Chapter 74 A smile played on her deep red, moist lips...
In the blink of an eye, the leading army of horses had already galloped up to them.
A scorching wind, carrying a fishy smell, suddenly approached!
Zhang Wenzhi gasped.
He was so close that he could see every single hair on the horse's mane clearly.
One hand rested casually on the horse's mane, its inky blackness blending seamlessly with the pristine white. The faint blue veins on the back of the hand were exquisitely beautiful, yet also remarkably powerful.
This is a hand that can draw a strong bow and wield a heavy sword.
As the hot wind blew across his face, he first smelled a faint, fishy odor—the smell of blood stuck to iron.
Zhang Wenzhi was horrified.
"Neigh—"
The horse neighed and he suddenly took two steps back.
The horse's hooves pounded the ground restlessly, making a clattering sound.
Zhang Wenzhi's Adam's apple bobbed nervously, and he subconsciously looked up at Ji Chengning.
The young man rode his horse against the light, looking down at him from his elevated position.
He couldn't see Ji Chengnin's eyes, but he could see the slight upturn of his lips.
But this made Zhang Wenzhi feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
He came to kill me.
Come and kill them, ours.
Zhang Wenzhi suddenly had this idea.
Despite the blazing sun, he felt icy cold and could barely stand.
Ji Chengning wouldn't dare. Even if Ji Chengning considered him an ant, his uncle was the Minister of War. Even out of respect for the Minister of War, Ji Chengning wouldn't do anything to him.
Moreover, the law does not punish the masses. Even if General Ji is filled with boundless rage, can he really kill all of them?
He dares not, he dares not!
Zhang Wenzhi repeated the words to himself over and over again, his breathing becoming increasingly rapid.
Just moments ago, everyone was maintaining their composure, but now they saw Lord Zhang, the leader, trembling like a leaf, his expression subtly changing.
What's wrong with Lord Zhang?
Zhang Wenzhi cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Ji Chengning, saying, "This humble official, Zhang Wenzhi, along with the officials and merchants of Yan County, respectfully await your arrival, General."
When he spoke again, his voice was hoarse.
Everyone was taken aback and quickly bowed in greeting, "Your humble servants respectfully welcome you, sir!"
Ji Chengning reined in his horse.
The bright sunlight streamed down, and the young man riding a tall horse seemed to be blessed by the heavens. The light and shadow danced on him, so bright it hurt the eyes.
Cui Yao stared at him without blinking.
"Gentlemen, you are too kind," Ji Chengnin said, raising his chin slightly. "I apologize for keeping you waiting."
His voice was naturally smiling, tender and affectionate, making people let their guard down. However, at this moment, no one was in the mood, nor dared to appreciate the general's affection.
"I dare not," Zhang Wenzhi said respectfully, bowing his head. "General, you are busy with official duties. It is our honor to be able to wait for you here. How could we presume to say that we have been waiting for so long?"
These words displeased everyone present.
Ji Chengnin may have a high status, but he is far too arrogant. Even the Third Prince treats him with respect and courtesy. No matter how noble Ji Chengnin is, can he possibly surpass a true prince or grandson of the emperor?
What made them even more uncomfortable was that Ji Chengnin actually agreed without any remorse.
He dismounted.
Zhang Wenzhi stepped forward solicitously, "General, please."
Ji Chengnin smiled and raised his voice: "All soldiers, listen to my command! Guard the gate of the Taoist temple and do not allow anyone to enter or leave! If anyone dares to trespass, we have the authority to kill them first and report later, without asking any questions!"
A resolute reply came from beneath the armored structure, which resembled a dark, surging tide: "Yes!"
Everyone stared at Ji Chengnin in shock and confusion.
Zhang Wenzhi took a deep breath, "General, this..."
