Chapter 221: Knock the Mountain to Shock the Tiger
Wen Chengfeng's clothing was obviously different from that of the refugees. The beggar disguised as a refugee quickly noticed Wen Chengfeng approaching and stopped talking.
However, this simple complaint gave Wen Chengfeng a significant clue. From this, he learned that the number of refugees in the capital was not actually that large, and among them were beggars who were taking advantage of the situation.
These beggars were all hired by the government. In addition, the timing of Sun Youcai's arrival was a coincidence, and it was he who proposed to open the granaries and release grain.
This is all linked together, what a shrewd plan!
Wen Chengfeng's face turned black, and when Jiang Dehai arrived with the people from the clinic, the old man had already woken up, so this trip was in vain.
"Master, let's go first. If we don't leave now, Lord Sun will notice us."
Although it was too late to save the man, the people from the clinic had followed him after all. After Jiang Dehai stuffed the silver into his pocket, he quietly pulled Wen Chengfeng's sleeve and whispered a suggestion.
Mainly because he observed that the crowd around him was gradually receding, which was a good time to retreat.
"Okay. Let's go back first and find a chance to get a bowl of vegetable porridge. Raw rice is also fine."
Wen Chengfeng breathed a sigh of relief. A little impatience can ruin a big plan. Now is not the time to fall out with Sun Youcai.
The more risky moves Sun Youcai makes, the more it means that the arrest of Liao Yu has hindered the normal operations of the people behind the scenes... I have to remain patient!
After preparing himself mentally, Wen Chengfeng returned to the palace. In order to relax Sun Youcai's vigilance, he had been going to Concubine Sun's palace these days. However, when he thought of Sun Youcai's suspicious behavior today, a sense of disgust welled up in his eyes.
Therefore, until the time of bed that day, there was still no news from the six palaces, and Jiang Mengyuan thought that the emperor had finally woken up from the gentle arms of Concubine Sun, and sent someone to invite him eagerly.
However, the maidservant had just reached the door when she was stopped by Jiang Dehai, who was waiting outside. "The Emperor is not seeing anyone today. Please ask the Empress Dowager for your safety."
After receiving the reply, Jiang Mengyuan frowned slightly with some frustration, but considering that Wen Chengfeng was probably dealing with government affairs, she simply went to bed.
Although she was in the harem, she still heard a lot of rumors from the people. They all said that the king was ruling improperly and was unworthy of being a king, so the disaster came from heaven...
Wen Chengfeng's style was clearly not to passively accept the enemy's attack. He certainly wanted to fish, but that didn't stop him from trying to scare the enemy.
Therefore, at the morning court session the next day, he changed into his court robes early in the morning and watched the court officials pour in with great energy.
"Where is the Minister of Revenue? The granaries have been opened for grain release for some time now. What is the current situation?"
Sun Youcai's mind was now filled with thoughts of the elderly, weak, women and children who had been poisoned, and he was already somewhat distracted. Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the court, the emperor would call out his name first.
It was not until he felt his sleeve being gently pulled and looked up to meet Wen Chengfeng's sharp eyes that Sun Youcai stepped out tremblingly and answered.
"I'm here. The granaries have been open for three days now, and the storage is sufficient. The victims are guaranteed food and clothing. I believe that after their homes are rebuilt, they will soon be returned to their homes..."
Wen Chengfeng looked down at Sun Youcai. This man had been in the court for many years. If it weren't for Liao Yu's matter, he really wouldn't doubt such an old official.
Yet, even now that things have come to this, he can still stand here calmly, not reporting what he knows, or even making false reports. This shows that the officialdom is really a big melting pot...
"Your Majesty?" Sun Youcai noticed Wen Chengfeng's gaze and asked nervously.
"But I heard there's something wrong with the disaster relief food, and those who ate it are vomiting and having diarrhea, and are dying."
Wen Chengfeng calmly withdrew his gaze and started the interrogation mode.
As soon as these words came out, Sun Youcai's brain instantly shut down. This was mainly because Wen Chengfeng's words were very vague. He couldn't be sure whether the emperor had really heard it from someone else or had seen it with his own eyes.
"I am deeply troubled by the public sentiment that has been neglected! After leaving court, I will immediately investigate. If this is indeed the case, I will pursue those responsible to the end!"
After weighing the pros and cons, to be on the safe side, Sun Youcai gave a moderate answer and admitted to a minor crime.
"Well, in that case, I will invite a few more of my beloved ministers to work with you. There is strength in numbers."
Wen Chengfeng silently cursed him for being a shrewd old man, but when he spoke again, he created difficulties for Sun Youcai. The few generals he had pointed out were all military commanders. Since ancient times, civil officials and military officials have always had a bad impression of each other, and this contradiction could be exploited.
Sun Youcai's smile was uglier than crying, but this was the emperor's order, so he had to do it and could only thank him obediently.
However, the generals selected by Wen Chengfeng were all well-considered candidates. The energetic generals immediately blocked Sun Youcai's way and extended an invitation with a smile.
"Master Sun, it's a rare opportunity for us to work together. Let's go to the granary and take a look. Is there a problem with the food or are the refugees in poor health?"
Sun Youcai's heart was filled with alarm, but now that he was in a difficult situation, he had no choice but to go on this journey. But before leaving, he did not forget to send a look of help to one of the court officials who were leaving one after another.
The situation in the capital is somewhat turbulent, and life in Qingshi Town is also not stable.
"Why is the price of rice in Qingshi Town getting more and more expensive? Even under these circumstances, Shuntian Restaurant surprisingly hasn't adjusted its prices. This is a testament to the generosity of our shopkeeper Wu Qi and the stall owner's wife!"
"Haven't you heard? There's a famine in the capital, and they're opening the granaries to provide relief. I heard the granaries are running low, which is definitely a bad sign. Who knows when it will be our turn, so we're all rushing to stock up on grain and rice!"
Cheng Weiyao was serving food to the diners on the second floor. Listening to the chatter, she felt a sense of alarm. Something was amiss. The location of the capital was very carefully chosen. Qingshi Town was so remote, and this year's grain harvest was still promising.
Even if there were some other natural disaster that caused a large number of refugees, there's no way they'd be starving due to lack of food...
Living at the feet of the emperor and having a son as smart as Wen Chengyun, the father who could sit on the throne of the emperor was definitely not a simple character.
Cheng Weiyao's brows were furrowed. When she was about to go upstairs to the shopkeeper's room to discuss with Wen Chengyun, she happened to meet Wen Chengyun who was coming downstairs.
"Madam, what do you want from me? Be careful where you go."
Wen Chengyun pulled Cheng Weiyao's slender waist into his arms, preventing her from falling. Although his tone was gentle, his brows, like Cheng Weiyao's, were filled with a hint of sadness.
"Things in the capital..."
Cheng Weiyao stopped talking after just a few words. After all, being in a restaurant was a double-edged sword. If she wanted to talk, she had to go back to the owner's room.
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