At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 186 Who in the world does not know you

City East Pier.

The densely packed grain transport fleet blocked the river tightly, surrounded by warships, and there were [-] armored Bingzhou soldiers and horses on the shore.

Those family representatives and big businessmen who were in doubt, followed Tian Feng to the pier, saw such a scene, and their hearts were all raised in their throats.

Rao is so.

The representatives of the Lujiang aristocratic family who got the news secretly still believed that this was Tian Feng's show, and there was not much food on board.

In fact, they were not without suspicion, but at this point, everyone's escape route was blocked, and they could only hope that the boat was filled with gravel and straw.

Holding a long spear in his hand and wearing iron armor, Zhang Liao strode forward with dozens of sergeants with tough faces.

He bowed slightly to Tian Feng, and said: "The final general has fulfilled his mission, and has transported all 50 shi of grain and grass back to Lujiang, please accept it."

This mission is also related to Zhang Liao's future.

If he does it well, he can minimize the impact of killing Huang Shao and gain Zhou Qi's trust.

Therefore, Zhang Liao attached great importance to this task of secretly transporting grain and grass.

For the sake of confidentiality, the sergeants who participated in the mission were subject to movement control throughout the entire process, and no one was able to leave the barracks and contact people outside.

This kind of thing is easy to say, but it is not easy to do. Zhang Liao has exhausted his energy for this, and he has hardly had a good night's sleep during this time.

It wasn't until the food arrived in Shu County that Zhang Liao was completely relieved.

Tian Feng patted Zhang Liao on the shoulder, and said seriously: "If the matter can be accomplished, the general will take the lead!"

Zhang Liao said modestly: "It was your envoy's planning before and after this matter. How dare Zhang Liao take credit?"

Tian Feng smiled slightly and didn't say anything more. Instead, he turned to look at the anxious people.

He pointed at the densely packed boats on the river and said with a smile: "The grain and rice have been delivered. You can use the food coupons to exchange for food. I will never break my promise!"

Seeing the smile on Tian Feng's face, everyone's heart sank to the bottom.

But some people still didn't want to believe the facts and shouted: "Take out all the food stamps and see if there is food on the ship!"

The representatives of the four families in Lujiang County and the big merchants all came to their senses.

At this point, they can only fight with their backs, hoping that there is no food in the fleet, or that the food is less than 50 shi.

Seeing everyone's dying struggles, Tian Feng just smiled lightly, and said to Zhang Liao: "General Wen Yuan distributes the food, and the food will be exchanged according to the amount on the food coupons. Don't be short of catties or taels."

Zhang Liao accepted the promise and immediately arranged for five thousand county soldiers from Lujiang to begin unloading the ships, weighing them, and using grain to recover food coupons.

Seeing that the food coupons they bought at a high price were being recalled by the government continuously, and the amount of food on board still hadn't bottomed out, the representatives of the aristocratic families and big businessmen in Lujiang County were completely panicked.

One of them stepped forward and said, "Tian Shijun, I also have some food coupons in my hand, but I don't want to exchange them for food. Can you convert the grain price into money and buy back the food coupons?"

Those who held a large number of food stamps also stepped forward one after another, clamoring for money and no food.

The food in their hands has piled up like a mountain, why continue to buy food?
You know, in order to buy these food stamps, they used their houses and fields as collateral and borrowed a lot of money from others.

If the money cannot be repaid on time, the houses and properties used as mortgages will be taken away by others.

These two things are the lifeblood of the big families in Lujiang County, and they are naturally unwilling to give them up.

A few of them booed and said, "The envoy once said that after half a month, the government will use the money to pay back the food coupons at the market price of the day's grain."

"We don't need food now, we just need money, even if the price is slightly lower than the market price of food, you can buy back the food coupons in our hands."

"Yes, yes, please make sure you can keep your promise!"

Tian Feng saw everyone's faces, but he sneered in his heart.

