Chapter 281 – Concern
Zhu Junyang came back fatigued from the experimental plot of a field on the outskirts of the capital. He dusted off the dirt on his body and took out a moon-white daily robe from his wardrobe. Head Steward Liu requested to enter the room from outside, and, when he got permission, he hurriedly entered.
“Master, I’ve heard that Tanggu Town is in the disaster area of the locust plague. After the locusts went through, there wasn’t any grass or crops left…” Head Steward Liu reported while carefully watching his master’s reaction.
Zhu Junyang stopped getting dressed; his face had become serious and his forehead was wrinkled. Head Steward Liu suddenly felt that there was a pressure spreading from the top of his head, and a suffocating oppressiveness was aimed at him. He bowed lower and buried his head as deep as he could.
“In other words, Dongshan Village’s ten mu of corn that’s about to be harvested is going to yield nothing?” Zhu Junyang’s first thoughts were not of whether the corn seeds would be able to be recovered but whether if the girl with big eyes would cry broken heartedly in despair at this serious blow.
When they were in Tanggu Town, Head Steward Liu and his master were busy running between Tanggu Town and Dongshan Village. His master had great expectations and hopes for that corn, and he had watched the corn seedlings grow with his own eyes as it sprouted, grew taller, and matured…Miss Yu had said that the corn would be ready in the next few days and she would cook some for the master to try. Who would have thought that such a big disaster would happen once the master came back to the capital. It seemed like Miss Yu’s promise wouldn’t be fulfilled this year.
“Master, what happened to the corn is quite a pity but it’s already happened. Don’t be upset about it! Aren’t there still some seeds in the storehouse? Just plant them again next year!” Head Steward Liu couldn’t help but open his mouth to comfort his master after he saw that the prince was silent for a long time.
Zhu Junyang slowly put on his clothes. Head Steward hurriedly went forward to help his master fasten his belt and tidied up his clothes for him. Zhu Junyang continued to be silent for a long time before he finally said, “Dongshan Village is in the disaster zone. What’s the current price of food?”
Head Steward Liu was glad he had asked this question when he was inquiring about the situation. He hurriedly answered, “It’s said that when it first started, with the exception of the Zhou Family whose grain prices increased by not even five copper coins per catty, the other prices increased by ten copper coins per catty. Currently, it has already risen by one hundred copper coins and a limit had been placed on quantity bought. The price of white rice and noodles are even more outrageous. One or two silver taels can only buy two catties… The reserves of grains in many of the grain shops aren’t able to keep up. It’s estimated that in the near future, the price will rise exponentially… ”
“In order to grow corn and watermelon in the Yu Family’s fields, not one mu of grain was planted in the spring. They all depended on buying grain to eat! That lass only cares about money, how would she be willing to spend that much money to buy grain? There are so many people in their family; have they run out of food yet?” Zhu Junyang said to himself in a low voice.
Thinking of the thin figure with skinny arms and legs, Zhu Junyang’s frown became more prominent. The next time he went to Dongshan Village, would he see a famine refugee who was as thin as a stick?
“Head Steward Liu, transport two carts of grain from the estate to the Yu Family of Dongshan Village first. Just tell them that I’m going over in a few days and that they don’t need to worry or feel guilty about the corn. No one can stop a disaster. Tell the county magistrate of Tanggu Town to maintain order in Tanggu Town and the surrounding villages. The imperial court will issue disaster relief as soon as possible. Speaking of the food supply, the people just need to try to hold on. The food for disaster relief will arrive soon. In addition, let Fang Xun start the fleet to go south and purchase food immediately. As for money, use my private savings first!” Famine was often accompanied by riots, and the Yu family were considered rich by people in Dongshan Village. If there was chaos then they would be the first ones to suffer!
