Chapter 115: Stealing a Chicken, Losing the Rice
"Trust and honesty are the most important things between husband and wife. I lied to you a few days ago, and now that I'm exposed, you've forgiven me. If I knowingly do the same thing again next time and erode your trust, I'm afraid our relationship won't last long."
After what happened today, how could Zhao Yi dare to make decisions behind Shen Qingtan's back?
He said: "I cherish this marriage very much."
Shen Qingtan smiled knowingly.
Because she and Zhao Yi share the same idea about how couples should get along.
"There's one more thing you said wrong." Zhao Yi said seriously, "On the day of our wedding, you knew it was me, yet you still held my hand and bowed to heaven and earth with me. From the beginning, it wasn't me who chose you, but you who chose me."
Shen Qingtan was stunned for a moment, and then she understood in an instant that he was telling her that it was a mutual choice between them, so she didn't need to put herself too low in this marriage.
She had said those words deliberately to hurt him, but he took it to heart.
Shen Qingtan looked at the man in front of her with a hint of tenderness in his eyes and thought about the details he paid attention to, which could easily move people.
She followed her heart and reached out to hug him.
——
At the court session the next morning, Emperor Jing'an discussed with all the officials how to accommodate the refugees at the gate of the imperial city.
The Imperial Censor said, "Your Majesty, I suggest we first clear a piece of wasteland outside the city and build thatched huts to temporarily shelter the refugees. We can then distribute food and porridge. If the refugees can survive this month, after the wheat harvest, the disaster will be alleviated."
"The war in the north is getting intense right now. We must first ensure sufficient military rations. The food stored in the granary must not be moved."
Duke Zhao stepped out and said, "There aren't many refugees at the city gate. Why don't you all do your bit and donate some food to help them? Let's get through this disaster together."
Everyone's expressions changed, and they looked at each other, no one dared to speak.
Marquis Cheng'en glanced at Duke Zhao, then at Prince Yu, then stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, yesterday I saw someone distributing porridge to the refugees at the city gate."
"The merchant who's giving out porridge is named Qin. He's the largest grain merchant in the Great Zhou. Last year, when there was a famine, grain prices everywhere rose several times. It was only because of his grain supply that prices were driven down."
"Some time ago, when the northern border was short of military rations, he donated 150,000 dan of grain. In my humble opinion, he's giving out porridge at the city gate, so there should be enough food. Why not have him cooperate with the court in providing relief to the refugees?"
Marquis Cheng'en knew that Boss Qin was Shen Qingtan's man, and they couldn't touch Shen Qingtan for the time being, so they would start with Boss Qin when the time came.
If Boss Qin made a mistake and was punished during the disaster relief, the fire might have spread to Shen Qingtan.
Emperor Jing'an had heard of Boss Qin and glared at Marquis Cheng'en. "From what I understand, refugees have been gathering at the city gates for some time. You, the people who receive salaries from the court and work to provide for the common people, have been turning a deaf ear to this. Instead, it's the merchants, who are known for prioritizing profit over compassion, who have been the first to release grain to help the refugees."
Upon hearing this, all the officials knelt down in fear.
Emperor Jing'an said in a deep voice, "Whoever proposed this matter shall do it."
The officials who had just spoken were sweating profusely, fearing that they would be named.
Especially when Emperor Jing'an's gaze slowly swept over, his nerves became even more tense.
Marquis Cheng'en moved behind the minister in front of him, thinking that since he was the last one to make a suggestion, it probably wouldn't be him.
The next moment, Emperor Jing'an ordered: "Lord Shen, you are responsible for providing food relief to the refugees."
Marquis Cheng'en was stunned: "Your Majesty, that Qin..."
Emperor Jing'an interrupted him and said, "If your duties are shared by a merchant, then does that mean your title will also be inherited by this merchant?"
Marquis Cheng'en's expression suddenly changed, and he dared not say anything more: "I obey your command."
After the court session, Marquis Cheng'en chased Prince Yu out, wanting to ask him for advice on whether he could touch Boss Qin again.
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