The next day, the weather was partly cloudy and partly sunny.
As Yu Zheng expected, Lu He and Lu Mingke slept very poorly that night. Both father and son had sullen faces, and they ate their breakfast absentmindedly and had no appetite.
Soon after the meal, a servant came to report.
Yu Zheng wants to see Lu He.
Lu He knew that Yu Zheng was going to get down to business.
With a deep sigh, Lu He ordered: "Please come to the hall, Your Majesty."
The servants left in response.
Lu He also stood up and walked towards the hall with heavy steps.
You can't hide, you have to face what you have to face.
Not long after Lu He arrived in the hall, Yu Zheng came.
The maid served tea and retreated, leaving only two people in the hall.
Yu Zheng casually leaned on the armrest of the chair and asked in a serious tone about the people's livelihood and political situation in Pingyang.
Lu He carefully answered: "With the blessing of the imperial court, the Holy Emperor rules well, the people of Pingyang live and work in peace and contentment, and the officials serve the public and restrain themselves..."
Yu Zheng listened attentively and praised highly.
"If the Marquis of Lu governs properly, the people can have food and clothing without worries. His contribution is indispensable."
Lu He said humbly: "All subordinates should fulfill their duties and dare not take credit."
Yu Zheng looked at him and changed the topic: "The people of the Great Zhao are one, and only the national security and Pingyang can maintain Changning forever. Now that the war in the southwest has begun, there is no food left in the capital. Due to successive disasters, food is not abundant in other places. Now only Pingyang , sufficient food and grass.”
"Marquis Lu should know why this king is here, and I ask Marquis Lu to give you all your help."
Lu He's heart tightened and he asked, "May I ask how much food the prince needs to raise?"
Yu Zheng pursed his lips: "Yicheng's 120,000 soldiers, half a year's food."
After this half year, new crops for next year will gradually come out.
When Lu He heard this, he immediately raised his eyebrows and thought carefully about his words: "He'an does have food. I wonder at what price the imperial court wants to purchase it?"
When Lu He left the city to greet Yu Zheng yesterday, he saw the goods escorted by five thousand people, most of which were silver boxes.
Speaking of this, Yu Zheng felt a little ashamed and said with a solemn face: "Dazhao has been very difficult this year. In addition, the border war has consumed a lot of money and the national treasury is tight. There is really not a lot of money. I came here this time and only brought thirty Wanliang."
The treasury does not only have this little money, but in addition to food and grass, weapons and other items are also consumed a lot in the war. There is only so much that can be spent to buy food.
Three hundred thousand taels, at last year's grain prices, could barely buy Xiyue grain, but with the increase in grain prices this year, it could only buy March at most.
Lu He made quick calculations in his mind, and finally looked confused, not knowing how to answer.
Yu Zheng said: "I know that this matter is not easy, but Marquis Lu and President Su are relatives, so we should find some convenience to help."
Lu He said: "The lower officials should do their best, but even if President Su comes forward, he may not be able to persuade the grain merchants to sell grain at low prices."
Yu Zheng muttered: "It's a very important matter, so we must go all out. I'll help Marquis Lu."
Lu He frowned.
Yu Zheng was forcing the matter of raising food on his head.
Lu He had no choice but to bite the bullet and say he would do his best.
After the words were spoken and the errand was handed over, Yu Zheng stood up and left without disturbing him.
But when he walked to the door, Yu Zheng thought of something and turned around and added: "There is still fodder, please help Marquis Lu to raise it together. The war is urgent and we only have five days at most."
After Lu He heard this, his brows knitted together.
After Yu Zheng left, Lu He thought for a long time.
After taking a sip of the cold tea, Lu He ordered: "Call the young master to the study."
The servants were ordered to look for Lu Mingke, but they couldn't find anyone, so they had to go to the study to report back.
"Master Marquis, the young master and the young lady are talking to the princess in the viewing tower."
Lu He said solemnly: "Go and wait. After finishing the conversation, please ask the young master to come to the study immediately."
At this time, Jiang Shu, Lu Mingke and Su Rou were chatting happily in the observation building in the back garden.
When Yu Zheng sent people to look for Lu He in the morning, Jiang Shu also asked people to look for Su Rou and Lu Mingke.
