I, Liu Bian, Sanxing Han Dynasty

Chapter 311 Granting Gold
Now that the infamy has been recited, it is impossible to admit the mistake.

Given Yuan Shu's character, even if he was nine-tenths of the fault, then wouldn't it be that these grain dealers were not ninety-one percent at fault for finding ways to exploit loopholes to sell grain at high prices?

As a result, Yuan Shu made a mistake and adopted Yan Xiang's suggestion. During the banquet with the celebrities, he repeatedly mentioned the current situation of the refugees who were forced to stay away from their hometowns and came because they heard about the great rule of Luoyang.

Finally, here is a quote plagiarized from Li Ru - "I, Yuan Shu, will take the blame. As long as the famous refugees can have food to feed themselves, they will feel like returning home when they arrive in Luoyang. If they have no place to return to, they can do whatever they want." Considered my countryman!”

Those celebrities who were not interested in the interests were just watching the excitement and did not mind the big deal. After hearing Yuan Shu's upright words, they were happy to give Yuan Shu face and promote Yuan Shu.

For a time, along with the reputation of "countryman", Yuan Shu's reputation for loving the people like a son once again spread far and wide.

The climax of the story is the reward from the palace. Liu Bian gave Yuan Shu fifty catties of gold on the grounds that he cared about people's livelihood.

The gold here refers to copper. If converted into five baht coins, it would be less than four thousand coins, but its significance cannot be measured by four thousand coins.

This reversal was also beyond Yuan Shu's expectation. As a result, Yuan Shu paid more attention to Yan Xiang's suggestions. He introduced Yan Xiang as his confidant and talked with him often.

On the contrary, Yan Xiang is indescribably grateful to Yuan Shu who single-handedly promoted him. He must repay Yuan Shu's attention responsibly!
Unlike Yuan Shu, whose reputation had reversed, although Li Ru later did not engage in any low-priced grains that were half sold and half given away, the voices scolding him did not diminish at all. This situation lasted until the beginning of April, when the people planted crops at the end of last year. Mustard greens, mallows, turnips, etc. were harvested, and Li Rucai returned the Luoyang grain store and granary amidst the scoldings.

Otherwise, they wouldn't invite Zhongshao and Zhongji from time to time.

They made no preparations this year, and the granary was easily controlled by Li Ru. From then on, he was free to take control of it, but that would not be the case next year. They planned to store grain elsewhere first.

Some people are bad-faithful, and others are bad-faithful. Song Hui, who once served as the head of the Yumen in Dunhuang, said: "It is a happy event for Shen Fu to come, so why be so tense? Shen Fu, come and sit here with me..."

Otherwise, if you want officials to work for merchants unconditionally, are you worthy?

Zhong Shao first cupped his hands to Song Hui and said, "Thank you very much, Brother Song. However, Shao is here because he has a few good words to say, so there is no need to sit down at the table."

The Luoyang Zhong clan, who had never participated in these activities before, was also invited to participate this time.

What? Li Ru used the proceeds from selling grain to pay the officials of Da Sinong?
But Li Ru recorded it clearly and clearly. This money was a compensation for the officials of Da Sinong who were forced to take over the grain stores and sell grain to the people after their official duties!

People from wealthy families such as the Hou family in Mi County, Henan, the Zheng family in Xingyang, and the Song family in Jingzhao Chang'an gathered together to discuss countermeasures.

As soon as these words came out, everyone present realized something.

Regarding the appearance of Zhongshao, many people present expressed contempt.

But having said that, they still hope that the Zhong family will join them. Firstly, the Zhong family is rich, and secondly, the Zhong family is based in Luoyang County. With the Zhong family's help, they can often get twice the result with half the effort.

Along with this, well-organized account books were returned.

Regarding this result, the people behind the grain merchants had mixed reactions.

Zheng Tai's younger brother Zheng Hun first sarcastically said: "When we charged into battle in the past, you stayed behind. Are you here today hoping to get something for nothing?"

Li Ru certainly had the confidence to dare to do this. At least the grain merchants who obtained the account books could not find any loopholes without falsifying the books.

Fortunately, Li Ru's appearance was not bad. After sorting out the accounts and granaries, the grain merchants found that they still made a profit, but compared to previous years, the profit was 40 to 50% less.

"Firstly, for people from Luoyang, it is the right thing to do to give back to the hometown after getting rich. If the lost profits can benefit the villagers, I think there is nothing wrong with it."

Zheng Hun sneered and said, "If your grain store hadn't followed suit and raised prices, I would still be able to believe what you say today."

Zhong Shao ignored him and continued: "Secondly, even at a fair price, it is still profitable. All the gentlemen present must think clearly. The people in the world who are qualified to sell grain in Luoyang are not just the people present? "Three things, we have different ways and don't agree with each other. If something like this happens again in the future, there is no need to contact us!"

After saying that, looking at the different expressions of the people present, Zhong Shao thought of the scene where he received a reply from his father the day before yesterday.

At that time, Zhongji was very dissatisfied with the nearly halved income of the grain store and vowed to take revenge.

But Zhong Fu's reply was like a basin of cold water poured on Zhong Ji.

Zhong Ji's shocked reaction at that time was still in front of Zhong Shao's eyes - "Stay out of it? This is your own property, how can you stay out of it?"

Just like Zheng Hun.

But neither of them opposed Zhong Fu's decision, even though Zhong Fu was far away from Luoyang and his understanding of the actual situation and its changes was not as detailed as theirs.

And the most important thing is that the emperor gave Yuan Shu gold, almost openly stating his position.

Zhong Shao deeply realized that there was no future in sharing the same boat with these people in front of him.

He has a bright future, why should he give up the future just because of some immediate money?

After saying this, Zhong Shao turned around and left. Not long after he went out, he heard shouts from behind him. When he looked back, it was Song Hui who was treating him politely at the table.

"What Shen Fu said touched my heart deeply. I wonder if Shen Fu has any connections? If you can introduce me, I would be very grateful."

Zhong Shao looked at Song Hui. He didn't expect that there was a smart person present, so he underestimated him.

After thinking for a while, he asked, "Brother Song came out to chase me. Aren't you afraid of being blamed by the people in the house?"

Song Hui responded: "There are not enough people in the house to make plans."

"Okay, Brother Song, let's wait for the news. Shao will leave first." Zhong Shao turned around and stepped onto the carriage.

His carriage circled the city several times and finally stopped at the door of a house.

After knocking on the door, a young scholar dressed as a Confucian scholar came up to him in person. Zhong Shao knew that this man should be the adopted son of Gaowang from the Xiaohuang clan, and the disciple that Li Ru accepted when he was a doctor of Taixue.

During this period, due to the impeachment, many of Li Ru's past experiences were uncovered, and faults were found bit by bit. Gao Yan's existence was almost known to everyone in Luoyang.

The connection between the palace and Li Ru hidden behind this is fascinating.

However, Zhong Shao only nodded to Gao Yan and did not show any goodwill. The reason was simple: he wanted to lose face.

Soon, the owner of the house came to greet him.

Li Ru had an extremely sincere smile on his face. It was obviously the first time they met in private, but he held his hands in a familiar manner and said, "Why is it so late for Mr. Zhong?"

In fact, after discovering that Zhong's grain store sold the most affordable grain among all the grain stores, Li Ru had plans to win over.

Moreover, Zhi Jinwu, who has the power of law enforcement in Luoyang City, is a force that cannot be ignored.

(End of this chapter)