Tang Huan ignored the people around her and started joking and teasing Xue'e.
This wasn't the first time he'd done something like this. The businessmen who came to Qihuai County for cooperation had reached a consensus: this magistrate couldn't be judged by ordinary standards.
Fearing that His Majesty might become dissatisfied if things continued this way, Xie Wu tried to speak up.
"Sir, Boss Wu is interested in buying up the potatoes stockpiled in the county for disaster relief..."
When Xie Wu brought this up, he wasn't very confident; he wasn't sure if Tang Huan would agree.
Based on Xie Wu's understanding of Tang Huan, even if potatoes were originally cheap and Wu Lanxi had already negotiated prices with the people, once Tang Huan was involved, the matter would inevitably develop in a different direction.
This wasn't the first time Tang Huan had taken advantage of a crisis; raising prices on the spot was commonplace for him.
However, Xie Wu was also aware of Wu Lanxi's emphasis on disaster relief and was vaguely worried that Tang Huan might inadvertently anger His Majesty, just as she had done in the past.
Upon hearing about the disaster relief, Tang Huan put his arm around Xue'e and turned to look at Wu Lanxi.
Wu Lanxi didn't want to see Tang Huan being affectionate with a woman, feeling it was improper, but after the topic of disaster relief came up, she still turned her attention to Tang Huan.
"Is Boss Wu really determined to provide disaster relief?"
Wu Lanxi nodded vigorously without hesitation.
This isn't a matter of whether or not to decide, but rather when to do it.
As an empress, she always has many people standing behind her, exerting endless pressure.
Wu Lanxi was already overwhelmed by the famine alone.
Now that we've seen this opportunity, we certainly won't let it slip by; we'll hold onto it tightly.
Seeing Wu Lanxi's appearance, Tang Huan knew exactly what was going on. He shook his head and said, "Did Lao Xie tell you that there was a large stockpile of potatoes in Qihuai County?"
"Yes," Wu Lanxi acknowledged.
"You came to me hoping I would help you?"
Wu Lanxi wanted to nod, but didn't do so immediately.
"Actually, after you left the restaurant, Xie Wu took me to meet the local people. I have already discussed the purchase of potatoes with them, and some people have already spread the word. I believe the people will not refuse such a thing."
It turns out I missed something.
This Boss Wu is quite the man of action; he does what he says he will do, which is much better than most people.
Tang Huan asked with a smile, "The people of Qihuai County have learned a lot of bad habits from me over the years. They haven't made things difficult for Boss Wu regarding prices, have they?"
"No, we agreed on one tael of silver to buy ten bags of potatoes, and on that basis they would help with the handling and simple transportation."
Tang Huan nodded, then suddenly reminded him, "Did Boss Wu confirm the exact quantity of potatoes in a bag with them?"
Do we really need to confirm that?
Wu Lanxi felt strange.
At this moment, Xie Wu seemed to remember something, and his face showed difficulty.
He didn't know how to explain to Wu Lanxi for a moment, and wished he could slap his own head a few times.
I completely forgot about something so important.
Wu Lanxi noticed Xie Wu's unusual behavior and guessed that there might be some changes in this matter, so she simply looked at Tang Huan.
"Lord Tang, what is the meaning of this?"
"As I just said, many of the men below have been corrupted by me, especially when dealing with wealthy merchants from outside. You only agree on one tael of silver for ten bags of potatoes, which sounds like a good deal, but what if the bag you receive at the end is not the same as the one you saw?"
Wu Lanxi frowned, her expression turning grim.
Lin Wan'er gasped, "Such a thing could happen?"
Tang Huan couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Yes, this isn't the first time they've used such a trick."
What he didn't admit was that the method was passed down from him, but Boss Wu could probably guess that.
After realizing this, Wu Lanxi knew that things might become more complicated.
She solemnly cupped her hands to Tang Huan and said, "Lord Tang, I hope you can help me with this matter. I thank you in advance."
His Majesty is asking for help?
This is the first time.
Xie Wu only hoped that Tang Huan wouldn't try to be clever at this time, otherwise there would be endless trouble.
But thinking about what this boy had done in the past, he wished he could skin those merchants who came to Qihuai County alive, and felt as if he had no light at the end of the tunnel.
How do you want me to help you?
Xue'e fed a grape to Tang Huan and then looked at Wu Lanxi following Tang Huan's gaze.
Wu Lanxi looked somewhat troubled: "Lord Tang is the magistrate of Qihuai County, and he has done the people of Qihuai County a great favor. If you were to intervene, they might behave themselves a bit..."
"Besides the hot pot business, I also need to borrow another sum of money from Qihuai Bank, perhaps close to 100,000 taels..."
This estimate is based on the public's manipulation of prices to inflate them; even if Tang Huan intervenes, the figure should still be high.
Wu Lanxi's own savings were already running low, barely enough to make ends meet.
There is still a sum of money in the national treasury, but many people's eyes are on the national treasury, and that money cannot be easily touched now.
Wu Lanxi did not want the court officials to know about this, so she could only ask Tang Huan for help.
"Lend me money..."
Tang Huan drawled out his words, patted Xue'e's small hand, and asked, "Do you think I should lend it to her?"
To hand over the decision-making power to a maid?
Wu Lanxi looked serious.
Xue'e did not give an answer immediately, but thought carefully and said, "The master should lend it. Not to mention that Boss Wu is doing it for disaster relief, we can also benefit from her borrowing money from Qihuai Bank."
Tang Huan nodded in agreement.
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