Su Rou quickly replied and asked Jiang Shu to meet at the viewing tower in the back garden.
When Jiang Shu arrived, Su Rou and Lu Mingke were waiting in front of the observation tower. After the ceremony, the three of them boarded the observation tower.
The observation building is a three-story pavilion. Standing on the observation deck on the top floor, you can have a panoramic view of the entire garden.
Although the Lu Mansion Garden is not particularly large, the layout and landscaping are different from those in Shangjing style. It is uniquely beautiful. Jiang Shu looked at it very seriously.
"The viewing angle here is excellent and the scenery in the garden is pleasant. It is really a good place to chat and enjoy the scenery." Jiang Shu praised.
Standing here and looking around, you can have a panoramic view of the entire garden.
Of course, people passing by in the garden can also see it clearly.
For example, at this moment, Jiang Shu saw Shen Qingrong in a hurry, not knowing what to do.
Su Rou and Lu Mingke also saw it, with a trace of disgust flashing on their faces.
"After standing for a long time, Princess, please sit down and have a sip of tea." Su Rou and Lu Mingke turned around and entered the room.
Jiang Shu followed him in and sat down, and Su Rou poured tea for her personally.
The three of them chatted for a while, and then Jiang Shu got down to business.
"Young Master Lu and Young Master know that I am doing business with my father. This time I came to Pingyang. In addition to raising food for the court, I also looked for sources of goods for Jiang Ji. I heard that Young Master Lu's father is the president of the He'an Chamber of Commerce, and they also invited Young Master Lu and Young Master Lu. Help each other."
Su Ju said: "What does the princess need from us?"
Jiang Shu said for the first time: "Please young madam and Mr. Lu to help me send a message to President Su. I want to see President Su and He'an grain merchant."
Su Rou and Lu Mingke are not in business, so they can only help her find a connection. But with this kind of human connection, I can get twice the result with half the effort.
"The princess is truly a hero among women." Lu Mingke sighed in admiration.
After Jiang Shu heard this, his apricot eyes flashed slightly and he said: "Young Master Lu is a man who is upright and upright. He cannot be inferior to me. I would like to ask Young Master Lu to help me with the matter of raising food for the court."
Lu Mingke: "..."
He knew that Jiang Shu came to Pingyang to be a lobbyist.
Thinking of the subtle friendship between the two, Lu Mingke burst into laughter.
Lu Mingke admired and admired Jiang Shu very much and regarded her as half a friend. When a friend opens his mouth, it’s hard to refuse.
Seeing that Lu Mingke agreed, Jiang Shu raised the tea cup and offered tea instead of wine to express his thanks.
After the business was finished, Lu Mingke knew that there was no need for him to stay, so he stood up and left, leaving Su Rou to accompany Jiang Shu.
"Sir." As soon as Lu Mingke came down from the observation tower, his servants came up to him.
Knowing that Lu He was looking for him, Lu Mingke guessed what was going on and hurried to the study.
"Alas!" Seeing Lu Mingke finally arrived, Lu He sighed heavily and told Lu Mingke what Yu Zheng meant.
After hearing this, Lu Mingke thought: "If my father and father-in-law come forward together, they should be able to persuade the grain merchants to sell grain at the original price."
But even so, it is only enough for May. How to deal with the remaining month of food and fodder?
The father and son discussed it for a while, and Lu He said helplessly: "We can only use the Lu family's private food."
"As for fodder, we have to find another way."
Seeing the sad look on Lu He's face, Lu Mingke gritted his teeth and said, "The imperial court just wants grain and grass. Although it is a bit difficult to convince the grain merchants, and the Lu family has to pay some price, it is worth it in exchange for a princely position."
After being granted the title of Marquis, the Lu family in Pingyang could no longer be shaken. Even when he arrived in Shangjing, all the civil and military officials had to show some respect.
Lu He nodded, looked away and said, "If you want to accomplish this, you have to ask Su Rou's father to help."
The president of the Chamber of Commerce has far greater prestige and influence in front of merchants than he, the county governor.
"My son will go to Su's house now." Lu Mingke stood up.
Lu He nodded: "This matter is urgent. President Su, please contact the grain merchants as soon as possible and hold a banquet at Wangyue Tower in the evening."
Lu Mingke agreed and left quickly.