“I hit it off with Lord Zhang at first sight and would like to chat with you more,” Ji Chengning grabbed Zhang Wenzhi’s wrist and led him to an open space with a cheerful smile. “I’m also worried that someone might be inconsiderate and disturb us. I hope you won’t mind, sir?”
Cui Yao's unusually long eyelashes trembled.
Zhang Wenzhi felt bitter inside and out.
The brand-new official robe clung tightly to his back, damp and sticky. Zhang Wenzhi smiled ingratiatingly and said, "It is my honor to accompany the general."
His face was all smiles, and even the fine lines at the corners of his eyes seemed to burst open like chrysanthemums.
He was so obsequious that even a well-trained and docile prostitute wouldn't be as fawning as Zhang Wenzhi at this moment.
Upon hearing this, Cui Yao half-opened her eyelids, glanced at Zhang Wenzhi, and then calmly looked away.
It's so cold!
Zhang Wenzhi gasped, barely suppressing the urge to cover the back of his neck.
The crowd entered the empty field one after another.
The young Taoist boy, who had been hiding inside the gate watching the commotion, was patted on the shoulder by his master. He stuck out his tongue and hurriedly picked up the prayer mat that had been prepared beforehand and carried it over.
"My lord," the young Taoist called out softly.
Ji Chengning smiled and said, "Thank you."
He first took one and gave it to Cui Yao, then picked up another one for himself.
The fabric is neither new nor old, but it is extremely clean, thick, and fine, clearly showing that the weaver put a lot of care into it.
Zhang Wenzhi followed closely behind and smiled at the young Taoist boy.
The cushion was woven from dried reeds, with a layer of bluish-gray homespun cloth sewn onto the front, which made Zhang Wenzhi's palms ache.
The officials, accustomed to a life of luxury, inevitably found the prayer mats too rough. However, Ji Chengning had already knelt down comfortably, and they dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction on their faces.
Even if it's so hard it makes you gasp, you can still swallow it down.
Cui Yao knelt down properly, his back straight as a bamboo, but without any sign of deliberate effort, as if these elegant rules and regulations were deeply engraved in his bones and blood.
Ji Chengning lifted his robe, sat on the futon, bent one leg, and lazily rested his arm on his knee. Although he was relaxed, he had a unique kind of elegant and unrestrained charm.
Everyone held their breath and stared intently at Ji Chengnin.
The sun was blazing.
The people sitting on the prayer cushions felt as if they were in a charcoal oven, their skin and flesh burning, their faces covered in sweat, and their breathing heavy and slow.
Ji Chengning glanced at Cui Yao's face out of the corner of his eye.
The latter's face was completely dry, as if it had been meticulously sculpted from a single block of ice.
Ji Chengnin clicked his tongue in amazement.
However, feeling too cold is not a good thing; it might be a hidden ailment. Perhaps we should ask the doctor who treated His Highness before to examine A-Yao again…
"General," Chen Chongxian began, "may I ask, what is the purpose of summoning us here?"
Ji Chengnin glanced at him.
Instead of being offended, he smiled and said, "To be honest, I've come today to ask for your help."
"General, please speak. If we can alleviate your worries, we will go through fire and water, climb mountains of knives and plunge into seas of fire without hesitation."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Wenzhi frowned and glanced at Chen Chong.
Chen Chong is far too impatient!
Zhang Wenzhi understood that Chen Chong had committed a heinous crime and hoped to curry favor with Ji Chengning so that he could say a few good words for him before the Emperor. However, Ji Chengning did not seem like he would help him. Seeking help from a tiger was tantamount to courting death!
Ji Chengning smiled, “My lords, there’s no need to be nervous. You don’t need to risk your lives for me.” He looked around at the tense crowd, “I just need to take some of your personal belongings.”
It really does cost money.
The group exchanged knowing glances, each seeing a knowing smile in the other's eyes.
Upon hearing Ji Chengnin's purpose, Zhang Wenzhi relaxed considerably.
