Chapter 222: Walking into a Trap
After returning to the shopkeeper's office and looking at the pile of price statistics of the grain shop on the table, Cheng Weiyao realized that Wen Chengyun had already noticed something was wrong without her having to remind him.
"There might be a problem with the granary in the capital. This is the rice that Feiying brought. I don't think it's right. The granary's inventory is really running low, and they might need our support."
Wen Chengyun poured some of the rice grains he had brought from Feiying's bamboo tube. According to letters from the capital, the general had indeed followed the Minister of Revenue to the granary, as the emperor had planned. But he was, after all, a military man, and his knowledge of grain was minimal.
The troops had eaten everything they could when they were on the march, so Sun Youcai's batch of slightly gluten-filled rice didn't seem unusual to the generals. However, to be on the safe side, he still secretly grabbed a handful and handed it to Jiang Dehai.
Jiang Dehai immediately handed over this sample rice to Wen Chengfeng. After all, Wen Chengfeng had been accustomed to a life of luxury for many years and could not understand the reason.
Since he was in Zijing City, he could have called the imperial physician to come and check on the matter, but there were so many people in the palace and he didn't want to take the risk. So he simply gave the rice to Wen Chengyun to bring over.
As the saying goes, everyone learns things at different times and specializes in different skills. As a modern Michelin chef, Cheng Weiyao is adept at handling all kinds of ingredients. She frowned as soon as she saw the rice on the table.
"Is this rice from the capital's granary? This rice can't be eaten for long periods of time, it can be fatal! Look at the side of it. Although the mold is still mild, it's clearly stringy..."
You should know that no matter what era, once rice becomes moldy, it is absolutely inedible. At the very least, it can cause liver damage and human poisoning, and at worst, it can cause death from cancer.
Wen Chengyun had originally planned to ask Huo Yuanfeng to come and check, but he hadn't expected his wife to be so sharp-eyed and immediately point out the conclusion. He picked up the rice grains and carefully observed what Cheng Weiyao had said. After confirming that everything was correct, he wanted to send the identification method back in a letter.
"Don't worry, my dear. Collecting such a large amount of old rice is not easy. We must work with the grain shops in the capital to obtain solid evidence..."
Cheng Weiyao shook her head slightly, signaling Wen Chengyun not to rush. Once the identification method was established, while it could confirm that Sun Youcai had committed a serious dereliction of duty, it would likely be difficult to kill him with a single blow.
Wen Chengyun nodded. Besides Cheng Weiyao's suggestion, with such a large-scale substitution, the purpose of the grain must be complex. He could instruct his father to keep an eye on Sun Youcai's movements and see if he has any dealings with officials in the court...
In the capital, Wen Chengfeng smiled when he received the Flying Eagle. He immediately asked Jiang Dehai to convey his order to entertain the ministers.
"Ministers of the third rank and above are not allowed to be absent without reason. Especially Sun Youcai, even if he is sick, he must come to me. You go and invite him in person!"
Although Jiang Dehai was a little confused about what this meant, he felt that the emperor had been frowning these days, so it was a good thing that he was in high spirits now.
Soon, the imperial edict was sent to the residences of various officials. Jiang Dehai changed into casual clothes and personally went to the Shangshu's house.
When Sun Youcai knelt down to listen to the imperial edict, he always felt a little uneasy.
The capital was in a food crisis. How could Wen Chengfeng, who had always been known as a benevolent ruler, hold a banquet at this critical moment? Wouldn't that just be exposing his weakness for those with ulterior motives to exploit?
"Sir Shangshu, what are you standing there for? Accept the order."
Jiang Dehai looked at Sun Youcai, whose expression was stiff, and he felt a little suspicious. Ordinary officials would be honored to see him carrying an imperial edict, but Sun Youcai looked thoughtful...
"What are you standing there for? Didn't you see that Manager Jiang is working so hard? You have no sense at all. Are you thinking about that vixen you're meeting in the middle of the night? Why don't you thank me now!"
The Shangshu's wife reached up from behind and viciously pinched the soft flesh on Sun Youcai's waist. Ever since the scheme of passing off inferior goods as superior ones began, Sun Youcai had been running away for no reason and would not speak when questioned. The Shangshu's wife's patience was already at its limit.
Now, even at the palace banquet, this man is hesitant. Is he afraid of delaying his date with the little goblin?
"Ouch! Xie Jiang, Manager, take care. I'll see you off..."
Sun Youcai quickly recovered from his wife's pinch. He smiled sheepishly and eagerly escorted Jiang Dehai out the door.
The banquet officially kicked off at dusk. In the palace, there were toasts, singing and dancing, and on the surface, it seemed that everyone was having a great time.
As the Empress, Jiang Mengyuan naturally accompanied the Emperor. Looking at the wine and meat below, she asked hesitantly, "Your Majesty, the common people can't even get enough to eat, and it's so bad in the palace..."
Jiang Mengyuan's words seemed to be out of consideration for Wen Chengfeng, but in reality, she was trying to test the emperor's mind through this small gesture. Based on her understanding of the emperor, there was absolutely no reason for such extravagance.
"Don't worry, Queen. I have my own plans."
Wen Chengfeng didn't say much, but just patted Jiang Mengyuan's hand to show his comfort. Soon, a variety of dishes were served. He then coughed and announced the origin of the rice at the banquet.
Hearing that the white rice actually came from the granary, Sun Youcai was in a dilemma as to whether to swallow the rice in his mouth. He knew very well that the rice in the granary was all problematic, especially for the elderly and children. If it was not good, it would be fatal.
Concubine Sun has been in the palace for many years, so she is naturally not young anymore.
"What's wrong with you, my dear Lord Sun? Are the meals in this palace not to your liking?"
Wen Chengfeng asked slowly, his tone sounding a little tipsy, but in fact he was squinting his eyes to take in everyone's appearance.
"I dare not. Your Majesty will host a banquet with delicious food. I am honored..."
How could Sun Youcai dare to say no? He was like a dumb person eating bitter herbs, unable to express his pain in words!
"Then my dear Sun, please eat a few more bowls. If you eat more, I will give Concubine Sun a higher rank."
Wen Chengfeng laughed meaningfully. Sun Youcai was obviously an insider, so he didn't dare to eat too much. It was probably this old man's idea to manipulate the food and pass it off as good quality!
This statement was like roasting Sun Youcai on the fire. It was no secret that the emperor had been visiting Concubine Sun's palace frequently recently. The other ministers all bowed and congratulated him.
"Old Sun, come on, eat! This is clearly the Emperor's grace. He's finding all sorts of reasons to give Concubine Jieyu a higher rank!"
"Sure enough, what the palace said isn't completely untrustworthy. Congratulations, Old Sun!"
The colleagues sitting next to him bowed and looked at Sun Youcai with envy in their eyes.
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