He raised his hand and pressed it falsely, signaling for everyone to be quiet, and then said loudly: "I didn't promise so that day."

"I once said that these food stamps can be used as food. After half a month, those who hold food stamps can get the government to exchange for an equal amount of food."

"If the government cannot provide food, it will buy back food stamps at the price of food that day."

"There is enough food now, so food stamps can only be exchanged for food, not money."

"Please also pay attention, the food stamps are only valid for five days. If you insist on not exchanging food, all food stamps will be invalid after the expiration date."

"When the time comes, please don't cause trouble to the government."

After Tian Feng's words fell, the leaders of the aristocratic families in Lujiang County, as well as those big businessmen, all looked ashen.

However, some people with flexible minds exchanged the food stamps for grains early and then quickly took them back to sell them.

Now that the news has not spread, and the grain price in Lujiang County has not yet dropped, if there is a time difference and the grain can be sold as soon as possible, maybe they can take the opportunity to make a fortune.

Not only did they start selling the grain they bought in exchange for food stamps, they even opened the granary and sold all the grain they bought in their homes at a reduced price.

Seeing that the overall situation was decided, the grain merchants and wealthy families who came from afar began to sell grain without any hesitation.

If grain prices plummet, local wealthy families and grain merchants will at worst stop selling grain. What do they have to fear if they hold grain in troubled times?
However, if they, people who have come from afar, transport food back to sell it, they will really lose all their money.

After all, food is a bulky commodity, which is very inconvenient to transport and consumes a lot in the middle.

Moreover, the price of grain in Lujiang County had skyrocketed before. In order to raise a large amount of grain in a short period of time, they also increased the price to buy grain locally.

If the grain is transported back, not only will it lose the round-trip travel expenses, but it will even be sold at a low price. Not many grain merchants can support it.

What's more, many merchants who are not greedy enough to stockpile grain may not even have the travel expenses to go back.

Panic quickly spread among the major families and grain merchants. In a short period of time, countless people appeared in the city and began to sell grain, and the price of the grain listed was getting lower and lower.

Even so, the food still cannot be sold.

In desperation, they had no choice but to continue to cut prices, even to a price that was [-]% lower than the normal price of grain, and then people began to pay to buy grain.

However, there is so much food accumulated in Lujiang County that the people simply cannot absorb such a large amount of food just by paying for it.

Even though the price of grain dropped again and again, and finally even fell below the cost line, the grain market was still in depression, with countless grain sellers and few buyers.

Until now, these people were completely panicked.

If there is a backlog of food here and it cannot be sold at all, many people may be forced to death.

In desperation, many non-local grain merchants and people from aristocratic families asked the sheriff's mansion one after another, hoping that Tian Feng could help.

In an avalanche, no snowflake is innocent.

Gao Shun looked at the miserable appearance of the people, but he didn't have the slightest sympathy. Instead, he sneered and said, "The envoy has given you many chances, even the news that the food delivery team is about to arrive in Lujiang has been released early."

"If you were not so greedy and sold the food as soon as possible, not only would you not be in such a situation, but you could take the opportunity to make a lot of money."

Faced with Gao Shun's ridicule, everyone had nothing to say.

Just when they were feeling desperate, Tian Feng said: "Based on the current market price of grain, I, on behalf of the government, will buy all the grain in your hands."

"It's just that the government's cash is limited, so it's impossible to buy so much grain at once."

"I will pay [-]% of the money first, and the rest can be issued an IOU, or can be bartered with special products from Lujiang County. What do you think?"

When everyone heard the words, they seemed to be drowning people who had grasped the last straw, and they all agreed without daring to say no.

Although the price of food has plummeted now, they will inevitably lose a lot of money if they sell the food, but it is better than not being able to sell it, and eventually losing all their money.

The current price of food on the market is only [-]% of the normal price.

They can only get [-]% of the payment for the goods, and almost all of them have suffered a blood loss.

As for the IOU, the local people in Yangzhou can barely accept it, and after the food price war in Lujiang County, it will definitely flourish.