He smiled and said, "I see. Since the general has spoken, I am willing to give up everything I own." He lowered his voice, "However, this is not the place to talk."
Ji Chengning raised his eyes. “Under the clear sky, before all the gods,” he raised his chin, gesturing for Zhang Wenzhi to look at the statues in the main hall, “there is no better place than this.”
Zhang Wen was speechless.
Is Ji Chengnin deaf? Is bribery something that can be discussed openly?
unless……
A very bad premonition suddenly rose in Zhang Wenzhi's heart.
Sure enough, the next moment, Ji Chengnin said, "I wonder if you gentlemen have gone to the market to check the price of grain? A pound of rice costs five hundred coins, which is almost as much as gold. I wonder how much your monthly salary is, and how many pounds of grain can you exchange for?"
None of the people present lived off their salaries, and they all remained silent in embarrassment.
He was quite dissatisfied. Ji Chengning was clearly quelling the rebellion in Luanyang, but he hadn't seen a single rebel head cut off yet, and now he was meddling in these other people's business.
Ji Chengnin paused, seemingly lost in thought, and when he spoke again, his voice was even more somber: "With grain prices this high, ordinary people couldn't sustain themselves for more than a few days, even if they sold their children."
An official hissed softly.
He nervously looked up, but seeing that no one was paying attention, he quickly lowered his head again.
He had been pressing his hand on the prayer mat the whole time. When he opened his palm, he saw that it was red and even purplish at the deepest part. If his hand was so badly injured, he wondered what terrible state his knee must be in.
When we get back to the manor, we should ask Xiaomian'er to apply more medicine to him.
A slight smile line appeared on her lips, but it vanished in an instant.
The entire empty stadium was completely silent.
Ji Chengnin cupped his hands and said sincerely, "If you gentlemen can spare even a little to save the people, I will be extremely grateful."
Zhang Wenzhi pinched and grabbed Ji Chengning's arm. "We dare not accept the general's courtesy." Ji Chengning's attitude was unexpectedly gentle. Thinking about it, he knew that no matter how arrogant Ji Chengning was, he would not dare to offend so many people in the local area at once. The smile on his face became more genuine. "The general is for the country and the people. What do we officials have to worry about?"
When disasters strike a region, in addition to the imperial court providing relief, local officials, wealthy households, and powerful merchants are also required to contribute money and grain. However, with collusion between the higher and lower levels, and the law of the land above, the lower levels have their own ways of dealing with the situation. If two or three out of ten actually reach the people, that is already considered an extraordinary act of kindness.
Everyone understood Ji Chengnin's meaning and relaxed even more.
Ji Chengnin was young and inexperienced, and when he made such a big fuss, they thought he was going to raid his house.
Cui Yao's eyes turned cold.
Ji Chengning caught a glimpse of his cousin's somber face and assumed he disliked such insincere occasions. He shook his head slightly at his cousin, signaling him to calm down.
Zhang Wenzhi was covered in sweat, his fingers were cold and wet, and his five fingers were pressed tightly against Ji Chengning's arm.
Wearing only light summer clothes, Ji Chengning could almost feel the dampness of the cold air.
This felt very uncomfortable, and he frowned slightly.
It felt like touching moss in an empty room that hadn't seen the sun in a long time—damp and sticky.
It's disgusting.
Zhang Wenzhi laughed and said, "As the head of Yan County, I will preempt all my colleagues." He pondered for a few seconds, then raised his voice with the decisiveness of a warrior cutting off his own arm, "I will offer—one thousand taels!"
He had just put on airs, and everyone assumed he was going to offer several hundred thousand taels of silver. Upon hearing this figure, they were immediately relieved, and some couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Everyone turned their heads, and the man who had been laughing said, "This humble official dares not presume to speak before you, sir. This humble official will offer eight hundred taels."
"I'll take eight hundred taels too!"
"Then I'll take five hundred taels!"
"Four hundred taels..."
...
