Quick mission: We don't make trouble

Chapter 269 The Old Master is Back (5)

Yang Feng recalled what Zhu Qingqing had said—that he would empty the wallets of all the wealthy people in East City—and he couldn't help but burst into laughter. The laughter seemed to break through the clouds and echoed throughout the entire space.

However, the old man beside him, Yang Huaian, didn't smile at all. He sat there quietly, like a silent mountain. Yang Feng noticed this and slowly turned his gaze to his father. He saw that his father's once round face had become extremely thin, with high cheekbones protruding like sharp blades, and the deep eye sockets were even more heartbreaking.

Yang Feng quickly stopped laughing and asked with concern, "Father, why are you so worried? Is it possible that the grain collection mission is not going well this time?"

Yang Huaian sighed heavily and replied helplessly, "Yes! This grain collection trip was far from as smooth as expected. I thought I could purchase enough grain, but the actual situation is far from satisfactory. Those wealthy families do have a large amount of grain stored in their farms in the surrounding counties, but they are unwilling to sell even a grain of rice to us. In the end, most of the grain we can receive comes from those small landlords and some merchants. The quantity is really limited! I have sent it to the North City military camp and asked General Fan to watch over it first. After the inventory is completed tomorrow, I will send someone to deliver it to the border as soon as possible."

After hearing this, Yang Feng nodded thoughtfully, agreeing, "Indeed, those aristocratic families have always maintained a tight grip on vast farmlands and estates. They store the annual grain production for emergencies or to generate higher profits, rarely selling it easily. Furthermore, many areas of the Great Zhou suffered severe disasters this year, and our capital even sent a large amount of grain to provide disaster relief. This has undoubtedly made the grain market even more tense."

If all had gone smoothly and peacefully, perhaps they could have barely made it until the summer harvest. However, things hadn't turned out as they had hoped. The Turkic people in the west had suddenly attacked, and the fighting on the border had intensified, necessitating a massive supply of grain. Consequently, the city's already limited food reserves had suddenly become stretched to the limit, almost to the point of being stretched to the limit. If the aristocratic families refused to release their grain reserves, the situation would become even more dire.

"Father, I wonder if the virtuous king told you how much money he allocated to us for purchasing food before he left?" Yang Feng asked with concern.

Father Yang shook his head with a gloomy expression and sighed, "We're not short of money, but the problem is that even if we raise the price by a full 20% above the market price, those aristocratic families remain unmoved and steadfastly refuse to sell even a single grain. If things continue like this, how can we successfully complete the mission entrusted to us by the wise king?"

Yang Feng pondered this inwardly. He knew full well that many of the aristocratic families in this prefecture were descendants of powerful figures from previous dynasties. These individuals were known for their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, unconcerned with the outcome of wars or who controlled the empire. No matter how the situation shifted, they always managed to ensure their own interests remained intact. Furthermore, because the Yang family came from humble beginnings, a family of peasants, they had long been looked down upon and ostracized by these aristocratic families. It was no surprise that his father's visit to purchase grain had been met with a rebuff.

Thinking of this, Yang Feng hurriedly advised, "Father, in my opinion, you might as well go to the palace tomorrow to report the matter truthfully and ask the palace to send someone else to be in charge of collecting the grain. That way, you can also take this opportunity to rest and recuperate."

After hearing this, Yang Huaian showed a hint of hesitation on his face, as if he was still a little worried. He said hesitantly: "But..."

"Nothing to worry about! This grain collection is of paramount importance, and it concerns the stability of the city and even the Great Zhou, as well as the people's livelihood. The officials of the palace have always been good at dealing with those aristocratic families. They have rich experience and means, and they will definitely complete the task smoothly. And don't forget, there are also local officials in the city. They hold power and can mobilize various resources to assist in the grain collection work. Even if you encounter a difficult problem, don't we still have General Fan? He is a battle-hardened and famous general. With him on the scene, there is no need to worry about failure. So, don't worry about it, just have a good rest.

Yang Huaian thought about it, and realized that indeed, he had no power and no influence. He could not convince those aristocratic families with his literary skills, nor could he intimidate those despicable people with his military skills. At the beginning, it was only because he heard that the Western Turks were invading and the wise king was going to lead the troops to fight, and he was excited and wanted to do his part. Also, because his eldest brother was appointed as a grain transport officer, he wanted to help. Besides, since he was selling grain for money, there was no reason why he couldn't buy it. That's why he took the initiative to take on the task of collecting grain.

But the results were disappointing.

Just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean others can’t do it.

We cannot let our own faults delay the important task of raising grain.

Although he hadn't read much and wasn't well-read, he at least had a good sense of reason and knew right from wrong. After this setback, he quickly adjusted his mindset and decided not to dwell on personal gains and losses, but to actively seek out someone with more ability and resources to take over this crucial task.

He nodded and said, "Okay, if that's the case, then I'm relieved. Tomorrow morning, I'll go to the palace to report and carefully count and organize the collected grain to ensure the correct quantity. Then, I'll arrange transportation according to the plan and strive to deliver this batch of grain to the border as soon as possible."

Yang Feng said solemnly: "Since the situation has become like this, I will immediately send someone to invite Doctor Zhu to take your pulse. After the pulse diagnosis is completed, I will ask Doctor Zhu to prescribe a special prescription so that your father can receive proper care and treatment." After speaking, he looked firmly at the servant who was waiting for instructions.

"Well, then, let's do as you say." Old Master Yang nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Yang Feng's arrangement. However, beneath his calm exterior, he was actually looking forward to meeting Doctor Zhu. He knew his own physical condition well; he wasn't seriously ill. He'd just been running around and worrying about food, and he couldn't eat or sleep. He just needed a good rest. He also wanted to take this opportunity to inquire in detail about potatoes and sweet potatoes. After all, these novel crops might have a crucial impact on the future development of the Yang family. Thinking of this, Old Master Yang couldn't help but fall into deep thought...