It's just that it's unclear how long this time span is.

As for those foreign families and businessmen from Jingzhou and Yuzhou, it is impossible to hold the IOUs from the Lujiang County government.

Lujiang County has a well-developed commerce, and there are countless novel products, and various industrial production capacity is slightly surplus. If these products can be shipped back and sold, they will definitely make a fortune and return some blood.

Therefore, the vast majority of foreign businessmen and representatives of aristocratic families chose to exchange the remaining [-]% of the payment for local products in Lujiang County.

Tian Feng's battle opened the eyes of the people of Lujiang County. Many people also tasted the benefits of the sharp drop in food prices and took the opportunity to stock up on food at home.

Tian Feng used the government's land tax, commercial tax, and grain as collateral, and purchased goods in Shu County and surrounding cities at a price that was [-]% lower than the market price. All the products were replaced by those grain merchants.

In the end, Tian Feng only paid [-]% of the grain payment, which not only swept away the grain on the market, but also drove the commercial development of the entire Shu County and surrounding cities.

Although the people and small businessmen who paid for the goods did not get any money for the time being, they were not worried.

Because the reputation of the government is here, and there are things as collateral, the arrears can also be tax deductible.

Even if the government does not repay the loan, as long as they can save land rent and commercial taxes in the future, these people will definitely make money without losing money.

As for the local aristocratic families and businessmen in Lujiang County, Tian Feng showed some mercy to them.

He did not issue an IOU, nor did he exchange goods for goods, because even if the goods in Lujiang County could be sold locally, they would be basically unprofitable.

On top of that, local goods are hard to sell.

Tian Feng returned their previously mortgaged houses and properties, and purchased all the grain from these people at once.

These people didn't intend to continue stockpiling grain, because they all knew that the grain in Lujiang County was piled up like a mountain at this time, and the price of grain would not rise for at least a few years.

These big families already owned a lot of land. If the excess grain harvested could not be sold, there was no need to stockpile grain at all.

County Sheriff's Office.

Tian Feng, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun and Zhou Tai gathered together.

Tian Feng bowed deeply to the three generals and said: "If these generals don't lead the troops to protect us, this time it will definitely lead to chaos."

Tian Fengke did not alarmist.

At the moment when the food price avalanche, many people were almost driven to a dead end. They hated Tian Feng deeply and wanted to kill him.

Never underestimate the energy of these people.

If it weren't for a few generals commanding heavy troops to firmly control the current situation, the unwilling people would inevitably cause a chaos in Lujiang.

It was because of the deterrence of fully armed soldiers and horses that those people did not dare to take the risk, but instead pinched their noses and suffered from this dumb loss.

Several generals also respected Tian Feng very much. After all, he could single-handedly control the families and businessmen of the three states.

Such a strategy completely convinced them.

But Zhang Liao asked with some doubts: "Since the price of grain has plummeted, why don't you wait for a while, and then buy it after the price of grain has fallen to the bottom, won't it save you a lot of money?"

When Tian Feng heard the words, he shook his head and said, "Things must not be done."

"I have already estimated that if the price of grain continues to fall, even if those foreign merchants transport the grain back to the local area for sale, it will be better than selling it directly in Lujiang."

"I set up this plan to raise food and fodder for Ming Gong, not really to force them into desperation."

"Once they are angry and transport the food back, wouldn't all the previous plans come to naught?"

When everyone heard the words, they all worshiped him.

After seeing everyone's sudden realization, Tian Feng finally set his sights on Zhou Tai, and said: "If Jiangxia County hadn't given full help this time, I am afraid that Tian Feng will be the final loser."

"When the general returns, please thank the governor of Jiangxia and the captain of the county for me."

But Zhou Tai said politely: "They are all working for Duke Ming. It should be us thanking the envoy for solving the food crisis in Yangzhou."

