As the rain intensified, the price of grain rose higher and higher.
The imperial court sent people to notify all rice merchants not to raise prices, and then the rice shops closed for three days.
Countless people had nowhere to buy food and began to protest. Numerous noble families began to petition the court to lift the controls on grain prices.
Emperor Jianyuan had no choice but to let grain prices continue to rise.
Heshen sat in the teahouse, watching the people cheering because the rice shop was open, and couldn't help but laugh.
So what if the imperial court commands a million-strong army? As long as I transport the grain into the capital bit by bit, would Emperor Jianyuan dare to act rashly?
If the grain transport is cut off, the people of the capital will truly not be able to buy any grain at all.
"Pass down the notice: reduce the daily amount of grain sold, limit the amount of grain each person can buy, and have all the major families stop transporting grain for a period of time."
"Then the price of grain doubled, and people spread the word in the capital that there was a grain shortage and that supplies could no longer be delivered."
"We only need to ensure that the capital has enough food for three days."
"If we have too much grain and the imperial court confiscates it, how will we make money?"
"In addition, the silver that should be distributed to the nobles and dukes should not be less. We can't handle this business on our own."
Heshen sipped his tea, looked at the people below, and gave his orders.
The old servant standing behind him nodded and withdrew.
After watching the people rush to buy grain for a while, he was about to head home when he saw his old servant running back in a hurry.
"Master, master, something terrible has happened!"
"I'm perfectly fine, sir. Why are you in such a panic? It can't be that Madam is pregnant again, can it?"
Looking at the old servant's flustered appearance, Heshen said with some dissatisfaction, "You've been with me for so many years and haven't learned a thing about shrewdness. Those who do great things should not let their emotions show on their faces. Don't you even know that?"
The old servant took a few breaths before speaking: "Master, Marquis Anping has opened a shop that sells all sorts of things, including grain, but their prices are half of ours."
"What?"
Heshen stood up, his face looking rather grim.
To be honest, he wasn't worried at all that the imperial court would intervene in grain prices.
However, Heshen had no confidence in Marquis Anping, this disciple of a divine being.
After all, this Marquis was unreasonable and mysterious. He uprooted Yan Song, who had stood firm in the Ming Dynasty for decades, in just a few days.
It can even predict the future, knowing that this rain will never stop.
These actions instilled some fear in Heshen.
Before he could even think about it, several squads of soldiers dressed in flying fish robes arrived at the entrance of the rice shop, banging gongs and beating drums.
"The Hou Mansion's new store is opening! All grains and goods are on sale at half price. If you make a purchase today, you'll receive a free pound of rice. Don't miss out!"
"In addition, the Marquis's residence has an event where if a hundred people gather together to buy things, they will have a chance to receive a pound of grain for free."
"The Marquis's residence is also recruiting. As long as a family member joins the company, they can get an employee price, with an additional discount on top of the discount."
"Limited time offer, hurry up and line up to grab yours!"
The people were taken aback upon hearing this.
Huang Huifeng couldn't help but ask, "Sir, you're not lying to us, are you?"
Chen Da looked at him with a hint of disdain: "Are you doubting the strength of the Marquis's mansion?"
“Our lord lacks everything except silver, why would he lie to you?”
"Besides, it's right next to the Marquis's residence in the market. Why don't you go and take a look?"
Chen Da's subordinate, Guo Datou, chimed in, "Don't hesitate, it's free food, what are you waiting for?"
"Since it's free, why not believe it a little and go take a look? It won't hurt."
Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what was going on.
Yeah, it's free anyway, so why not believe it a little?
So everyone looked at each other, and then they all ran away in a panic.
Several villagers who had bought grain wanted to put down their rice bags and go to the Marquis's residence to take a look.
Li Jiaqi stopped them, saying, "The items have already been weighed. Why are you trying to return them? Hand over the money now, or you're not leaving here."
He was shouting and yelling in the store, ordering his men to start taking money.
Chen Da, who was about to leave, saw his behavior and turned back: "Manager Li, right? Hehe, are you planning to force a sale? The goods that people just took have not even left your store yet, why can't they be returned?"
"If that's how you want it to be, then our destiny has begun."
Upon hearing this, Li Jiaqi's face turned somewhat pale.
The four henchmen of the Marquis's mansion are: Grand Steward Zhao Hu, Executive Officer Chen Da, White-Clad Luo Yang, and Beggar Clan member Qiao Feng.
The latter two are well-known figures in the martial arts world.
Although the first two are not that famous, they are not people that a small shopkeeper like him would dare to offend.
In particular, the executive officer Chen Da, with his torture methods, is feared by all.
Thinking of the plight of Yan Song's family, Li Jiaqi waved his hand, signaling his men to leave and no longer prevent the people from leaving.
After watching the people leave, Chen Da turned back to Li Jiaqi and smiled, "Manager Li, don't worry, our fate will surely be with you again."
After saying that, he grinned and said, "I hope that when the time comes, Manager Li will be able to shout just as loudly."
After Chen Da left, Li Jiaqi slumped to the ground, his face deathly pale.
Heshen looked at the scene below, his face dark, and ordered a carriage to be prepared so he could go and see what kind of trouble the Marquis of Anping was up to.
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