“My official rank is low,” a salt merchant said with a smile, “and I dare not compete for the top spot. I can only offer two hundred taels to help the disaster victims.”
The atmosphere was lively, with everyone bidding as if it were a game.
Throughout the entire process, Huo Wen dared not utter a sound.
He looked at Ji Chengnin with apprehension in his eyes, his throat dry and sore from nervousness.
Someone nudged him, "Lord Huo, how much are you going to offer? In my humble opinion, fifty taels would be about right."
Huo Wen's face turned pale, and he shook his head without saying a word.
The other party persisted, chuckling in a low voice, "What are you afraid of? Let alone that person," he pursed his lips in Ji Chengnin's direction, "we wouldn't dare to make a move. Even if we did, the law doesn't punish the masses. We're just following Lord Zhang's lead; even if the sky falls, it won't hit us."
No……
Huo Wenxin said.
He had only met Ji Chengning a few times, but he could vaguely sense that Ji Chengning could not possibly blame the masses!
"Huo..."
"One thousand taels?" Ji Chengnin asked.
The man stopped speaking abruptly.
Huo Wenxin relaxed for a moment, then suddenly tensed up again.
General Ji's voice sounded slow, deliberate, and calm.
Zhang Wenzhi smiled and said, "Yes." He silently calculated and added, "If we count the money of everyone present, it already amounts to more than five thousand."
Five thousand?
Five thousand coins in Yan County is only enough to buy ten thousand catties of grain, while there are tens of thousands of people in Yan County. It wouldn't be enough to feed everyone for a day!
Ji Chengnin laughed.
His bone structure was sharp, yet he was covered by a voluptuous and beautiful body, which had nothing to do with the phrase "soft and fragrant jade".
His gaze swept over sharply, clear and sharp as a blade.
Huo Wen's heart pounded wildly.
It's as if I can already see the scene of this "knife" cutting off his neck without hesitation!
His rosy, moist lips curved into a smile.
The beauty was right in front of them, but none of the officials present dared to look at her for long. In fact, they all lowered their heads abruptly after hearing Ji Chengnin's laughter.
Zhang Wenzhi's smile also became somewhat stiff. "General, are you not satisfied? If not, we can add some more."
"Five thousand taels, excellent, excellent," Ji Chengnin clapped his hands and laughed, "Very good indeed, everyone is so generous in donating money and sacrificing their own wealth to help those in need, I truly admire you."
His voice was tinged with laughter, but his eyes, which resembled peach petals, were already filled with cold indignation.
Cui Yao silently placed her hand on the hilt of the knife.
Of all those present, only Huo Wen, who had been keeping a close eye on Ji Chengnin and Cui Yao, noticed this subtle movement.
Cui Yao's eyes were completely focused on Ji Chengning, watching his every move intently. Come on, react.
Whether it's murder or some other heinous act, it seems that as long as Ji Chengning speaks up, Huo Wen has no doubt that Cui Yao will carry it out without complaint.
A loyal, mad dog.
Huo Wen felt a chill run down his spine.
Seeing that Ji Chengnin was relatively easy to talk to, one official boldly interjected, "General, it's not that we're unwilling to pay, but rather, we also have our own difficulties."
As soon as these words were spoken, someone immediately echoed, "Yes, General. Since the rebels in Luanyang occupied the city, many people from Luanyang have fled to Yan County. I have to settle them, prevent and control the epidemic, and also be wary of spies. I am too busy to take care of anything else."
“General, we have done our best,” Zhang Wenzhi sighed. “In order not to trouble the court, we only asked for a one-year tax exemption. According to precedent, counties that suffer from disasters are exempt from taxes for three years.”
Ji Chengnin was so angry at these shameless words that he laughed.
Zhang Wenzhi applied for a tax exemption for only one year to curry favor with his superiors, but now he has the audacity to say that it's to avoid causing the court any trouble!
