Those powerful families who purchased grain and salt organized their own caravans and headed to Liangzhou, Bingzhou, Youzhou and other places.
In addition, they also carried a large amount of silk, liquor, and other goods. The imperial court did not impose any restrictions on these goods, which were also scarce on the grasslands. After all, the dumping of non-strategic materials could also stimulate production and development within the Han Dynasty.
The news of the Han Dynasty opening up trade routes also spread to the Qiang people and the northern grasslands via fast horses. Even merchants from the Western Regions near Dunhuang learned of this news and rushed to the trade routes of the three prefectures with their own goods.
Since Liu Hong emphasized border defense after ascending the throne, and Zhang Huan and Lu Zhi continuously expanded military equipment, neither the Xiongnu, Xianbei, nor Wuhuan could invade the territory of the Han Dynasty and plunder as they had in the past.
Although they have plenty of cattle and sheep, grain and salt are still the main necessities of life, and they are in great short supply. Although they can buy grain and salt through some smugglers, the quantity is limited and the price is ridiculously high, up to twenty times the normal price.
Furthermore, smuggling is a capital offense, so few people dare to do it. In addition, border checks are very strict now, so life is very difficult for the tribes on the grasslands, and they are in dire need of food and salt.
So when they learned that the Han Dynasty had opened trade routes and that the price of grain and salt was only ten times what it used to be, the leaders of those tribes, large and small, still gritted their teeth and organized their people to head to the border of the Han Dynasty. After all, it was much cheaper than buying from smugglers.
In Jizhou, Zhao Zhong, after several days of travel, arrived at the Zhen family. He sat in the main seat of the Zhen family's living room, while Zhen Yu, the head of the Zhen family, sat beside him with a smile, conversing with Zhao Zhong.
With a broad smile on his face, Zhen Yu cupped his hands to Zhao Zhong and said, "I must thank Attendant Zhao for his mediation this time, which secured such a large share for my Zhen family. I am truly grateful!"
“Your young master from the Zhen family is now His Majesty’s student, so you can also be considered His Majesty’s people. With this relationship, who else can our family help if not you?”
Zhen Yu smiled and said, "My son is dull-witted, so he still needs Zhao Changshi's help."
After saying this, Zhen Yu took out several land deeds and property deeds from his sleeve and handed them to Zhao Zhong.
"Haha~ No problem, no problem!"
Zhao Zhong glanced at the land deeds and property deeds, and a smile immediately spread across his face. He then quietly slipped the deeds into his sleeve.
Zhao Zhong's attitude towards the Zhen family has also changed. After all, with Zhen Yi, a member of the Imperial Guard, now in the Zhen family, they might rise to prominence one day. It's always good to maintain a good relationship.
After finishing his casual conversation, Zhao Zhong looked at Zhen Yu and asked, "I've heard that the newly rising Su family in Ji Province was supported by Governor Liu? And Governor Liu often makes things difficult for your Zhen family?"
Zhen Yu nodded with a bitter expression, "That's right, the business of my Zhen family is not as good as before!"
In fact, as early as last year, after Liu Yan took over as the governor of Ji Province, he had been eyeing the Zhen family and tried to win them over. However, because Zhen Yu could not see through Liu Yan, the Zhen family had always kept their distance.
This angered Liu Yan, who constantly caused trouble for the Zhen family and even supported the Su family to oppose them, attempting to drive the Zhen family out of Jizhou.
Zhen Yu also knew that although their family was large and wealthy, they probably couldn't withstand the government's targeting for long. That's why she decided to fight for her son's future, which led to the previous donation of money and the later actions of her son entering the Imperial Guard and the Zhen family giving up some of the market.
Although Liu Yan has toned down his targeting of the Zhen family, he still sold the share that originally belonged to the Zhen family to the Su family in this trade.
If it weren't for Zhao Zhong's arrival, the Zhen family probably wouldn't have gotten a single grain of food this time.
Zhao Zhong looked at Zhen Yu and said, "We've already made arrangements. You can go to the official granary to purchase the grain yourselves. As for the salt, I'll personally go to Governor Liu and ask the Su family to give you more."
"Thank you very much, Attendant Zhao!"
Zhen Yu was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.
Since Zhao Zhong arrived in Jizhou, Liu Yan had been sending people to keep an eye on his movements, trying to find out the true purpose of the emperor's sending him here.
"You mean Zhao Zhong went to the Zhen family?"
“Indeed, I have been keeping an eye on things. Attendant Zhao went to the Zhen family early this morning and did not leave until noon.”
"Okay, keep an eye on his movements and report back immediately if anything happens!"
"promise!"
Liu Yan then waved his hand, and the subordinate bowed and withdrew.
After his men left, Liu Yan looked at a young man next to him. This young man was none other than Jia Xu, who had left Luoyang to come to Ji Province to join Liu Yan that day.
Liu Yan greatly admired Jia Xu's literary talent and knowledge, and appointed him as an official in the governor's office, showing him exceptional favor. Later, it was Jia Xu who gave Liu Yan the idea to support the Su family and suppress the Zhen family.
"Wenhe, what do you think the Emperor sent Zhao Zhong to Jizhou for? What was Zhao Zhong's purpose in going to the Zhen family?"
Upon hearing Liu Yan's question, Jia Xu smiled and said, "I think it must be related to the trade. After all, there are many powerful and influential families in Ji Province. It's possible that the Emperor sent Zhao Zhong to keep an eye on them!"
"As for the Zhen family, they're probably just after money and want Zhao Zhong to help them out!"
"That makes sense!!"
Liu Yan largely agreed with Jia Xu's assessment. There were just as many powerful and influential families in Ji Province as in Sili Province, and if no one was watching them, they might even dare to empty the official granaries.
Just as the two were talking, a servant from the governor's mansion hurriedly walked in, glanced at Jia Xu to the side, and stood there without saying a word.
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