Tian Feng didn't continue to talk about this topic, and then said seriously: "When the general returns, he will not only transport the 50 shi of grain back to Jiangxia, but I will also give another [-] shi of grain as a thank you gift."

Zhou Tai was hesitant: "There is an extra hundred thousand shi of grain, should I ask Minggong first for this matter?"

The reason why Zhou Tai and others helped each other before was because of Zhou Qi's jade pendant and letters.

Otherwise, no one would dare to operate such a huge amount of food secretly.

One hundred thousand shi of grain is not a small amount, if it is transported back to Jiangxia like this, Zhou Tai will feel a little uneasy.

However, Tian Feng said: "Jiangxia is the gateway to the west of Yangzhou, and it is also the front line for Duke Ming to attack Jingzhou in the future. During this period, many refugees have been gathered, so we must have enough food."

"That's why a million shi of grain was shipped from Jingzhou, but 50 shi stayed in Jiangxia."

"Jiang Xia hoards more food, there are only benefits, there is no harm."

"Jiangxia is adjacent to the Lujiang River and connected by waterways, which is also convenient for transporting grain and grass."

"The general is just transporting food, don't worry too much, I will report this matter to Duke Ming."

Zhou Tai transported food back to Jiangxia, so I won't show it for the time being.

However, after the grain price war in Lujiang County, Tian Feng, whose reputation was limited to Jizhou, suddenly became famous and was soon known by scholars all over the world.

However, except for a few people who marveled at Tian Feng's resourcefulness, the vast majority had a bad reputation.

The public opinion of this era is in the hands of the clan.

Tian Feng cheated so many aristocratic families at once, how could he not have a bad reputation?
However, for those monarchs who are in urgent need of food, after hearing Tian Feng's deeds, they all couldn't help but sigh: "It's such a great talent, but it's a pity that I can't use it!"

Especially Yuan Shao in Jizhou, after learning about this incident, shut himself in the house and remained silent for a long time.

He regretted it, especially regretted it.

Yuan Shao had only heard about Tian Feng's reputation before, but he didn't know much about his real ability.

At this time, Tian Feng became famous in the first battle, regardless of whether it was a good name or notoriety, just being able to play with countless nobles in the applause was enough to make Yuan Shao treat him with admiration.

"Zhou Ziyi has such a deep calculation that he actually requires us to form an alliance, causing me to lose a great talent. It's really hateful!"

Yuan Shao was envious, jealous and hated, but he couldn't do anything about it.

On the other hand, Cao Cao, after hearing the news, thought more about it than envying him.

He is now fighting against the Yanzhou Yellow Turban Army, and the soldiers, horses, money and food are relatively scarce. Even if he can finally defeat the Yellow Turban Army, it is still difficult to get out of the predicament.

Today, the princes of the world almost all have their own difficulties.

On the other hand, Zhou Qi has already divided one side, not only has a strong army, but now he has got so much food and grass.

Think about it, once Zhou Qi starts to expand, it will be unstoppable.

Just when Cao Cao was worried, Zhou Qi received many petitions to impeach Tian Feng.

Even the patriarchs of many aristocratic families in Yangzhou came together to visit, told Tian Feng's evil deeds, and asked Zhou Qi to remove Tian Feng from the post of prefect of Lujiang.

Seeing that the public opinion is raging, even Zhou Qi, as the lord of a state, is a little bit battered at this time, let alone Tian Feng himself.

Although Tian Feng won a great victory in the food war, he also offended many people, and he was considered a mortal enemy.

They were eager to sell grain before, and they asked Tian Feng for help, so they didn't dare to attack for the time being.

After all the food in hand was sold out, they began to connect together one after another, stumbling Tian Feng in various ways, and even sent many dead soldiers.

If Gao Shun had not led the trapped camp to protect him day and night, Tian Feng would have been dead long ago.

Even so, all kinds of assassinations are impossible to guard against. Tian Feng survived twice, and the last time he was almost poisoned to death.

……

Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were furious, and wanted to find the instigator through the assassin.

