Peaceful Farm Life

Chapter 1495: Chapter 1496: Can’t Give It for Free

After gaining experience in officialdom, Wang Youbao, despite still emanating a gentlemanly demeanor, has become much steadier compared to when An Jing and Xiao Changyi first knew him, no longer appearing so immature.

After all, Wang Youbao is now twenty-five, no longer the seventeen, eighteen, or nineteen of the past.

The present Wang Youbao has gained a kind of robust charm over time, in addition to his handsome looks.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Wang Youbao then said to An Jing and Xiao Changyi, ”The army has been campaigning outside for nearly two years, consuming much, leaving the treasury severely depleted. Both grain and silver taels are scarce, and the Emperor is troubled by this matter. He is reluctant to increase taxes but finds himself at a loss for other solutions, so he has asked me to seek my master’s and mentor’s counsel upon meeting them.”

An Jing and Xiao Changyi exchanged a glance, and seeing that Xiao Changyi did not intend to speak, leaving her to handle it as she saw fit, she said, ”An’s Rice Shop has branches all over Xiyun Kingdom, and does have a considerable amount of grain in stock. An’s Rice Shop can sell the Imperial Court twenty million dan of grain at a low price to stabilize the treasury.”

It can’t be given for free. If it were, An’s Rice Shop would go under, and those working there would lose their jobs. An’s Rice Shop has many branches throughout Xiyun Kingdom and employs numerous people. Once unemployed, it would be challenging for them to find another means of livelihood.

Moreover, who knows what might happen in the future? An’s Rice Shop must continue operating and keep stocking grain for emergencies.

Wang Youbao did not immediately express joy but asked, ”How low a price?”

An Jing replied, ”If the usual price for grain is eight coins per jin, then An’s Rice Shop will sell it to the Imperial Court at two coins per jin.”

It’s grain, not rice.

Rice is more expensive.

”In such a case, on behalf of the Emperor and the people of Xiyun, I thank the Prince and Princess!” Wang Youbao immediately put on a solemn expression, cupping his hands and bowing ninety degrees to An Jing and Xiao Changyi, performing a grand gesture of respect.

Because of the war, those with grain in Xiyun Kingdom all want to keep it for emergencies. They are not only unwilling to sell but are also reluctant to sell at a reduced price. Su Chengyu, the Emperor, is also unwilling to forcibly demand sales like a bandit. But now, with An’s Rice Shop willing to reduce the price by so much and sell such a large quantity of grain...

With an insufficient grain reserve, Su Chengyu, the Emperor, fears most the inability to distribute grain when needed.

Now, with An’s Rice Shop assisting to ensure the treasury’s grain reserves are sufficient, not only does Wang Youbao, who manages everything in the treasury, feel at ease, but Su Chengyu, the Emperor, upon learning this, should also find peace of mind.

An Jing, seeing Wang Youbao’s upright demeanor and grand gesture of respect towards them, quickly stepped forward to help Wang Youbao, preventing him from performing such a large gesture, but Xiao Changyi was a step ahead and supported Wang Youbao.

An Jing felt both amused and sweetly touched. She knew that her husband, behaving this way, clearly didn’t want her to have any physical interaction with other men, haha.

”You need not do this,” An Jing said. ”This is what we, your master and mentor, ought to do.”

After chatting a little more, An Jing then seriously said, ”You are now the treasury supervisor; it is not suitable to stay here for long.”

Wang Youbao nodded, ”Although the Emperor didn’t expressly command me to return after delivering the supplies, my father-in-law has already reminded me to return to the Capital the day after delivery and not linger longer.”

An Jing said, ”Since the Prime Minister is your father-in-law, he surely wouldn’t harm you. Having served in office for many years, he is the head of all officials and is quite familiar with the intricacies. Following his words will not be wrong.”

Wang Youbao smiled and said, ”Master and mentor also wouldn’t harm me.”

An Jing also smiled, ”If we end up causing you harm, don’t hold a grudge against us then.”