Volume 1: Zhu Xian Town Crisis Chapter 92: The Wang Family's Conspiracy

  Qin Hui thought for a moment, and his brow furrowed in concern. "This is quite troublesome. When I went to see the officials earlier, I saw Zhao Ding and Zhang Jun there as well. The officials have long been displeased with these two, yet they were summoned tonight, which shows that the actions of the 'Central Plains People's Petition Group' have indeed caused some changes in the officials' mindset... However, fortunately, Zhao Ding still clings to his idea of going to war with the Jin people, which has left the officials very dissatisfied. This person is no longer worth considering... On the other hand, Zhang Jun's attitude has shifted somewhat. He no longer mentions recovering the Central Plains, but instead advocates for withdrawing troops. From Zhang Jun's words, I sense that he intends to turn things around."

  He now wants nothing more than to thoroughly overthrow Zhang Jun and Zhao Ding, monopolize the power of the imperial court, and then find a way to deprive Yue Fei, Han Shizhong and others of their military power. At that time, even Zhao Gou may have no choice but to follow his arrangements.

  But what happened in Lin'an at the moment had a great impact on his reputation. From Zhao Gou's move to summon all three of them together, rather than just seeing him alone as before, it can be seen that something is amiss.

  If we cannot come up with a good solution for the local people in the resettlement, I'm afraid it will really lead to the government's intention to replace us again.

  Wang heard this and coldly laughed: "I think the old master is really confused, this matter is obviously a stumbling block set by Yue Fei for you, why be led by the nose? In my opinion, it's better to let Yue Fei handle this matter. Those common people aren't thinking he's a great savior? Let's see if he can properly settle these common people."

  "Hand it over to Yue Fei for handling?" Qin Hui initially thought it was somewhat inconceivable, but after careful consideration, what Wang said seemed to make sense.

  This matter arose from the prolonged stay of Yue Fei's marching army in Central Plains, and it was a good strategy to have Yue Fei handle it.

  If Yue Fei can handle such a troublesome matter well, it will be his own credit for recommending someone and keeping his position. And if Yue Fei makes a big mistake in resettling the people, it would be even better to hold him accountable for dereliction of duty, making his reputation among the people plummet.

  Wang said coldly, "Yes! After Yue Fei receives this order, he will certainly organize the civilians to retreat south. Then we'll send someone to inform the Fourth Prince and have him dispatch troops to pursue them from behind, targeting only those retreating civilians, avoiding a direct confrontation with Yue Fei's army... Once a situation arises where many civilians are killed or injured, it would be perfect to hold him accountable for failing to protect the civilians, leading to significant casualties among them. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone? I don't believe the Fourth Prince's large army can't handle those slow-moving, unarmed civilians."

  "Madam, you are indeed my wise and capable helper! Your plan is even more ruthless than mine! If it weren't for your timely reminder, I really wouldn't have thought of handling things this way." Qin Hui grasped Wang's hand tightly, with a sly smile on his face. He was deeply impressed by his wife. "I'll write the memorial right away and recommend that the court assign that scoundrel Yue Fei to handle this matter!"

  The next morning, Qin Hui reported with confidence the amount of grain and silver needed to resettle the people.

  He spoke out in a loud voice: "After the old minister's calculations last night, if there are 200,000 refugees, after returning south and calculating for half a year's worth of food, we will need to provide 500,000 dan of grain. At present, it is still summer, so clothing and housing do not need to be worried about yet. However, when October arrives and the weather turns cold, in order to prevent the refugees from freezing to death, we must build a large number of houses, and provide them with quilts and winter clothes... This expenditure will require at least 3.5 million guan."

  At this time, all the officials in the court heard that the crow and sparrow were silent. Most of them knew that the current imperial court was financially strained, not to mention 3.5 million guan, even 500,000 guan could not be taken out. And 500,000 stones of grain is not a small number, several routes of Song army retreated, although there are reasons for peace talks with the Jin state, but the lack of food in the military and logistical support is also one of the main reasons, especially Zhang Jun, Yang Shizhong, Han Shizhong and other routes in Jianghuai area. In comparison, the reason why Yue Fei's vanguard could fight so far has something to do with his territory being known as the land of fish and rice, Jingzhou. Therefore, the food supply of the Yue family army was the most abundant among the three armies of the vanguard, middle guard and rear guard.

