He leaned back casually, his legs bent, holding a name list in his hand, his gaze falling on the second surname: [Fang family.]
The Fang family is also a prominent clan in the capital. Since the founding of the country by the late emperor, they have been first-class meritorious officials, and their descendants have produced many talented individuals. Now, they are important officials in the court who are in charge of the granaries and national treasury.
Lord Fang and General Zhou were very close friends. Back when they were in the capital, they would occasionally go out for tea and chat.
In recent years, Yan State has suffered from either drought or floods, and the people often go hungry.
When the autumn harvest came, they couldn't even pay their taxes and grain taxes.
"Young Master, Lord Fang has been under a lot of pressure lately."
“In previous years, Yan Kingdom did not have such a large army to support, but for some reason, His Majesty has been recruiting soldiers on a large scale in recent years, and now there are 500,000 troops stationed in the south.”
"The Yan Kingdom appears to be at peace and without war, but this year's famine is extremely severe. Winter is fast approaching, and the army's food supply cannot be interrupted. Lord Fang is having a great headache over this."
"If the problems of grain tax and insufficient national reserves cannot be resolved, Lord Fang will probably be in a difficult situation."
The servant knelt on the ground, respectfully reporting the information he had gathered.
Zhou Cheng nodded, indicating that he understood.
Since ancient times, food has been the most serious problem for armies. In this era, without a Mr. Yuan, how could there be the dream of enjoying the cool shade under the rice plants, and how could the people be free from hunger?
After being turned away by the Wang family, Zhou Cheng did not directly exchange for supplies, but chose to pay them a visit first.
After all, it's not certain whether they'll even see us at this point!
This way.
Fang Mansion.
Upon returning to his residence, Lord Fang sighed repeatedly. His mind was filled with the issues concerning taxes and grain taxes that had arisen in court that day. If this problem wasn't resolved soon, His Majesty might hold him accountable!
But the people have had no harvest this year, so where will they get the grain to hand over to the national treasury?
What should we do now...?
"My lord, Young Master Zhou is requesting an audience at the side gate."
"Which Young Master Zhou?" Lord Fang's expression stiffened slightly, and he asked with a frown.
The servant replied, "Young Master Zhou from the General's Mansion says he has important business to discuss with you."
Important matter?
What could be so important!
They're probably here to ask for help, right?
Lord Fang sighed slightly, a hint of struggle flashing in his eyes. In less than half a second, this struggle turned into self-preservation: "Let him go. It's not that I don't want to help General Zhou with this matter, but I'm really powerless to do so."
The servant mustered his courage and added, "Young Master Zhou said he guessed you would refuse him with this, but he didn't come for General Zhou's sake."
“He does have something important to discuss and would like to meet with you alone.”
Upon hearing this, Lord Fang remained unmoved.
Instead, his face showed more disappointment and displeasure.
He wasn't blaming Zhou Cheng for coming to him for help, but rather that after he clearly refused, Zhou Cheng not only failed to recognize the item, but also reluctantly made excuses to ask to see him again!
Why bother?
If I could help, why would I refuse?
But in the current situation, if he dares to speak up for General Zhou in court, the Fang family will be labeled as accomplices by their opponents tomorrow!
He can't risk the lives of hundreds of people in the Fang family.
Lord Fang waved his hand and said, "Take the peace talisman you got at the temple the day before yesterday to him. Tell him that I am powerless to help him with his request, so I will give him a peace talisman to help the Zhou family get through this calamity."
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