Chapter 696 Appearance - Preferred
The senior minister looked at Yun Yichen with heartache; he truly had high hopes for this young prime minister.
But now, for the sake of her brother-in-law, she's acting so recklessly.
Yun Yichen glanced at the old man and said, "This is the result of my careful consideration. It is said that what is taken from the people should be used for the people. Unfortunately, my ancestors left me some property. If I can exchange my material possessions for the people's peaceful life, why not?"
Yun Yichen's words made many people present lower their heads in shame. In their hearts, their first thought was of their families and official positions, and only secondly of bringing benefits to the people.
Even so, this method is too risky.
The old minister still disagreed, arguing that using his own money for the sake of righteousness was no laughing matter if it led to a conflict between officials and businessmen.
"But if we don't take the risk, what better way is there?"
Yun Yichen's words silenced everyone, including the emperor.
Yes, in the current situation, besides grain merchants having grain in their hands, where else can they get grain?
Since Yun Yichen is willing to be the sucker, and I don't have to spend any money, what's wrong with me putting in some effort?
Moreover, if Yun Yichen and the Gu family have spent most of their money, then once Renjie becomes the emperor, the Gu and Yun families will naturally be free of threat.
With this thought, the emperor was immediately relieved.
"My two esteemed ministers, this is a last resort. The most important thing now is to address the needs of the people. Didn't your wives donate some money before? Let's use it all for this compensation!"
The emperor appeared very generous, but he had already spent almost all of that money.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Although they knew in their hearts that the emperor meant to wash his hands of the matter, the ministers still had to thank him.
After this commotion, no one cared what Gu Renjie did. Even when Lu Yuanbin occasionally mentioned it to the emperor alone, the emperor would just wave his hand and tell him to stop talking about it.
As for Sun Ruoyun, she has been behaving herself since she returned, and no one has contacted her privately.
Gu Shuyan initially thought that at least Sun Ruoyun would contact her mother, but Sun Ruoyun did nothing but eat and sleep every day.
By May, the weather was getting hotter and hotter, and the emperor was so exhausted that he even skipped several morning court sessions.
Despite being underestimated by everyone, Gu Renjie actually managed to stabilize grain prices. There was no conflict between officials and merchants, and local governments cooperated well after receiving the government's order. Prices in the capital were adjusted to more than double their original levels, while prices in other regions dropped to less than double.
Because Gu Shuyan had given prior instructions, the grain that ordinary people bought was sold at the original price. Apart from wealthy merchants and officials, no ordinary people made any extra money from this batch of grain.
Upon hearing the report from his subordinate, Lu Changqing's usually gentle eyes cracked for the first time.
"Someone is definitely behind this, otherwise it wouldn't have turned out this way."
Unlike Lu Yuanbin, Lu Changqing was raised by his grandfather and, being a deep thinker, could not possibly believe that it was all a coincidence.
"Your Highness, the people below also say that those grain merchants have no shortage of grain at all. With this sale, basically all the people don't need to worry about running out of food again."
The subordinate cautiously continued to report. In his impression, the Fourth Prince had always been a gentle person, but why had he become so impatient today?
"It seems there's something fishy about this."
Lu Changqing waved his hand at his subordinates and ordered, "You can go now!"
After his men left, Lu Changqing's bodyguards slowly stepped forward.
"Your Highness has some doubts in your mind. Should we go and discuss it with that person?"
The guard had said this several times since he came in. He had mentioned it before when the proposal to reduce border expenses was rejected.
But Lu Changqing was cunning by nature and didn't want that person to be in danger of being exposed.
"No rush, let me think about it some more."
As Lu Changqing spoke, he frowned and began to think seriously. He even went through all the possibilities but still couldn't figure it out.
"Your Highness, the men investigating Young Master Gu have returned."
The bodyguard slowly walked in from outside, but when he saw the guard standing next to Lu Changqing, he acted as if he didn't see him.
"Any news?"
This matter has encountered difficulties since it was arranged.
Because those who knew the situation back then were mostly from the Yi'an Marquis's household, it wasn't easy to find out from outsiders.
The guard nodded. "Should I let him in now?"
As the guard spoke, he glanced at the secret guard, clearly showing his distrust of him.
Lu Changqing understood his subordinates' thoughts, but there were some things he couldn't hide from them.
So he gave the guard a look, and the guard had no choice but to bring the person who had returned over and recount what he had found out in front of the secret guards.
"So, the eldest son of the Gu family is indeed the eldest son of the Marquis of Yi'an?"
The one who asked the question was not Lu Changqing, but the bodyguard beside him.
The person who answered nodded. "That's what the midwife said. She also told me that someone else had investigated the eldest son of the Marquis of Yi'an's mansion before, and asked the exact same questions as me."
Because the reply was given to the man, the visitor did not refer to himself as a subordinate.
Upon hearing this, the guard's eyes, which were already obscured, flickered slightly. Then, he turned around and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lu Changqing.
"Your Majesty's sudden reopening of the investigation into the events of that year is something I must personally inform Your Majesty of. Fortunately, the situation in the Great Zhou is now stable, and I humbly request Your Highness to allow me to leave for a period of time."
Lu Changqing was always under his watchful eye, which made him feel constrained in everything he did. Now that Lu Changqing had proposed to leave for a while, there was no reason for him to disagree.
"I should have told Master about this sooner. When you get there, please give Master my regards."
The guard nodded in agreement and then left silently.
Upon seeing this, the guard was about to speak to Lu Changqing again, but Lu Changqing quickly reached out to stop him.
He then gave the person who reported the news a look, and the person immediately added, "Your Highness, I have also learned that the person Your Majesty is looking for is actually the Second Prince who was abducted years ago."
"Didn't my second brother die young at birth?"
Lu Changqing feigned surprise, and the man quickly explained, "I heard that Consort Yun gave birth to more than one child back then, and the one that died was just one of them."
"What? Does that mean that Father Emperor's true preference is actually for that second brother, whom he has never even met and knows nothing about in terms of knowledge and character?"
Lu Changqing's tone was both shocked and angry, making it impossible to discern his true feelings.
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