However, these are all dead soldiers, and they can't find any trace at all.

The two had no choice but to strengthen their guards and replace Tian Feng with people they could trust.

However, because the major families launched an attack together, Tian Feng's decree in Lujiang could not be conveyed at all.

Gao Shun looked at Tian Feng, who was pale, and said with some guilt: "It's my incompetence that made sir suffer. The person behind it can't be found out now."

Tian Feng smiled slightly, and comforted him: "General, there is no need to blame yourself. The Lujiang Shi family is deeply rooted. Since I have made a grudge with them, I will definitely incur revenge."

"However, assassinating two thousand stone county guards is a crime of extermination. If they are not confident that they will not be found out, how can they do it rashly?"

Gao Shun couldn't help worrying: "If this continues, it's not a solution."

There is only a thousand days to be a thief, how can there be a thousand days to prevent a thief?
Tian Feng's current diet and daily life are all taken over by the soldiers of the trapped camp, and the security is almost as tight as that of Zhou Qi himself.

But in this way, it also caused great constraints to Tian Feng.

Nowadays, major families are working together in private, and the government orders from the county governor's office can hardly be conveyed out of the government. From this, we can also see the terror of the big families.

Tian Feng looked at Gao Shun who was full of worry, but comforted him: "General, there is no need to worry too much. The situation should change in a short time."

Seeing that the situation in Lujiang County was at an impasse, Du Ji brought Zhou Qi's transfer order.

"Yangzhou pastoral decree: Since Tian Feng served as the governor of Lujiang, the price of food has skyrocketed, people's grievances have boiled, and the government and scholars are at odds. Today, Tian Feng is removed from the post of governor of Lujiang, and Gao Shun will lead the camp to escort him back to Shouchun. Punishment.”

"Appoint Du Ji as the governor of Lujiang County, to secure the hearts of the nobles and common people in the territory!"

After Du Ji read out Zhou Qi's document, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun's expressions changed drastically.

Zhang Liao hastily pleaded: "Sir, this action is also for the purpose of preparing food and grass for Ming Gong. Those aristocratic families are greedy and deliberately make things difficult. How can you put the blame on Mr.?"

Gao Shun also begged for mercy.

But Du Ji said seriously: "This is the order of Duke Ming. If the two generals have doubts, they can write to Duke Ming, but the transfer order must be implemented!"

Seeing that Zhang Liao wanted to say something more, Tian Feng waved his hand and said to Du Ji: "I want to have a few words with General Wen Yuan in private, may I?"

Du Ji nodded with a smile, and did not deliberately make things difficult.

inside the house.

Tian Feng looked at Zhang Liao who was showing displeasure, and suddenly asked: "The general thinks, what about the chariot general?"

This sentence made Zhang Liao not sure how to answer.

Before that, he felt that Zhou Qi was broad-minded and knew how to use people well, otherwise he wouldn't have rejected all opinions and entrusted him with important use.

But now, Tian Feng, who has just made great achievements, is going to be dismissed from office and punished, which makes Zhang Liao puzzled.

Tian Feng patted Zhang Liao on the shoulder, and said: "The general who killed Huang Shao will be pardoned by Duke Ming and entrusted with a heavy responsibility. I have prepared so much food and grass for Duke Ming, how can Duke Ming fail me?"

"If I continue to stay in Lujiang, my life will be in danger."

"After being dismissed from office and escorted back to Shouchun this time, the aristocratic family will no longer use despicable methods against me."

Hearing this, Zhang Liao suddenly realized.

He bowed deeply to Tian Feng, and said: "Sir, please take care."

Tian Feng smiled slightly, and then suddenly lowered his voice and said: "If my expectations are not bad, Du Ji will definitely let the general continue to expand his army."

"We must not neglect the training of soldiers and horses. It won't be long before the general will be able to make great achievements!"

After watching Tian Feng leave, Zhang Liao couldn't help showing a thoughtful expression on his face.

(End of this chapter)