representative of the Zhen family suddenly stood up and bowed to Tian Feng.

"His Majesty is benevolent and cannot bear to see us suffer losses. Our Zhen family will always remember His Majesty's kindness and has no way to repay it. Therefore, our patriarch said that as long as the court needs it, our Zhen family is willing to donate all 30,000 curved plows in our stock to the court free of charge, to do our part and share His Majesty's burdens!"

The Zhen family spoke earnestly. Although they had not only failed to make any money this time, but had also lost tens of millions of coins, it was still worthwhile in terms of winning the emperor's favor.

Not to be outdone, Zhao Ming said loudly, "Indeed, we have been protected by the Han Dynasty for generations, which is why we have our wealth today. It is our honor to be able to share Your Majesty's burdens and do this for the country and the people!"

Upon hearing their words, everyone in the hall frowned, feeling quite displeased. "You two are so selfless, why not just donate secretly? Why say it out loud?"

This put everyone in a difficult position.

“They are right. Our Cui family is also willing to donate the remaining five thousand curved plows to the imperial court free of charge!”

Then Cui Yan immediately stepped forward to express the Cui family's stance.

"We are also willing to donate free of charge!"

Seeing that the representatives of all three forces had expressed their opinions, everyone no longer hesitated.

"I am grateful to you all for your profound understanding and righteousness!"

Tian Feng was very satisfied with everyone's reactions.

Then Tian Feng laughed and said, "You must have all heard the story of 'Zigong redeeming people.' Zigong saved people and refused the state's compensation. It was clearly a selfless and good deed, so why did you criticize him, Master?"

Cui Yan nodded as if he understood. "Minister Tian is right. Our donation today, though seemingly helping His Majesty implement national policies, is actually creating obstacles for His Majesty."

Tian Feng smiled and nodded, “Indeed, within the Great Han, those of your wealth are not easily forgotten, but not everyone is as righteous as you. If we accept your donations today, will others donate as well?”

Zhao Ming said, "Minister Tian's words have hit the nail on the head. Although those selfish and self-serving people are not of great use, they can still be helpful to His Majesty in implementing national policies!"

Hearing Zhao Ming's veiled criticism, those who were initially hesitant suddenly felt some dissatisfaction with him, but they couldn't show it on the spot and had to smile and agree, which was extremely frustrating.

Tian Feng gave Zhao Ming an approving look, then nodded. "That's right. To implement national policies, everyone needs to contribute. After all, those who contribute will benefit, and only in this way will everyone actively participate! Don't you all agree?"

"Besides, the Emperor's edict is very clear, requiring local officials to pay for the buyback. Surely you all don't want us to disobey His Majesty's order?"

"No, no!!"

Upon hearing Tian Feng's words, everyone was overjoyed and repeatedly said they dared not accept such praise.

After settling the matter of repurchasing the curved plow, Tian Feng said again, "There is one more thing that I need everyone's help with!"

Cui Yan spoke first, saying, "Please give your orders, Minister Tian!"

Tian Feng said slowly, "I have been ordered to come here to gather the refugees and relocate them to the Guanzhong and Guanxi regions. Currently, the government granaries are short of grain, and I would like to borrow a batch of grain from you all in the name of the imperial court!"

Although Tian Feng borrowed grain to replenish the official granaries as soon as possible, this matter had to be kept secret, so he had to use the excuse of displaced people and insufficient government funds.

As the saying goes, "With grain at home, one has nothing to fear." Grain reserves are of paramount importance at all times. Therefore, the fact that the official granaries were short of grain must never be known to outsiders in order to avoid causing panic.

Cui Yan laughed and said, "This year's harvest is bountiful, there's plenty of grain! Minister Tian, ​​just name your needs!"

Others also expressed their willingness to lend grain to Tian Feng, since they didn't think Tian Feng would default on his debt after the previous repurchase of the curved plow.

A few days later, under Tian Feng's direction, the Jizhou government bought back all the curved plows held by powerful families and also procured a large amount of grain.

"Phew~" Tian Feng breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the last cart of grain being moved into the granary.

Soon, local governments in other prefectures and counties also completed the buyback and began selling the goods at the price of 300 coins set by Liu Hong.

Although, as Xi Zhicai said, there were very few buyers left, it gave hope to the powerful families and small and medium-sized landowners. Since the government was selling it for 300 coins, they could naturally sell it too.

Now that Liu Yan's malicious bidding is gone, and with the increase in arable land in the future, the market for curved plows is still very large.

In Deyang Palace, Tian Feng's secret report was placed on Liu Hong's desk.

Liu Hong was also very satisfied with Tian Feng's proposal regarding the repurchase of the curved plow and the secret replenishment of grain in the official granaries.

Xi Zhicai, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but laugh and said, "Hehe~ This Tian Yuanhao's thinking is as profound and meticulous as Yang Wenxian's. He is also a rare talent for a good prime minister."

Liu Hong smiled and nodded, "That's right, but his temper might offend people in the future!"

Xi Zhicai said meaningfully, "This is also a good thing, isn't there one in the court now?"

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