  "Can all of you hear me clearly? At present, the representatives of the people in Central Plains are waiting for my response outside the palace. Which one of you can offer a strategy to help me with the resettlement of these returning refugees?"

  At this time, a nearly forty-year-old, elegant-looking middle-aged civil servant stepped forward and said: "Your Honor, I have a plan that can solve the problem of food shortage."

  Zhao Gou looked away, only to see that it was Zhu Song, the official of the Ministry of Personnel who belonged to Zhao Ding's faction in the court. He immediately felt relieved and asked: "Zhu Ai has a good strategy, just tell me!"

  Zhu Song bowed and said: "The grain in the official warehouse is also known to be insufficient, but it should be enough to support the people for two or three months. For the insufficient part, I suggest buying from overseas. Goryeo, Japan, Chenla, Jiaozhi, Champa, Pagan, and Luoshi are all countries with abundant grain production. According to my relatives who often do foreign trade at home, the price of grain is much cheaper than in our Song Dynasty. The court can send people to buy it and make up for the shortage."

  Qin Hui just smiled and thought that if the court had money to buy grain from overseas, Zhao Gou would not be so anxious.

  The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Xue Shi, was an official in charge of the treasury. He belonged to Qin Hui's faction and immediately retorted: "Lord Zhu, your words are wrong. At present, there is not even 200,000 guan in the treasury, where can we get the silver to buy grain overseas? Moreover, the number of ships needed for transporting tens of millions of stones of grain is staggering, not to mention the cost of hiring sailors. Furthermore, it takes a long time to transport grain from overseas. Even if we go to the nearest Korea and Japan, it will take more than two months for a round trip, let alone going to Southeast Asia... By the time the grain arrives in Lin'an and is transported to the designated location, I'm afraid many people will have starved to death."

  Zhū Sōng was about to make another explanation, but saw Zhao Dǐng giving him a direct glance, indicating that he didn't need to say anything more.

  So he had no choice but to sulk and retreat back into the ranks in silence.

  Zhao Ding said coldly at this time: "Sir Jing, what profound views do you have?"

  Zhang Jun glanced at Qin Hui, seeing that he had a confident look on his face, and knew that he already had a plan. So he smiled slightly and said: "This official is incompetent and shallow in learning, and has no good solution, but I believe that Minister Qin's talent surpasses others, and must have a good strategy to solve the problem!"

  "What? Does Premier Qin have a good plan?" Zhao Ding's face showed disbelief.

  He gathered his party members to discuss the matter after he returned last night, but it took them half a day to come up with this plan to buy grain overseas. Originally, regarding the problem of silver shortage, he and Qin Hui had the same idea of increasing the issuance of exchange certificates, but now seeing that transporting grain was already a big problem, he naturally turned to Zhu Song with a sullen face, letting him not lose face again. However, he also didn't believe that Qin Hui was smarter than him and could come up with a solution.

  Qin Hui walked out of the ranks, bowed to Zhao Gou and said: "Your Majesty, I think that the one who tied the bell should be the one to untie it. This time, the people from Central Plains came to Lin'an to petition, among which there is a request: asking General Yue Fei's rear guard to escort them back south, and the current temporary residence of these people is also Zhu Xian Town where General Yue Fei's army is stationed. Therefore, escorting the people back to our Great Song and how to settle them should be the responsibility of the rear guard, this matter only needs to be handed over to Yue Fei to take full charge."

  "This... will Yue Fei accept this task?" Zhao Gou heard and hesitated.

  Throw this big burden to Yue Fei, Zhao Gou is in favor. However, according to the usual practice of the Song Dynasty, the court must provide grain and silver for the people before handing it over to Yue Fei. But now the treasury is almost empty, and there is a severe shortage of grain and silver, so there is not much surplus grain or money to give to Yue Fei. Moreover, taking care of the people's livelihoods is not something that a military general like Yue Fei should be responsible for. Unless Yue Fei is an idiot, why would he take on such a thorny task?

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  Tonight, Xin Chen has to attend a friend's gathering, so tonight's update will be sent ahead of schedule. Tomorrow is Monday, and the first update will be at 0 o'clock. I hope everyone will come and watch it then, and also help Xin Chen vote for recommendations!