Madam Su was astonished and looked at Princess Yongjia, "This...but she is already engaged to the Shen family."
Princess Yongjia sighed and said, "Actually, I came here today with the intention of apologizing for my sins."
"The Shen family has decided to re-engage with our Shanjunwang Mansion, but they are too embarrassed to say it directly. I also really like your eldest daughter, so I have the idea of marrying into the Su family."
"I wonder if the old lady dislikes our Li family?"
Madam Su was stunned for a long time, unable to recover. She could only force a smile and said, "How could I dislike it? It's just that the Shen family didn't come to discuss this matter in person... isn't it a bit inappropriate?"
Princess Yongjia quickly explained, "Lord Shen suddenly returned to the capital, and the Shen family was also in a mess, so he entrusted this matter to me."
"The Shen family said that the betrothal gifts don't need to be returned. Just consider it as compensation to the Su family. Also, there will be news about your second master's transfer back to the capital in the next two months. He will be promoted twice."
When Madam Su heard these two conditions, she couldn't help but think about it. But she said awkwardly, "I can't make the decision on this matter. I have to discuss it with my family."
"How about I send someone to deliver a letter to the princess tomorrow?"
Princess Yongjia didn't want to delay any longer and said with a smile, "What's so difficult about this? Why not invite Marquis Pingning over as well? We can discuss any concerns face to face."
"Don't worry, Madam. The betrothal gifts offered by our Shanjunwang Mansion to the eldest young lady are definitely substantial. I have already brought the documents for the Shen family to cancel the engagement, and I am just waiting for the Su family to sign. As long as both your families cancel the engagement, we will come to propose marriage tomorrow."
The old lady had no choice but to order Yuan Mama, "Go and ask the Marquis to come over."
At this time, Su Qingyu, who was doing accounts in the study in the outer courtyard, also welcomed two uninvited guests.
Zhenzhu came in to report that the third cousin wanted to see her. Su Qingyu asked her to take the person to the study, but she didn't expect that there was someone following Lin Wuchen.
The man was wrapped tightly in a dark cloak, with his head lowered. After he took off his hat after entering the room, Su Qingyu could see who he was.
"Master Shen? Are you...going on an incognito visit?"
Shen Zhixiu gave a bitter laugh and said, "I'm sorry to have come here to disturb Miss Su."
Su Qingyu stared at him and blurted out, "How come Third Master looks so haggard after not seeing him for a few days?"
After saying this, he realized that he had been a bit rude. Their relationship wasn't at the point where this was necessary.
Before Shen Zhixiu could say anything, Lin Wuchen jokingly said, "He hasn't gotten much sleep these past few days. If the grain price doesn't come down, he might really die for his country."
Su Qingyu glanced at their faces suspiciously, "Are you familiar with each other?"
Lin Wuchen said teasingly: "Don't flatter me, this is Elder Shen."
Shen Zhixiu glanced at Lin Wuchen and explained to Su Qingyu, "We did know each other before, and we can be considered old friends."
Su Qingyu understood that the relationship between the Lin family and Shen Zhixiu was not as simple as it seemed.
No wonder someone attacked the Lin family in the previous life.
And the eldest uncle also spared no effort in helping Shen Zhao in the previous life, but it might not be entirely because of her.
Su Qingyu asked them to sit down and told the maid to serve tea.
"Then what is the purpose of Third Master's visit? He wouldn't come here in person to cancel the engagement, would he?" Su Qingyu heard that he came for the price of grain and joked.
Shen Zhixiu's face was calm, he didn't feel embarrassed or blushing, instead he said it very seriously.
"I'm not here to break off the engagement."
He then explained, "The Emperor has given me a task: to lower the price of grain in the capital within three days, no matter what means I use."
Su Qingyu was stunned. "Three days? It would take at least half a month for the food from Jiangnan to reach the capital, right?"
There is only one way to lower food prices, and that is for enough food to enter the market.
Shen Zhixiu nodded and said, "It's too late to wait for the grain from Jiangnan. The grain stores in Beijing are not large, and even if we add them together, it's not enough to cause any trouble."
Su Qingyu looked at Lin Wuchen with a puzzled expression. It seemed that her third cousin had already handed over all the secrets of their family to Shen Zhixiu.
Shen Zhixiu's intention of coming today was very clear. He hoped that she could take out the stored grain to resolve the crisis in the capital.
For the Yu Lin family, Shen Zhixiu is a pillar of support, and they have no choice but to cling to him.
Su Qingyu lowered her head and pondered for a moment before asking, "Third Master, can you guarantee that the grain in the capital won't be taken away by merchants?"
"As soon as the price drops here, grain merchants will immediately buy up the grain and sell it to other provinces. By then, the capital will become the grain wholesale center of Northern Zhili."
The little grain she had could only barely lower the price of grain in the capital. If it were distributed to the entire northern Zhili market, it would probably not even make a splash.
Shen Zhixiu said in a deep voice, "I've thought about this. When the time comes, I'll send people to guard the four gates of the capital, and no one will be allowed to transport a single grain of food out."
"The capital is under the emperor's feet. Now it's in such a mess, it's hard for the emperor to accept it. Other places are not my responsibility, I only care about the capital."
In fact, the price of grain in the capital was the most difficult to reduce because of the large population and the large number of refugees. He was a cabinet minister, but he could not conjure up grain.
Lord Xu knew that this matter was difficult to handle, so he deliberately pushed it onto him.
Su Qingyu's green fingers drummed on the table. After a long while, she said, "What's the highest price you can accept for grain in the market?"
Shen Zhixiu thought for a moment and said, "One tael and five cents of silver."
Su Qingyu shook her head. "That's impossible. This batch of grain was originally purchased at a high price at the end of the year. The cost is not low."
"Then how much do you want?" A smile appeared on Shen Zhixiu's lips.
Su Qingyu calculated it in her mind and said, "Two taels of silver for one dan. We can negotiate with several grain merchants in the capital and unify the price. We will only keep a small amount of grain for disaster relief and porridge, and the rest can be put into the market."
Shen Zhixiu said without hesitation: "Deal, at the price you mentioned."
The three of them smiled at each other, and the deal was done.
Lin Wuchen glanced at Shen Zhixiu and said, "We have helped so much, would you like to treat us to a meal, Elder Shen?"
Shen Zhixiu smiled and said, "You're so easy to get rid of. I'll remember this favor. If the Lin family and Miss Su need me in the future, just let me know."
Su Qingyu wanted to say, why not call off the marriage?
Before I could decide whether to bring it up, there was a knock on the study door.
Immediately afterwards, Jade came in hurriedly.
"Miss, Princess Yongjia brought the Shen family's document of annulling the engagement, saying that she wants to cancel your marriage with Mr. Shen San and be engaged to Mr. Li Si. "
"The Marquis and the old lady have already agreed and are signing the divorce papers."
Lin Wuchen frowned and stood up, looking at Shen Zhixiu, "Master Shen, are you taking advantage of our family while humiliating my cousin?"
"You're really good. You've already found a new home for my cousin."
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