Chen Chong interjected, "General, the situation is urgent. Although it is our incompetence, but..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ji Chengnin coldly interrupted him, "Indeed, you are incompetent."
Chen Chong choked for a moment, his face turning from red to pale.
Ji Chengnin suddenly stood up.
The hem of the robe sliced a sharp line in mid-air, startling everyone who immediately fell silent.
Ji Chengning raised his voice and said, "Li Bi, bring me what I have prepared."
Everyone looked nervously in Li Bi's direction.
A dashing young military officer entered, carrying a thick booklet in both hands, and respectfully presented it to him.
Ji Chengning grabbed the booklet. “In May of the sixteenth year of Jiaping, Yan County suffered a major disaster. The imperial court allocated 150,000 taels of silver and 200,000 shi of grain, and exempted them from taxes for one year,” he said coldly. He looked at Zhang Wenzhi, whose face was as pale as paper, and asked, “Lord Zhang, I ask you, where are the silver and grain?”
Zhang Wenzhi was surprised that Ji Chengning had pulled up last year's old documents. He stammered, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the disaster relief funds have been exhausted."
Ji Chengnin could no longer contain his anger.
Since becoming an official, Ji Chengning felt that his temper was too good and too restrained, to the point that these beasts dared to take advantage of him!
Outside the city, layers upon layers of corpse pits and the faces of ragged, weakened rebels, barely recognizable as humans, flashed rapidly before Ji Chengnin's eyes.
Ultimately, it all coalesced into faces of fear, of people quietly observing his reaction, and of those who remained aloof.
He scoffed, "So much manpower and resources have been wasted, yet when I took office, grain prices were still so high! How could the court support such useless people who hold positions without doing their jobs and abuse their power for personal gain!"
Zhang Wenzhi was, after all, a local official. His face turned red with anger, and his shoulders trembled violently, as if he was about to faint at any moment.
An official who was close to Zhang Wenzhi immediately helped him up.
"I hope the general will understand that it is not that we are extravagant and wasteful, or that we have not used the money properly. Rather, it is that the price of grain is too high, and there is no grain available locally, so we have to transport it from other places. Apart from the price of the grain itself, the cost of hiring guards and feeding the people and horses along the way is also considerable."
Before the words were finished, a cold, menacing voice spoke up.
"The imperial court requires all prefectures and counties to set up Ever-Normal Granaries so that the government can purchase grain when prices are low to prevent farmers from being hurt by cheap grain, and open granaries to release grain when prices are soaring. As you all said before, the disaster relief funds were used to purchase high-priced grain. What were the Ever-Normal Granaries doing before?"
Ji Chengnin's anger paused for a few seconds.
He glanced at Cui Yao.
Cui Yao is so familiar with the structure of the imperial court's official system that even officials who have been immersed in the officialdom for many years would probably feel ashamed of themselves. He—his cousin is really amazing!
As soon as the words left her mouth, Cui Yao's first reaction was to go and see Ji Chengning.
Would the prince think he knew too much, had ill intentions, and was up to something? The prince... their eyes met.
Ji Chengning's eyes crinkled slightly.
It was just a tiny, almost imperceptible movement.
So, Cui Yao inexplicably felt relieved.
The officials remained silent for a long while before one of them said, "Your Excellency, we did not expect the drought to last for two years, and the grain we had stored earlier is long gone," he paused, "is already insufficient."
Before he could finish speaking, an official muttered, "The general's words aren't entirely true. The common people may be suffering, but do you think it's easy for us? Everyone's money is the result of years of hard work. Those lowly commoners don't know how to work, so now they can't even defend themselves against a disaster. They can only wait for government relief. We're not gods or Buddhas; how can we possibly take care of everyone?"
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Author's Note: Twisting—Crawling—Rolling in front of his wife—Offering her roses
Sorry, honey, I'm out of contact.
The red envelope for this chapter has been dropped. Sorry for the wait.
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